The Newsache blog that's bird-dogged The Cincinnati Enquirer for some time says it has shut down -- something I hate to see, given the already scarce number of Gannett-related blogs. "I'm leaving the blogging business,'' Newsache's anonymous blogger says. "And let me be clear: No one is silencing me. I'm just tired of it. The Enquirer is hopeless."In comments on that post, top Enquirer editor Tom Callinan wrote: "This is likely an unexpected but sincere thank you from the target of many of your posts. Your blog, particularly in its early days, raised some very legitimate criticisms of our work. Sometimes it stung. Sometimes the comments descended into petty cheap shots at hard-working individuals. But in your best moments you nailed our misgivings and challenged us to be better. Reminded me of the glory days of traditional media watchdogs such as the St. Louis Journalism Review (I am dating myself, to be sure). Our industry needs watchdogs if we deem to be watchdogs ourselves. I will miss you, I think. Best wishes and please let us know with an occasional e-mail missive at least when we do well or fall short."
(Confidential to Corporate: Please re-read Callinan's note, paying attention to the part about the industry needing watchdogs. Then please revisit that Columbia Journalism Review story.)
Update on my pay survey
Meanwhile, I'm not finding tremendous support for my idea to set a voluntary subscription fee here on Gannett Blog as I begin searching for ways to generate income. In a survey that began Wednesday, I asked readers how much they would pay me quarterly to edit this blog. (If you haven't already, please take the survey; it runs another four days in the poll box near the top of the green sidebar, right.)
The breakdown of 217 reader responses so far to the question, I'd pay Jim this much per quarter:
- $0: 42%
- $1: 11%
- $5: 29%
- $10: 15%
[Image: today's front page, Newseum]
Callinan has always been an upfront guy. Good for him.
ReplyDeleteCallinan must be tap dancing or at the least pouring his best scotch.
ReplyDeleteboth hollis decamping and newsache blog killed in the same month.
if his good luck holds margaret will get transferred any minute.
You really need to place google ads on here. It will generate money and justify the time you spend. Personally, I don't think placing ads on this site is a bad idea. A lot of people have started to make it a regular stop to find out what is going on with our beloved, "cutting-edge" 21st Century media company. You are providing a service and deserve to be compensated somehow. It would be tragic if this blog went away or was diminished because you needed to focus your energies on a full-time job.
ReplyDelete