Time to exit

Update: This blog is inactive but you can follow McClatchy Watch on Twitter.

After blogging for 27 months it's time for me to hang up my laptop.

I've wrestled for the past 2 weeks whether to keep blogging, and decided it's time to quit McClatchy Watch.  I have more responsibilities at work, and I have plans for more time with my family. I need a break, too.  No, this won't be a temporary break; I don't plan to start blogging again.

There is a definite demand for newspaper watchdog blogs. McClatchy has over 9,000 employees and I know from my stats that tons of them checked in here on a regular basis. My traffic also benefited from people -- plenty of them -- fascinated by the decline happening in the newspaper business.  Somewhere a blog will rise to meet the thirst for information.

There are only a handful of newspaper watchdog blogs: Lee Watch, Gannettoid, smaller ones here and there.  Jim Hopkins ended Gannett Blog in July.

Coincidentally, Jim Hopkins started Gannett Blog the same month I started McClatchy Watch. I consider it a minor achievement that I outlasted Jim by a few months. But Jim now says he might restart the blog.

Newspaper watchdog bloggers will mostly be hobbyists who don't do it for the money.  For the past several months I have averaged 2,000 hits on weekdays, about half that on weekends.  Not bad for this little blog but not a solid business model -- my monthly income from this blog was never more than about one sixth of my mortgage payment. 

Publishing this blog has been fun and rewarding.  Many thanks are in order.  I appreciate, more than I can say, my readers, especially those who posted comments, who emailed me with tips and articles and personal stories.  Thanks also to the other bloggers who linked here. 

I might post a handful of times between now and Friday but the shutdown has started.

Here's wishing you a Merry Christmas.

.
..
.

Modesto Bee dismantles its printing press

A reader emailed a photo of the cavernous room that used to house the Modesto Bee printing operation.  The Mod Bee outsourced printing to Sacramento over a year ago and the press has been completely dismantled.
.
.
.

Tri-City Herald looking for customer service rep -- $10.50 per hour

The Tri-City Herald is advertising for a customer service representative. Here is the announcement:

The Tri-City Herald has an immediate full time opening for a Customer Service Representative.  Candidates must have exceptional phone etiquette and listening skills, impeccable attention to detail, basic computer skills, be able to accurately type 30 WPM or more, be able to to multi-task efficiently, the ability to work in a fast- paced, sometimes high stress environment and the ability to spell correctly. Starting wage is $10.50 per hour.

Click here for more info.
.
.
.

Press problems at Merced paper delay delivery for some Modesto Bee subscribers

Story here.

.
.
.

Wednesday December 23 -- Got news or an update?

If you have news or an update, leave it in comments.
.
.
.

What's going on with the Miami land deal?

With the $190 million Miami land deal scheduled to close next week, it's time for another round of speculation about what will happen.

If the deal doesn't close, McClatchy is entitled to a $6 million termination fee on top of the $10 million already collected.

Looks like one of three things will happen: (1) the deal will close; (2) McClatchy will agree to extend escrow another six or twelve months; or, (3) McClatchy will take the $6 million termination fee and run. 

Under one scenario being bandied about, if the deal doesn't close next week, McClatchy will take the $6 million and package the parking lot with some bayfront property, then put it on the market at a much higher price.

That might sound good but it would surprise me: due to its weakened condition, McClatchy is not bargaining from a position of strength and might not have the stomach for another big real estate deal.
.
.
.

The Herald (Rock Hill, SC) looking for a graphic artist

The Herald is advertising for a graphic artist.  The announcement:

Description:

The Herald has an immediate opening for a Graphic Artist in our creative services department.   We offer a competitive salary and benefits package including health insurance, 401(k) and more. 

Requirements:

Qualified candidates will have excellent people skills and the ability to create, design and conceive advertising layouts. Experience with Macintosh systems and in using Quark Express 6.0, Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop 7.0, and the ability to design in Flash, creating effective online ads.  Candidates must be able to type 35 words per minute and have the ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.

Click here for more info.

.
.

At least 6 newspaper publishers filed for bankruptcy protection in 2009

See the list here.  (Hat tip: Paper Cuts on Twitter)
.
.
.

Blog post of the day

Barack Obama’s Approval Index Plunges After Health Care Rammed Through Senate
..
.
. 

Wonder what media elites talk about at "holiday parties"?

According to an account by Clay Waters, when media elites get together at "holiday parties," the most popular topics are the atrociousness of Joe Lieberman and Sarah Palin, and the greatness of Obama's speeches.  Plus some shop talk for good measure.  Full story here.

.
.
.

Former Bee reporter named editor in chief of hyperlocal site in Sacramento

Former Bee reporter David Watts Barton has been named editor in chief of The Sacramento Press, a hyperlocal internet site in Sacramento.  Barton, who has been managing editor at The Sacramento Press for nearly a year, reported on arts and culture during his 25 years with the Bee.

Web site here. 
.

27 months and 6,100 posts...

My Blogger dashboard says I've posted more than 6,100 entries since I started blogging September, 2007. Time for me to get a life!?
.
.
.

Tuesday December 22 -- Got news or an update?

If you have news or an update, leave it in comments.
.
.
.

Charlotte Observer looking for news systems analyst - $50,000 - $65,000 per year

The Charlotte Observer is advertising for a "news systems analyst".  The announcement:

The Charlotte Observer, the region’s leading information source, has a full time opportunity for a professional to join our team as an Applications Analyst II- News Systems. The Charlotte Observer is one of the largest newspapers in the Southeast area with circulation at 209,218 daily and 258,722 Sunday. The Charlotte Observer employs approximately 750 employees and is owned by McClatchy.

The Applications Analyst II- News Systems position is responsible for the evaluation, planning, technical support and development of the CCI news system application environment. Working to ensure, we provide Tier 2 support services to the Newsroom, meeting the users’ needs in a reliable, timely and professional manner. This position works under the direction of the Applications Manager – News Systems to manage change control and solution implementation. This position is subject to on-call, after hours duty.

The Applications Analyst II- News Systems positions must possess CCI experience. Microsoft Developer certification will be an advantage or equivalent experience using Visual Basic and/or TCL (Tool Command Language). UNIX certification or equivalent experience desired. Position requires self-direction, some project administration and special assignments.

FYI to the people who posted the ad:   The CO doesn't have 209,000 daily subscribers, not even close: according to the Audit Bueau of Circulations, the Charlotte Observer's daily circulation is 167,585.

Click here for more info on the position.
.
.
.

Executive editor on the Miami Herald's panhandling experiment: "an encouraging steam of gifts"

Miami Herald executive editor Anders Gyllenhaal says the Herald has received "an encouraging steam of gifts" ranging from $2 to $55 in response to requests for donations on the Herald's site. 

Can't help but notice he didn't disclose the total amount given, or the number of donors. 

Update: as of 4:40 EST, the Herald article still has Anders saying "steam" instead of "stream".

.
.
.