FAQ
Reading and subscribing
How can I subscribe to the Observer?
You can head over to this page and subscribe online. It is not a print subscription. The Observer is a digital-only subscription.
How do digital subscriptions work?
Once you are subscribed and have a user account, you will need to be logged in to your account to continue reading articles from our journalists.
What is included in my digital subscription?
All-access pass to all articles written by our journalists are included with your $7.99 subscription.
Is there any free content on the Observer?
Yes, The Observatory, the weekly article on things to do in Mountain Home, will be forever free. In addition, any news we receive that is “submitted news”, essentially press releases like those commonly found from the Baxter County Library, will be free for public consumption. Submitted news that requires our newsroom to heavily edit or re-write an article in format will not be available as free news.
Is there a print edition?
We do not have a print edition at this time but we are exploring this possibility. Please sign up for our print waitlist if this product interests you.
How can I get notified of new articles being published?
Articles are currently published between 4am-5am Monday through Friday. Towards the end of the week we publish a special article called The Observatory, highlighting things to do in Mountain Home for the weekend and following week.
Is my debit/credit card information stored securely?
Yes, card information is stored by our third party payment processing provider, Stripe. The Observer does not store any payment information in its own datacenter. The Observer owners and staff are unable to see your card information except for the last 4 digits and expiration date. Stripe has been audited by a PCI-certified auditor and is certified to PCI Service Provider Level 1. This is the most stringent level of certification available in the payments industry.
How can I cancel my digital subscription?
You may login to your account page and click on the link that says ‘Cancel Membership’.
Is there an app for my phone or tablet?
Not yet! This is in the works.
Reporting/covering on events, topics, people or organizations
Will you come to the event I organized and cover it?
Typically yes, so long as you notify us via email at [email protected] of the schedule at least 1 week in advance or 2 weeks, preferable. It becomes extremely difficult to attend and cover your event if you notify us not even 24-48 hours in advance that something is occurring in the community. Our publication and interview schedules are planned 5-10 days out. If you do not notify us well in advance it is likely we are already booked for a certain time slot covering something else.
Why hasn’t my story been published yet? Can you publish my story on a specific day?
We cannot guarantee a specific date a story will be published. At times, there may be other stories that crop up that need to be published in a more timely manner before others, usually the case in government or event driven articles.
You interviewed me, but I didn’t say what’s in quotes, can my quote change?
No, every interview conduct is recorded via audio equipment and our readers have an expectation that content between the quotation marks are your exact words. We do not “clean up quotes”, only remove such syllables such as “um, ah, uh” as well as false starts. If you have a claim that you did not say something, we will review the audio recording in detail to verify your words. All audio recordings and notes are the property of the Mountain Home Observer and will not be released.
Can you send me an advance copy of the article you are writing about me/my business?
No. Subjects receiving an advance copy of an article undermines the editorial process of a publication. The subject of an article is not entitled to edit, preview, proof-read, or otherwise modify the article. Articles are not advertisements, and you are not guaranteed to like or be pleased about your own portrayal. Stories about people, families, or businesses with a personal stake: We cannot fact check everything about your life story, nor will we attempt. What is said in your interview is on the record.
Personal/business questions
Are you hiring? Can I work for the Mountain Home Observer?
We are currently not hiring in full time capacity, but we are potentially looking for freelance journalists and columnists that are willing to be paid per article. We can not guarantee regular work at this time. We are also exploring a summer internship program for local high school or college students. Interested parties for either may send their resume to [email protected]
Who owns the Mountain Home Observer?
Chris and Alison Fulton. Please see more information on our about page.
How many people are employed at the Observer?
Technically zero. The Observer is owned and operated by Chris Fulton, with help from his wife, Alison Fulton. The Observer is currently a 2-person, husband and wife operation. Read more about both Chris and Alison on the about page.
