Open letter:

Well I got a bit bored waiting for Sydney indymedia to set up again in the new year so I did this website last night which I now call SAM, short for Sydney Alternative Media.

There is not much there at the moment. A welcome and review of the West Wing tv series no.s 1 to 5.

SAM is a somewhat interactive news focused website, although a bit clunky at this stage, as original posts from the public have to be moderated by me before they can go on the site, which sort of dampens the frisson of excitement one gets when self publishing a sincere post of some sort. And these original posts need to be sent in by email too.

Even so your alternative news itch can be satisfied here now simply by sending an email to

I will then take a look at the very earliest convenience, and as soon as I ensure it's not spam I can shepherd it onto the website. It won't matter if I agree with it or not as long as it's within legal bounds and not too long to check out. I've got quite a thick skin like that.

If your story is not getting through for any reason try ringing our mobile phone number 0410 558838.

It will help if it's got a real person signing off on it, because that usually helps to sort the wheat from the chaff. Also not too long and boring please! The most powerful news is often the most brief like this: One small step for man, one giant step for mankind. (Neil Armstrong first person on the moon.) That's only ten words and forgive the gender bias of the 1960's.

No story is too profound or humble in my view at least at this stage of the finances.

Have a good day, and happy new year.

Cheers, Tom McLoughlin