Wednesday, July 01, 2009

Part 1 | Wednesday's Layoff News & Comments

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194 comments:

  1. Anonymous6/30/2009 10:59 PM

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  2. Anonymous6/30/2009 11:02 PM

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  3. Anonymous6/30/2009 11:25 PM

    The eagle has landed. What kind of BS emails are we to expect tomorrow Tara? Craig's health? You're PMS?

    Can you Please be honest for the first time in your lives?

    Fastforward – Dickey says bad economy, low profits – layoffs.

    Hey, guess what Gannett. Crowdsourcing works here too.

    You will NEVER again be ahead of the the news sourcing.

    Sorry Mr. Maness and friends.

    And by the way, nondaily pubs aren't pulling revenue, so we they will be all Web based.

    And you thought we were idiots, didn't you Craig. We have a leg up everyday. Pay attention and take your percocets.

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  4. Anonymous6/30/2009 11:25 PM

    Even though several things I recently posted were cut I'm going to try again to share my thoughts.

    None of these posts contained profanity, slurs on coworkers, etc. All did call Jim's actions into question.

    What has been troubling me is that I have realized that Jim wants the layoffs, and wants them to be big. He needs them, as it proves him right and so feeds his ego.

    He will be disappointed if the 4500 number is exaggerated, and also if the layoffs happen before or after July 8th. If this comes to pass, I would not be surprised if he claims that the date was changed to foil him.

    He is feeding off our collective pain, and he needs it to survive.

    I am not a corporate troll. I am a human being, a Gannett employee whose job may be eliminated tomorrow, just like you.

    And I don't like being used.

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  5. Anonymous6/30/2009 11:34 PM

    OK, so was the Reuters story fake?

    More confused than ever.

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  6. Anonymous6/30/2009 11:35 PM

    JUNE 30, 2009
    a quote from the indy guild web site:


    Guild rejects Gannett contract proposal
    The membership of the Indianapolis Newspaper Guild voted 97-9 today to reject a two-year contract proposal originally put forth by the company April 15. Because this was not a last, final offer the union bargaining team looks forward to resuming negotiations with representatives of Gannett and reaching a deal that is acceptable to both the company and to the journalists and building services workers committed to making the Indianapolis Star the best it can be.

    considering that the company proposal would have wiped out at least a decade of wage gains for most people, i'm not surprised the contract "offer" was rejected . . . thank former members for the evergreen clause that keeps the present contract in effect until a new one is ratified.

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  7. Anonymous6/30/2009 11:36 PM

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  8. Jim6/30/2009 11:40 PM

    All: Someone posted a year-old Reuters story, apparently to upset you. I have removed it. Sorry for the confusion. This is an example of the lengths to which the jerks will go to seek revenge.

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  9. Jim6/30/2009 11:56 PM

    First, 11:25 pm, while you may not be a troll, I've been seeing a lot of comments that end exactly that way. Me wonders: Has Corporate sent out a tipsheet on how to write a comment -- without sounding troll-like?

    Second, your comment is illogical. If what you said is true, why am I shutting down this blog next week -- on July 10?

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  10. Anonymous7/01/2009 12:06 AM

    Jim,

    I'm tired and have to go to bed, but please ignore them and do not take them to heart. They are trying hard to upset you. Don't let them succeed.
    They know you have won, yet will continue to try to hurt you. They know where to throw the punches, don't let them succeed. You must continue to have a thick skin and not let them get to you. Do not respond, that's what they want. That way they can try to destroy this blog and distract you to what is at hand. Keep up the great work and ignore them. We need you more than ever, they can't touch you now. You made FOX news — put that on your resume. I'm listening to it now as I type this. You deserve a great massage by sparky and a great dinner and drinks. Screw corporate. You are safe where you are. They can't touch you now. Say what ever you want. We support you 100%! No worries, mate.

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  11. Anonymous7/01/2009 12:10 AM

    Tired. Waiting for the e-mail from Dickey tomorrow. It will say economy, down turn in revenue,blah, blah, blah. Layoffs, etc.

    Thanks Jim for the insight.

    Have a drink on me kid.

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  12. Anonymous7/01/2009 12:11 AM

    Dearest 11:25:

    So, if the head count in 4,452 did Jim exaggerate? I'm sure you'd say so!

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  13. Jim7/01/2009 12:13 AM

    Well, the sun is rising where I live. Birds are making a racket. And I can hear the final, raucous sounds of a rave winding down at a distant nightclub. Bedtime for yours truly.

    I'll catch up on your to-be published comments later!

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  14. Anonymous7/01/2009 12:40 AM

    For a media company, I'm stunned by how bad Gannett is at communication.

    First, there's the widely circulated story about Gannett's debt problem, which begged for some sort of response from Gracia saying it was false (from her silence, maybe it isn't). Then reputable media sources report and repeat news of a big layoff, while absolute silence comes from corporate. Oh, wait, not total silence -- on a day when rank-and-file employees were worrying about their livelihoods, we learned via e-mail that our CEO was resting comfortably. What a relief.

    But the problem isn't just the fact that she's totally tone deaf. More galling is that she seems to think we're worried that Dubow's leadership and vision are critical enough to warrant an update on his status. When's the last time you heard our chief executive clearly articulate a plan for where we're heading next?

    We need to start hearing some long-term vision, right now. Certainly from Mr. Dubow, but also from other members of top management. For example, as far as I can tell, our digital strategy consists of 1) running ads for colon cleansing and other embarrassing products for, I'm assuming, very little money; 2) A bunch of moms sites that simply aren't taking off despite two years of puffery; and 3) metromix sites that consist almost entirely of pictures of boobs.

    I get it that dollars are tight, but other major media companies are busy plotting strategy while we spin our wheels. And if that's incorrect, then let's hear it. Nothing can make the upcoming layoffs a pleasant occasion, but as someone who has at least a decade or two left before retirement, the cutbacks would be easier to accept if they were coupled with at least some indication of what success looks like beyond the next few quarters.

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  15. Anonymous7/01/2009 12:41 AM

    Yes, Jim. Corporate "sent out a tipsheet on how to comment."

    It's absurd remarks like the above that so undercut the work you're trying to do here.

    To be so detached from reality only feeds the paranoia this Blog has spread.

    The layoffs are very real. But the melodrama you wrap them in is not, and only adds to the pain we all share.

    If indeed the layoffs are 1,000 instead of the four-fold more 4,500, then that's really missing the story bugtime. Sorry, it's a heads-up I suppose, but scare mongering nonetheless.

    One last thing. USA TODAY has lost hundreds of people over the last few years. Hundreds. The only thing bloated about it is the kicking boy it has become.

    I am a Gannett employee, fearful like everyone else is, and corporate did not write nor approve this message. I did.

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  16. Anonymous7/01/2009 12:53 AM

    Thanks Jim, for all you've done. Before The Blog, I never read blogs. Now I know what a quality blog is and all the hard work it takes. Thank you. Hope you had a good night's rest. I'm off to bed too, here in NJ. Tomorrow I will dress nice and bring in my cardboard box, packing tape and pride. I know I did a good job all these years and if I survive I won't take it lightly, but just be grateful to my talents and low wages that I still have a job! See you on the blog tomorrow night, after I return or... maybe sooner. :(

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  17. Anonymous7/01/2009 12:54 AM

    Jim,

    Not illogical at all, as July 10th gives us two days to report the bleeding. Any date prior to July 8th proves you wrong, any date post-July 8th not only proves you wrong but also leaves you out in the cold.

    The idea of my being a corporate troll is laughable, but I realize denigrating me allows you to maintain your front.

    Yours is not the only truth, but I think you might be incapable of believing that.

    So go ahead - delete me! I'm used to it!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Anonymous7/01/2009 1:20 AM

    Tuesday’s 10:41 p.m. poster, who says this crap every week:

    “With any justice, those small Ohio papers that are mostly overstaffed based on their falling circulation, will see a lot of firings.”

    That would be the Newspaper Network of Central Ohio.

    According to these 10 newspaper’s online staff directories, total NNCO reporters (excluding sports and weeklies) = 30.

    Some work part-time.

    This is “overstaffed?”

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  19. Anonymous7/01/2009 1:24 AM

    I'd let all the Troll comments get posted, what could they possibly say now that doesn't expose their agenda. "gee, I'm glad Craig's getting better?"... "c'mon, a 30% loss in revenue and thousands of lost jobs isn't the end of the world?"... These people strengthen the value of this blog as most of the information has been correct and weeks before officially announced.

    Problem with the upcoming layoffs if they effect middle management will be why didn't the Gannett corporate brains make that move first leaving more people on the street driving sales, circulation... This will prove ongoing mismanagement of the company and situation at hand by corporate. I can see the July 16th email now after thousands of jobs are eliminated and the Q2 report shows a bleak picture- "Dear fellow Gannett employees, I'm so very pleased to tell you that My. Dubow can now sit up and wave".

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  20. Anonymous7/01/2009 3:01 AM

    http://www.editorandpublisher.com/eandp/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003989257

    Gannett confirmed layoffs to the Editor and publisher!

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  21. Anonymous7/01/2009 3:20 AM

    11:25 -- I've met Jim and don't believe he wants the layoffs. That said, he surely sees a traffic spike when big news breaks.

    If this bothers you, leave the newspaper game by choice immediately. News organizations, whether print, Web or broadcast, always have the most fervent audience when bad news is breaking.

    That doesn't mean journalists are rooting for death and destruction, but there's no denying that it's capable of providing a bump in business, either through single copy sales, Web hits or increased viewers.

    We could just as easily argue that you are feeding off the collective pain of the tragic stories printed in the paper each day. I don't believe that to be true, but the reasoning follows.

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  22. Anonymous7/01/2009 3:45 AM

    12:54 -- Layoffs occurring on a date other than July 8 would not prove Jim wrong. It would prove that the date given him by an anonymous source was either incorrect or changed after the tip was delivered.

    And, if you work for Gannett, you know the corporate assholes change their minds more often than their underwear. I've seen special newspaper sections completely mapped out, designed and even advertised to the public only to be killed or delayed at the last moment. It would certainly be no surprise if they decided to move a layoff date by a week or two.

    What's more, Jim reported the following.

    * A trusted, anonymous source reported that there would be mass layoffs by July 8 and that those layoffs could represent a figure as high as 10%. Jim has repeatedly stated that he suspects the layoff figure will be based on a monetary number, not bodies, meaning it would be possible to can1,800 people and arrive at a 10% decrease in personnel costs. Jim has also noted that the layoffs might not occur on the same date everywhere, meaning layoffs before and after would be consistent with what he has "suspected."

    In other words, the real news was that there will be mass layoffs in July, and that is obviously true. Any attempt to discredit Jim is foolish because he made it painfully clear that he was dealing with an anonymous source who was well informed, but could be wrong.

    This splitting hairs with Jim's detractors is tiresome. If you're one of the folks who is let go in the near future will you really care if the layoff occurred on July 1 or July 8?

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  23. Anonymous7/01/2009 3:49 AM

    I was let go. It is tough, it is very scary, but in the end it is worth it.

    I know it is hard to believe but I consider it the best day of my life. I was working 80+ hours per week and my staff of originally 19 people was cut to 9 with the workload not reduced at all. I was totally exhausted. I had more than 2000 emails to plow through after my furlough. That took 5 days alone of 16+ hour days to catch up. My voice mail was full from angry customers who were not satisfied with the stupid COE.

    So if you get layed off in July... Take two weeks off to get outside and enjoy the sunshine. You have earned a vacation - give yourself one.

    Make a list of everything you always wanted to do around your house but never had the time. I always wanted to clean out my basement - done!!! Go out to lunch with some of your very best friends. Spend some quality time with your children, spouse, parents and close friends. Make some cut backs in your expenses... first thing to cut - your gd newspaper subscription!!! Contact unemployment immediately - it took them 5 weeks to approve my claim - they are overwhelmed. Contact your friends in other businesses - they know about job openings before they are advertised and they will help you if they can.

    When your two week vacation is up, work on your resume and start looking for jobs.

    Face it - the economy sucks. 9% of us are out of work - geez in Detroit isnt it like 30%?

    But I guarantee you, know matter what, you will realize that YOU were the lucky one - the people that are left are the ones to feel sorry for.

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  24. Anonymous7/01/2009 3:52 AM

    Dear 12:40 -- I haven't had a lot of time to focus on long term strategy because I've been laid up with this dang back problem.

    I can say, however, that my basic goal is to get back on my feet, squeeze another year of big paychecks out of the company, land another bonus and then leave.

    I'm saddened that I'll likely have to cut my tenure short, as I suspected I'd be able to milk this dying cow for at least five more years. Obviously, that's not possible, but if I sell my yacht things should be just fine.

    Best,
    Craig

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  25. Jim7/01/2009 4:52 AM

    Thank you, SO MUCH, 3:45 a.m. I was beginning to get very discouraged.

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  26. Anonymous7/01/2009 6:21 AM

    11:25 and 12:54: Shut up and find something else to do. Did it ever occur to you that maybe no one was wrong, that perhaps corporate knew the jig was up and decided to get it over with already? OR maybe they intentionally re-scheduled the doom to coincide with this blog so we would all have more time to report in before the cutoff date of July 10th. July 1st, July 8th - WHAT THE F IS THE DIFFERENCE?

    Oh Sparky: Pleeeeze, just one more week perhaps?

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  27. Anonymous7/01/2009 6:36 AM

    @ Jim from 3:45... I admire your work very much. I really wish you were not shutting down, because I know where I worked is going to be hacked to death. Take care. Sorry you are shutting down... I learned more about the real truth here than I did from any corporate memo or staged webinar.
    I wish you all the best in whatever you are off to do. Thanks for doing this in the first place. I regret I never sent you $5! You still want it? cheers

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  28. Jim7/01/2009 7:19 AM

    I'm told The 11th Floor is blaming the lenders for this attempted crash landing of the flying gas can, two weeks from today. But who sold 'em the paper in the first place?

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  29. Anonymous7/01/2009 7:53 AM

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  30. Anonymous7/01/2009 7:56 AM

    12:41 -

    Thanks for saying it better than me.

    Funny that a USAT worker and one from the lowly Ohio papers share the same thoughts!

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  31. Anonymous7/01/2009 8:05 AM

    Fort Collins here:
    We were told yesterday (Tuesday) that there will be a mandatory meeting today. So maybe we will find out our fate today. I've been at this paper for more than 15 yrs., and am truly scared. We all just want them to get this over with, stop screwing with our lives.

    And on another note:
    Who the #$%&### cares how Craig Dubow. You greed bastard.

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  32. Anonymous7/01/2009 8:13 AM

    What do the lenders have to do with it. GCI committed the company to repay the notes it took out, and so now the nasty bondholders are demanding GCI comply with the legal requirements it signed. Is it the fault of the lenders that GCI tried to buy back the debt with more long-term debt at terms that were not as attractive as keeping the current paper. No, I think Gracia really screwed up here, and now has put the entire company in peril. Mind you, this was a company that once prided itself on its financial acumen and boasted of the support and endorsement it got from Wall Street.

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  33. Anonymous7/01/2009 8:17 AM

    I have confirmed with other news contacts they are now investigating inquiries into Dubow's health conditions for the past two years and his reliance on pain killers impacting his performance.

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  34. Jim7/01/2009 8:21 AM

    8:17 am: That is correct, although I do not know about the two-year timeframe. I've referred news organizations to Corporate. Everything I know is third-hand.

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  35. Anonymous7/01/2009 8:25 AM

    Two grafs in the Washington Post today: (They don't do a very good job covering one of their major local employers, IMHO.)

    McLean-based Gannett Co., publisher of USA Today, will cut at least several hundred jobs from its community newspaper division, according to a source with knowledge of the situation who spoke on condition of anonymity because the cuts are not yet public.

    The reductions will come from the company's approximately 80 smaller papers, not from USA Today. The company has not settled on a number of jobs to be cut but it will be at least several hundred and possibly more than 1,000. Gannett is the nation's largest newspaper chain. Its first-quarter net income was down 60 percent compared with last year.

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  36. Anonymous7/01/2009 8:28 AM

    8:17 What a company. Now the long knives are out blaming all this on Dubow. Let's see: We need someone to blame for all this financial problem. Hey, I got it, let's put it all on the sick guy. We wouldn't have these problems if he had been on the ball. Yes, drugs, too.......
    What a bunch of losers.

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  37. Jim7/01/2009 8:29 AM

    I had emergency back surgery in February 2000, and would not be walking today if Sparky had not intervened. A surgeon examined me in the afternoon, then proposed to operate that evening. The procedure was delayed, pending a CAT scan for verification. Three days later, I was being cut open. The following morning, a Friday, I was pain free. By the next Monday, I was back at work. It was a miracle.

    I was on heavy pain meds for only three weeks. I stopped taking them immediately. And I suffered withdrawals like I never imagined. It was horrible. And that was after just three weeks of mild stuff.

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  38. Anonymous7/01/2009 8:32 AM

    Jim, you have the wrong URL to the WSJ link "The Wall Street Journal's updated story". The one on there now takes you to a 2008 story. Here's the correct link:

    http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124640099819376069.html

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  39. Anonymous7/01/2009 8:32 AM

    From today's Washington Post:

    Local Digest

    Wednesday, July 1, 2009

    MEDIA

    Gannett Set to Cut Hundreds of Jobs

    McLean-based Gannett Co., publisher of USA Today, will cut at least several hundred jobs from its community newspaper division, according to a source with knowledge of the situation who spoke on condition of anonymity because the cuts are not yet public.

    The reductions will come from the company's approximately 80 smaller papers, not from USA Today. The company has not settled on a number of jobs to be cut but it will be at least several hundred and possibly more than 1,000. Gannett is the nation's largest newspaper chain. Its first-quarter net income was down 60 percent compared with last year.

    -- Frank Ahrens

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  40. Jim7/01/2009 8:32 AM

    A big caution: News media ask questions all the time, and they are that: Just questions.

    That said:

    1. We are in the summer news slowdown.
    2. Gannett is inching closer toward an epic liquidity crisis. (See, the Deal magazine article.
    3. There's the Michael Jackson angle.
    4. And, now: layoffs.

    I can imagine there is intense competition for anything Jackson-related.

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  41. Jim7/01/2009 8:35 AM

    And I forgot this: I was told that Dubow had a health crisis a year ago or so ago, but the information didn't make sense at the time -- given the details, so I didn't write anything. I did not even contact Corporate, although the tip seemed grave.

    I withhold a lot more stuff than you guys give me credit for. I'm not heartless.

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  42. Anonymous7/01/2009 8:39 AM

    Why is it that I somehow sense that Dubow is heading for disability retirement? So who is the next in line? Tara?

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  43. Jim7/01/2009 8:44 AM

    8:28 am: He has been CEO since July 2005, and chairman of the board since June 2006. Many things happened on his watch that are now coming home to roost.

    There are legitimate issues to explore about corporate governance; actions/influence by individuals acting outside the scope of their authority; the board of directors' oversight; decisions made about the purchase of billions of dollars in Gannett stock at prices as high as $60 a share. Need I go on?

    ReplyDelete
  44. Anonymous7/01/2009 8:46 AM

    Reading the WSJ story closely, I am drawn to this sentence: "Layoff notices will be completed by the end of the month" So is the July 8 date now off? Is it now July 31? Do we have a whole month of misery yet to go?

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  45. Jim7/01/2009 8:46 AM

    A question for Corporate: Where is Chairman and CEO Craig Dubow at this very moment?

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  46. Jim7/01/2009 8:49 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  47. Anonymous7/01/2009 8:51 AM

    xxx decisions made about the purchase of billions of dollars in Gannett stock at prices as high as $60 a share xxx
    Absolutely. If corporate had applied that money to paying off the debt instead of buying back the stock, we would not be in this trouble. So why did they do that? Because it artificially propped up the price of the stock so the stock options held by executives would execute, and they could personally pocket oodles of money. ....Chickens coming home to roost, etc., etc.,...

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  48. Jim7/01/2009 8:57 AM

    I can share this much of what I have been told, but have not previously reported; the time frame is the fall of 2007: "Dubow was talking about how he wasn’t feeling well, was seeing numerous doctors and having tests, and no one could find out anything wrong with him."

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  49. Anonymous7/01/2009 9:10 AM

    I'm sorry, I must have missed something - what is "the Michael Jackson angle"?

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  50. Anonymous7/01/2009 9:12 AM

    12:40 AM -- Thanks, now I have to clean up my keyboard from the coffee that shot out of my nose on reading #3!

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  51. Anonymous7/01/2009 9:17 AM

    I find it pretty insulting that Gannett has spoken to the NYT, WaPost, WSJ .... but not a word to its employees.

    By the way, how is Craig doing? It's been days since we got word and I'm getting so worried! I made some chicken soup...

    ReplyDelete
  52. Anonymous7/01/2009 9:19 AM

    Just for the record:

    Sometime this week Hopkins said he had "now confirmed" that the cuts would be as much as 15%, maybe even 20%.

    Instead, the cuts seem to be 4.5% or even less.

    That still sucks, but my mental state would have been a lot easier if I knew "only" 600-1,000 of 40,000 Gannettoids would be losing their jobs.

    Nothing wrong with having a Gannett Blog. In fact, I'll miss it. But it's been so poorly reported, using the fear us close enough philosophy, and unjournalistic that we all will be better off without its hysterical tone.

    What a waste.

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  53. Anonymous7/01/2009 9:24 AM

    Do you think it's possible that Gannett leaked a larger layoff number making 1/3 or 1/2 of it seem much better and making Jim seem inaccurate?

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  54. Jim7/01/2009 9:27 AM

    9:24 am: I doubt that very, very much. (And I'm the one accused of being paranoid, too, so if I don't buy that, I doubt anyone else would have at Corporate.)

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  55. Anonymous7/01/2009 9:35 AM

    jim, whether or not you post this, please pass along my thanks to sparky for his patience and support. i'm sure it's not much fun to live with someone whose blog makes such big demands on time and emotions. best of luck to you both, individually and as a couple.

    the blog has given us a place to find out things corporate wanted to hide from us, to commiserate with and advise each other and to just plain vent.

    i was among those laid off last december who decided on early retirement. here's my 2 cents' worth:

    in this economy, someone in the early-to-mid 60s isn't going to get hired anyway, so why stress? i decided to collect what i'm entitled to (severance and pension), lean back and enjoy life for awhile. (i know not everyone is so lucky, and i feel great sympathy for you.)

    when the economy improves, i may look for a part-time job somewhere like a bookstore. but i long ago ceased to define myself or my worth by my job. (thanks, gannett, for making that so much easier. who'd WANT to be defined by gannettnik status?)

    to those who'll be in similar circumstances soon, try to find a way to stay out of the rat race. if cobra will bridge the gap between now and medicare eligibility, go for it and try to find part-time or temp work to supplement savings. if insurance is taken care of, you can get by on less. if you're entitled to any government benefits, take 'em -- you've paid taxes all these years. now it's your turn to get help. there's no shame in that.

    if you rent, consider somewhere less expensive. now that you're not commuting, you don't have to live as close to the office.

    use your online research skills to find ways to economize -- low-cost recipes, how-tos, etc. if you knit, crochet or do woodworking, start making birthday and holiday gifts now while decreasing your stress.

    if neighbors also are laid off, suggest car-pooling to the grocery store or library. too much time on your hands? volunteer at a food bank or charity thrift shop. if you like to garden, get ready to put in fall crops from seed . . . and plant some extra for your local women's shelter.

    and if you've coped with hard times before, be thankful -- you know you can handle this. imagine being an exec used to living off the fat of the land and then being dumped and having to give up the company car, subsidized country club membership, etc. your adjustment will be much easier, because you don't have nearly so far to fall and your ego isn't tied up in armani suits and business lunches.

    best wishes to all -- see you on gannettoid.com!

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  56. Anonymous7/01/2009 9:35 AM

    9:19 Oh, go away. You would bellyache about inaccuracies if the cuts came in at 12 percent. You need to understand the new media of blogs involved here, and also need to recall that corporate is notoriously economical with the truth. From reading all the stories in the papers today, I still do not know the exact number of layoffs. Maybe the blog estimate is going to be true eventually. Who knows? The fact is this blog got the information first, and it got it out there to people who need to know.

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  57. Jim7/01/2009 9:40 AM

    9:35 is correct. Except: You will never know the exact number unless you crowdsource the information yourself. Corporate doesn't want the numbers out.

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  58. Anonymous7/01/2009 9:43 AM

    Not sure whether this counts toward this round. The Indianapolis Star laid off two newsroom employees and two advertising employees who had produced magazines. That was a week and a half ago.(I believe one of the advertising folks had just put in two weeks notice, in a timely decision.) We no longer produce those magazines.

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  59. Anonymous7/01/2009 9:49 AM

    hmm...

    Craig's back problems aren't newsworthy.

    Jim's are?

    ReplyDelete
  60. Anonymous7/01/2009 9:53 AM

    As someone who voluntarily left Gannett in 2007 and is better off on the outside, here is what the future forebodes: There will continue to be additional layoffs every 2nd quarter until the inevitable bankruptcy filing. At that point all union contracts will be voided and new contracts negotiated with substantial wage and benefit reductions. There may even be a spin-off of broadcast and/or USAT leaving the community newspapers to fend for themselves or to be purchased (if anyone is stupid enough to buy them.) Basically what it boils down to is this, this is not a company that will transform into the new digital world, it is a dying company plain and simple, and anyone still working there needs to begin yesterday planning their exit strategy. If you haven't learned anything from Jim's years of doing this blog, this is the one lesson which should be your takeaway. Great job Jim and Godspeed

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  61. Anonymous7/01/2009 9:55 AM

    8:05 a.m. is a liar and a prime example of the problem with relying on crowdsourcing. There is no mandatory meeting in Fort Collins today, nothing has been called or scheduled. Just another punk who takes some glee in causing turmoil for coworkers.

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  62. Anonymous7/01/2009 9:57 AM

    9:19 You are out of your gourd. Take a look at the range of layoff estimates given by the mainstream papers today:
    WPO: "least several hundred and possibly more than 1,000."
    NYT: "Significantly smaller" than 4,500 mentioned on this blog.
    WSJ: "between 1,000 and 2,000 jobs."
    So we have an official range of from several hundred to 2,000. How can you now maintain that the reporting standards of this blog failed to meet standards of journalism?

    ReplyDelete
  63. Anonymous7/01/2009 9:59 AM

    11:25, does it really matter if it's 4500 or 1000 or 12? The fact that Gannett is laying people off is simply wrong, given that the talking heads running Gannett into the ground are pulling down seven-figure salaries and bonuses.

    If you think Jim is using you, what do you think Craig and Gracia and the rest of them have been doing all this time?

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  64. Anonymous7/01/2009 10:00 AM

    9:35 is right. I scrapped ambitious plans for a beach vacation this summer because of the reports of new layoffs I read on this blog. Now I am glad I did. The news is that layoffs were in the works, and this blog got that first and correctly as it turns out now.

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  65. Anonymous7/01/2009 10:08 AM

    Jim, As the end nears for this blog, can you please "suggest" to the Gannettoid blog people that they need to do something about their format? It's horrible. Nothing like the Ganett Blog from the standpoint of clarity and ease of reading and seeing the comments. Thanks for everything you've done for us.

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  66. Jim7/01/2009 10:13 AM

    It took me two years to develop the format I use for Gannett Blog; and I worked more than full-time during the second one.

    Gannettoid is working very, very, very part-time at this, and has done so only since December. He is aware of your concerns, and expects to add a new feature soon.

    But please cut him some slack. Unless I'm mistaken, he is the ONLY PERSON who has stepped forward from among a community of more than 50,000 current and former Gannett employees. And he's doing it for free.

    If you want to run him off before July 10, you're off to a good start. And then you can rely on USA Today and Tara Connell for all your Gannett news.

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  67. Anonymous7/01/2009 10:14 AM

    to EVERYONE: call off 7/8/09...gotta nice ring to it eh?

    ReplyDelete
  68. Jim7/01/2009 10:16 AM

    Someone logged pageview number four million just a few moments ago. Thanks!

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  69. Jim7/01/2009 10:25 AM

    Please stop on the Dubow comments. I'm rejecting them all.

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  70. Anonymous7/01/2009 10:31 AM

    Any truth to the rumor that Gannett is going to shut down it's weekly non-news products?

    ReplyDelete
  71. Anonymous7/01/2009 10:33 AM

    Jim,
    It is very honorable of you to reject the Dubow comments, but this prick made his bed. Now let him lie in it.

    Your on an island in the Meditarranen, ignore the pompous email threats from Dubow's lawyers.

    It's almost the Fourth, let the fireworks fly.

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  72. Jim7/01/2009 10:35 AM

    I'm OK with substantive comments about Dubow and his health; after all, the company made a big deal about his coming home from the hospital.

    But, for example, I still want to know where he is TODAY.

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  73. Anonymous7/01/2009 10:40 AM

    To 10:31:

    The Springfield News-Leader has kllled its Signature magazine, which as distributed free to homes in the more upscale areas (I never got it, but my in-laws did; they live in a much nicer neighborhod).

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  74. Jim7/01/2009 10:42 AM

    Note: A reader left a comment late last night concerning Dubow. I rejected it because it was too speculative, although it sounded informed.

    If that reader can provide an updated version, with more details and some kind of source, I will consider posting it.

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  75. Anonymous7/01/2009 10:44 AM

    One thought on corporate blaming the lenders: It's not just the lenders that are causing Gracia a headache these days, but there is that lingering matter of the underfunded pension plan. Corporate is going to need to come up soon with $200 million or so to plus-up the pension plan, under federal rules. Yet further evidence of the recklessness of that corporate decision to buy back the stocks. My opinion is the wheels are coming off in the finance office of this corporation, and Gracia is panicking.

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  76. Anonymous7/01/2009 10:48 AM

    Even folks who are several rungs away from the top of ladder know that sometimes "talking points" do circulate among management re: controversial or delicate issues. My sense is that the more controversial the topic, the more likely the instructions are to refer any inquiries through official PR or spokesperson channels.

    Say what you will about the collective intelligence of executive management anywhere, I would be hugely surprised if ANY top GCI executives left comments on this blog. Especially in defense of top management. I'm sure they read it -- diligently. But comment anonymously? Nah.

    Any comments in support of the company's official position, or those that question the information as presented by this blog illustrate one of the great -- and awful -- things about blogging. Everybody's allowed to have an opinion. (But we're probably not reading any GCI fat cat opinions here.)

    p.s. I love the blog - will miss you!

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  77. Anonymous7/01/2009 10:49 AM

    1:20 am - What the earlier poster said was newsroom, not just "reporters."

    If there ARE just 30 reporters in that whole group, then something is very wrong, because it looks like some of these papers have 14-20 people in their newsroom each.

    Why are they? Assistant editors, copy editors, presentation editors, section editors - in other words.... a newsroom full of mid-level staffers, NOT the needed reporters?

    Why? Because they seem to be following the old Gannett formula of making life easier for those at the top - the more "copy editors" and "presentation editors" there are at these smaller papers, the less work for the EEs and Mes. They won't have to get their hands dirty by actually working.

    So yes, there may be just "30" reporters at this group - and my the way, this trend is similar in Indiana and Michigan and Wisconsin ... lots of assistant chiefs in the newsroom, few reporters - but the total staffing in these newsrooms is well over what it should be.

    But that is the fault of the newspapers' publishers letting the EE or ME get away with a letting there be two "mid-level chiefs" for each worker bee!!!!

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  78. Anonymous7/01/2009 11:16 AM

    10:49- Since when is a copy editor a mid-level staffer? Sitting in our newsroom (daily) I can tell you right now we have 13 people in here total, and that counts our 3 "mid-level staffers"

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  79. Anonymous7/01/2009 11:59 AM

    10:44 GCI's pension is underfunded from between $575 mllion and $590 million. This according to Gracia, in an conference call with analysts earlier this year. In addition, corporate has Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan for executives which is unfunded, and the money taken straight out of general revenues. GCI will have to start plus up the pension plan next year under federal rules, but they are allowed several years to do this. Gracia will need to find about $100 million a year to do this, at the same time trying to pay off the expiring long-term debt. Big headache.

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  80. Anonymous7/01/2009 12:01 PM

    Didn't Gannett just make a big deal to editors and publishers about Louisville publisher Arnold Garson's May 7 speech to the Downtown Rotary Club? Some highlights, if you missed it:

    -- "The Courier-Journal remains a profitable business." (No need to layoff anyone, right?)

    -- "But so far as The Courier-Journal and most other newspapers are concerned, a key fact is that our local market share has not declined. Contrary to popular belief, we haven't lost local business to the Internet or any other advertising medium. Rather, we've lost business because the entire business environment is under pressure. We've actually held market share overall through this most difficult time."

    Here is the link to the entire speech:
    http://tinyurl.com/nrpy5b

    My understanding is that GCI sent out a dictum to publishers and editors instructing them to deliver similar speeches in their markets.

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  81. Anonymous7/01/2009 12:01 PM

    Hope that we can survive this thing. as a circulation person eliminating customer service is not the answer.

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  82. Anonymous7/01/2009 12:27 PM

    Copy editors are not mid-level staffers. They're non-exempt, hourly personnel, generally on the same level, personnel chart-wise, as reporters.

    As for Garson's comments, well, just take a look at the paper -- shrinking, shrinking day by day, with a decimated, dispirited staff doing their best but apprehensive about what's coming next.

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  83. Anonymous7/01/2009 12:30 PM

    12:01 Does this mean the Courier Journal circ, readership and advertising was on an upswing prior to the current financial situation?

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  84. Anonymous7/01/2009 12:32 PM

    16 in our entire newsroom, including editors, photogs and sports.

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  85. Anonymous7/01/2009 12:36 PM

    Since we could all use a little laugh about now...

    A newsboy was standing on the corner with a stack of papers, yelling, "Read all about it. Fifty people swindled! Fifty people swindled!"

    Curious, a man walked over, bought a paper, and checked the front page. Finding nothing, the man said, "There's nothing in here about fifty people being swindled."

    The newsboy ignored him and went on, calling out, "Read all about it. Fifty-one people swindled!"

    I hope at least you smile :)

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  86. Anonymous7/01/2009 12:45 PM

    The Tallahassee paper didn't have any classified line ads on Monday, or yesterday. I heard they're only printing them on the other five days of the week.

    If they don't even want to print something that creates revenue, how messed up is this company?

    Have other GCI papers given up classifieds on certain days of the week?

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  87. Anonymous7/01/2009 1:08 PM

    Gannett is consolidating the copy desk (including design and pagination) operations for all its papers in Louisiana at Monroe.

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  88. Anonymous7/01/2009 1:51 PM

    We were told our copy desks will be consolidated also. The time-frame we got was "by the end of the year," but that was a few months ago. Could that be where the layoffs are coming from?

    Also, we have limited our classifieds to three days a week. The reasoning was that the newsprint is actually more expensive than the ad. People pay one price for an entire week, now they pay the same for for three days.

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  89. Anonymous7/01/2009 1:52 PM

    hey, just a request, but when you say "our" or "here" - as in "our newsroom" or "we lost 14 here" - can you say WHERE you are? I'm trying to keep up with colleagues and am wondering where our/here is ...

    Thanks!

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  90. Anonymous7/01/2009 2:00 PM

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  91. chris erwin7/01/2009 2:01 PM

    Not ashamed to say that I couldn't be happier about the layoffs. Couldn't happen to a scummier company. I know it will affect people but hopefully the majority of the people are the boot lickers, enablers and bullies that helped fast track the decline of newspapers.

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  92. Anonymous7/01/2009 2:01 PM

    1:58 p.m.

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  93. Anonymous7/01/2009 2:03 PM

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  94. Anonymous7/01/2009 2:05 PM

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  95. Anonymous7/01/2009 2:05 PM

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  96. Anonymous7/01/2009 2:07 PM

    I've told you Morons a millions times look at CNY Model.

    Three papers: Elmira Star-Gazette, Ithaca Journal, Binghamton Press and Sun Bulletin

    CNY Publisher:Sherman Bodner
    CNY Ad Director: Jodie Riesbeck
    Ithaca/Elmira Ad Mgr: Carol Becker
    CNY Online Director: Cindy Jarvis
    Elmira GM/ME: Lois Wilson
    Ithaca GM/ME: Bob Estes


    Previously there were 1 Ad Director at each paper, now Riesbeck screws them all up with Becker keeping her seat warm at Ithaca and Elmira.

    Bodner replaced Gannett and USAT veteran Monte Trammer last fall. He was the Pub of Binghamton now all three. Monte ran Elmira then took over Ithaca.

    Lois and Estes were promoted to GM positions to oversee day to day at Elmira and Ithaca and report to Bodner.

    Editorial is centralized as David Kubissa former associate editor at Elmira is now at both Elmira and Ithaca.

    Copy Desk has been sent down to Binghamton.

    All 3 papers are published at a press near Binghamton and have been for a few years, then trucked to Ithaca and Elmira daily. About a 45 minute drive.

    Production has been going to 2AdPro since last spring 2008. All production positions have been eliminated or moved to Binghamton effective 3/09.

    Online was previously at all 3 papers with online managers and web producers at all three. Now it is Cindy Jarvis in Binghamton and a few web producers, all other slashed last July.

    Circulation is handled mostly between the same people in Ithaca and Elmira, director is in Binghamton.

    All 3 buildings are for sale. The Binghamton building was sold for 3.3 million due to it's location on the main parkway. Elmira is reportedly sold. Ithaca is still up on the market. However the Ithaca paper did move offices about 18 months ago from an adjacent building.

    This is what happened in CNY(Central New York) and I believe was a corporated experiment to test it's effectiveness. It seems to have kept the bleeding to a minimum as a bandaid on a knife wound. But for the state of this company is has been sustainable to their meager standards, and with so will be the model for implementation for other regional/state networks or groups of papers.

    ReplyDelete
  97. Anonymous7/01/2009 2:09 PM

    PS to CNY post:

    There are no classifieds on Mon or Tues and the Ithaca and Elmira papers lost their Mastheads to change to the generic Binghamton one when all the copy desks went down to Binghamton.

    ReplyDelete
  98. Anonymous7/01/2009 2:09 PM

    The Journal News gets a reprieve. A few immediate layoffs followed by an evaluation and then layoffs in August.

    ReplyDelete
  99. Anonymous7/01/2009 2:09 PM

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  100. Anonymous7/01/2009 2:10 PM

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  101. Anonymous7/01/2009 2:10 PM

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  102. Anonymous7/01/2009 2:14 PM

    12:45 pm,

    The answer is yes, most, if not all, papers have eliminated Classifieds 2-3 days a week. It really won't hurt revenue because almost all of those ads were part of 7-day packages for a fixed price. The customer will still pay the same amount but will only get 5days instead of 7. Fact is, these were the cheapest packages the paper offered anyway so the value is still there. Make sense?

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  103. Anonymous7/01/2009 2:16 PM

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  104. Anonymous7/01/2009 2:17 PM

    The memo is out in Nashville. We're losing up to 35, plus 25 open positions being kept eliminated. Anyplace else?

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  105. Anonymous7/01/2009 2:19 PM

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  106. Anonymous7/01/2009 2:19 PM

    In my simple way of looking at things it just seems there are 2 sides to what is going on with GCI.

    1. Trying to institute programs to increase income

    2. How management handles the shrinking income.

    these are a 40/60 % in importance I think. The first one is most accomplished by everyone at the print and broadcast sites. The second is where managment should really show their business accumen. Which is where it seems lacking the most. How can you pass out bonuses and lay people off? how can you not talk to your employees?? There have been 4 companywide communications this year I can remember. Two of them were to tell you that you were getting a furcation, one telling us Craig was going under the knife and the other telling us he was home. I mean really, come on....

    And still as far as I can tell GCI is still in the black is it not? Still making money, just not as much as they want..

    I would think much more of a company that would not make projected numbers but was able to keep the talented(they are out there) personnel that are needed for the success of the business.

    For those of you who will ask. The sky is purple in the world I live in... :)

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  107. Anonymous7/01/2009 2:19 PM

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  108. Anonymous7/01/2009 2:20 PM

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  109. Anonymous7/01/2009 2:21 PM

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  110. Anonymous7/01/2009 2:23 PM

    Has corporate sent out a memo yet? If so can someone post.

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  111. Anonymous7/01/2009 2:25 PM

    Finally, after it's been reported in major national pubs, they finally sent notice to the peons that 1,400 will be let go by next Thursday.

    ReplyDelete
  112. Anonymous7/01/2009 2:27 PM

    Facebook posts say 1,400 by July 9.

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  113. Anonymous7/01/2009 2:29 PM

    Why do you ask Jim about the cuts. There are multiple layers of management in the newsrooms. Ask them first. Read their body language. Do they look you in the eye when they asnwer? Do they squirm?

    If you don't think your newsroom managers know anything about who's on a list to be cut, then I pity you for your naivete. Putting your heads in the sand, and pummeling Jim over this upcoming layoff is really dumb.

    Assert yourselves. What have you got to lose?

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  114. Anonymous7/01/2009 2:31 PM

    This came to us in Westchester from the publisher:

    Please read the important announcement in the attached memo from Bob Dickey, the president of the Community Newspaper Division of Gannett regarding division-wide job reductions being implemented next week due to the continuing difficult economic conditions. Westchester is not immune from the impact of the difficult economy and the impact it has had on all media and advertising related businesses.

    Unlike most of our sister papers we will not be moving forward with job eliminations next week, with a few exceptions. We are in the process of completing a comprehensive restructuring plan for Westchester, which is designed to build on the strength of our local content in print and online, and achieve sustainable advertising and circulation growth.

    Our intention is to complete this planning process this month and implement our changes in mid-August. When this plan is implemented later this summer there will be some job reductions, but at this point we’re not certain how many nor where they will occur. I can assure you that we are working diligently to create a plan that puts us on a path to growth and prosperity.

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  115. Anonymous7/01/2009 2:32 PM

    Dear fellow News-Press employees:

    Attached is a letter from our US Community Publishing Division President, Bob Dickey. It addresses the fact that there will be some additional layoffs necessary at most of our newspapers. The News-Press will be impacted, but the details are not yet final. I would estimate that as many as 45 employees will be affected.

    This is difficult on all of us, but necessary to keep our cost structure in line with current economic realities as we begin to build our business back. Again, there are many details that still need to be addressed before there are any answers to questions you probably have. I will be around if you'd like to share thoughts on structures or just want to talk.

    Thank you for your patience and dedication.

    Carol Hudler, President & Publisher, The News-Press
    President, South Group, Gannett US Community Publishing

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  116. Anonymous7/01/2009 2:32 PM

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  117. Anonymous7/01/2009 2:34 PM

    AUGUST?

    Excuse me, Mr. Westchester Publisher: BUT I AM SUPPOSED TO WAIT UNTIL AUGUST TO FIND OUT IF I WILL BE FIRED?!

    This is not right.

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  118. Anonymous7/01/2009 2:35 PM

    Garson is a KOOL AID drinker says what he is told to.CJ laid off pressman in Dec cuz I was one .Even if they are doing ok in revenue doesn't mean shit ,more heads will roll when corporate tells the KOOLAID man to roll them.PEACE

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  119. Anonymous7/01/2009 2:37 PM

    Whether or not you think your job is safe -- and trust me, no job is safe -- start preparing for the worst. Copy or move any emails, stories, address books, files, etc. you want to take with you. Start killing out anything you don't want to leave behind. You'll be glad you did.
    This suggestion shared by someone who totally didn't expect to be laid off in December ... and was.

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  120. Anonymous7/01/2009 2:37 PM

    Word is in from Bob Dickey: 1,400 layoffs in USCP.

    NOT, as Jim's oh-so-reliable source had it, 4,500. What do you say about that, Hopkins?

    My condolences to those who will be cut. Guess we'll see if I'm among them.

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  121. Anonymous7/01/2009 2:38 PM

    Dickey's e-mail just posted on Gannettoid. 1,400 employees "impacted."
    "Nashville" says that site is losing 35 positions, and eliminating 35 that are now vacant.

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  122. Anonymous7/01/2009 2:42 PM

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  123. Anonymous7/01/2009 2:42 PM

    What are the plans in Westchester? Can anyone in management with any inkling of what's in store please post something here?

    This is so vague and unsettling. Does it mean that Westchester will be merging with Poughkeepsie?

    Will Poughkeepsie go the way of the central New York papers and end up with a ghost staff?

    I am baffled by what kind of restructuring is planned. There has been zero communication with rank and file reporters and even middle level editors have not been briefed.

    If you are a deputy managing editor and know the score, I urge you to come here after the work day is done and post what you know. The people who report to you are unhappy with the mystery.

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  124. Anonymous7/01/2009 2:42 PM

    Dickey has sent an email. I don't have it in hand but I am hearing details from someone who has heard it. It says 1400 cuts to be completed by July 9.

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  125. Anonymous7/01/2009 2:43 PM

    Jim,
    Don't abandon us in our hour of need. It seems odd that just seven comments have been appoved in the last four hours as Gannett HQ has been issuing its letters....

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  126. MILKLUVR7/01/2009 2:44 PM

    Garson said we were being let go cuz circ. numbers were down yet pressroom still working OT.I think he is full of shit.

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  127. Anonymous7/01/2009 2:45 PM

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  128. Anonymous7/01/2009 2:54 PM

    All--

    A message from US Community Publishing President Bob Dickey is below.

    Times continue to be challenging for most industries, but there are some signs of economic improvement. Gannett is helping us do all that we can to capitalize on the business there is and to position ourselves well for when recovery occurs. I am optimistic that it will happen sooner than later.

    This news is very difficult for all of us. As always, should you have any thoughts, suggestions, or questions, please don't hesitate to contact your department head, me, or Bob Dickey directly.

    Your efforts are truly appreciated.

    Amy Pack
    President & Publisher

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  129. Anonymous7/01/2009 2:56 PM

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  130. Anonymous7/01/2009 2:56 PM

    The Wisconsin group received e-mails this afternoon, informing them that 1,400 jobs would be cut company-wide, and layoffs would happen by July 9.

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  131. Anonymous7/01/2009 3:02 PM

    Seems everything has come to a grinding halt on here in the last few hours. After such a frenzy of postings and comments over 24 hours, wonder why the sudden silence?

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  132. Anonymous7/01/2009 3:04 PM

    Have heard this round will effect administration/management more so than revenue/commision based employees? Anybody else hearing this is a MGMNT trim?

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  133. Anonymous7/01/2009 3:19 PM

    Does anyone know if UK is taking any cuts?

    also, we should consider work slowdowns until they get their thumbs out and make the cuts.

    if they already have the names whats to lose?

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  134. Anonymous7/01/2009 3:19 PM

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  135. Anonymous7/01/2009 3:19 PM

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  136. Anonymous7/01/2009 3:25 PM

    i'm the sole maintenance & production tech in a small paper.

    i've started telling people if it is not an emergency don't ask me to do something until after this is all over with. if i'm here after the 15th then i'll sort it out. if i'm not then it will not make any differance.

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  137. Anonymous7/01/2009 3:26 PM

    I think it's good to see property by property send the memo. Not one word after the memo from the Publisher/VP's or Managers about it.

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  138. Anonymous7/01/2009 3:27 PM

    Here's hoping that the retail advertising department of the Courierpost gets what it has deserved for oh so long. They really need to clean out the house starting with the advertisng director and all of her lame, incompetent direct report middle management most of whom don't have a clue. Too many good people have lost their jobs and newspaper careers because of this lousy non productive department. Publisher Lafferty, when are you going to wake up and see what the hell is not going on here???

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  139. Anonymous7/01/2009 3:30 PM

    Jim, who are you to call somebody illogical? You rarely use logic and your ego gets in the way of your blogging which just results in crazy claims like a corporate goon squads out to get you.

    This 'blog' closing on July 10th and your ego are independent. So you cannot use its closing to dispute 11:25's claim.

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  140. Anonymous7/01/2009 3:33 PM

    Any nasty pains from Management that don't like the way this site is run, log off, shut up.

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  141. Anonymous7/01/2009 3:35 PM

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  142. Anonymous7/01/2009 3:39 PM

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  143. Anonymous7/01/2009 3:40 PM

    What are the terms of the layoffs? Severance? One week for each year of service? Health coverage? Those who know please post away....

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  144. Anonymous7/01/2009 3:40 PM

    Sorry - last post should have been to 3:35, not 11:25

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  145. Anonymous7/01/2009 3:43 PM

    1400 vs. 4500

    Lower body count that expected.

    Please don't cry, Jim.

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  146. Anonymous7/01/2009 3:44 PM

    Anonymous said...
    Once again, the doom and gloomers got it wrong. 4,500 cuts? Seriously?? WTF?? And it turns into 1,000 and includes open positions.

    7/01/2009 3:33 PM

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  147. Anonymous7/01/2009 3:45 PM

    Can someone please post a copy of the Dicky memo so we know what is going on?

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  148. Anonymous7/01/2009 3:46 PM

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  149. Anonymous7/01/2009 3:48 PM

    This hasn't even started and you believe they are telling you the truth? I've seen how it's done from the inside. There are ways to do it that wont show up in the count.

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  150. Anonymous7/01/2009 3:49 PM

    ignore the trolls, jim. us worker bees are counting on you to help us!

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  151. Anonymous7/01/2009 3:49 PM

    MEMO FROM HOLINGSWORTH AT DES MOINES REGISTER

    "Today, Bob Dickey, President of Gannett’s U.S. Community Publishing division, is announcing impending job reductions across our division of the company by July 9. In his announcement which I’ve attached, he cites the continuing advertising and economic climates as factors. Across the division, he states that 1400 employees will be impacted by this reduction. He also announces that furlough requirements have ended for employees for 2009.

    At this time I am working through local impact for The Des Moines Register and our affiliates. I can tell you I am certain we will be affected, but have no firm details. Our number one priority as we work through this process locally will be to update and communicate openly with our employees--first, and as soon as possible. We will not be making any job elimination notifications this week. That said, we will complete any discussions with affected employees no later than July 9th."

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  152. Anonymous7/01/2009 3:49 PM

    Is it that much of a hardship to scroll through the repeated comments? Damn you people are lazy and unappreciative. No wonder you work for Gannett.

    Jim, best of luck to you when you close down the blog and leave these petty morons behind. Most people are thankful for your efforts during these trying times.

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  153. Anonymous7/01/2009 3:51 PM

    "Doom and Gloom have it wrong?" Since when does the layoff of even 1,000 people make you happy? You all sound like a bunch of Corporate hacks. These are peoples lives you are talking about.

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  154. Anonymous7/01/2009 3:52 PM

    "1400 vs. 4500

    Lower body count that expected.

    Please don't cry, Jim."

    3:43, you won't be making any more snide comments if you're one of the 1400.

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  155. Anonymous7/01/2009 3:54 PM

    We think any new lay offs will get
    two weeks pay for every year of service. Max at 26 years.

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  156. Anonymous7/01/2009 3:57 PM

    Now that Dickey has sent his love note out to the entire Gannett world, one would expect that the local suits (publisher/general manager) would have immediately following or accompanied Dickey's note with local impact information. A few local papers appear to have done this with little or no firm data, but the majority of morons running the local papers have said absolutely nothing. And they spew this shit that they (local guys) care about the employees? Rather, they let everyone just swing in the wind from the gallows. We're talking about people and their families here you jerks! Hoping they get similar treatment when their time comes...soon I hope.

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  157. Anonymous7/01/2009 3:58 PM

    Why bash Jim? Seems his quote to WSJ is the only thing that spurned corporate to fill us in on what the hell is going on! They pulled a PR "save face"

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  158. Anonymous7/01/2009 4:01 PM

    3:52 -

    I'm about 99.9 % sure I'll be layed off.

    Why should this change my feelings?

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  159. Anonymous7/01/2009 4:03 PM

    Let me get this straight...USA Today comes away unscathed while 80 or so other papers get creamed again? Meanwhile, broadcast also gets a beat down of another kind.

    How can that be? Has anyone looked at that USA Today lately? It's hard to believe it takes hundreds of people to produce it. I am not saying it's a bad paper and don't want to get into that whole McPaper b.s., but c'mon. That publication and its web site aren't exactly being uniquely produced each day. It's plug 'n' play journalism. Plenty of liberal use of wire copy and images. Same old design on both platforms. Same old short stories and retarded snapshots. A weather map designed for the blind. The covers are nice, but does it take 400 people to generate them?

    Jim, do you think corporate is going to give an explanation as to why USA Today, with its sinking national advertising (particularly automotive), multiple layers of editors and big salaries is escaping layoffs? Do you, Jim, care to speculate on this? Would be interested to hear your perspective.

    Thanks.

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  160. Anonymous7/01/2009 4:11 PM

    I will speculate for Jim. What I think is happening is that corporate sees USAT as the digital future, and is blasting ahead with plans to keep that operation going while allowing the dead-tree papers to atrophy. I personally think this is a mistake because the dead-tree papers produce a lot of this company's revenues and are wildly profitable in good times. But these are not good times, and the costs of back shops and presses are weighing down on the Community Papers the way they are not on USAT. Plus there seems to be a tradition at GCI to give newly installed publishers and editors considerable leeway in the first year of their jobs. That means USAT gets a breather to allow Hunke-Hillkirk to put things together the way they want. But that doesn't mean the boom won't fall on their heards next year, and big-time.

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  161. Anonymous7/01/2009 4:14 PM

    I feel for those who are going to lose their jobs, and will say a prayer for all of you. Unfortunately if you look at the overall situation it was created by Gannett. If we would have published to "Go spend your money" instead of telling the American people to be fearful, and publish this crap, we probably would have been done with this years ago. Bottom line its another win for the liberals, this time you really did it. Maybe you can do a report on what shampoo President Obama uses.

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  162. Anonymous7/01/2009 4:16 PM

    OMG, now it's the liberals fault. Really take that somewhere else. Log off and go find something else to do like maybe it's your nap time.

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  163. Anonymous7/01/2009 4:25 PM

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  164. Anonymous7/01/2009 4:25 PM

    Souless company. It's difficult not to spit directly on any of these lying, deceitful publishers.

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  165. Anonymous7/01/2009 4:27 PM

    All these people begging Jim to shut the blog clearly are trying to prevent workers from communicating about layoffs and management plans.

    Why call for it to shut now? Because there are big doings happening.

    I want to THANK JIM for providing a place to congregate. I hope that I will actually learn what the publisher has planned through here.

    And I believe that the ONLY REASON we got those e-mails today was because Jim's coverage prompted stories in the NYT, etc.

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  166. Anonymous7/01/2009 4:34 PM

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  167. Anonymous7/01/2009 4:37 PM

    Is NJ TODAY going to happen now? Whats the word at the DR, C-N, HNT and APP -- how many body bags?

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  168. Anonymous7/01/2009 4:38 PM

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  169. Anonymous7/01/2009 4:39 PM

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  170. Anonymous7/01/2009 4:40 PM

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  171. Anonymous7/01/2009 4:41 PM

    Why would anyone put any stock into a performance evaluation? The kiss-asses get great reviews. The competent people don't. That's the Gannett way. In fact, I would say if Jim did get great reviews, I would have far less respect for him. Gannett reviews are lame and often written by bosses who have no idea of what their employee does. The whole review process is a sham and reduces professionals to feeling like they are in the third grade. They are nothing more than a legal document. The funny thing about it is they are only used against you. If you get a good review, that doesn't mean you won't be laid off! So kiss-asses beware. You're not as safe as you think.

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  172. Anonymous7/01/2009 4:42 PM

    So....
    Fort Myers -- 45
    Westchester -- 0 (until August)
    Nashville -- 60

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  173. Anonymous7/01/2009 4:42 PM

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  174. Anonymous7/01/2009 4:43 PM

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  175. Anonymous7/01/2009 4:45 PM

    No matter how you cut it, USAT escaping the wrath of corporate is just wrong on so many levels that it's sickening and makes me wonder if these layoffs are really necessary or are the suits just using the economy as an excuse to clean house at the smaller papers.

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  176. Anonymous7/01/2009 4:45 PM

    1,400 layoffs divided by 80 newspapers comes to around 17-18 jobs per paper. This doesn't seem like the bloodbath we feared. But it remains to be seen, I guess, what the actual losses will be.

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  177. Anonymous7/01/2009 4:48 PM

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  178. Anonymous7/01/2009 4:55 PM

    Out of curiosity...If you are let go and receive severence, is it paid to you in a lump sum??

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  179. Anonymous7/01/2009 4:57 PM

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  180. Anonymous7/01/2009 4:57 PM

    4:48...an ass-kissing, corporate-loving moron. Would love to gather all these greedy SOBs up and put them in a dark, windowless room with a bunch of people who have been screwed by this company. If I ever run into one of you suck-ups in a bar, mouthing off like you do here, there's going to be a big problem. But you're probably not so brave without your title and GCI backing, are you? In the real world, you're a coward. A talentless nobody. Your whole identity is your title and your office. Love feeling superior, don't you? Go back to doing your stupid annual evaluations on your employees who despise you. You have no real friends in this world.

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  181. Anonymous7/01/2009 5:00 PM

    is there even going to be a severence package? it doesn't say in dickey's letter. and there has been ample opporutnity to read it here.

    sorry, a little more pissed off than normal today.

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  182. Anonymous7/01/2009 5:03 PM

    To all the small minded mean spirited people posting today: GO AWAY!!
    Some of us want to stay informed on what's happening in each market, and we don't want to listen to you whine with your petty beefs about Jim.

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  183. Anonymous7/01/2009 5:08 PM

    Isn't it interesting to see the pathetic and frantic efforts to shut down this blog early.

    Jim, you could really screw them by keeping it going for a couple extra weeks, and at the same time help us all out. We're in your corner. These trolls are so transparent it's almost funny.

    Those who support Jim and think this round of layoffs is unfair, let's speak up. Let's drown these corporate defenders and sub-humans with cozy and safe little jobs who are so selfish that they can't see the trees... These are the entitled jerks who cut you off on the road, who won't hold a door for you, who just have no integrity whatsoever as they enjoy the fruits of this company. Let's blast them hard and often! Let's put them in their place once and for all before this blog shuts down. They aren't wanted here. And we don't want them working amongst us at our workplaces. It's time to break up all the people in denial, all the folks trying to protect their riches and perks. They are the ones ruining this company, not the rest of us who seek truth and fairness. We are painted as malcontents, but in reality we are the majority and we can take control of things and spoil the troll party.

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  184. Anonymous7/01/2009 5:09 PM

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  185. Anonymous7/01/2009 5:10 PM

    Jim, I am in your corner now more than ever. I've seen what the other side does, how they act, and I condemn it. I am 100 percent in favor of what you've done here and wish I had expressed my support sooner and more often.

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  186. Anonymous7/01/2009 5:10 PM

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  187. Anonymous7/01/2009 5:11 PM

    Too bad there are only 9 days left, 5:10. I guess you're late to the party, as usual.

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  188. Anonymous7/01/2009 5:12 PM

    USA Today is not part of the Community Newspaper operation and, therefore, not part of this layoff round. But USA Today probably will have layoffs. They wont get by unscathed.

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  189. Anonymous7/01/2009 5:12 PM

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  190. Anonymous7/01/2009 5:14 PM

    Haven't all past layoff notices mentioned what the severance would be? This note clearly lacks any mention of it at all.

    An educated guess is that they cut that too.

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  191. Anonymous7/01/2009 5:15 PM

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  192. Anonymous7/01/2009 5:15 PM

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  193. Anonymous7/01/2009 5:16 PM

    I would hardly call what Jim is doing as "bailing out." He's put in a lot of time. Suffered the pains that go along with an edgy blog and helped get info to us so that we could then prepare and later express ourselves in a manner that doesn't involve weaponry. I applaud his efforts and journalistic know-how, and understand his need to move on. I would have been proud to work with him at USA Today or any of the other places he was employed, and wouldn't give a damn what his review said. There aren't many journalists willing to go out on a limb anymore. Jim has proven he doesn't have to run with the herd or play politics to be respected. He's gained the respect of many people he has never met by providing this service.

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  194. Anonymous7/01/2009 5:17 PM

    "I applaud his efforts and journalistic know-how ..."

    Ha, ha! What know-how? He runs with anonymous rumors!

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