This blog is mainly about the spectacular train wreck at The Sacramento Bee and its parent company, the McClatchy Company. But I also post about current events, the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, politics, anything else that grabs my attention. Take a look around this blog, hope you enjoy it.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Wednesday May 6 -- got news or an update?
If you have news or an update, leave it in comments. . . .
65 comments:
Anonymous
said...
I posted on a farmer site your informatmation to illistrate the extent of the government backing of company retirement plans. This morning I received this E-Mail. She probably thinks I am now or have been a fellow employee. But fortunatly that is not the case. Hello: My husband showed me your AgTalk post. I got the same letter yesterday and am close to petrified. I was disabled shortly before KR went down, so never actually worked for McC. Otherwise I am in same boat you are, not getting to full retirement for 6 more years. I have been under the obviously false impression that KR pension was its own "fully funded" entity and not co-mingled with McC pensions. To me, this raises the specter that KR benefits will be diluted by all the McC pension beneficiaries, if McC doesn't fully fund before it breathes its last.
I took the mumbo jumbo about fully funded to say that the law requires a company to have some percentage of the money that would be required to pay all the benefits, allowing for the fund to appreciate to full value before it all has to be paid out. Therefore, "fully funded" really means funded to the extent required by ERISA, and we don't know what that % is. But, it's not real dollars they're playing with, but some number an actuary has come up with. The last sentence under "Fair Market Value of Assets" is what caught my eye. With those numbers, the plan is funded at 62%. So the actuary has rounded up the real market value by a mere $532 billion. (Now we know why the investment bankers hated the "mark to market" rule so much). The entire McClatchy company is capitalized at $62 million, at current stock value. What do we think the odds are that they'll come up with the $532B and counting? There certainly is a simple answer to the question "Is the plan fully funded?" in the parlance of the cover letter. The answer is no.
Re Item 2: Coupled with Item 1 of the basic benefits guaranteed above, I take it to mean that we who are fully vested have met the age, service, etc requirements, (otherwise we wouldn't be vested) but we don't get any pension until we get to the age for full retirement, or to 62 if we take early retirement. (Do you know if the PBGC lets you take retirement at 62?) As of Mar. 31, no one is getting increases in benefits based on serving another year, (this was news to me), so the plan is frozen. The only new people will be those who are not vested because they haven't worked 5 years for the company but who manage to get their 5 in before the plan bites the dust. I could be wrong about that; maybe they are just out in the cold.
The other thing we don't know is what our full benefit is. That's calculated by some giant formula in the sky. Those statements we used to get every year purported to show the full benefit if we worked to 55 or 62 or full retirement ~ 65 or more depending on your birthdate. But who's to know what it is now that the March freeze has occurred? And can the formula change? Aren't we just stuck with what they say our benefit is at the time we start drawing benefits without a way to challenge?
Well, I have gone on a long time to say "I don't know." If you hear from any others or have further info yourself, I'd appreciate knowing.
I'd say you would have to have a serious reading comprehension problem if there is any thought in your mind that somehow to mock someone. Either that or just be a complete F*(King idiot.
From a post yesterday: ---------------------- What does any of this have to do with the actual fire at the S-T? I vas dere, Charlie. We spent an hour in the parking lot (which means technically we were trespassing, since the lot was sold to the Fort Worth Club), taking cell phone pictures and watching firefighters scurry. Our elevators have to be at least 50 yrs. old; that's what caught fire, an elevator motor or wiring. Incidentally, the edition was only 8 or so mins. late despite an hour-plus delay, so there IS some professionalism left in this newsroom, contrary to reports. ---------------------- Reminds me of my time at the KC Star. Faint, decrepit alarms would warn of a fire drill. Entire newsroom would empty the building chaotically through tiny doors -- except for folks on deadline, who were ordered to stay. After standing in the parking lot for a half-hour or so, we would all return, unhindered, through a door that would normally be monitored by cameras and electronic-badge sensors. Moral of the story: If you're gonna sneak into a newspaper, wait for a fire drill. (P.S. After severely cutting back the budget for security a few years ago, my newspaper actually tried placing a BLOW-UP DOLL in a security van in the parking lot during evening hours, until it became obvious even to random passers-by that it was a BLOW-UP-DOLL.)
--------------------- I'd say you would have to have a serious reading comprehension problem if there is any thought in your mind that somehow to mock someone. --------------------- My only reading comprehension problem is when a sentence is not really a sentence, and the meaning is mangled ... like that.
My only reading comprehension problem is when a sentence is not really a sentence, and the meaning is mangled ... like that.
========= Wireless keyboards will certainly leave out a strategic word on occasion, but not being able to comprehend or interrupt the basic intent of a person in distress is terminal stupidity.
Please tell us, how on earth did you possibly conclude that posting the lady,s letter was somehow mocking her.
Or were you just trying to get in a snide little dig?
Short sellers are bailing but most have been in since MNI was in the 30's. Once they are shaken out, note the price and sell short if you can get the shares. 1.25 would be my target, but anything around 1.00 will get you a 50% profit using the .50 cent support level.
Employee kicked to the curb, still wanted to help paper; "I tried to show some professionalism. I offered to help explain the job to someone else who would take over, but they said no." ----------- @ E & P 'Reading Eagle' Layoffs Offer No Severance "It shocks everybody I talk to," says former Assistant Photo Editor Ron Romanski, who spent 45 years at the Pennsylvania daily before being laid off last Thursday -- along with 49 other employees. "I didn't think it would happen to me." -
Please tell us, how on earth did you possibly conclude that posting the lady,s letter was somehow mocking her. ----------------------- Because it would hardly be the first time. The line between hatred of company and hatred of employee is often blurred on this site.
WSJ editor: "Certain US papers have been designed for journalists rather than for readers"
Columbia Journalism Review
Robert Thomson avoids saying whether he's talking about the pre-Murdoch Journal, but it's obvious that he is, writes Liza Featherstone. [Journalists too often choose "self-indulgence over readability,"] says the WSJ managing editor. "If a reader is used to the web, he has developed a ruthless functionality in reading -- just clicking on what he's interested in." Turning to a newspaper, that reader then "confronts this Neanderthal product. [Taking four paragraphs to get to the point is too long."]
-Reporter who took Strib's buyout in 2007 is now broke-
MinnPost.com "When I took a buyout at the Star Tribune on June 15, 2007, I was sure I'd find another job quickly, although my entire career has been in newspapers -- which, as you may know, are not doing a lot of hiring these days," writes Delma J. Francis. "Still, writing and editing are valuable assets to many businesses. What I hadn't counted on was the total tanking of the economy."
Because it would hardly be the first time. The line between hatred of company and hatred of employee is often blurred on this site.
============ I have never, even once read anything even remotely detrimental toward a retiree on this site. You're reasoning is hollow and you pretext is completely dishonest. Your snarly aside betrays you.
I have never, even once read anything even remotely detrimental toward a retiree on this site. You're reasoning is hollow and you pretext is completely dishonest. Your snarly aside betrays you. ------------------ I have never read anything detrimental to a retiree, either. Who lasts long enough at this company to actually retire? I'm talking about comments detrimental to current and recently laid-off employees. You're gonna tell me you've never seen a comment like "don't let the door hit your ass on the way out, marxist," every time the quarterly layoffs strike?
6:57 AM I understand now. You really didn't bother to even read the letter and see it was a retiree and not an employee. You just threw in your "poor me" dig because you wanted to play victim and you wanted to take a shot at the blog.
I understand now. You really didn't bother to even read the letter and see it was a retiree and not an employee. You just threw in your "poor me" dig because you wanted to play victim and you wanted to take a shot at the blog. ------------------ No, you DON'T understand. I did read the letter. I just wasn't able to ascertain the motive of the person who posted it. Without context, I just assumed it was a jackass like you. My bad.
In anonymous posts, you really have no idea who is writing what. During the past election, Obama and Soros paid sneaks to interrupt blogs unfavorable to the Great Pretender. They would write an ugly post, and then run to other sites and report the ugly remarks they just planted. The same is true here, the most vile remarks could have been from posters pretending to be journalists just to stir the pot. I am disgusted with the ‘destroy the so-called enemy’ the media has demonstrated against ‘some’ citizens. It is a gross departure of the ethics the media should embrace. Biased reporting has no place in our society, so if the MSM bites the dust, they really did go out of their way to become irrelevant.
So, it is a reading comprehension problem? -------------------- Absolutely. I have problems comprehending sentences containing no verbs in which every other word is spelled as they would be by a third-grade dropout. Perhaps the fact I read the rest of this week's posts before this one put me in a bad mood. And just out of curiosity: What difference does it make whether it's a retiree or some poor bastard who got laid off in March? Is there a different set of standards?
I think there is a different set of standards. Retirees from several years ago were actually quality people who prided themselves on basic journalistic ethics.
What is left are affirmative action hires with absolutely no regard for ethical practices what so ever. You have to remember that a measurable portion of those being laid off such as guild members of the Bee's are actually the SCABS who crossed their own brothers picket lines years ago.
The same respect and consideration for current employees does not apply to those that laughed because they thought that they were untouchable while their own peers were being systematically kicked to the curb.
That said, the argument could be made that a certain portion of the people there are not responsible for what their companies have done to the industry. It is a good argument until one remembers that if you are an employee, you are a representative of that company. If you choose to work there knowing full well that it is an unethical, then you cannot escape a share of the responsibility.
It is like lawyers. The bad ones give the good one a bad name.
I wish the lack of ideological diversity that tends to characterize most major newspapers - the reflexive support for Democrats, the distaste for religion and the military, the cheerleading for liberal enthusiasms from gun control to gay marriage - really did explain the industry's present woes. Because then newspaper companies would know what it would take to recover: a reorienting of their editorial views from left to center-right and the recruitment of editors and writers with a more conservative outlook.
But if liberal media bias is the explanation, why are undeniably left-of-center papers like the Globe, The New York Times, and the San Francisco Chronicle attracting more readers than ever when visitors to their websites are taken into account? How does liberal bias explain the shutdown of Denver's more conservative Rocky Mountain News, but not the more liberal Denver Post? How does it explain the collapse of newspapers in lefty enclaves like Seattle and San Francisco? How does it explain why the great majority of Americans - 60 percent, according to a recent CBS/New York Times poll - get most of their news from TV?
Re: “Take a shot at the blog” ------ It seems to me this blog offers a place for McClatchy employees to find each other, and read different takes on the current situation. Not everyone shares their opinions as would be normal on any site. The problem for some posters, is demanding that everyone conform to their opinion, and write in whatever style they prefer. None of that is in their domain. I think the media has become a mouthpiece for the Democrats. It is my right to think that, and write my opinion in the manner that suits me, and our host. I despise what the newspapers have become, and those that have become shills, instead of the honorable watchdogs of government. Unemployed journalists will have plenty of time to decide if their newapaper committed suicide, and if they handed them the means to do so.
Written in 1090, Holmes could have written the same words today. “Call for more pens, more paper, and more ink.”
*** Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. - 1890 - Cacoethes Scribendi
If all the trees in all the woods were men; And each and every blade of grass a pen; If every leaf on every shrub and tree Turned to a sheet of foolscap; every sea Were changed to ink, and all earth's living tribes Had nothing else to do but act as scribes, And for ten thousand ages, day and night, The human race should write, and write, and write, Till all the pens and paper were used up, And the huge inkstand was an empty cup, Still would the scribblers clustered round its brink Call for more pens, more paper, and more ink.
But if liberal media bias is the explanation, why are undeniably left-of-center papers like the Globe, The New York Times, and the San Francisco Chronicle attracting more readers than ever when visitors to their websites are taken into account?
------ They are not attracting more readers to their sites, they are using gimmicks and aggregate services to bolster their hit counts and pad their numbers. It doesn't change the fact that online ads bring in 3% of the revenue that print ads do.
The in your face leftist bias is not the only reason they are in decline. It is however an undeniable contributing factor as common sense can tell even the dim bulb that alienating a significant portion of your potential customer base is bad business.
Newspapers are primarily doomed by their own success in removing any and all accountability or responsibility. It made them fat, lazy and completely unable to compete. Their only saving grace will be if the Socialist regime that they helped to install nationalizes them and supports them through taxpayer dollars.
Really? You've never seen any of John Altevogt's posts? You haven't seen the hatred that is regularly directed toward Rhonda Lokemon on this site?
---------- Rhonda Lokeman is not a retiree, she was forced out and no where near the age of retirement. She is the publisher's wife and a nationally syndicated propagandist and hate monger.
Rhonda Lokeman deserves everything she gets. She is a fraud and always has been.
8:18 Liar. Really, and where would my slams at retirees be found? If you go to Bottom Line Communications and examine the list of names you'll find that there was one tribute given out of all those names. The link to that tribute takes you to a comment I made about Rick Alm on The Kansan's website.
You liars have yet to refute one point I've made on here. Not one. Instead, you come on here like a pack of whiny little children and lie through your teeth with your idiotic little blurbs that, like you, contribute nothing to anything.
If I have been critical of anyone that critique is generally aimed at specific people for very specific conduct. In addition, I have also pointed out the newspapers are hardly the monoliths that many try and make them out to be and that many reporters work very hard to put out a quality product in spite of the editorial bias above them.
Let me repeat. You're a liar. In the face of facts you can't refute you simply lie through your teeth and post comments most 5 year olds would be embarrassed to write.
Really? You've never seen any of John Altevogt's posts? You haven't seen the hatred that is regularly directed toward Rhonda Lokemon on this site? ------------------------ I'm glad somebody finally put those two names in the same sentence. Lokeman's columns were unreadable because they were juvenile and barely literate. Altevogt's columns were unreadable because they were boring and repetitive. Just like his posts on this site.
Ten bucks says that 8:18 and 8:47 are from the same thing. And speaking of repetitive, that's the third time you've made the very same statement about my columns, again, of course without a shred of evidence to back up anything you say.
That, in essence, is a summary of totalitarian liberalism as a philosophy, constantly repeat the lie until the sheep repeat it.
As a student of the Holocaust I'm stunned at the behavior of the people in this country and thankful for the few remaining institutional barriers that stand between us and the totalitarian left in this country.
@ E & P 'Reading Eagle' Layoffs Offer No Severance
In the current economy and newspaper industry downturn, it is not unusual that a newspaper like the Reading (Pa.) Eagle would lay off 50 employees, as it did last week. But what has some departed staffers irked even more is the lack of severance pay ...
-------------
I have no doubt this will be the ultimate fate of the "lucky few" who have thus far been spared from the layoffs at a certain McClatchy newspaper with no executive editor and a mostly empty newsroom.
John Altevogt's comments are always thought provoking. I look for his posts. He like other posters is entitled to his opinions. If you find them hateful, that‘s you, read past them. As far as repetitive, there are new readers all the time. If you read every word looking to be offended, you can do that, but don’t assume anyone but yourself does that. Rhonda Lokeman was disgusting and truly hateful. She is just now getting the comeuppance she deserved for years. I guess the liberals hatred of P. Bush was okay? How about the entire media’s hatefulness aimed at Gov. Palin? You are such a hypocrite!
I give you the respect that is due for using your real name. Economic realities prevent me from doing the same.
That said, I am 8:47, but I am not 8:18.
(How is it that there is this huge, overarching, left-wing conspiracy in the media, yet whenever more than one person disagrees with this blog's particular flavor of right-wing tilt, the contributors decide it must be ONE PERSON causing the "problems"? Which is it? Communist conspiracy, or one "troll"?)
The problem with signing your name, is that it gives whackjobs a target. John is one of the best additions to McClatchy Watch. I also enjoyed Les, and Dave D. Like their posts or not, they add interest. Some weasel oozing his hate couched in his idea of hatred posted by others, is so like the leftists. No honesty, no integrity, no job. Who doesn’t get that by now? Go John!
The "leftist weasel" is a registered Republican (although he has voted Libertarian in the last 4 presidential elections).
Once again: Not everyone who disagrees with you disagrees because of politics. Some of us disagree with you because you're DUMB. Keep jumping to conclusions. Hopefully, you'll eventually fall far enough to hurt yourself.
Retirees from several years ago were actually quality people who prided themselves on basic journalistic ethics.
What is left are affirmative action hires with absolutely no regard for ethical practices what so ever.
--------
What an idiotic generalization. Not everyone works in the newsroom, for starters. And a by-product of the recent staff reductions is that people with longer service are more likely to still be with the company. Not necessarily only recent "affirmative action hires."
Opinions like the ignorant generalization above make it obvious WHY we need affirmative action!
What an idiotic generalization. Not everyone works in the newsroom, for starters. And a by-product of the recent staff reductions is that people with longer service are more likely to still be with the company. Not necessarily only recent "affirmative action hires."
-- Thank you! Agreed!
Opinions like the ignorant generalization above make it obvious WHY we need affirmative action!
***John is one of the best additions to McClatchy Watch. I also enjoyed Les, and Dave D. Like their posts or not, they add interest. Some weasel oozing his hate couched in his idea of hatred posted by others, is so like the leftists.***
Dave D. doesn't "ooze his hate?" Could have fooled me.
"Dave D. said... ...That " Former copy editor " is a BONELESS WONDER and gutless to boot. Alligator mouth, but hummingbird assed. Guys like him are what sank the swayback McClatchymaru."
Thanks to all who have been so kind in their compliments. As for the troll(s). Get someone to lay claim to the other post, let me know who you are (which I will hold in confidence) and the ten spot is yours.
Opinions like the ignorant generalization above make it obvious WHY we need affirmative action!
-- WHAT??? (You lost me there.)
------------
ANON 10:30 what I meant is that ANON 8:12's comment, "What is left are affirmative action hires with absolutely no regard for ethical practices what so ever," is prejudiced and racist.
And when you have prejudice and racism you need a program like Affirmative Action to make sure you have people who add a little balance.
Re: “The "leftist weasel" is a registered Republican (although he has voted Libertarian in the last 4 presidential elections).” === Sort of like Arlen Specter was a GOP? I don’t believe you. I know quite a few people that say they are Independent voters, but if you listen carefully to their opinions, they are closer to being Socialists than Independent voters. The people I referenced have been in focus groups as Independents,’ and it is a total sham. They belong with the ‘faint on cue’ phonies.
2:25 PM That is just about the most twisted bunch of logic I have ever read.
Long term employees have been fired at an unprecedented leaving little more than entrenched affirmative action hires who might sue if fired.
There was nothing racist at all about original post. You clowns just took a snippet and made a run with it. But it doesn't change the fact that what is left are the bottom of the barrel who work cheap and have no respect for journalistic ethics....yet your solution is MORE AFFIRMATIVE ACTION HIRES!
Not to distract from this oh-so-enlightening political discussion, but does anyone know if another round of staff cuts is ahead in either KC or Fort Worth? I know employees in both newsrooms who are ready to bail but say they're waiting for a potential buyout. How can either paper possibly lose more staff? And is any money left for severance? Hard to believe they'd even bother offering voluntary buyouts at this point.
“And when you have prejudice and racism you need a program like Affirmative Action to make sure you have people who add a little balance.” *** What happens when the AA hires are prejudiced, and are racists? That is certainly the case at the KC Red Star. Who weeds out the rotten hires then? You are assuming the AA hires are even average journalists. You are making the general statement that they are needed, and should say qualified journalists are needed, regardless of AA or other special treatment. The posters here are talking about quality of journalism. The main problem I saw with AA hires, is that no matter how racist they are, you can’t get rid of them because they scream racism. Isn’t that a scream?
***I know quite a few people that say they are Independent voters, but if you listen carefully to their opinions, they are closer to being Socialists than Independent voters.***
OMG!!! Like Roosevelt? Social Security sure ruined the country, didn't it? And Johnson? Let all those old people with chronic diseases find their own medical insurance. There must be lots of companies out there willing to insure people over 65.
I am absolutely certain some of the information comes straight from current McClatchy employees, as rumor fly around the newsrooms. Some of the most bitter comments come from laid off employees. Each blog poster and readers can take what they want from the discussions. I don’t believe everything, but I get a better understanding of people losing their jobs and profession during a horrible economy. I will never subscribe to a newspaper again because of the liberal slant, and lack of journalism ethics. Nothing will change that unless the newspapers return to their true mission.
in both newsrooms who are ready to bail but say they're waiting for a potential buyout.
========= They've probably waited too long. The last round of cuts the people that were told they had a choice to be cut or take the package were also told that next time the buyout might not be there.
As far as only hearing about a new round of layoffs here, I have heard the speculation on several sites which is understandable since the earnings were so much worse than anticipated.
I believe there will be another round. After that, closings will begin.
Re: “The only talk I hear of more layoffs is on this blog.” ---------- I hope you are not waiting for news from the Pru. Word is, he is out to sea in his sailboat. Hand on the tiller, and all that jazz. McClatchy is well known for lowering the boom without fanfare. They want every ounce of the employees blood until the last minute. I thank the employees that let us know what they hear. Most of the time where there is smoke, there is fire. The rumors have been a heads-up that came true most of the time IMO.
There is nothing being planned as of now in the way of more mass layoffs. On the last round they came back THREE TIMES to ask the newspapers for more. That's why it took so long to make announcements.
Although people are trimming expenses, there is not a whisper of that other type of activity. There is a general acknowledgment, I think, that we cut too deep last time and the organization can't sustain any more. Savings have to come from elsewhere. We have to raise additional revenue with circulation price increases and things like paying for TV books.
There might be some isolated job-consolidation and outsourcing but I'm not looking for any more across-the-board staff cuts. They deliberately went drastically deep last time so as not to have to come back for more.
"They deliberately went drastically deep last time so as not to have to come back for more."
Then we found out that the cuts that they made were not enough as the results were worse than expected. Price rises have had a detrimental effect on subscriptions so without another cut the only saving grace will be closures and moves to online only.
All the PR work you do is not going to make a difference in the end. Prepare to watch more head for the unemployment line one way or another without a government takeover.
Cancellations from circulation pricing action are not significant in number and copies are usually regained within a few months. Online-only is a load of crap. Rail against it all you like but the vast majority of revenue is still in ROP advertising in the print product. Keeping up that ROP revenue stream is essential for the company.
Cancellations from circulation pricing action are not significant in number and copies are usually regained within a few months.
They are in record numbers. You cannot lie about that no matter how hard you try. Across the board with McClatchy people are canceling left and right. Cannibalizing the paper by cutting content and at the same time raising the price is killing subscriptions like never before. That is a simple fact.
65 comments:
I posted on a farmer site your informatmation to illistrate the extent of the government backing of company retirement plans.
This morning I received this E-Mail. She probably thinks I am now or have been a fellow employee. But fortunatly that is not the case.
Hello: My husband showed me your AgTalk post. I got the same letter yesterday and am close to petrified. I was disabled shortly before KR went down, so never actually worked for McC. Otherwise I am in same boat you are, not getting to full retirement for 6 more years. I have been under the obviously false impression that KR pension was its own "fully funded" entity and not co-mingled with McC pensions. To me, this raises the specter that KR benefits will be diluted by all the McC pension beneficiaries, if McC doesn't fully fund before it breathes its last.
I took the mumbo jumbo about fully funded to say that the law requires a company to have some percentage of the money that would be required to pay all the benefits, allowing for the fund to appreciate to full value before it all has to be paid out. Therefore, "fully funded" really means funded to the extent required by ERISA, and we don't know what that % is. But, it's not real dollars they're playing with, but some number an actuary has come up with. The last sentence under "Fair Market Value of Assets" is what caught my eye. With those numbers, the plan is funded at 62%. So the actuary has rounded up the real market value by a mere $532 billion. (Now we know why the investment bankers hated the "mark to market" rule so much). The entire McClatchy company is capitalized at $62 million, at current stock value. What do we think the odds are that they'll come up with the $532B and counting?
There certainly is a simple answer to the question "Is the plan fully funded?" in the parlance of the cover letter. The answer is no.
Re Item 2: Coupled with Item 1 of the basic benefits guaranteed above, I take it to mean that we who are fully vested have met the age, service, etc requirements, (otherwise we wouldn't be vested) but we don't get any pension until we get to the age for full retirement, or to 62 if we take early retirement. (Do you know if the PBGC lets you take retirement at 62?) As of Mar. 31, no one is getting increases in benefits based on serving another year, (this was news to me), so the plan is frozen. The only new people will be those who are not vested because they haven't worked 5 years for the company but who manage to get their 5 in before the plan bites the dust. I could be wrong about that; maybe they are just out in the cold.
The other thing we don't know is what our full benefit is. That's calculated by some giant formula in the sky. Those statements we used to get every year purported to show the full benefit if we worked to 55 or 62 or full retirement ~ 65 or more depending on your birthdate. But who's to know what it is now that the March freeze has occurred? And can the formula change? Aren't we just stuck with what they say our benefit is at the time we start drawing benefits without a way to challenge?
Well, I have gone on a long time to say "I don't know." If you hear from any others or have further info yourself, I'd appreciate knowing.
Thanks much, S. D.
Just to clarify: Are you passing this along to sympathize or to mock? (It's hard to tell here, sometimes ...)
I'd say you would have to have a serious reading comprehension problem if there is any thought in your mind that somehow to mock someone. Either that or just be a complete F*(King idiot.
From a post yesterday:
----------------------
What does any of this have to do with the actual fire at the S-T? I vas dere, Charlie. We spent an hour in the parking lot (which means technically we were trespassing, since the lot was sold to the Fort Worth Club), taking cell phone pictures and watching firefighters scurry. Our elevators have to be at least 50 yrs. old; that's what caught fire, an elevator motor or wiring. Incidentally, the edition was only 8 or so mins. late despite an hour-plus delay, so there IS some professionalism left in this newsroom, contrary to reports.
----------------------
Reminds me of my time at the KC Star. Faint, decrepit alarms would warn of a fire drill. Entire newsroom would empty the building chaotically through tiny doors -- except for folks on deadline, who were ordered to stay.
After standing in the parking lot for a half-hour or so, we would all return, unhindered, through a door that would normally be monitored by cameras and electronic-badge sensors.
Moral of the story: If you're gonna sneak into a newspaper, wait for a fire drill.
(P.S. After severely cutting back the budget for security a few years ago, my newspaper actually tried placing a BLOW-UP DOLL in a security van in the parking lot during evening hours, until it became obvious even to random passers-by that it was a BLOW-UP-DOLL.)
---------------------
I'd say you would have to have a serious reading comprehension problem if there is any thought in your mind that somehow to mock someone.
---------------------
My only reading comprehension problem is when a sentence is not really a sentence, and the meaning is mangled ... like that.
My only reading comprehension problem is when a sentence is not really a sentence, and the meaning is mangled ... like that.
=========
Wireless keyboards will certainly leave out a strategic word on occasion, but not being able to comprehend or interrupt the basic intent of a person in distress is terminal stupidity.
Please tell us, how on earth did you possibly conclude that posting the lady,s letter was somehow mocking her.
Or were you just trying to get in a snide little dig?
Pre-Market open stock is at .87 cents. Looks like they just might reach a $1.00. What will we do now?
Sell, Sell. Sell all of it I say!
Short sellers are bailing but most have been in since MNI was in the 30's. Once they are shaken out, note the price and sell short if you can get the shares. 1.25 would be my target, but anything around 1.00 will get you a 50% profit using the .50 cent support level.
Employee kicked to the curb, still wanted to help paper;
"I tried to show some professionalism. I offered to help explain the job to someone else who would take over, but they said no."
-----------
@ E & P
'Reading Eagle' Layoffs Offer No Severance
"It shocks everybody I talk to," says former Assistant Photo Editor Ron Romanski, who spent 45 years at the Pennsylvania daily before being laid off last Thursday -- along with 49 other employees. "I didn't think it would happen to me." -
Please tell us, how on earth did you possibly conclude that posting the lady,s letter was somehow mocking her.
-----------------------
Because it would hardly be the first time. The line between hatred of company and hatred of employee is often blurred on this site.
("Empathy" is, after all, a code word.)
WSJ editor: "Certain US papers have been designed for journalists rather than for readers"
Columbia Journalism Review
Robert Thomson avoids saying whether he's talking about the pre-Murdoch Journal, but it's obvious that he is, writes Liza Featherstone. [Journalists too often choose "self-indulgence over readability,"] says the WSJ managing editor. "If a reader is used to the web, he has developed a ruthless functionality in reading -- just clicking on what he's interested in." Turning to a newspaper, that reader then "confronts this Neanderthal product. [Taking four paragraphs to get to the point is too long."]
-Reporter who took Strib's buyout in 2007 is now broke-
MinnPost.com
"When I took a buyout at the Star Tribune on June 15, 2007, I was sure I'd find another job quickly, although my entire career has been in newspapers -- which, as you may know, are not doing a lot of hiring these days," writes Delma J. Francis. "Still, writing and editing are valuable assets to many businesses. What I hadn't counted on was the total tanking of the economy."
Because it would hardly be the first time. The line between hatred of company and hatred of employee is often blurred on this site.
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I have never, even once read anything even remotely detrimental toward a retiree on this site. You're reasoning is hollow and you pretext is completely dishonest. Your snarly aside betrays you.
I have never, even once read anything even remotely detrimental toward a retiree on this site. You're reasoning is hollow and you pretext is completely dishonest. Your snarly aside betrays you.
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I have never read anything detrimental to a retiree, either. Who lasts long enough at this company to actually retire?
I'm talking about comments detrimental to current and recently laid-off employees. You're gonna tell me you've never seen a comment like "don't let the door hit your ass on the way out, marxist," every time the quarterly layoffs strike?
6:57 AM
I understand now. You really didn't bother to even read the letter and see it was a retiree and not an employee. You just threw in your "poor me" dig because you wanted to play victim and you wanted to take a shot at the blog.
I understand now. You really didn't bother to even read the letter and see it was a retiree and not an employee. You just threw in your "poor me" dig because you wanted to play victim and you wanted to take a shot at the blog.
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No, you DON'T understand. I did read the letter. I just wasn't able to ascertain the motive of the person who posted it. Without context, I just assumed it was a jackass like you. My bad.
In anonymous posts, you really have no idea who is writing what. During the past election, Obama and Soros paid sneaks to interrupt blogs unfavorable to the Great Pretender. They would write an ugly post, and then run to other sites and report the ugly remarks they just planted. The same is true here, the most vile remarks could have been from posters pretending to be journalists just to stir the pot. I am disgusted with the ‘destroy the so-called enemy’ the media has demonstrated against ‘some’ citizens. It is a gross departure of the ethics the media should embrace. Biased reporting has no place in our society, so if the MSM bites the dust, they really did go out of their way to become irrelevant.
So, it is a reading comprehension problem?
So, it is a reading comprehension problem?
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Absolutely. I have problems comprehending sentences containing no verbs in which every other word is spelled as they would be by a third-grade dropout.
Perhaps the fact I read the rest of this week's posts before this one put me in a bad mood.
And just out of curiosity: What difference does it make whether it's a retiree or some poor bastard who got laid off in March? Is there a different set of standards?
Is there a different set of standards?
I think there is a different set of standards. Retirees from several years ago were actually quality people who prided themselves on basic journalistic ethics.
What is left are affirmative action hires with absolutely no regard for ethical practices what so ever. You have to remember that a measurable portion of those being laid off such as guild members of the Bee's are actually the SCABS who crossed their own brothers picket lines years ago.
The same respect and consideration for current employees does not apply to those that laughed because they thought that they were untouchable while their own peers were being systematically kicked to the curb.
That said, the argument could be made that a certain portion of the people there are not responsible for what their companies have done to the industry. It is a good argument until one remembers that if you are an employee, you are a representative of that company. If you choose to work there knowing full well that it is an unethical, then you cannot escape a share of the responsibility.
It is like lawyers. The bad ones give the good one a bad name.
Jeff Jacoby:
I wish the lack of ideological diversity that tends to characterize most major newspapers - the reflexive support for Democrats, the distaste for religion and the military, the cheerleading for liberal enthusiasms from gun control to gay marriage - really did explain the industry's present woes. Because then newspaper companies would know what it would take to recover: a reorienting of their editorial views from left to center-right and the recruitment of editors and writers with a more conservative outlook.
But if liberal media bias is the explanation, why are undeniably left-of-center papers like the Globe, The New York Times, and the San Francisco Chronicle attracting more readers than ever when visitors to their websites are taken into account? How does liberal bias explain the shutdown of Denver's more conservative Rocky Mountain News, but not the more liberal Denver Post? How does it explain the collapse of newspapers in lefty enclaves like Seattle and San Francisco? How does it explain why the great majority of Americans - 60 percent, according to a recent CBS/New York Times poll - get most of their news from TV?
Re: “Take a shot at the blog”
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It seems to me this blog offers a place for McClatchy employees to find each other, and read different takes on the current situation. Not everyone shares their opinions as would be normal on any site. The problem for some posters, is demanding that everyone conform to their opinion, and write in whatever style they prefer. None of that is in their domain. I think the media has become a mouthpiece for the Democrats. It is my right to think that, and write my opinion in the manner that suits me, and our host. I despise what the newspapers have become, and those that have become shills, instead of the honorable watchdogs of government. Unemployed journalists will have plenty of time to decide if their newapaper committed suicide, and if they handed them the means to do so.
***I have never, even once read anything even remotely detrimental toward a retiree on this site.***
Really? You've never seen any of John Altevogt's posts? You haven't seen the hatred that is regularly directed toward Rhonda Lokemon on this site?
Written in 1090, Holmes could have written the same words today. “Call for more pens, more paper, and more ink.”
***
Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. - 1890 -
Cacoethes Scribendi
If all the trees in all the woods were men;
And each and every blade of grass a pen;
If every leaf on every shrub and tree
Turned to a sheet of foolscap; every sea
Were changed to ink, and all earth's living tribes
Had nothing else to do but act as scribes,
And for ten thousand ages, day and night,
The human race should write, and write, and write,
Till all the pens and paper were used up,
And the huge inkstand was an empty cup,
Still would the scribblers clustered round its brink
Call for more pens, more paper, and more ink.
But if liberal media bias is the explanation, why are undeniably left-of-center papers like the Globe, The New York Times, and the San Francisco Chronicle attracting more readers than ever when visitors to their websites are taken into account?
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They are not attracting more readers to their sites, they are using gimmicks and aggregate services to bolster their hit counts and pad their numbers. It doesn't change the fact that online ads bring in 3% of the revenue that print ads do.
The in your face leftist bias is not the only reason they are in decline. It is however an undeniable contributing factor as common sense can tell even the dim bulb that alienating a significant portion of your potential customer base is bad business.
Newspapers are primarily doomed by their own success in removing any and all accountability or responsibility. It made them fat, lazy and completely unable to compete. Their only saving grace will be if the Socialist regime that they helped to install nationalizes them and supports them through taxpayer dollars.
Really? You've never seen any of John Altevogt's posts? You haven't seen the hatred that is regularly directed toward Rhonda Lokemon on this site?
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Rhonda Lokeman is not a retiree, she was forced out and no where near the age of retirement. She is the publisher's wife and a nationally syndicated propagandist and hate monger.
Rhonda Lokeman deserves everything she gets. She is a fraud and always has been.
8:18 Liar. Really, and where would my slams at retirees be found? If you go to Bottom Line Communications and examine the list of names you'll find that there was one tribute given out of all those names. The link to that tribute takes you to a comment I made about Rick Alm on The Kansan's website.
You liars have yet to refute one point I've made on here. Not one. Instead, you come on here like a pack of whiny little children and lie through your teeth with your idiotic little blurbs that, like you, contribute nothing to anything.
If I have been critical of anyone that critique is generally aimed at specific people for very specific conduct. In addition, I have also pointed out the newspapers are hardly the monoliths that many try and make them out to be and that many reporters work very hard to put out a quality product in spite of the editorial bias above them.
Let me repeat. You're a liar. In the face of facts you can't refute you simply lie through your teeth and post comments most 5 year olds would be embarrassed to write.
Really? You've never seen any of John Altevogt's posts? You haven't seen the hatred that is regularly directed toward Rhonda Lokemon on this site?
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I'm glad somebody finally put those two names in the same sentence. Lokeman's columns were unreadable because they were juvenile and barely literate. Altevogt's columns were unreadable because they were boring and repetitive. Just like his posts on this site.
ouch! you guys need to take some valium with a beer chaser today
Altevogt's columns were interesting and most importantly informing.
You're right though, Lokeman did write on a barely literate level. She is not a retiree.
Ten bucks says that 8:18 and 8:47 are from the same thing. And speaking of repetitive, that's the third time you've made the very same statement about my columns, again, of course without a shred of evidence to back up anything you say.
That, in essence, is a summary of totalitarian liberalism as a philosophy, constantly repeat the lie until the sheep repeat it.
As a student of the Holocaust I'm stunned at the behavior of the people in this country and thankful for the few remaining institutional barriers that stand between us and the totalitarian left in this country.
@ E & P
'Reading Eagle' Layoffs Offer No Severance
In the current economy and newspaper industry downturn, it is not unusual that a newspaper like the Reading (Pa.) Eagle would lay off 50 employees, as it did last week. But what has some departed staffers irked even more is the lack of severance pay ...
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I have no doubt this will be the ultimate fate of the "lucky few" who have thus far been spared from the layoffs at a certain McClatchy newspaper with no executive editor and a mostly empty newsroom.
John Altevogt's comments are always thought provoking. I look for his posts. He like other posters is entitled to his opinions. If you find them hateful, that‘s you, read past them. As far as repetitive, there are new readers all the time. If you read every word looking to be offended, you can do that, but don’t assume anyone but yourself does that. Rhonda Lokeman was disgusting and truly hateful. She is just now getting the comeuppance she deserved for years. I guess the liberals hatred of P. Bush was okay? How about the entire media’s hatefulness aimed at Gov. Palin? You are such a hypocrite!
John:
I give you the respect that is due for using your real name. Economic realities prevent me from doing the same.
That said, I am 8:47, but I am not 8:18.
(How is it that there is this huge, overarching, left-wing conspiracy in the media, yet whenever more than one person disagrees with this blog's particular flavor of right-wing tilt, the contributors decide it must be ONE PERSON causing the "problems"? Which is it? Communist conspiracy, or one "troll"?)
You owe me $10.
The problem with signing your name, is that it gives whackjobs a target. John is one of the best additions to McClatchy Watch. I also enjoyed Les, and Dave D. Like their posts or not, they add interest. Some weasel oozing his hate couched in his idea of hatred posted by others, is so like the leftists. No honesty, no integrity, no job. Who doesn’t get that by now? Go John!
Ditto: Go John!
My vote goes to John. The leftist weasel needs to go read The Daily Kos where hate lives. Geeez!
The "leftist weasel" is a registered Republican (although he has voted Libertarian in the last 4 presidential elections).
Once again: Not everyone who disagrees with you disagrees because of politics. Some of us disagree with you because you're DUMB. Keep jumping to conclusions. Hopefully, you'll eventually fall far enough to hurt yourself.
Donovan are you in here pretending to be a conservative again?
Retirees from several years ago were actually quality people who prided themselves on basic journalistic ethics.
What is left are affirmative action hires with absolutely no regard for ethical practices what so ever.
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What an idiotic generalization. Not everyone works in the newsroom, for starters. And a by-product of the recent staff reductions is that people with longer service are more likely to still be with the company. Not necessarily only recent "affirmative action hires."
Opinions like the ignorant generalization above make it obvious WHY we need affirmative action!
What an idiotic generalization. Not everyone works in the newsroom, for starters. And a by-product of the recent staff reductions is that people with longer service are more likely to still be with the company. Not necessarily only recent "affirmative action hires."
-- Thank you! Agreed!
Opinions like the ignorant generalization above make it obvious WHY we need affirmative action!
-- WHAT??? (You lost me there.)
***John is one of the best additions to McClatchy Watch. I also enjoyed Les, and Dave D. Like their posts or not, they add interest. Some weasel oozing his hate couched in his idea of hatred posted by others, is so like the leftists.***
Dave D. doesn't "ooze his hate?" Could have fooled me.
11:02 here again. An apology: I had Dave D. mixed up with another poster, one of the "Anonymous." Sorry, Dave.
You mean this guy?
"Dave D. said...
...That " Former copy editor " is a BONELESS WONDER and gutless to boot. Alligator mouth, but hummingbird assed. Guys like him are what sank the swayback McClatchymaru."
No hate there.
Thanks to all who have been so kind in their compliments. As for the troll(s). Get someone to lay claim to the other post, let me know who you are (which I will hold in confidence) and the ten spot is yours.
Opinions like the ignorant generalization above make it obvious WHY we need affirmative action!
-- WHAT??? (You lost me there.)
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ANON 10:30 what I meant is that ANON 8:12's comment, "What is left are affirmative action hires with absolutely no regard for ethical practices what so ever," is prejudiced and racist.
And when you have prejudice and racism you need a program like Affirmative Action to make sure you have people who add a little balance.
Re: “The "leftist weasel" is a registered Republican (although he has voted Libertarian in the last 4 presidential elections).”
===
Sort of like Arlen Specter was a GOP? I don’t believe you. I know quite a few people that say they are Independent voters, but if you listen carefully to their opinions, they are closer to being Socialists than Independent voters. The people I referenced have been in focus groups as Independents,’ and it is a total sham. They belong with the ‘faint on cue’ phonies.
2:25 PM That is just about the most twisted bunch of logic I have ever read.
Long term employees have been fired at an unprecedented leaving little more than entrenched affirmative action hires who might sue if fired.
There was nothing racist at all about original post. You clowns just took a snippet and made a run with it. But it doesn't change the fact that what is left are the bottom of the barrel who work cheap and have no respect for journalistic ethics....yet your solution is MORE AFFIRMATIVE ACTION HIRES!
Got to love it. See you in the unemployment line.
Not to distract from this oh-so-enlightening political discussion, but does anyone know if another round of staff cuts is ahead in either KC or Fort Worth? I know employees in both newsrooms who are ready to bail but say they're waiting for a potential buyout. How can either paper possibly lose more staff? And is any money left for severance? Hard to believe they'd even bother offering voluntary buyouts at this point.
“And when you have prejudice and racism you need a program like Affirmative Action to make sure you have people who add a little balance.”
***
What happens when the AA hires are prejudiced, and are racists? That is certainly the case at the KC Red Star. Who weeds out the rotten hires then? You are assuming the AA hires are even average journalists. You are making the general statement that they are needed, and should say qualified journalists are needed, regardless of AA or other special treatment. The posters here are talking about quality of journalism. The main problem I saw with AA hires, is that no matter how racist they are, you can’t get rid of them because they scream racism. Isn’t that a scream?
The only talk I hear of more layoffs is on this blog.
Go John, you have forgotten more than these trolls will ever know.
***I know quite a few people that say they are Independent voters, but if you listen carefully to their opinions, they are closer to being Socialists than Independent voters.***
OMG!!! Like Roosevelt? Social Security sure ruined the country, didn't it? And Johnson? Let all those old people with chronic diseases find their own medical insurance. There must be lots of companies out there willing to insure people over 65.
@2:49
I wouldn't worry about it. As stated above the only place I am hearing about more layoffs is on this board and there is not 1 shred of proof about it.
I have predicted every one to date based upon factual verifiable information and none of that exists at this time.
If you hear someone talking about layoffs, they are likely referring to this site and are just spreading gossip around.
I am absolutely certain some of the information comes straight from current McClatchy employees, as rumor fly around the newsrooms. Some of the most bitter comments come from laid off employees. Each blog poster and readers can take what they want from the discussions. I don’t believe everything, but I get a better understanding of people losing their jobs and profession during a horrible economy. I will never subscribe to a newspaper again because of the liberal slant, and lack of journalism ethics. Nothing will change that unless the newspapers return to their true mission.
John rules
Trolls drool
High five John, keep up the good posts!
in both newsrooms who are ready to bail but say they're waiting for a potential buyout.
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They've probably waited too long. The last round of cuts the people that were told they had a choice to be cut or take the package were also told that next time the buyout might not be there.
As far as only hearing about a new round of layoffs here, I have heard the speculation on several sites which is understandable since the earnings were so much worse than anticipated.
I believe there will be another round. After that, closings will begin.
Re: “The only talk I hear of more layoffs is on this blog.”
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I hope you are not waiting for news from the Pru. Word is, he is out to sea in his sailboat. Hand on the tiller, and all that jazz. McClatchy is well known for lowering the boom without fanfare. They want every ounce of the employees blood until the last minute. I thank the employees that let us know what they hear. Most of the time where there is smoke, there is fire. The rumors have been a heads-up that came true most of the time IMO.
There is nothing being planned as of now in the way of more mass layoffs. On the last round they came back THREE TIMES to ask the newspapers for more. That's why it took so long to make announcements.
Although people are trimming expenses, there is not a whisper of that other type of activity. There is a general acknowledgment, I think, that we cut too deep last time and the organization can't sustain any more. Savings have to come from elsewhere. We have to raise additional revenue with circulation price increases and things like paying for TV books.
There might be some isolated job-consolidation and outsourcing but I'm not looking for any more across-the-board staff cuts. They deliberately went drastically deep last time so as not to have to come back for more.
"They deliberately went drastically deep last time so as not to have to come back for more."
Then we found out that the cuts that they made were not enough as the results were worse than expected. Price rises have had a detrimental effect on subscriptions so without another cut the only saving grace will be closures and moves to online only.
All the PR work you do is not going to make a difference in the end. Prepare to watch more head for the unemployment line one way or another without a government takeover.
Cancellations from circulation pricing action are not significant in number and copies are usually regained within a few months. Online-only is a load of crap. Rail against it all you like but the vast majority of revenue is still in ROP advertising in the print product. Keeping up that ROP revenue stream is essential for the company.
Cancellations from circulation pricing action are not significant in number and copies are usually regained within a few months.
They are in record numbers. You cannot lie about that no matter how hard you try. Across the board with McClatchy people are canceling left and right. Cannibalizing the paper by cutting content and at the same time raising the price is killing subscriptions like never before. That is a simple fact.
3:02 p.m. is correct in his/her assesment of the situation and 5:21 p.m. is spot on as to what is going on right now.
8:04 PM My money says you are both of them because we all know that you are trying to pump up the company line.
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