These are hard times to do business in Panama, even for the big guys. And then The Panama News, which is now in its eighth year of publication, has never been a money-maker. Last year things got so bad that we had to cease publication of our print edition, the sale of ads for which was our main source of support. Nevertheless, on a shoestring and with the forbearance of creditors, we have continued publishing online. According to our web counter, our readership is somewhere around 7,000 people and gradually increasing.

To get back to where we should be, we will need some investment, and we realize that we have not been and are not likely to be a cash cow. Investors need to have other motives, and if those are to turn the paper into a mouthpiece for some political party or candidate, or to suppress coverage of some newsworthy issue that might embarrass someone, such offers are going to be turned down. However, those who are interested in investing in The Panama News should direct their inquiries to editor@thepanamanews.com.

Also in the category of money, we sell ads and books, and urge you to buy these products and services.

However, the ways that most people can do the most to keep The Panama News afloat are in the nature of in-kind contributions, mostly of labor. For examples:

* We need someone to sell ads on a commission basis. Our prices for the online edition are low, and though if we get back into print the opportunities in ad sales will be much more lucrative, it's not a way to get rich quick.

* We need volunteer contributors of all sorts, in English or Spanish. Items at the top of our wish list are:

~ Good photography from Panama

~ Articles and photographs about the Panamanian and Zonian communities in the United States

~ Sports coverage from Panama, and about Panamanian athletes abroad

~ Help with our calendar, and with guides to community groups, religious services, and help available to people in Panama's English-speaking community

~ Cultural reporting from Panama and around the world

~ Help with our Outdoors and Science sections

~ Someone to do an International section that focuses primarily on Latin America and the Caribbean

If you are willing and able to pitch in with any of these things, or have ideas of your own, contact the editor at editor@thepanamanews.com . Our mailing address is: