Why newspapers fail
22 June 2010
I have been fortunate to have worked closely with Doug Richard for a year and a half and I think I know him well and appreciate both his expertise and his difficult character. But, I still get pleasantly surprised by his ability to get to the point of things more clearly and effectively than most people. Many ’media experts’ and bloggers, including myself, have debated at length about the future of newspapers and why the big guys are failing. I think however, that this post from Doug does a much better job than most at capturing the essence of what is wrong with the media industry (and also what I love about the US). Enjoy.
One of the joys of living in the US is the sheer convenience of it all. Sometimes that convenience is so much a part of the American experience that it only becomes obvious in its absence. Let me explain by example.
Part of my morning ritual for most of my adult life has been to have a cup of coffee and read the morning paper. Living in West Hollywood for 20 years I would greet each day with a large hot cup of freshly ground coffee and the newspaper, which would be waiting for me outside my door.
Now I’m an early riser but even at 530 or 600 in the morning the paper would be waiting for me. The only real risk the paper took on its way to my doorstep was the weekly ritual of grabbing it before the automatic sprinklers turned on and reduced it to a sodden rag.
Being born under this sign determines many talents, as well as other characteristics that may not be so commendable. Rats are very lively and need a lot of mental and physical stimulation. They can be calm and perceptive, but sometimes their brains can cause a mental restlessness, tempting them to take on too much, only to discover they are unable to meet their commitments. Rats are blessed with one of the best intellects going. Add to their intelligence a curiosity and a bright imagination, and they seem as sharp as a needle.
Detailed Description
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