An email to the editor of my small, local rag.

[TalkingDog]

Trying to goad SOMEBODY...ANYBODY local to take an interest in this story.

Subject: How to be relevant in the age of electronic media.

Dear (editor)

In this electronic age, we are no longer bound to read local papers and try to guess at the subtext or "edited" information. Thanks to the Internet, we can go anywhere and read anything. We know what stories you are reporting, those you choose not to report and those you do report with which political spin.

Newspapers have become the "Matlocks" of media. Mainly existing for the old and intellectually uninterested who need to feel safe in what they view and read.

New media consumers are savvy and unafraid to find sources that might disagree with their worldview. In fact, they often relish the challenge of a blog or board where they can keep their friends close, but their enemies closer. And in comparison to that breadth of stimulation, regional media begins to look like the local coupon carrier.

When you start running stories that challenge people, that make people actually WANT to read more about them, you will sell more papers. See examples here:

http://www.projectcensored.org/censored_2008/index.htm

http://globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=6702

And if you counter that none of those are local stories, I point you to this very timely, relevant and extremely local story that NOBODY in this state seems willing to cover. It will come out. Is this paper going to step up and report on a story that affects a portion of the constituents of this county or will you be content to just be the local coupon carrier?

http://www.patricklmchenry.blogspot.com/
http://www.americablog.com/2007/09/another-gop-gay-scandal-brews-in-murder.html
http://patgobyebye.blogspot.com/

Are these reporting? No. They are sources for miscellaneous, checkable facts from which a REAL REPORTER could make a readable and relevant story.

Have fun with it. See you in the Funny Papers.



My Favorite Master Artist: Karen Parker GhostWoman Studios

[Atman]

1. Here is their very legitimate problem: we've conditioned them to respond to whining

Seriously. The advertising-supported media relies on that ad revenue to pay for the printing and distribution and, hopefully, salaries, profits and working capital. Unfortunately for us all, Americans have become knee-jerk boycotters. Causeheads, as another DU called them. Even a generic reference to an ugly redhead can bring on a letter writing campaign and advertiser boycotts. When we had 3 channels on the television, those three channels had to be all things to all people. That was also when we had multiple, competing newspapers in most cities, almost unheard of now. But now all media has become specialized to the point that we're actually able to pick and chose only those images, videos and stories which already interest us in the first place. We don't have to clutter our beautiful minds with stuff we didn't seek out, no one is gonna sneak an aberrant idea in there!

Your newspaper can't run any of those stories. They just can't do it. The veteran that owns the local liquor store will pull his full-page ad. Some old lady will write to Brent Bozell and demand a boycott. We've become a nation of Causeheads, so all your local paper can do if it wants to survive is hawk coupons, local real estate and handyman services.

.

[Bitwit1234]

2. One of your messages is positively FALSE

newspapers do not appeal to the OLD> I am 75 and know the difference between what the newspaper report and what is the truth. There is nothing in newspapers I bother to read. MY son who is younger gets the newspapers to read the sports. And then he throws it away.

No body with any sense reads newspapers anymore. Young and old. Don't lay the blame on the old. They have lived in a world where you got the truth, where you knew what was going on. They are disgusted with the younger generation who allow this type of mind conditioning to exist. If the younger generation would get off their collective lazy asses and take action like our older generation, and vote, and demand good politic ans we wouldn't be in this damn fix.

So if you want to lay blame start with the current and younger generation and kick their asses into action.

[LeFleur1]

3. Wow, You are Going to Take a Hit, Bitwit

But you made me laugh. I've seen lots of elderly bashing on here. I just try to sluff it off...
Once in awhile it's comforting to see the tables turned.

There is some truth to what you write. Just take a look at the constant news concerning the Poor Little Rich Drug Gals, some of whom make their living off of interest in their weird life styles, which seems to be their only talent.

People in the US do expect their newspapers to give them facts. Too many haven't reached the realization that they are often being manipulated by the media. They take news broadcasts and items in newspapers as fact when actually, items contain opinions based on half truths, seldom real factual information.

The letter to the editor was a great reminder to that particular newspaper that there are people out there judging their news items for content.

[TalkingDog]

4. Since I'm middle aged, I get the option of blaming both of you. (so there)

Yes, it was a sweeping generalization, but in my small red, red town it is very true. The few liberals and more progressive folks I know avoid that paper like the plague.

It's got the requisite weekly Fundy calling out the sinners letter and the religion and spirituality page with all the Baptist churches listed...etc.

It is trying to be more relevant. I'm just trying to help it along.

And tell me where might I find this younger generation so I can kick their asses into action? Around here, as soon as they turn 18 and have half a brain, they burn rubber on the way out of town and rarely look back. I'm only back here because my hubby likes it.


My Favorite Master Artist: Karen Parker GhostWoman Studios