Seriously? Start a Newspaper?

by Jack Humphrey on Jan 10

Seth Godin is the only person who can get me to open an email entitled “Time to Start a Newspaper” in what is being considered the swan song days of chopping down trees and delivering them to people.

Seriously, the paper news industry is truly coming to an end.  At least in its current form.  The New York Times took out a mortgage on their own building last year to raise capital to stay afloat.  And they are considered one of the best in breed, most-likely-to-stay-afloat of newspapers.  Countless news stories have covered seemingly countless papers going out of business or struggling like never before in the last year.

There’s a site dedicated to watching the industry decline!

So, when Seth sent that email, I HAD to see what he was up to.  Had he lost his mind?  Was this my chance, now that he had clearly become mentally unstable, to fill the void and become the new Seth Godin?  I saw opportunity!

Then I read his piece and I’ll be damned if it didn’t make total sense.  The newspaper “industry” is in serious trouble, but great ideas aren’t.  It won’t apply to just anyone, but it is a great example of flying in the face of conventional wisdom and seeing realistic opportunity where no one else is even looking for it.

Tagged as: newspaper industry, seth godin, start a newspaper

  • http://www.tednewman.name Ted Newman

    Hi Jack,

    Seth’s ideas for creating your own local Newsletter/Information service from the point of view of a tradesperson is certainly something that could open up a whole avenue of possibilities, both for marketers and the tradespeople themselves.

    As usual something very simple in it’s concept that could be applied worldwide by any aspiring entrepreneur could have far reaching consequences for all concerned.

    I wonder how many will pick up on the opportunity?

    Great read as usual Jack!

    Cheers

    Ted Newman
    http://www.tednewman.name

    Ted Newmans last blog post..Video Killed The Radio Star…Again!

  • http://www.thelangreport.com Michael Lang

    I was elated to read your post about the demise of newspapers. It has been a slow, painful death for many papers that have been around for ages.
    It is one of the reasons why I’ve perservered with the growth of The Lang Report. I knew that when I picked this niche to persue as an authority site that it would be a long haul but I was also aware that if I was able to “turn the corner” I would have a loyal following because there is always something to write about.
    I am in the process of making another “course correction” after the historical election we just witnessed.
    So, as a result, my focus will be switching somewhat.
    As always, I welcome all ideas and feednack.

    Mike Lang
    Publisher
    The Lang Report
    http://www.thelangreport.com

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  • http://www.buyers-web.com Timon Weller

    Running a newspaper would have to be a tiring way of getting information out, i think personnally a blog with a newspaper style layout that has a print option is way more productive..

    Maybe have the newspaper a direct print of a blog to distribute would be a nice option, but by itself, stressful lol… :)

    Timon Wellers last blog post..How to build an Online Blog Community?

  • anim8tr

    Interesting, but then why would there be a need to call something like this a “newspaper”. Couldn’t we already do something similar via any online media (blog, etc..)?

    The issue with having fewer newspapers is that we now have fewer voices and opinions at a local level. I do like the local “newspaper” idea…

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