Welcome to this blog. I plan on using it for a variety of purposes.

First off, some promises. I won't rant. I won't publish anything here that I wouldn't publish in the paper under my own name. I may do some reporting here, but it will only be to reinforce information either already presented or that will be presented in the paper.

I have no control over comments posted by others. I will endeavor to review these occasionally and respond if necessary.

Blogs are used for many different things; I see this as an extension of my newspaper work, but in a more personal way. I plan on offering some insights here that don't make it into the paper for one reason or another. I also plan on using the forum to offer broader comment on local and national issues. I may even occasionally write about unrelated matters, my hobbies, my family, my town, my friends, anything I think can provide insight or offer some entertainment or information.

I will also use this blog to give readers of The Chronicle updates on stories and previews of what we are working on for the upcoming edition. With the preliminaries out of the way, I'll do that right now: Here are a few stories you can expect to see in the Feb. 23 Chronicle:

In Chatham, a proposed quasi-public pier in Pleasant Bay faces opposition. Plans are underway to develop a new police facility at the annex property. And the Whales are coming!

In Harwich, Town Administrator Wayne Melville is likely to give his notice to the board of selectmen any day now. Police overtime is under scrutiny, and architectural students work with the community to design an affordable housing project.

Also, an economic summit in Chatham today sees business leaders optimistic for the nation, the state and Cape Cod.

See you soon.