John Temple is running a series describing how journalists are reinventing themselves. If the installments that follow are half as inspiring and entertaining as ME Sprengelmeyer’s opener, it’s going to be a fun ride. Give ’em hell, ME.
The newspaper industry is beleaguered by problems both cyclical and secular, but what really scares me is that we still haven’t dealt with issues that are just basic blocking and tackling. To wit: This horrifying account of one man’s attempt to give a newspaper his money. (Via All Things Digital.)
Here’s a choice tidbit from the post:
I hung up the phone, exasperated.
I don’t think anyone had as profound an impact on me professionally as Barb Page. During several years of working side-by-side with her at the late, great Albuquerque Tribune, Barb was my friend, my mentor, my confidante. I could always count on Barb for sage advice and wisdom. Not to mention a healthy dose of the absurd.
Now Barb needs help, and I’m hoping all of her friends will pitch in contribute to a fund I’ve set up to help her out.
Even if you didn’t know her, spread a little good karma and make a donation. No amount is too small. To help get things going, Lara and I will match your donations up to the first $1,000 that’s contributed. Just click the link below or, if you don’t want to do the PayPal shuffle, you can send me a check and I’ll apply it to the cause …