At least one negative was obvious, Win Tin says. A newspaper supported and controlled by a government or a political party can hardly ever be as impressive as one developed by independent domestic media (When it comes to broadcast media, fans of the BBC might disagree).

There’s also the question of expense and allocating resources to maintain such a publication, which can take on a life of its own. In today’s increasingly ‘connected’ media environment, the Internet can offer more cost-effective ways of getting the message out and ones that are less beholden to time deadlines as print publications are. For example, someone up in Myitkyina wanting to know what the NLD was up to could check online, rather than wait for a paper to be delivered. Of course that paper could be simultaneously published in Myitkyina but that’s another cost element.

One of the pros comes down to a basic question of image. If, in a heated political atmosphere, you don’t take sufficient care to define yourself, others will do that for you, and the results, it stands to reason, may not be as flattering as you deserve or desire.

Party leader Aung San Suu Kyi offers a good example. She’d achieved iconic (some might say saintly) status during the days when she was both opposed to and isolated by the previous military regime. This was true both abroad and at home.

Something of the sheen has come off that status amidst the rough and tumble of today’s more open politics. Suu Kyi has faced increased criticism over a number of issues including the Latpadaung mines, communal strife in Rakhine State, the role of ‘national entrepreneurs’ in today’s Myanmar, and how close to tack towards the military establishment.

Inside the NLD's print room

In 1593, the French King Henri IV was able to dismiss similar criticisms (akin to selling out for some) by baldly declaring “Paris is well worth a mass.” There were no newspapers, radio, TV and Internet in those days though, and less need to take heed of public opinion. Thus, by having a newspaper, the NLD can offer, on a daily basis, its version of events against any welter of criticism and move to take better advantage of its leader’s high-profile political level of influence and, albeit somewhat diminished, moral authority.

The decision to print daily also took heed of what party leaders feel is a built-in readership as it claims 1.3 million members in the country.

“If a newspaper is launched, our party already has a certain readership,” said Win Tin. “Let’s say 10 percent of party members purchase the paper. There would mean a circulation of over 100,000. If only 5 percent did, that would still be 50,000.”

Thus, he added, “Party members have shown a willingness to read the party newsletter, which covers news, articles related to the political positions of Aung San Suu Kyi, and information about other members from different towns.”

As noted, the NLD already has a print journal, D.Wave, and thus has experience in publication. The name choice allows for some nuance of interpretation. The “D” can stand for democracy while the sound of “dwave” in the Myanmar language means “tidal wave”, so perhaps one can have democracy and have it wash over the land. There was also a poignant antecedent for the name. It was previously the name used by Win Tin for a political prisoners’ newsletter.