The Logic marked our first birthday on Wednesday. When we first flipped the switch on Tuesday, June 12, 2018, we only had enough runway to last until November of that year. If we didn’t secure any customers, there would be no second chances.

At the time of our launch, we believed great journalism was still possible. We wanted to treasure, support and empower great reporters and editors, given the vital role they play in building a healthy society in the midst of a truth crisis.

Like an NBA Championship-winning team (go Raptors!), this publication was borne out of that team effort, not in the pursuit of personal accolades or financial rewards.

We had no marketing budget, no large-scale  distribution and no big-name columnists to create awareness—just a singular focus and belief. This team works their tails off each and every day in the pursuit of excellence. Their dedication is what makes this publication special.  

Ultimately, the proof was going to be in the product; nothing was guaranteed.

It’s been an amazing year. We’ve published over 200 stories, nearly all exclusive; won major journalism awards, doubled our staff, and shown that in-depth journalism is worth paying for (or rather, our wonderful subscribers have).

As W. P. Kinsella wrote, “If you build it, he will come.”

Recently, a reporter asked me what it was like to be an entrepreneur.

I chuckled at the question, because I’m still not quite certain that I am one. Starting The Logic wasn’t something I’d ever planned on doing.

I didn’t have an innate burning desire to create my own business at a young age, shown in stories about selling lemonade to passersby, or mowing my neighbours’ front lawns for cash.

I’d always imagined that I’d work in traditional newsrooms for my entire career, rising up the ranks quietly, with hard work, grit and determination.

And yet, everywhere that I’ve worked, I’ve tried to push boundaries and disrupt from within—perhaps by asking one too many questions for why things are done the way they are.

Being an entrepreneur is about believing in possibility instead of reality, this year’s EY Entrepreneur of the Year, Groupon’s Brad Keywall, said in his speech.

It’s a definition I can embrace.

I believe that it’s still possible to build a team committed to truth, during a time of fake news and misinformation.

That it’s still possible to produce outstanding journalism while the business models of traditional newsrooms are collapsing.

And, that it’s still possible to have readers invest in that work, despite statistics suggesting they won’t.

If being an entrepreneur is about believing in what’s possible instead of what’s real, then I guess you can call me an accidental entrepreneur.

On our first birthday, I want to express my deepest gratitude on behalf of the entire team to The Logic’s paying subscribers, who vote with their wallets each and every day. We are so grateful for the trust you place in us, and we are committed to renewing that trust every single day.

Anything is possible.