Comments on: Chicago Tribune rolls out Triblocal.com http://www.lostremote.com/2007/04/19/chicago-tribune-rolls-out-triblocalcom/ Where TV Finds the Future Tue, 07 Oct 2008 16:18:02 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 By: Kyle http://www.lostremote.com/2007/04/19/chicago-tribune-rolls-out-triblocalcom/#comment-808407 Kyle Thu, 20 Mar 2008 16:06:16 +0000 http://www.lostremote.com/2007/04/19/chicago-tribune-rolls-out-triblocalcom/#comment-808407 Two more reverse published newspapers launched today! More web sites in April! Don't change that dial....stay tuned Two more reverse published newspapers launched today! More web sites in April! Don’t change that dial….stay tuned

]]> By: Kyle http://www.lostremote.com/2007/04/19/chicago-tribune-rolls-out-triblocalcom/#comment-480520 Kyle Wed, 05 Sep 2007 21:35:10 +0000 http://www.lostremote.com/2007/04/19/chicago-tribune-rolls-out-triblocalcom/#comment-480520 All newspapers are designed to provide advertisers options. If you don't believe and understand that you are naive. Newspapers were NOT created with great ideals in mind. The great newspapermen and woman had ideals and ethics but they were out to make money and gain power. The Tribune's own history includes getting the Republican party into power. Then of, course there is the Hearst empire. The history of newspapers is actually more sordid than spectacular. Anyway, Triblocal will evolve into what the people who use it want it to be. Right now (4th issue out This week) we are publishing one to four "stories" from citizens. These are mostly human interest. The rest are press releases, events from organizations and then stories written by our staff. We are seeing more and more people posting a variety of content. Who is to say press releases and events are less news than a school board meeting no one attends anyway. Perhaps the idea of what news is needs to change. We certainly should not be "nattering nabobs of negativity" All newspapers are designed to provide advertisers options. If you don’t believe and understand that you are naive. Newspapers were NOT created with great ideals in mind. The great newspapermen and woman had ideals and ethics but they were out to make money and gain power. The Tribune’s own history includes getting the Republican party into power. Then of, course there is the Hearst empire.

The history of newspapers is actually more sordid than spectacular. Anyway, Triblocal will evolve into what the people who use it want it to be.

Right now (4th issue out This week) we are publishing one to four “stories” from citizens. These are mostly human interest. The rest are press releases, events from organizations and then stories written by our staff. We are seeing more and more people posting a variety of content.

Who is to say press releases and events are less news than a school board meeting no one attends anyway. Perhaps the idea of what news is needs to change.

We certainly should not be “nattering nabobs of negativity”

]]> By: R.A. Bartlett http://www.lostremote.com/2007/04/19/chicago-tribune-rolls-out-triblocalcom/#comment-478664 R.A. Bartlett Tue, 04 Sep 2007 13:32:11 +0000 http://www.lostremote.com/2007/04/19/chicago-tribune-rolls-out-triblocalcom/#comment-478664 How do you define "read extensively"? And, be honest, how many reader stories - not press releases - are you publishing each week? How many hits qualifies as "read extensively?" Would you publish a story about taxes that a reader provides in story form, rather than letter to the editor, even if it represents only one side of the debate? Frankly, I have no problem with the concept of Web-to-print or even Triblocal. I think it's a disservice to journalists, however, to call it a community newspaper. It's a shopper, designed to provide advertisers with a new option and based on minimal editorial costs. If the content were truly what people wanted to read, you could charge a subscription fee - but we all know that's not the model of a shopper. Shoppers have long called themselves newspapers; now metros are repackaging them with similar (lack of) quality standards and doing the same thing. How do you define “read extensively”? And, be honest, how many reader stories - not press releases - are you publishing each week? How many hits qualifies as “read extensively?” Would you publish a story about taxes that a reader provides in story form, rather than letter to the editor, even if it represents only one side of the debate?

Frankly, I have no problem with the concept of Web-to-print or even Triblocal. I think it’s a disservice to journalists, however, to call it a community newspaper. It’s a shopper, designed to provide advertisers with a new option and based on minimal editorial costs. If the content were truly what people wanted to read, you could charge a subscription fee - but we all know that’s not the model of a shopper. Shoppers have long called themselves newspapers; now metros are repackaging them with similar (lack of) quality standards and doing the same thing.

]]> By: Kyle http://www.lostremote.com/2007/04/19/chicago-tribune-rolls-out-triblocalcom/#comment-473141 Kyle Thu, 30 Aug 2007 14:34:26 +0000 http://www.lostremote.com/2007/04/19/chicago-tribune-rolls-out-triblocalcom/#comment-473141 Stories that are posted on the site and read extensively can be viewed as stories people want to read and stories people take the time to post even thought they are not getting paid to do so should be highlighted. You make a good point about zoning and tax issues if they want to write that story they would go the same place a reporter would go BUT those are the stories that populate community newspaper sand circulation is declining...think about it. Are journalists really giving readers what the readers want? These publications are not supposed to be the tribune's suburban zones...they don't need to be. Why duplicate that? We are MUCH more local. As far as the question is this god for the community we will see. If the community sees value and contributes it will become valuable. Stories that are posted on the site and read extensively can be viewed as stories people want to read and stories people take the time to post even thought they are not getting paid to do so should be highlighted. You make a good point about zoning and tax issues if they want to write that story they would go the same place a reporter would go BUT those are the stories that populate community newspaper sand circulation is declining…think about it. Are journalists really giving readers what the readers want? These publications are not supposed to be the tribune’s suburban zones…they don’t need to be. Why duplicate that? We are MUCH more local. As far as the question is this god for the community we will see. If the community sees value and contributes it will become valuable.

]]> By: R.A. Bartlett http://www.lostremote.com/2007/04/19/chicago-tribune-rolls-out-triblocalcom/#comment-469848 R.A. Bartlett Mon, 27 Aug 2007 22:06:32 +0000 http://www.lostremote.com/2007/04/19/chicago-tribune-rolls-out-triblocalcom/#comment-469848 Kyle: You say the publications focus on content that readers - THEY - want to read. How do you know that? Do readers truly want to read whatever someone bothers to post online? And, frankly, I see primarily staff-written stories. Much of what I see posted are press releases. You seem to criticize police reporting and meeting coverage as not being hyperlocal. Editors of small dailies and weeklies would argue that point, I believe. So, where do these suburban residents who care about what's happening in your neighborhoods or zoning/tax issues in their community go for that information? I understand doing this project as cheaply as possible is good for Trib business, but is it truly good for the communities' residents? Or are these new publications simply glorified shoppers, designed primarily as advertising products and reliant on free copy rather than professional community journalism? If they are just gussied-up shoppers, which for decades have relied on reader submissions and press releases, let's say that. Finally, if we're relying on residents to write stories and take photos, the quality standards simply cannot be the same as the Trib's suburban zones that relied on professional reporters and photojournalists. Kyle: You say the publications focus on content that readers - THEY - want to read. How do you know that? Do readers truly want to read whatever someone bothers to post online? And, frankly, I see primarily staff-written stories. Much of what I see posted are press releases. You seem to criticize police reporting and meeting coverage as not being hyperlocal. Editors of small dailies and weeklies would argue that point, I believe. So, where do these suburban residents who care about what’s happening in your neighborhoods or zoning/tax issues in their community go for that information? I understand doing this project as cheaply as possible is good for Trib business, but is it truly good for the communities’ residents? Or are these new publications simply glorified shoppers, designed primarily as advertising products and reliant on free copy rather than professional community journalism? If they are just gussied-up shoppers, which for decades have relied on reader submissions and press releases, let’s say that. Finally, if we’re relying on residents to write stories and take photos, the quality standards simply cannot be the same as the Trib’s suburban zones that relied on professional reporters and photojournalists.

]]> By: Kyle http://www.lostremote.com/2007/04/19/chicago-tribune-rolls-out-triblocalcom/#comment-466337 Kyle Fri, 24 Aug 2007 14:53:11 +0000 http://www.lostremote.com/2007/04/19/chicago-tribune-rolls-out-triblocalcom/#comment-466337 There are four reporter/editors and one managing editor. technology is eliminating designers and the publication as highly templated. reporters will do less reporting as contributions from citizens increase. They are in charge of editing and fact checking contributor content before ity is published. Technology has made it so fewer behind the scenes people are needed. Quality standards are the same BUT story selection is vastly different. This is hyperlocal content that people determine THEY want to read not "Bleeds it leads" journalism or meeting coverage. Cost control is the key to making this work. There are four reporter/editors and one managing editor. technology is eliminating designers and the publication as highly templated. reporters will do less reporting as contributions from citizens increase. They are in charge of editing and fact checking contributor content before ity is published. Technology has made it so fewer behind the scenes people are needed.
Quality standards are the same BUT story selection is vastly different. This is hyperlocal content that people determine THEY want to read not “Bleeds it leads” journalism or meeting coverage.
Cost control is the key to making this work.

]]> By: R.A. Bartlett http://www.lostremote.com/2007/04/19/chicago-tribune-rolls-out-triblocalcom/#comment-463667 R.A. Bartlett Tue, 21 Aug 2007 23:09:33 +0000 http://www.lostremote.com/2007/04/19/chicago-tribune-rolls-out-triblocalcom/#comment-463667 How many professional journalists work behind the scenes at these sites/publications? I've read four reporters help cover the news, shooting their own photos, etc. How many editors serve as watchdogs? How many copy editors, designers, Web producers are behind it as well? What about quality standards - lower than the Trib's suburban zones? I guess I would be concerned about the professionalism and integrity of the publications. I also wonder whether it will serve as a financial model if the costs of all contributing to its production are not included in a P&L statement. How many professional journalists work behind the scenes at these sites/publications? I’ve read four reporters help cover the news, shooting their own photos, etc. How many editors serve as watchdogs? How many copy editors, designers, Web producers are behind it as well? What about quality standards - lower than the Trib’s suburban zones? I guess I would be concerned about the professionalism and integrity of the publications. I also wonder whether it will serve as a financial model if the costs of all contributing to its production are not included in a P&L statement.

]]> By: Kyle http://www.lostremote.com/2007/04/19/chicago-tribune-rolls-out-triblocalcom/#comment-458750 Kyle Thu, 16 Aug 2007 18:08:59 +0000 http://www.lostremote.com/2007/04/19/chicago-tribune-rolls-out-triblocalcom/#comment-458750 Triblocal launched the print version of the web site today! Triblocal launched the print version of the web site today!

]]> By: Kyle http://www.lostremote.com/2007/04/19/chicago-tribune-rolls-out-triblocalcom/#comment-318805 Kyle Tue, 22 May 2007 19:18:37 +0000 http://www.lostremote.com/2007/04/19/chicago-tribune-rolls-out-triblocalcom/#comment-318805 P--compare the two. What do you like about each, what do you dislike? I am with triblocal are you a part of STNG? P–compare the two. What do you like about each, what do you dislike? I am with triblocal are you a part of STNG?

]]> By: P http://www.lostremote.com/2007/04/19/chicago-tribune-rolls-out-triblocalcom/#comment-314606 P Fri, 18 May 2007 18:02:28 +0000 http://www.lostremote.com/2007/04/19/chicago-tribune-rolls-out-triblocalcom/#comment-314606 Too bad they are a month behind the Sun-Times Neighborhoodcircle Too bad they are a month behind the Sun-Times Neighborhoodcircle

]]> By: P http://www.lostremote.com/2007/04/19/chicago-tribune-rolls-out-triblocalcom/#comment-314605 P Fri, 18 May 2007 18:02:06 +0000 http://www.lostremote.com/2007/04/19/chicago-tribune-rolls-out-triblocalcom/#comment-314605 Too bad they are a month behind the Sun-Times Neighborhoodcircle.com Too bad they are a month behind the Sun-Times Neighborhoodcircle.com

]]> By: Dave http://www.lostremote.com/2007/04/19/chicago-tribune-rolls-out-triblocalcom/#comment-289104 Dave Wed, 25 Apr 2007 20:28:15 +0000 http://www.lostremote.com/2007/04/19/chicago-tribune-rolls-out-triblocalcom/#comment-289104 Couple of comments on all this. First about the word 'hyperlocal'. Call these products what you want, thats not the point. The point is that people with similar interests, small towns, school districts, ethnic groups, you name it, are now able to connect with each other and share their thoughts in words and pictures. Second, it is the top media companies like the tribune that will provide the journalism and editorial 'wrapper' that will ensure high quality content. Every little town in the country should have their own web and print products that contain less about wars and such, and more about every day happenings of special interst to them. What the Tribune is doing with Triblocal will be a model. Couple of comments on all this. First about the word ‘hyperlocal’. Call these products what you want, thats not the point. The point is that people with similar interests, small towns, school districts, ethnic groups, you name it, are now able to connect with each other and share their thoughts in words and pictures. Second, it is the top media companies like the tribune that will provide the journalism and editorial ‘wrapper’ that will ensure high quality content. Every little town in the country should have their own web and print products that contain less about wars and such, and more about every day happenings of special interst to them. What the Tribune is doing with Triblocal will be a model.

]]> By: Kyle http://www.lostremote.com/2007/04/19/chicago-tribune-rolls-out-triblocalcom/#comment-287628 Kyle Tue, 24 Apr 2007 19:28:53 +0000 http://www.lostremote.com/2007/04/19/chicago-tribune-rolls-out-triblocalcom/#comment-287628 Great question Joe. My answer is: I don't know. We will see. As long as Journalists provide leadership these site can flourish. We do not call our contributors "citizen Journalists because what they are doing is not journalism. They are telling stories and posting photos...in other words contributing to a site that also has serious journalism. Great question Joe. My answer is: I don’t know. We will see. As long as Journalists provide leadership these site can flourish. We do not call our contributors “citizen Journalists because what they are doing is not journalism. They are telling stories and posting photos…in other words contributing to a site that also has serious journalism.

]]> By: joe http://www.lostremote.com/2007/04/19/chicago-tribune-rolls-out-triblocalcom/#comment-286298 joe Tue, 24 Apr 2007 00:59:29 +0000 http://www.lostremote.com/2007/04/19/chicago-tribune-rolls-out-triblocalcom/#comment-286298 citizen journalism is a fascinating concept. It's surely going to do heavy damage to all established journalism entities currently. But, should we be afraid? UK came out with a bleak report on the future of the world... one of the comments being "declining quality of journalism throughout the world". Are sites like this going to only speed up that process? Or is cheaper, more abundant news without boundaries a better solution? citizen journalism is a fascinating concept. It’s surely going to do heavy damage to all established journalism entities currently. But, should we be afraid? UK came out with a bleak report on the future of the world… one of the comments being “declining quality of journalism throughout the world”. Are sites like this going to only speed up that process? Or is cheaper, more abundant news without boundaries a better solution?

]]> By: Kyle http://www.lostremote.com/2007/04/19/chicago-tribune-rolls-out-triblocalcom/#comment-282315 Kyle Fri, 20 Apr 2007 20:46:29 +0000 http://www.lostremote.com/2007/04/19/chicago-tribune-rolls-out-triblocalcom/#comment-282315 Please don't dismiss this comment because I am the Managing editor of Triblocal.com. You all may be overthinking this. As somone who has been trying to bring news to smaller communities for two decades this is exciting because it enables us to both deliver professional journalism and publish items our consumers want to read and talk about. It is a town square. New technology-old idea. Souless? Only if we and our community are souless. Sterile, I don't think so. we want to be alive. The leadership we provide on the site will be the key to highlighting or NOT highlighting certain items but we won't say "you are not good enough to even post." Please don’t dismiss this comment because I am the Managing editor of Triblocal.com. You all may be overthinking this. As somone who has been trying to bring news to smaller communities for two decades this is exciting because it enables us to both deliver professional journalism and publish items our consumers want to read and talk about. It is a town square. New technology-old idea.
Souless? Only if we and our community are souless. Sterile, I don’t think so. we want to be alive. The leadership we provide on the site will be the key to highlighting or NOT highlighting certain items but we won’t say “you are not good enough to even post.”

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