Here's how it begins: "What city will be the first to lose its newspaper? Two small towns in Connecticut appear on their way to that distinction...."
Believe me, Bristol, that is not a distinction worth having. It screams out to the world that Bristol is a declining, dying town if it can't keep its newspaper alive.
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Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
12 comments:
Steve, I would disagree that loosing the Press screams out that Bristol is a declining, dying town.
I believe that ultimately, the reason why most "print" news outlets from newspapers, to magazines etc are closing is due to the internet and not due to a declining or dying town.
Information sharing is no longer something only based in print. 200 years ago, information was spread by a "Town Crier" and 200 years from now, who knows how information will be spread...maybe we'll all be part of a collective consciousness.
Most trade magazines which I have been involved (as an advertiser) with in the manufacturing field are in the process of converting to online and trying to figuire out how to make a living off the net versions of their publications.
I don't claim by any means to have an answer to how to make a living off the net, but do believe that the internet is the reason for what is happening to the Bristol Press, the Hartford Courant and a wide range of other print media across the country.
Advertising dollars spent on / in print media are no longer seen as good business practice.
Bob,
Of course everything is going online. Obviously, I recognize that 'cause here I am, online. The teen newspaper I help run exists only online, where it's been since 1996.
But what all of the "we can get our news online" folks don't recognize is that when the Press closes, there won't be any news about Bristol to get, online or anywhere else. It will, from a news perspective, cease to exist, except for freak crimes or ESPN.
Bristol is not losing its paper because it's on the cutting edge of the web. It's losing its paper because its commercial base has dried up too much and its citizenry is too apathetic to care about what happens to their own town.
Losing a paper is falling off a metaphorical cliff. No town that's going places lacks a paper.
Enough of this newspaper stuff. The simple fact is that the Bristol Press sucks, nobody buys it and it is going out of business. Is it Collins' fault ..maybe...is the unions fault...maybe...is it the business model...probably...is it due to the lack of retail in this city to buy ads...yes...so RIP...tell us where we can blogg when you are gone!! I do not want to miss any oppertunity to BASH BARRACK!
Where to blog?
Under a log?
Lost in the fog?
While you jog?
With your dog?
Steve;
I was brought up on the Bristol Press...started reading it in the 40's. Since I left the Bristol area for East Haddam, I go on line every day...of course going on line to read The Press contributes to it's circulation loss. But, I can't imagine Bristol without The Press. Of course, it hasn't been what it once was for a long time, but it is still the ONLY disseminator of news, sports, opinions etc. in the Bristol area. For better or worse, I can only hope that The Press survives this crises.
what about keeping the bristol press as an online version only?
Put your money where your mouth is, John, and buy the newspaper.
Bob, you are really something. You must have quite a lordly view of the peasants from your "manor" on the hill. Not sure how you can stand to be so smart and insightful, but I'm sure it's not easy.
I don't know Bob, but I agree with him.
November 15, 2008 11:28 AM
You're probably the one in the middle of Bob's photo, then. Or maybe that guy's Bob. I'm not sure.
In answer to "anonymous" who tells me to "put my money where my mouth is", and buy The Press; I would happily do so if I could find it for sale here in East Haddam !
East Haddam!
East Haddam!
East Haddam!
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