This is our final edition of 2014. And this year, I'm not writing with mixed emotions. I'm very excited at the prospects for 2015, but we need the time off to get everything ready for what is always a hectic January.

The last two years, I've spent a significant amount of time traveling around the country to ask face-to-face what topics are most important to you. In 2015, we'll be responding to your input, and in some new and exciting ways.

We'll be using the next two weeks to streamline our back-office systems. It shouldn't be obvious, but it will allow our editors to do even more of their great original work. That's because of the streamlined workflows.

That will make a difference - in each of our eight services. No, I didn't miscount.

We're adding another wire to The Outdoor Wire Digital Network in January. It will roll out just prior to SHOT Show.

The new wire is in direct response to your feedback. You've wanted more coverage of "prepping" but with information that's useful in your daily lives, not another list of last-ditch gear and tactics designed for the "end of the world as we know it."

As one reader told me: "I'd like information that makes me better prepared for small disasters we could face on any day, not a recipe for serving the family pet after our supplies run out in the bunker."

I hear that.

So we're taking a different approach, especially compared to most of the "prepper" material you see. I believe you'll like it. If you don't, you'll have the chance to tell me why.

All our subscribers will be sampled-in for the first edition. Telling us if you want to keep it will be your first opportunity at giving us feedback.

In 2015, my primary goal is to give you more opportunities to give us your feedback- to listen more closely and respond accordingly.

We'll offer you opportunities to point us toward stories you think are important. And you'll have the chance to suggest questions you'd like us to ask of people you might not be able to access on your own.

We still have the need for a return to civil discourse, and we think this is a first step.

The ability to unemotionally discuss hot-button issues seems to have been lost in the "mainstream media."

We're going to try and model good behavior and invite "the mainstream" to watch. We're also going to try and gently correct some of their more egregious errors when it comes to shooting, hunting and the outdoors.

Rather than make fun of them, we're going to try to get them to listen -and learn. If they don't, it's on them, not us.

Most of our changes are the direct results of time I've spent with many of you. I've seen how hot-button issues impact your lives.

To guide those efforts more effectively, I have to reallocate my time. And before any of you start celebrating, that is not a retirement announcement.

My travel schedule has been challenging physically (OK, no more rock-climbing), but reinvigorating mentally and emotionally. And it exposed me to "new voices" from around the country.

In 2015, you'll notice new contributors work in the wires.

Some names you may recognize. Others will be emerging voices- energetic newcomers bringing fresh ideas and new perspectives. And their participation will undoubtedly mean more hashtags and communication via social media. Today, those things are necessary to keep you posted.

Expect much more video and audio next year, too. And we're working on live interaction opportunities- because we're integrating more technology into all our services in 2015.

The technology will you opportunities to interact with us -and newsmakers in real-time. It's simpler than it was when we started investigating it more than a year ago.

Not so many years ago The Outdoor Wire was a single outdated PC hooked to a dial-up modem. They both sat on a folding table that was the desk, file cabinet and corporate HQ. The operation was HQ'd in one corner of an unfinished basement.

Each of you helped us become a network of services that have more reach into the outdoors than any other service in the world. When you became readers,the industry realized there was a need to get you reliable information in a timely fashion.

It took three very lean years, but once we won their trust, they began to support us. Their reluctance was understandable. Others had come into the industry, promised plenty and delivered nothing.

So I'm preparing for our a few days away with no melancholy. And we are heading in into what is the most joyous time of the year.

If you're doing well going into the holidays, you know someone who's not. Help if you can; then offer a sincere prayer of thanksgiving for your fortunate situation.

Those roles can reverse.

Over the next few days, I'll get a couple of notes from readers telling me they miss "their wires."

We all enjoy those notes for a couple of reasons. First, it's good to know the work is appreciated. But more importantly, you consider that work to be "your wires". You have shaped them for nearly 13 years - and you're why we are working over the holidays to make the services even more responsive in 2015.

Our first editions of the new year will arrive in your mailbox early on the morning of Monday, January 5, 2015. And we'll get another year underway. I can hardly wait to get started.

Until then, happy holidays, Merry Christmas, happy new year and may God bless you each of you and your families.

Your friend,

Jim Shepherd