Thursday, May 14, 2009
Thursday | May 14 | Your News & Comments
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63 comments:
Jim says: "Proceed with caution; this is a free-for-all comment zone. I try to correct or clarify incorrect information. But I can't catch everything. Please keep your posts focused on Gannett and media-related subjects. Note that I occasionally review comments in advance, to reject inappropriate ones. And I ignore hostile posters, and recommend you do, too."
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First, I wish posters would stop using the term "laid off." What gannett did wasn't a "layoff" - it was a mass firing.
ReplyDeleteThese employees were fired, especially those many, many over 50 who feel victim to petty, vindictive, mean-spirited publishers, editors and department heads who wanted to get rid of the highest paid, though most talented, the most knowledgeable, but also the ones who were the most "trouble" and those these petty little piss-ants were jeolous of.
Also, the culture of fear at Gannett isn't anything new. When I was with Gannett years ago, I always feared that every day I walked in was going to be my last. My vile, vicious, vindictive, idiot publisher saw to that despite how great a job I was doing.
The fact that almost all ex-Gannettoids HATE this company is a strong testiment to how poor a place it is - and almost always has been - to work.
While I also now work at a smaller newspaper chain after quitting Gannett in disgust almost a decade ago, Gannett fools like Currie, Clark and a terrible publisher ruined my career forever.
The December firings were clearing illegal. They were clearly discriminatory.
And no, we should NOT "just get over it." We should continue to fight and hate this awful corporate creature that ruined so many good journalists!
Those December firings of the over 50s are Gannett secret shame and should be exposed.
What about several employees who were laid off while on maternity leave or disability? There were several you know, not just one or two.
ReplyDeleteObviously the EE's realized they could manage without us, seeing as our coworkers picked up our slack while we were gone and we were unable to prove or remind them of our worth.
There is little worse than leaving behind a thorough news plan, counting down the days until you can rejoin your coworkers on the desk, and realizing that they're still using that news plan while you're home, not being paid for it.
I'm sure my layoff -- or firing -- will end up being the best thing that ever happened to me, but the sense of betrayal still lingers.
Do you believe Gannett unfairly singled you out for termination because of a disability or health related problem? Your responses will remain private and completely anonymous. Write to gannettblogwanderer at email dot com.
ReplyDeleteI was a 25-year employee of Gannett and was laid off Dec. 3 while going through chemotherapy for cancer. I still came to work every day and did the best I could while undergoing the chemo--but they obviously did not care! Yes, I am close to 50 and was highly paid for my position.
ReplyDelete1:27 am - I will say that any company that sanctions the firing of a 25-year employee, who has cancer, on Dec. 3 .... any company that does this gets exactly what it deserves...
ReplyDeleteHey wait... Gannett HAS been getting what it deserves. Maybe not to the degree frankly that I'd like, but downright ugly actions like the one against 1:27 a.m. I hope come back to haunt the people who run this miserable so-called company.
Gannett ... your days be numbered.
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ReplyDelete"Also, the culture of fear at Gannett isn't anything new. When I was with Gannett years ago, I always feared that every day I walked in was going to be my last. My vile, vicious, vindictive, idiot publisher saw to that despite how great a job I was doing."
ReplyDeleteThis is about the most succinct statement of the culture of Gannett ever since Paul Miller stepped down as CEO.
The reason corporate is attacking this blog is a clear indication that corporate has never understood the above statement.
I'd love to see a corporate raider buy Gannett and dismantle everything Al created, and fire the MBA crowd on top who know nothing about and can care less about journalism.
If GCI terminated me while on maternity leave or undergoing chemo, you can be sure that I would get three solid opinions from labor attorneys on whether my dismissal violated any sort of "reasonable accommodation" protections. I would wager that these dismissals did not. The fact that these people were terminated while clearly facing medical issues says to me that GCI did not expose itself to liability in doing so.
ReplyDeleteGannett brass are greedy and unethical, but they are not stupid. Well, not in terms of liability, anyway...
I know of a great Gannett employee who was fired on made up charges after the employee's child was diagnosed with a serious illness. Makes one wonder if it is to save $$ on insurance.
ReplyDeleteI attended an "Ethicks" seminar at Saddam's Crystal Palace, in the very same auditorium in which the shareholders' meeting went down. For Gannett Corpse Inc., being ethical means "don't expose The Company to liability of any kind." In other words, "don't cost us money."
ReplyDeleteYes, these Gannett Corpsers deserves what's coming...
Revenue idea for Gannett newspapers:
ReplyDeletehttp://bit.ly/3rQXb
We'll start bidding at a penny? A penny anyone? Anyone?
The term "ethics" cannot be used in the same sentence with Gannett.
ReplyDeleteThere is to consider:
A. The swine Currie, thankfully departed, who destroyed journalism in this company with his head-up-his-ass catch phrases, strategies and plain and simple bullshit.
B. The chap in Cincinnati who wrote the company ethics policy, or significant parts of it, who hides in his corner office every day and hopes he can eke out another day under the radar. A coward. Doesn't like to lay off young female reporters.
C. The culture of fear, everywhere Gannett operates and elevated to an art form by a series of jackass ME's, one of whom now sits in the top position at a big paper in New Jersey, is based on bullying plain and simple.
D. The pillage at the top by people who should have been replaced by an enlightened board long ago, but remain.
Enough.
When I heard in October that layoffs were coming in December, I looked at the way the newsroom was constructed, guessed at salaries, paid attention to the August layoffs ... and determined that there was a good chance that I was next.
ReplyDeleteI ignored my performance. I ignored my reviews and my professional standing. I looked at the numbers.
I was right. I was laid off on Dec. 3. I was ready and my family is safe and secure.
My removing the emotion from the decision, and by eliminating my perceived value to the organization, I was able to protect my family.
Sound like a good idea?
I think too many Gannett employees see/saw their dedication to journalism as a spiritual vocation and not just a job.
ReplyDeletejournalists are like infants, they whine and scream when you take their pacifier away. the world has changed, they didn't and now it is whine, whine, whine. EVERY media company is hurting and laying off staff but print journalists spend all their time whining about the big conspiracy to get rid of them. It's a business people. Yes it sucks, and yes it hurts, but it is not a conspiracy to get rid of great people. Most of you are still employed so how could it be a conspiracy? Unless of course you really believe you are not great. Hmmmmmm?
ReplyDeleteI was laid off by an infamous managing editor in December. Yes, I am over 50, just barely, and probably made too much money in someone's mind -- money that could be spent hiring two younger, tech wizards who work on the same project week in and week out, at a snail's pace, and know very little about journalism or even life. Some are bordering on illiterate. But when I look at all the evidence, the main reason I was let go was because of one man's lunacy. To this day, I doubt he understands how he didn't just ruin a career, but he also profoundly impacted the lives of those close to me. His warped perceptions of what people should and shouldn't be eventually did me in. He didn't want to hear my opinions. Was too insecure to entertain a healthy debate. He ruled with an iron fist and most people caved in, even when they knew things weren't operating in the most ethical manner.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the December dismissals were firings more than layoffs. If they truly were layoffs, shouldn't some folks be hired back eventually? Maybe corporate didn't intend them to be firings, but many of the people selected to be laid off were chosen for really awful and sometimes personal reasons that has left untold damage. There should have been more oversight. Annual performance evaluations should have been examined. Job descriptions and productivity should have been measured by a group of people, not just one boss operating in a vacuum. Instead, publishers left it up to managers to pick and choose whomever they wanted. Can you imagine the old grudges that now were allowed to be settled under the guise of layoffs?
So what you have currently are a lot of angry ex-Gannett people who dedicated decades of their life to journalism, unable to find employment during a time when their loyalty and dedication to one company should have protected them. I had chances to leave when younger and didn't because I felt my loyalty would be returned if and when times got rough. Why stay with a company for years if you aren't going to be treated fairly in the last third of your career when fair treatment is most needed and finding a new job is most difficult?
Granted, of the many hundreds who were laid off, some were probably legitimate dismissals based on financial reasons, the economy or simply poor performance. But I was not an under-achiever in anyone's eyes except one man. In fact, most people thought I had one of the most demanding jobs in the building. A job that required multiple talents and skills. Dozens of people were truly shocked by my firing.
Someone needs to make this right. A total and impartial review of everyone who was let go needs to be done. Mid-managers who were entangled in a political tug-of-war should not have been victimized. Enough time has passed for everyone to realize these were not "job eliminations." This was fishing in a fish tank for mean-spirited managers who took advantage of a situation. There are too many people hurting badly out here. Too many who are over 50 at a time when being over 50 can be a career death sentence. Sure, some land on their feet. The lucky ones. We hear of happy endings now and then. But most are suffering in silence. I wonder how my former boss sleeps at night reading some of the tales of hardship we are facing. The loss of housing. The loss of savings. Medical bills that can no longer be paid. Did my boss think of any of that before getting rid of me? I am an adult. I could have accepted my layoff as just that. But I was chosen for all the wrong reasons. Not only was my editor's decision bordering on criminal, it was immoral.
About a year before I was fired, I was told how vital I was to the operation. I was asked to wear additional hats and to change my schedule in order to compensate for some earlier voluntary losses. Some people left because they saw the writing on the wall. I accepted additional duties without much resistance. I raised a few red flags, but that's all. I got an outstanding review as a result. Less than a year later, I was fired. And since my departure, my coworkers have been trying to cover my duties, plus do their own jobs. My duties did not go away. I often wish my coworkers would speak up for themselves and in my behalf, but many of them are scared. They won't tell management how vital I was. They too suffer in silence. What a pity.
The newspaper business is unlike the car business or banking or real estate. We are suppose to be all about ethics and credibility. Yet, in so many ways, we've lost that. We've fired people with high principles under a cloud of deceit. We take shortcuts in presenting the news because of staff reductions or other pressures. We don't defend ourselves with the same gusto we once did, nor do we go to bat for our coworkers. And for those who were fired, there is little chance to re-enter the field. Unlike cars and banks, it doesn't appear newspapers will ever come back unless something dramatically different occurs. Maybe newspapers need to be turned into non-profits. Maybe chains like Gannett need to be cleaned up. But by the time that all happens, I will be gone.
In reality, I've given up hope of finding employment anywhere, anytime soon. The cliches of "hang in there" or "something will come up" just don't hold much water for those who have sent out literally hundreds of applications and don't hear back about any of them. I can't even get an interview, and I am well educated, have a mountain of positive reviews, a resume that shows growth and promotions both at Gannett and other companies earlier in my career. There are no black marks anywhere on my record. I have stayed on top of technology. I am both creative and practical. I meet deadlines. I don't call in sick just because it's a sunny day and I am trying to extend my weekend. I worked in many different jobs within the industry. And still, I can't even get a phone call returned. This is the reality for most of us. This is what is going on with a lot of the December people, over 50, who were fired. There is no lack of effort on our part. We're the baby boomers. We don't give up. We just can't break through and are beginning to lose everything we ever had. And I do mean everything, not just possessions.
The surrender is beginning to set in for me, and I am mentally preparing for a life in my car. I don't want to give up, but don't have a shred of evidence that my efforts will ever draw a positive response from an employer. Without any tangible encouraging signs, it's almost impossible to stay positive. I can handle being out of work, but I can't handle the constant stream of rejection and lack of help from people I once considered friends.
10:38. You're dead wrong. Journalists for the most part are a pretty hearty and realistic group. What has happened is not just another tale of woe in this bad economy. Something very bad was done to these people in December. Many of them should be whining even more! Until you walk a mile in their shoes, I would suggest shutting your mouth or identifying yourself so that you can be enlightened. I find it disgusting that you are even a coworker of mine anywhere within Gannett. Why didn't management seek out and fire these types of fools instead of the good people who were let go? This is obviously a person without a rational thought, let alone any sort of intellect that could possibly benefit this company. But he/she remains while truly good people suffer. How depressing.
ReplyDelete10:36 - Everyone in Gannett should read your post.
ReplyDeleteWhat you said far exceeds anything I have written on this blog ever! Including my 11:25 one at the top of this Thursday stream!
It is sad that Gannett has ruined so many careers and lives.
Some idiots on here say we are whiners. No, we are just angry and frankly, vengeful. Many ex-Gannetters HATE this company and work every day to harm it. Good for them.
And yes, idiots like the one described in Cincinnati are prevelant in this company.
I'll bet if you look at PHOTOS of those fired in August and December, few if any would be described as "young cuties."
These young, cute girls in the building whether in newsrooms or advertising or wherever, get a free pass as eye candy for the EE or pub or whoever.
Sorry, but I suspect more managers than just the one in Cincinnati fired staffers based on "how hot they were."
Of course Gannett should have mandated that the fiurings be done carefully, and maybe simply on the basis of seniority. But that would have defeated the hidden agenda in these firings - get rid of the baby Boomers and troublemakers and older workers - period!
Sorry, meant 10:46!
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ReplyDelete5/14/2009 10:46 AM
ReplyDeleteThe Company doesn't love you: never did, never has, never will.
That's why I WALKED OUT on my little part of the sinking, stinking Gannett empire about five years ago. There is life after the chain gang. Once you get institutionalized -- in the corporate drone sense of the word -- they've got you, your mind and worst of all, they've got your spirit. I couldn't become those people I saw around me who'd been droning for 10, 15, 20 or more years. Those who inadventently became part of the problem like Good Germans before the war and who went along with the plans of madmen who cared nothing for them, the serfs, the cannon fodder.
So buck up. DOn't put you life into the hands of a non-human idealized entity that cares nothing for you or yours. EVER.
Hi I agree any way you loose a job is the same. A layoff or fired only you get a few weeks pay. I heard the other day that furlows are stopping. I thought thank GOD. BUT I then heard the layoffs are back. Dam here we go again.
ReplyDeleteIf a "layoff" involves cash and a severence you ain't coming back, you've been terminated... Fired!!!
ReplyDeleteYour choice: GCI saves $22 million a quarter from these furloughs. Now, do you want more furloughs in the third quarter, or would you prefer layoffs to reach the $22 million in salary figure. Otherwise, suggest how to get the $22 million.
ReplyDeleteJust ask yourself, "What would John Galt do?"
ReplyDeleteNo kidding, my Gannett zengerbossie once seriously recommended that I read Ayn Rand's "Atlas Shrugged." Seh said it would, "Help" me.
gag: http://www.commondreams.org/view/2008/10/25-6
Can I ask what this "culture of fear" is that everyone's talking about?
ReplyDeleteI agree that Gannett is poorly run, the present state of things is abominable and there's very little hope that I can see.
But I have worked for the company for more than 20 years at various locations and I've never felt this "fear" some people speak of.
I think I'm pretty talented, and am pretty sure of myself, so that helps. But most people should feel that way.
Because while I don't always get treated the way I think I should, or even sometimes get treated unfairly, I for sure have never been AFRAID to speak my mind, even to bosses who are jerks or as "Gannett" as they come.
That so many people say they are afraid, or say the company has RUINED their careers, sometimes I think says more about them than Gannett. This is not to say there aren't legitimate horror stories being told here.
But "fear"? Or these crazy posts about Gannett bosses who love to break and terrorize people, and all that. Huh?
Anyone who is afraid at their job should get another one. Seriously. And long before these hard times emerged.
Posters- think about this....
ReplyDeleteThe $22m corporate saved in the first quarter is now part of the structure...wise up...they either have to lay off, reduce salaries, or continue with furloughs.
Even if the economy gets better and revenue increases - it will not be enough to curtail the expense in the future.
Is there some sort of Class Action suit we could bring against Gannett?
ReplyDelete12:35 you must be a manager not to notice the culture of fear. The culture of fear comes from the people who expressed dissatisfaction with how something was done or a policy were in the first rounds on involuntary layoffs.
ReplyDeleteThe culture of fear comes from stating in a meeting any idea that contrary to what you are expected to say being used against you. Excuse me, "insert papername media group"? That naming style is about 10 years old but to say that outloud you'll notice all the heads bow to study their notepads and avoid eye contact. Then that person is excluded from meetings that pertain to their job and poor performance comments start.
Notice that the only employees that are publicly recognized are the ones favored by management.
Notice the manager publicly berating a co-worker because they forgot to punch out for lunch but punched back in. Not to mention the incredibly insulting fingerprint required time clock. Previously we were sublty watched, now it in your face every moment of your working day.
If you think that the atmosphere of "tow the party line or else" doesn't create fear for your job, you know, how you put food on the table, you're incredibly naive.
Those who still have some power are present Gannett employees who are being unfairly “written up” to set the stage for termination for cause. Those employees should contact an employment attorney as soon as they receive an unsatisfactory review. Their attorney can help them create an accurate record appropriate to that state’s law, for instance by helping the employee draft e-mail or other written responses politely documenting impossible goals set to insure failure, the company’s knowledge that the employee is wrestling with cancer, the fact that the employee is doing the same good job that earned him kudos for a decade, etc. Gannett counts on employees caving in, and if they don’t, at a minimum the matter is going to be kicked up the ladder before action is taken.
ReplyDeleteIf Gannett can save $22m by using furloughs, it seems that they would be nuts not to continue to do this rather than to do layoffs This way they keep more slaves on board who will put up with their shit but they keep enough people around WHEN THEY NEED THEM. Gannett does not give a damn about individual people just the bottom line and for the benefit of the greedy suits in Virginia and the koolaid drinking Board.
ReplyDelete///If you think that the atmosphere of "tow the party line or else" doesn't create fear for your job, you know, how you put food on the table, you're incredibly naive.///
ReplyDeleteThat's what I don't get: "Tow the party line or else."
I've disagreed with a lot of things at my job, but have always tried to make things better regardless. If you simply put your head down and do as you're told, even when you think it could be done better, that makes no sense to me at all.
I'm sure there are exceptions and maybe your site is one of them. But I say again: Speaking up does not mean you will prevail.
But anyone who is "afraid" at their job is either wired that way, has low self-esteem, is communicating badly or is too nervous to try another approach.
Also, I don't see a pattern of malcontents or those who didn't go along with the program being the ones who got bought out or fired.
On the contrary, the ones who were let go, with few exceptions, were simply older (an outrage, by the way), talented (they could get new jobs and took buyouts), or kind of non-impact players. I see no pattern of get rid of the noisy ones.
Instead I think the ones who were scared, for lack of a better word, were the ones to go.
The age thing really is outrageous, and if there is a case for a class action suit, that's the way to go.
I doubt a class action on behalf of those who were "afraid" is going to get very far. It would probably be thrown out when the plaintiffs were too scared to go to court.
I think Jim and this blog is being used as a sort of stooge for management. Notice in recent weeks how Jim will get hold of consolidations, and then the frequency will back off for a while. It happened again with the shut down of presses at individual papers which continued until Jim noted them, then stopped. Ditto this week with webmaster layoffs, which Jim noted. Now, I hear nothing now. Hmmm. Wonder if that is how GCI is using this blog to keep calm in the rank and file, and avoid the uproar that followed the wave of layoff #3.
ReplyDeleteI got the upper hand in a small battle with local chiefs a couple years back. They've tried to make my life with the company miserable, but they didn't take into account my significantly high threshold for pain, and small personal fortune. I don't need the job anymore, but I've stuck around to watch the Titanic sink, and to make sure that our publisher and his cronies go down with the ship. All the while, I've been flying low, collecting information... sorting, analyzing, scruitinizing... like collecting fine oil paints to brush out a masterpiece. Soon, I'll unleash audio tapes and verifiable evidence that will end the career of an evil publisher for good. They're going to need more furloughs just to cover for the PR overtime I'll force them into.
ReplyDelete10:38 No they aren't. Stop drinking the kool aid dude. Now go back to whining.
ReplyDelete2:23 grow up you lemming. I love these threats to expose evil, etc. If you spent half the time on your job that you spend on your fantasies our industry would be in far better shape. Maybe you should try something like, I don't know, ....... getting a life instead of bragging how many times you've seen Star trek.
ReplyDeleteThere is a simple solution to determine whether the layoffs were layoffs because of the economy or were mass firings that took advantage of older people. The answer lies in whether any of these experienced workers will be rehired. You can't convince me that many of these laid off workers didn't have at least another decade of contributions to make to this company. Many brought old-school values and mentoring abilities to the table, which this company is in desperate need of right now.
ReplyDeleteIf Gannett does not hire back these senior people, who still have relevant skills, then there is cause to believe the December dismissals were firings that were based on age or other not-so-legitimate reasons.
On the other hand, if some of these folks do return to work at Gannett when business begins to turn around, as layoffs by definition should allow for, then we'll know that Gannett was being honest and still thinks of itself as a media/news company.
It might take several more months to get a clearer indication of which way this is going to go. The ball is in Gannett's court, and we are all watching. If at least some of these folks don't come back, then there will be cause for alarm for all of us. No one should want to work in a place that is dishonest, boots out functional older workers (we all get older eventually)and spins it as a byproduct of the failing economy. Geez, by older workers I am referring to 50-plus, not 90-year-olds. Working for this company, you begin feeling old at 40! I hope that changes, for the good of those who were unjustly let go and for the mindset of the rest of us who might have a desire to work here for a few more birthdays.
Dickey is going to be visiting The Des Moines Register June 2 &3. Do you think he and Laura Hollingsworth will go golfing while in town?
ReplyDeleteAt my site they've already hired back a handful of folks in advertising and the newsroom. So much for your theories. We are in the West.
ReplyDelete"Instead I think the ones who were scared, for lack of a better word, were the ones to go....
ReplyDelete5/14/2009 1:28 PM"
Yes. The ones who were intelligent enough to sense the danger got culled from the herd. After all, a danger is not a danger if you don't realize it's dangerous, right?
Much the same attitude exists as regards OSHA safety regulations. In Gannett, the game is one of selecting out the emotionally intelligent, wiser members of the group. The young are more easily controlled.
The Gannett culture of fear is well-documented: http://www.latimes.com/features/bal-te.to.usa23apr23,1,4924372.story
So Dickey played golf. Who gives a flying F? Jim asked the question and it was answered. He paid for the tournament out of his own pocket. Get over it already. Ok Star Trek dude weigh in. Dickey is a bad Klingon right?
ReplyDeleteYeah right, Dickey paid for the tournament out of his own pocket, but he was probably secretly reimbursed. You must be from corporate?
ReplyDeleteto: 9:54 A.M. That's so special! Thanks for sharing. We are so happy you weren't in the process of chemotherapy or pregnant at the time you did all your planning! Are you asking for admiration and praise, Dumbo?
ReplyDelete" Ok Star Trek dude weigh in. Dickey is a bad Klingon right?"
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking more Romulan. Martore is definately Borg though and I don't mean Swedish.
Resistance is futile!!!
Anon 12:35 - If you know anyone in Cincinnati, call them and ask. You'll be amazed at what you will learn.
ReplyDeleteNow that Chrysler's announced who's leaving their dealer ranks...what's the expected worse case hit to Gannett, and the lesser hit providing many of these folks attempt to hang on as used car and repair businesses only?
ReplyDeleteEither way, this and once GM does the same will likely prove to be very costly to this company's bottom line.
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ReplyDeleteSo 2:58 you have no problem making accusations with absolutely no proof but if a big bad supervisor does it to you, you are a victim and he/she is an awful person. Grow up and move out of your moms basement. I am not from corporate but I am sick of working next to idiots like you. Your failures are always someone else's fault or you are smarter than everyone else but too lazy to ever try and build a career. You are content to sit in your Mom's basement and rip successful people up. Name one success you evr had besides learn how to speak Klingon. Gosh that one even cracks me up. LOL
ReplyDelete>>>The Gannett culture of fear is well-documented: http://www.latimes.com/features/bal-te.to.usa23apr23,1,4924372.story<<<
ReplyDelete"Yesterday, (April 22, 2004) Moon promised additional changes in the highly corporate environment of USA Today."
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By booting out a manager on 5th floor Marketing and replacing her with an infantile gossip thug. "Craig is easy." I got written up because I wanted my pal Steve Anderson's going-away page to be done in time for his party the next day, while people were just sitting on the photos and articles.
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ReplyDeleteAmir: The hurt that never ends.
ReplyDeleteMy god, will you move on?
You got "written up."
What is this, the Army?
It's obvious to me after your months of badmouthing everyone and everything that you weren't much good for USA today. I'm glad you're gone, based only on your actions here.
I can't believe how some people view life. Grow up and move on. You are where you are because of you -- not these demons you keep blaming. No one manager fires someone. There has to be buy in and sounds like no one spoke up in your defense. Good riddance.
The 11 leaving the St Cloud Times in MN have experiance of twenty to thirty years each. The publisher that fired them Seven years the new Ceo Dubow approximately eight years. These guys and gals placed years and years of their sweat and blood into this paper. The paper was running great and under two guys watch in less then eight years the paper is dead. These two are a train reck.
ReplyDeleteJim must be getting ready to dump this blog since it makes no money. Why else would he shamelessly plaster "press releases" about his new blog all over the place. Plus, there just isn't any Gannett news anymore other than baseless rumors no one can prove.
ReplyDeleteThe doors will soon be shuttered for good. Gannett will live on.
I also am not afraid.
ReplyDeleteI am irritated by GCI's complete lack of forward thinking. I never have been scared to speak my mind. I never have worried about losing my job.
If I get fired, I'll be fine.
I have a broad base of skills that keeps growing. I'm valuable to someone out there.
5/14/2009 1:28 PM Your POST is the best ever....regarding those who were let go as "non-impact". I hated the layoffs but the products are still getting out and does the consumer really notice a difference. Some of the "non-impact" are friends and that makes it more painful but it is true. Product survives, evolves and continues.
ReplyDelete"Soon, I'll unleash audio tapes and verifiable evidence that will end the career of an evil publisher for good. They're going to need more furloughs just to cover for the PR overtime I'll force them into."
ReplyDeleteThe reality is that you will do nothing. You have done nothing, and you will never do anything.
Actually, you have less than nothing because you likely recorded conversations illegally, if any of what you say is true.
Nice job. I'm sure Gannett will enjoy prosecuting and suing you.
Layoffs continue. USA TODAY ad sales staff had 2 yesterday along with one from the support staff...all in the NY office. Rumor says a few more to come in other offices. If ad sales do not pick up (and it does not look good right now) than this could continue....more furloughs expected too when most sales staff are already up to 3 weeks of unpaid time in first half alone.
ReplyDelete9:09 -- I'm not sure what market you live in, but in Reno, NV, the consumers are noticing a difference. The products are far worse than they were just three years ago and many people openly talk about this in the community.
ReplyDeleteDoes that make a difference for the bottom line? Probably not in the short term because everyone is losing audience and there are limited places to buy advertising.
That said, it probably will make a difference in the long run. The paper is losing circulation even though it servers a rapidly expanding metro area. Some of this is being made up for with Web audience, but the Web provides less than 15% of the company's revenue and relies heavily on content created for the other products.
As the products get worse and get stripped of personality, they become less and less relevant to readers and advertisers. If you're not seeing this in your market you are indeed lucky.
9:53--- you are entirely ignorant of "Single Party Consent" laws. I happen to live and work in a state that protects my right to record any conversation that I am a party to. So, shove your "illegality" up your PR hole.
ReplyDeleteSecondly, now that I've got your attention, Gannett PR whore, I'd like to point out that you are the same poster as 2:36, and that Jim's site is easily hacakble to read the IP addresses.
I can see how you need to jump straight into attacking the messenger instead of the message.
More B.S. from 12:36. No, I am not the same poster as the one who came up with the great comment about Star Trek.
ReplyDeleteYou have done nothing and will do nothing. You have no tapes. You have nothing to hold over the company.