They also got a large number of cancellations immediately after switching the paper size, and after dropping the detailed stock and mutual fund listing tables, according to what the customer service rep told me.

The key is whether cancellations continue past this initial spike. That will probably be noticed and be more worrisome to WSJ management and ownership.

I’m not advocating this action for anyone other than me. But it’s interesting to note that they expect a spike in cancellations whenever there’s a major change in the WSJ product.

Incidentally, the only way to cancel is either by phone with a live customer service rep, or by mail. There is no online option in part, I suspect, because it’s too easy. (Shades of AOL.)

While Murdoch has left some of his media acquisitions alone, they don’t tend to be the higher-profile ones (from what I recall). He’s worked so long, and paid so much, for the WSJ that I expect in six months to a year you’ll start seeing changes in its news coverage approach.

Murdoch’s direct influence on editorial policy at many of his properties certainly has a historic and, in some countries, cultural basis. But that doesn’t mean I have to pay to support that habit.

I didn’t think there was room left for any more people at the Fox holiday party. Perhaps Rupe will rent out Madison Square Garden for this winter’s event.

But on the bright side, there’s a good chance the Financial Times could end up being America’s leading name in business news.

Sigh.