This platform is just the beginning of what must become an ambitious, convincing media adventure. It brings two worlds together: foreigners who feel attracted to Nepal – an enigmatic and magnetic place in the eyes of many – and Nepali who wonder how to interact with interested and committed visitors and ex-pats coming to their country.
This project must be based on sincere duality – we are building a two-way street for both parties. An avenue where the twain can meet constructed from information, narratives, and opinions.
The editorial content must reflect both sides of the fence. Thus, we are building a local team in Kathmandu and another internationally—a blend of Nepalese and global journalistic talent with access to specialised knowledge. The aim is to offer all the news that fits, with a keen interest in discovery (travel) and development (progress based on partnerships between Nepalese and foreign input). The ambition is to offer good, solid journalism. Factual, properly researched news items. Imaginative and sometimes investigative, in-depth background articles. Well-written and accompanied by strong visuals.
What you see is what you get. We have barely begun, and that shows. The current ‘proof of concept’ is a skeleton site with two editorial segments, a NEWS section and a space for FEATURE articles that will develop into a magazine-like area. To do that, we need extra editorial talent in Nepal and abroad.
A small but competent crew in Kathmandu handles the daily stream of news items and other short contributions. But the editorial format looks at a broad band of subjects and requires a much more comprehensive network of credible sources, reporters, writers, photographers, and other content makers (video, audio).
In the weeks and months to come, we will reach out to all the potential content sources we deem interesting in the light of the subject matter we wish to cover. This search will lead us to individuals in Nepal and abroad who have a track record in Nepali matters. Besides, we’ll liaise with corporate institutions, governmental agencies, academic centres, selected commercial enterprises and a host of Nepal Support Groups across the globe.
This will broaden and diversify the daily and weekly influx of exciting content. We’ll want to know how our readers appreciate these efforts. So, please give us your feedback – be it positive or critical. The match between our editorial offering and readers’ information needs is paramount. Shared interests are what this is all about.
We are keen to welcome early adopters. Register for a free introductory subscription to all our available content. We shall ask key organisations in our interest zone to invite their followers and members to check out NEPALCONNECT at no charge, no strings attached.