Hello West Virginia!

Date Written by admin on May 16, 2007

You’ve found a new online medium for exploring the state of West Virginia, but the final version won’t be rolled out until later-June (check back). In the meantime, we’ll be in the process of customizing features for the site, establishing content, and finalizing the layout/look.

Maybe you’re from West Virginia. Maybe you’ve moved away. Maybe you’ve never even been to this great state. Nonetheless, if you’re interested in West Virginia’s past, present, or future, then this blog will likely offer some value. General topics like the state’s culture, economy, and government will be explored, and other online media sources will be referenced frequently.

Examples of upcoming posts:

Thanks for visiting! Your suggestions, questions, or comments are welcome. Until next time…

Jason Keeling

11 Responses to “Hello West Virginia!”

  1. Margot Wurst said:

    I’ve never been to West Virginia - not yet! I will certainly check back in to see what I can learn about it through this site!

  2. Jason Keeling said:

    Too bad Margot. West Virginia is similar to your home state of Colorado. They each possess magnificent landscapes and many opportunities for exploring the outdoors. Glad to peak your interest.

    P.S. For other readers, Margot is a fellow “classmate” in Shonnie Lavender’s “Simple, Successful Blogging Program.” I STRONGLY RECOMMEND this telecourse, if you’re interested in learning how to plan, develop, and market a Web log.

  3. Jean Ann Franke said:

    I love your introduction to this blog. I’m sure many hearts will find their way home via http://www.abetterwestvirginia.com. Anyone who has lived in our beautiful area will always care deeply about it and desire the best for it. What better way to travel back and support this great state even if you can’t make the trip home! And for those who know it only through occasional national media coverage of tragedies, there’s a lot more to West Virginia than the solidarity bred by adversity, although that is also a treasure. I applaud your passion to make West Virginia the best it can be and look forward to seeing this blog become the spark to ignite the passions of many others. Who knows what might come of this!

  4. Jason Keeling said:

    “To ignite the passions of many others.” Yes Jean Ann, this is one of aBetterWestVirginia’s intentions, and to do so we must establish a positive, yet realistic dialogue about the opportunities and challenges that exist within the state.

    Although I agree that there has been much “solidarity brought by adversity” in West Virginia, I would argue there is a significant amount of unproductive division as well. It’s not as if this blog is going to necessarily change that, but if we don’t talk about our history, how it has influenced the present, and then envision our ideal future, then the status quo will remain.

    Don’t mean to get too serious, expect some fun posts on the site as well, but a little provocative conversation never hurt anyone!

  5. Susan Schmidt said:

    I look forward to learning more about West Virginia - one of the states I’ve not visited - as well as your adventure as a solopreneur.

    Best wishes as you continue on your blogging adventure!

  6. Christine Durrenberger said:

    This is a great blog! As a native, I’m very much interested in the psychosocial aspects of being a West Virginian. It’s not just a place, it’s a mindset. Sometimes I embrace my heritage other times I’m ashamed of it. I’ve lived in other states before, but like the mafia, West Virginia keeps “pullin’ me back”! I’ve read a little on the subject, but I’m forever fascinated by our culture. Can you post something about the psychosocial apsects of being a West Virginian? Thanks!

  7. Jason Keeling said:

    West Virginia and Appalachian Identity

    Elaborating on the psycho-social aspects of being a West Virginian, thanks for such an easy request Christine (hA Ha). On a serious note, your question is right in line with the type of discussion I plan to facilitate in the future. Entering the final phase of my master’s degree studies from Marshall University, I will be developing questions relevant to West Virginia and Appalachian identity, which should spur some interesting dialogue on our culture, economy, and government. More to come on this issue…

  8. Chuck Stump said:

    As a West Virginian by both birth and choice, it is exciting to see you focusing on the positive aspects our great state. Your information on BNI, and its benefits for the entrepreneurial community is right on!

  9. Troy Body said:

    Good luck with this project. W.Va. needs a place where young professionals can have a statewide dialogue focused on improving things. This site is very necessary.

  10. Paul Helmick said:

    I’m thrilled to see such a positive step forward taken in creating an online community for West Virginia. I’ll be sure to create a link on WVNewsline.com to send some readers your way! ~ Paul Helmick

  11. Shari Messinger said:

    Jason this is my first time to visit a blog. How refreshing to see good things written about our state. Everyone I have ever talked to when I’m on my travels have always commented on how beautiful WV is. When they have had a chance to get to know more of us they will know how beautiful we are as well. Sharing good news is always positive. Keep us posted.

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