Goodbye Fishwrap…

[Small Town Guy]

I've mentioned my parents' newspaper habits before. Was just there and this is the latest hard-copy tally: Five weeklies, three dailies. Between newspapers and the fact once a month they're buying seven or eight hardcover books at Barnes & Noble, they're probably keeping like six different people in various media industries employed.

 

[qtlaw]

Another reason I cancelled it, mild, but still a reason, clutter. I can blow through the Sunday Ed. on Sunday (that's what it's for right?). Wifey though will say "oh wait I want to read those sections, don't throw them out" and then next thing you know there's a couple of weeks worth and more coming....

 

[DanOregon]

My parents make a daily trip to the local store to pick up a paper, my mom loves the puzzles and the obits. She and dad only moved up here a year ago, but I think they are at an age where they take joy in knowing they've lived longer than most. I can't believe what they are charging for papers these days. And it isn't like my parents don't already KNOW what is happening today or need to be reminded what happened yesterday with all the news they watch on TV. At least they aren't subscribing. I think my dad just likes having a newspaper in his hands. Neither are internet types anymore. I guess their obits will be the last newspaper "story" I write. And I imagine the number of people they know, who know them that still read the paper (up here and in the Bay Area) will be about 20, if that. So about $30 per reader.

 

[MileHigh]

I haven't subscribed to a print version of a newspaper since the Rocky closed in February 2009.

 

[wicked]

I guess their obits will be the last newspaper "story" I write.

And you'll get charged hundreds of dollars for the privilege of offering the paper free content.

 

[Flip Wilson]

And you'll get charged hundreds of dollars for the privilege of offering the paper free content.

I told me Intro to Mash Comm clash yesterday that obits are the new cash cow for newspapers. Clashifieds were for years, but those are pretty much non-existent now thanks to, first, Craigslist, and eventually Facebook Marketplace.

 

[John]

Another reason I cancelled it, mild, but still a reason, clutter. I can blow through the Sunday Ed. on Sunday (that's what it's for right?). Wifey though will say "oh wait I want to read those sections, don't throw them out" and then next thing you know there's a couple of weeks worth and more coming....

That's why I stopped getting the New Yorker. A lot of great stuff in each issue -- though I'd argue most of their stories could benefit from losing about 20% -- but it was hard to finish an issue before the next arrived. Soon, the stack is a foot high.

 

[DanOregon]

I used to be a cover to cover NewYorker reader, but I just couldn't do it. Learned a way to skim articles. Scan down to where the "nut" of the story is, blow past any descriptions about what someone was wearing or what or where they were eating during and interview. And you can "read" about any NY article in about three minutes. And I never read the fiction. And reading about music and art seems pointless. I can usually get through one issue per gym visit. But, I am currently reading a 2022 issue, soo00000,

 

[Huggy]

That's why I stopped getting the New Yorker. A lot of great stuff in each issue -- though I'd argue most of their stories could benefit from losing about 20% -- but it was hard to finish an issue before the next arrived. Soon, the stack is a foot high.

This was the same reason I cancelled my subscription to The Economist

 

[dixiehack]

Same reason I dipped out on Highlights for Children.

 

[outofplace]

I haven't subscribed to a print version of a newspaper since the Rocky closed in February 2009.

I haven't subscribed to one since I moved to New York over 20 years ago. The last newspaper I wrote for went fully digital years ago.

 

[DanOregon]

And you'll get charged hundreds of dollars for the privilege of offering the paper free content.

Oh, just imagine if reporters were paid per inch like newspapers charge for obits?