Jackson Jambalaya

I think it's widely known that the CL knows race-baiting means page-views. I mean, why's Jerry got a job otherwise?

It's too bad more people aren't ticked about E911 status and tolerate the Supes lackadaisical approach to government.

I am not really sure, but it seems that you are arguing that your readership is dumb.

Just an observation.

Nope. Just something I've noticed and worth pointing out. People gripe about the CL but the question should be asked if the newspaper is following some agenda or instead responding to market demand.

Take the Evans case. When I've written about it, barely moves the traffic meter. CL would say give it lip service, do something more fluffy. I look deeper and see the type of readers and they improve. An Evans case post means the lawyers, bankers, and realtors all tune in, so even though the hits don't go up, the type of hits get much better, something advertisers like to see.

Not calling them stupid, I just think its human nature and found it interesting. Doesn't affect what I post here one way or the other.

I think you make a good point, KF. Lots of people aren't very smart, but the people at the top of any organization - yes, even newspapers and other media - are usually there for a reason. I don't doubt that the bosses of the C/L are looking at what spurs readership because that's how they sell advertising. I think it's nice that you try to keep up with the quality of your readers, and I think that will also pay dividends in advertising dollars.

However, it's sad that we've become more interested in fluff than substance. It's becoming more evident every day that many people just don't care about things beyond their little corner of the world, and so what if our county government is corrupt? I don't know what's caused it, but I know we'd better get it turned around soon or we're going to find about 10% of the people making the decisions for everyone else. Bill Billingsley

I think your post about Whitwell generated so much interest not only because of the number of names on the invite, but also lots of folks saw an opportunity to take shots at someone anonymously. And race will always stir up interest.

I will say this. I read your blog daily because I enjoy your reporting on items that don't covered fully by the CL: Evans brothers, Steadivest (whatever happened on that one?), Heather Spencer, and the latest scuttlebutt from the metro area governments.

Gannett has a plan for advertising and a lot of it is now done on the corporate level and funneled down to the local papers. Less local cost to sell it and more profit at the top. How long has it been since Wal-Mart has had inserts in the C-L? Now they are back with less circulation than ever? Dollar General and others just wanted local exposure with smaller readership? That would be a tough sell for the local C-L sales team.

I've been put-off by the CL for a couple of decades. I don't check the CL daily (I do like the crosswords puzzles, that's about it) for local news. I do, however, check this blog. JJ is where I start for local news. Then I check other sources from various places, but certainly not from the Cryin' Liar.

Every morning I check the CL's website and get my BASIC (basic being the main word here) news...I read about the sports highlight stories and read about the basic story on some thug who shot someone again...but that is it. The internet is just easier and convenient. Why would I pay to get a subscription to a paper when I can read everything online...FREE...without having to go outside in the rain? We do, however, get the Sunday paper...but only for the ads and the comics :)...but here lately the paper goes unread or even unopened.
My question is this- why doesn't the Ledger charge a small fee to read the paper online? So many people have cancelled their subscription but still read online. Now, some people just love having a paper in their hands and won't do the internet and that is what is going to keep the paper alive...But honestly, CL is the only local paper we have...regardless of the fluff journalism...alot of people aren't going to let it go. BUT I think they are screwing themselves by not charging a fee for internet usage...

Rebekah, from what I have experienced, the C-L is free. I canceled my subscription over three years ago, I have not lived in my house since July 3, 2010, and my neighbor still has to go over and get the paper from my driveway.

I even e-mailed David Hampton three times about it with no success. Then, I gave up.

Paul, come to think of it, I haven't renewed our subscription in months and we are still getting a paper every Sunday. I have gotten a call from CL and numerous emails about renewing, but I just ignore.
Just another waste of money on their part...

What is happening @ the C-L is an example of what happens to organizations when they disproportionately lay off staff in order to save the jobs of management personnel.

The best run companies in our nation have very flat structures with few layers of management. In other words they require management staff to actually work managing.

If you thought JPS or other school districts were top heavy, and they are, you haven't bothered to look at the C-L org chart lately.

The C-L hasn't erected a paywall for online content because: A) they use the number of unique hits as a price point for selling print ads, and B) no one in their right mind would pay for it. It's a wonder anyone pays .75 cents for the daily and $1.75 for Sundays and holidays. Is there ANYTHING in it you couldn't find elsewhere for free? If advertisers had any clue how many papers come back every day, they'd demand an ABC audit. As for being top-heavy in management, 11:41 hit the nail on the head. They have managers for managers. WTF? The days of the C-L being relevant have passed because forums like this are providing what concerned citizens want. Thanks KF for giving people a voice, in real time, and stepping in to fill the void in media coverage that C-L is oblivious to.

Are you all talking about that plastic bag that has coupons in it every Sunday in my neighbors driveway?