December 10th, 2007 by Atomictumor
Word around the campfire is that the paper of choice up here, the Oak Ridge Observer, is about to abandon it’s current business model of giving away papers and subsiding off advertising and subscriptions in favor of a paid paper.
Its a ballsy move. The thing has some good word of mouth right now, but you never know if its that way because its a well written and managed independent paper, or because its a well written and managed independent free paper. That four letter f-word can bring a lot of goodwill.
Personally, doesn’t matter to me, because I subscribe to the thing anyway. I like the idea of it being around, and I figure it wouldn’t go paid like this unless the needful was there. I have a bad feeling about the move, simply because its going to completely throw a monkeywrench in the works as they’ve been standing for 4 years or whatever, but hell, who knows.
Personally, I’d much rather write a story about how they’re starting up an online edition so that when I link to local stuff, I can throw it their way…
December 10th, 2007 at 6:40 pm
I’ve been meaning to subscribe for over a year now, but usually end up spending the $40 on something more pressing. But really, I love the Observer and if it came down to it, I’d be happy to pay for it.
December 10th, 2007 at 7:03 pm
lol…they’re so going out of business…
December 11th, 2007 at 7:09 am
now what will i line the guinea pig cage with?
December 11th, 2007 at 10:59 am
Summers, I disagree. I think this is an excellent business move. Charging for the paper will only ad to it’s value. After all, if something is free, what is it really worth?
December 11th, 2007 at 1:10 pm
Thats the thing Daco- information is free, and they’re making a living off packaging it. The question is, how much are people willing to pay for it? the OakRidger is larger (Thicker), contains more information, and is 50 cents. Will this paper be 25 cents? What will it contain that would make me want to get it over the OR? Will they go daily to help out, or expect people to buy a paper with old information in it?
December 11th, 2007 at 1:58 pm
–At the moment, it’s only free to read…not to place advertisements. As to the potential value of this business model, you need only look to Knoxville’s insanely successful Metro-Pulse or even the smaller-but-growing (by leaps and bounds) Halls Shopper.
–The Oak Ridge Observer’s readership is so low now (with a free paper) that they’re floundering from lack of advertising dollars. Do they honestly think they’ll lure in enough readers to turn a profit by charging them?
–Newspapers are quickly becoming obsolete. I honestly can’t imagine anyone under the age of 25 ever even considering a newspaper subscription, unless it’s just to be magnanimous. The demand for a paper like the Oak Ridge Observer just doesn’t exist, and, as cynical as it might sound, I hope their new business model includes a heavy online presence.
December 11th, 2007 at 2:37 pm
“Thats the thing Daco- information is free…”
Sorry AT, but information is one of the most expensive commodities available. That’s like saying that water is free. Take a look at your utility bill this month.
Right now Oak Ridgers have two choices in newspapers. The Oak Ridger and that free paper. The Observer, IMHO, will be worth more immediately when they start charging for their paper. Choices will have to be made. Readers will have to determine the value offered for the price charged.
I think an online presence would be wise. I disagree Summers, the fact that this free paper has a strong paying subscriber base disproves your point that the demand doesn’t exist.
December 12th, 2007 at 7:14 am
sorry…nobody mentioned anything about a strong paying subscriber base. I was working under the assumption that they were retooling things ’cause business was bleak. If they’re doing it for the opposite reason, then I rescind my previous comment.
Dammit, I don’t feel like researching this stuff. I just come here to be entertained and to leave snarky comments.
December 12th, 2007 at 10:40 am
“Dammit, I don’t feel like researching this stuff. I just come here to be entertained and to leave snarky comments.” Too funny!
December 12th, 2007 at 4:32 pm
Daco, you’re right information is anything but free.
I don’t get Atomicsoul’s point, or criticism, that all the Observer is doing is packaging information and making a buck off it. What else would they be doing? Atomicsoul seems to imply that work is a dishonest way to make a living.
December 22nd, 2007 at 4:22 pm
Thank you for your wonderful web site and this guest page