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Monday, January 16, 2012

Online news- 'it's a green thing' too...

An recently revealed editorial written by the editor of a Michigan newspaper questions the viability of news blog web sites, much like the one you are reading now. The general feel of his article leaves one with the impression that a news web site without a printed counterpart is not worthy of your time...

In the article, he goes on to note how poor ad placement doesn't serve advertisers and also mentions that web sites "cut print advertisers off at the knees." The editor also makes the point that many news websites are "months out of date," too. He makes it clear that he will continue to print his news- if you don't believe him wait a week and you can read it for yourself.

His dissertation goes on to further negate the usefulness of exclusive news web sites saying that among other things, web sites kill jobs in the forestry, paper making and ink business... Ouch.

Before going further, let's make a distinction- there is a difference between a regular blog and a web page with a blog based layout. A blog is where someone writes their ramblings and others post replies to their ramblings. A web site with blog based layout means that it's generally a simple page except no one can leave comments. We use a blog based layout and post news to Facebook, where our friends may leave their comments there.

We took the editor's story to heart, realizing that he probably has never read Bates County Live. We take a lot of pride in our work at Bates County Live and hope he would be open minded enough to consider the 'flipside' to his views:

1. No trees have died as the result of this writing (go green!).
2. Spared ink may be put in reserves, causing a surplus, thus driving down the price for those who need it.
3. Lower cost advertising on the web is due to the fact we don't have printing overhead costs. Lower cost = savings for all, advertisers included. 
4. Quite possibly, any jobs lost in the forestry, paper making and ink business could be made up by those hired to operate web servers, hosting and provide information technology? 
5. Ads on Bates County Live are right where you can see 'em and placed as close to stories as possible without infringing on them.
6. News is on line right away. The only time there is a delay is when we are waiting for confirmation of details.

In contrast, we find Bates County Live to be in fact, the exact opposite of what he described. 

For clarity, we'd like to remind everyone that our goal is simply to provide a service of instant news updates to those using the web and mobile devices. Our medium, along with print news and radio, all serve a purpose in their own, unique way. Not to mention, we work very hard to maintain a good working relationship with our allies both in print and on radio, which is not at all the picture the editor paints in his own words.

We would invite you to read his editorial on line- but sorry, it's only available in print. We did find, however, that he often posts his thoughts on yes, a blog!


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