Newspapers
Reporting in: 58 of 84 (excludes USA Today and Newsquest)
Estimated jobs cut: 1,299
TV stations
Reporting in: 1
Estimated jobs cut: 2
Please post your replies in the comments section, below. To e-mail confidentially, write gannettblog[at]gmail[dot-com]; see Tipsters Anonymous Policy in the green rail, upper right.
Jim,
ReplyDeleteThank you for allowing the real people of Gannett to "tell the truth".
You have been a blessing to all. I am a retired publisher who got out a couple of years ago, because I couldn't and didn't believe in the direction the company was heading. I might be labeled spineless by the company, but I wasn't going to be the scapegoat for telling good, hard working people that they no longer had a job.
I now enjoy my life without stress, but am so saddened by what has happened to my paper and the wonderful people who worked so hard....
God bless.
Same conditions apply, but generally I tried to get the best work out of people who had coasted for some time. Some responded; some didn't. Unfortunately, the ones who didn't were chronic whiners and made a lot of fuss.
ReplyDeleteSo you're not at a paper anymore?
There's usually a small contingency of whiners. Does their whining really overshadow the good work being done by others? And if the whiners you couldn't get to respond were a lost cause, then why come here and spend so much time and effort trying to change the "whiners" here?
Let me preface this by saying that I've spent the last two days feeling as if I have been hit by a Mack truck, even though I kept my job.
ReplyDeleteDuring my time in Gannett, I have worked for bad editors who flayed people verbally and emotionally and couldn't tell a good story from a hole in the ground, but I have also worked for excellent ones who were passionate about good writing, good reporting, good editing and the ability of a good newspaper to make a difference.
I've worked with reporters who were jerks and reporters who were gentlefolk. Amazingly, the ability to write and report well was spread evenly across the spectrum. Some of the people who drove me craziest could make words sing.
I am grieving for those who lost their jobs. But I am not looking for another job myself, despite the risks, because I still believe those of us who are left will continue to play vital roles in our community.
I couldn't let this blog end without defending the profession so many of us have given decades to. Jim, go gentle into that good new life that awaits you.
Isn't that touching? Our resident nutcase Dumbir is starting a blog.
ReplyDeleteGood luck, Dumbir. You should call it Dumbirthandirt.
Less than half an hour now. You guys think this is how Jimmy envisioned this thing ended? LOL
ReplyDeleteIt is what it is.
ReplyDeleteMy final thought after 30 years of
ReplyDeleteGannett. It was said that Managers who are "A's" hire "A's" and "B's" hire "C's". That is that really good managers who are secure in their skills and position hire the very smartest and best they can get. Second rate managers hire to insure their place and to make sure that no one can challenge them.
A new concept for layoffs that can be seen in action throughout Gannett."A's" eliminate B's and C's. Managers that are B's and C's eliminate their A's... Certainly doesn't look good for the future.
11:31, I don't know where you're trying to go. I referred to those efforts in the past because I have a different role with less direct management. There is still some management, but on a more limited scale.
ReplyDelete"Does their whining really overshadow the good work being done by others?"
Yes, when it's constantly pointless.
11:32, Jim probably still thinks he's going to get an award at the end of the night.
ReplyDeleteHe'll get some cold salami from Spanky. They'll be separated in six months. Jim will be in a nuthouse in two years.
11:25
ReplyDeleteThere are other papers in NJ that are NOT Gannett.
They have very competent Ad Directors!
Along with great Reporters, Sales Reps, Circulation Depts., Accounting, and most importantly...Publishers that care about the printed Media.
Jim has shown us this just by creating this blog...do you see any other newspaper getting bombarded with outraged employees, advertisers and subscribers!
Look outside the box, there is a whole other world available.
Jim,
ReplyDeleteThank you for all that you've done. I sent you about $20 and it was money well spent. Without you, we never would have known about these layoffs or had a place to commiserate with colleagues across the country.
You are a hero and an innovator. Ignore the haters!
God bless!
Haha, you said nut on Jim's blog
ReplyDeleteAs the end nears I can't help but wonder, as the fame of the blog grew, how many of the nsty homophobic comments were made not by gannett employees or management trolls, but by prurient adolescents who clicked by and just decided to spray their scatological humor on the walls so they could snigger at the the reactions they elicited.
ReplyDeleteI do hope the other blogs succeed and that they take a helpful turn posting sites with job listings and networking events.
Haha, you said end nears on Jimmy's blog
ReplyDeleteOMG: The EIB/El-Rushbo trainees have been unleashed! That must be where all the trash talk is coming from.
ReplyDeleteAnd then he wakes up, and it is all a dream, and he's in bed with Suzanne Pleshette.
ReplyDelete20 minutes, will Jimmy make a final, tear-jerking post or just shut it down?
ReplyDeleteYou're nuts, 11:37.
ReplyDeleteSmile, though your heart is aching
ReplyDeleteSmile, even though it's breaking
When there are clouds in the sky
You'll get by...
If you smileWith your fear and sorrow
Smile and maybe tomorrow
You'll find that life is still worthwhile if you'll just...
Light up your face with gladness
Hide every trace of sadness
Although a tear may be ever so near
That's the time you must keep on trying
Smile, what's the use of crying
You'll find that life is still worthwhile
If you'll just...
Smile, though your heart is aching
Smile, even though it's breaking
When there are clouds in the sky
You'll get by...
If you smile
Through your fear and sorrow
Smile and maybe tomorrow
You'll find that life is still worthwhile
If you'll just Smile...
That's the time you must keep on trying
Smile, what's the use of crying
You'll find that life is still worthwhile
If you'll just Smile
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCpD72b-dfs
"And then he wakes up, and it is all a dream, and he's in bed with Suzanne Pleshette."
ReplyDeleteOK, that was funny.
You still suck, Jim.
Dumbir, get the hell out of here.
ReplyDeleteYES! I knew trollmaster flex would mention the shareholders meeting! He was probably stroking his tiny penis as he typed "Jim flipping out at Gannett meeting."
ReplyDeleteBuy a clue, hoser.
Yup, got an IP trace to Miami!
ReplyDeleteAnd another Wisconsinite sends the Brightest of all Blessings to you Jim, and to Sparky.
ReplyDeleteHey Amir, are you some crazy Muslim who is going to blow something up now?
ReplyDeleteCan't tell with those towel-heads
Good luck to all.
ReplyDeleteShut up, 11:37.
ReplyDeleteHEY TROLL! PLEASE MENTION THE SHAREHOLDERS MEETING AGAIN!
Thanks, Jim.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate the first rate work you did. It was interesting, informative and, many times, down right entertaining.
Good luck in the next chapter. I hope our paths will cross in the near future.
From Louisville, Three Cheers.
Haha, you said suck on Jim's blog
ReplyDelete11:34 - You sound like you could possibly be a reasonable person with some good ideas. It just would have been nice if you could have shared your thoughts on how to improve the product and the company without resorting to belittling people and being mean. That's not really constructive. (If you're also the one who's posting the awful homophobic comments, then I take back the "reasonable" part.)
ReplyDeleteThe whiners probably stroke their nads as they rant about corporate conspiracies.
ReplyDeleteThese are the people who thought every event was some sort of Watergate. They won't work again. The world will be a better place.
Get your nooses, pills, and weapons ready, sheep! Only 15 minutes!
15 minutes to go. Where is Jimmy?
ReplyDelete"11:34 - You sound like you could possibly be a reasonable person with some good ideas. It just would have been nice if you could have shared your thoughts on how to improve the product and the company without resorting to belittling people and being mean. That's not really constructive. (If you're also the one who's posting the awful homophobic comments, then I take back the "reasonable" part.)"
ReplyDeleteNow you just sound like you're phishing for information.
If you're legit, then post an e-mail address where you can be reached.
Jim with a noose, don't some queers like that kind of stuff?
ReplyDeleteJim is probably planning some sort of Jim Jones-type event.
ReplyDeleteJim if we ever meet in a bar the drinks are on me all night long. Damn good reporting and you can close up shop knowing you fought the good fight on behalf of those who couldn't and ticked off the trolls and their corporate overseers. Enjoy the time off and good luck in the next venture, you've earned both.
ReplyDelete"Jim with a noose, don't some queers like that kind of stuff?"
ReplyDeleteHe probably gives himself blue balls.
"Spanky, check out my blue vein!"
Jim and Sparkles drining Cyanide-laced semen?
ReplyDeleteThanks again Jim, best wishes
ReplyDeleteJim, if we ever meet in a bar, I'll be sure to buy you a clue. I might even give you one for free. I'd say the first shot's on me, but you'll run off and hire a brigade of bodyguards.
ReplyDeleteHaven't worked there in some time now and the first name I looked for on the list was Cherrill Crosby, too. Even harder seeing experienced, talented people get cut when she's still up there painting conference rooms and looking for a clue.
ReplyDeleteJim is really hoping Sparkles busts a nut before midnight so he can make a final post by then
ReplyDeleteP.S., I also hope you're not posting the "kill yourselves, sheep" posts.
ReplyDeleteI'm legit. Just a Gannett employee. Yeah, sure, I'm phishing a little. Can't hurt, right? I guess I'm just intrigued by the psychology involved in why you post mean stuff when you could actually be adding something useful to the conversation instead.
To all the trolls: You suck.
ReplyDeleteThe sheep have about 10 minutes to come in, take a crap, and then start crying.
ReplyDeleteThe trash talk is definitely out of Miami.
ReplyDelete"I guess I'm just intrigued by the psychology involved in why you post mean stuff when you could actually be adding something useful to the conversation instead."
ReplyDeleteIf you're really smart, you can answer that question on your own. But you're still phishing right now.
Hey 11:44, what are you going to do after the blog shuts down, go back to giving Craigy his back rub? He still won't cut you in for any of his $875,000 bonus. Loser!
ReplyDeleteFuture so bright, I gotta wear shades
ReplyDeleteI was one of the first to post here, and I will be one of the last. Great read. Great ride while it lasted.
ReplyDelete"The trash talk is definitely out of Miami."
ReplyDeleteYes, you got us. Come down to the beach, though. It's great.
Good luck in everything you'll be doing in the future. Hopefully, what will come of this is a closer watchdog eye on the media companies to make sure they aren't abusing the thing they need the most: their workers.
ReplyDeleteGannett folk, you are lucky to have something like this when the company I work for is allowed to do whatever they please with no consequences. Maybe one day that will change, but be thankful so many are interested in continuing what was started here.
Good luck to all those laidoff and their families. May they land on their feet.
ReplyDeleteGood luck to all those who remain committed to journalism and work for the interest of the public.
I just wanted the last post to be from someone who is appreciative of all you've done, Jim. Thanks for the heads up on numerous occasions and connecting us in tough times. Your efforts are amazing.
ReplyDeleteGood luck & good luck to all Gannett employees, present & past!
Hey!
ReplyDeleteGannett Sucks.
Jim, you rock!
Jim, you can still post those performance reviews in the last 10 minutes.
ReplyDeleteYou've got to give them credit; the Gantrolls are earning every cent of their pay tonight.
ReplyDeleteGreat Work Jim! Please publish this in a book - make a book signing tour.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure your supporters will outweigh any deadbeat adolescents that mock you.
I'd be honored to buy a copy!
Sleep well.
Yay, Gus!
ReplyDeleteMiami you say? Isn't that where board member Donna Shalala is based? Hrmmm....
ReplyDeleteI only took Psych 101, but here's my guess: Because you think you're smarter than everybody else?
ReplyDelete"Hopefully, what will come of this is a closer watchdog eye on the media companies to make sure they aren't abusing the thing they need the most: their workers."
ReplyDeleteNope. The workers are wussies. They won;t do it.
Also, Jim made things harder by going bats at the meeting. It'll be harder for anyone to approach the board.
I could take money for doing something that is this much fun.
ReplyDeleteHave another beer if you can still afford it
Thanks Jim.
ReplyDelete"Miami you say? Isn't that where board member Donna Shalala is based? Hrmmm...."
ReplyDeleteYes, you nailed it. Again. How shrewd you are!
We love you Michael!
ReplyDeleteooops sorry, wrong blog.
Last five minutes. No Jimmy yet. Hurry up Sparks
ReplyDeleteDo you know how I've pictured all the "trolls" who post on here, ever since I started reading the blog??
ReplyDeleteNeidemier from "Animal House"!! :)
Little jerks!! LOL
Makes me nervous that Amir that made Muslim is hanging around
ReplyDeleteWhat will you do with your time once this blog is shut down?
ReplyDelete"I could take money for doing something that is this much fun.
ReplyDeleteHave another beer if you can still afford it"
Yep, this is hardly work.
Might as well admit it in the last 5 minutes. Yes, Gannett paid people to trash the blog. And it was worth every penny.
Easiest. Work. Ever.
P.S.: If Jim extends the blog, you never read this.
Jim and to all those that read the blog...
ReplyDeleteFirst of all thank you for building a place of solidarity amongst Gannett employees. I did not even know the blog existed until someone from our Advertising department mentioned there was such a blog.
It is so sad to see people who are extremely hardworking be laid off. I had such a conversation with an employee today who was laid off yesterday. He was very sad for many reasons since his wife also lost her job just a few short months ago and he said to me what do I do now.
God Bless always!
who the frigg is gus and why are there so many yay gus posts? i guess i'll never find out.
ReplyDelete"What will you do with your time once this blog is shut down?"
ReplyDeleteHe'll pound rocks. He and Spanky are going to jump off Wuss Cliff.
10:32
ReplyDeleteYours was the most poignant entry I have read on this blog.
I hope you find what will make your life whole again.
from a friend -
How much did you get paid?
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful resource this has been...Gannett as a company has no credabiity, or viability much longer.
ReplyDeleteThanks for opening up so many people's eyes to this Jim.
Best wishes!!
Thank you, Jim. You did very important work that helped a lot of people.
ReplyDeletePeace, Jim.
ReplyDeleteYay, Gus!
ReplyDeleteCan I be the last one to post here?
ReplyDeleteTwo minute warning Sparkman
ReplyDeleteI love the final topic - no comments allowed.
ReplyDeleteVery fitting.
"What will you do with your time once this blog is shut down?"
ReplyDeleteI was asking Mr. Troll, not Jim.
Godspeed, GannettBlog. You were a good friend.
ReplyDelete-30-
"How much did you get paid?"
ReplyDeleteSorry, non-disclosure agreement. There was a premium for inventive posts, though. Jim helped us reach that many, many times.
On to Gannettoid. Keep it going folks, because we need to stay united as professional journalists.
ReplyDeleteTake care all.
- 30 -
ReplyDelete• For this blog
• For this soulless, spineless company
• For this industry
Good luck to all in your new endeavors.
Only seconds now. Is he cumming
ReplyDeleteits over
ReplyDeleteDon't let the sun catch you crying...
ReplyDeleteYa done good Jim.
We will miss you....how great it must feel to be rid of the trolls...those hideous trolls.
And finally, goodnight.
ReplyDeleteSERIOUSLY!
ReplyDeleteGreat Work Jim! Please publish this in a book - make a book signing tour.
I'm sure your supporters will outweigh any deadbeat adolescents that mock you.
I'd be honored to buy a copy!
Sleep well. Enjoy life.
Jim,
ReplyDeleteWe appreciate all your hard work. This has been a wonderful place to come to, to keep up a connection with former co-workers and to see that the company we once trusted and believed in is better left in the past. Good luck to you and everyone here in the future!
Yay, Gus!
ReplyDeleteYou suck, Jim.
ReplyDelete