Letters to the Editor
-
Why I don't subscribe
If this rant were a book, I'd have to call it rambling and poorly structured. The author conflates the decline of the newspapers first with censorship and then with the disappearance of book reviews and perhaps, ultimately book worms.
I qualify as a book worm. I am in my late 30's. I do not subscribe to a paper. Here's why:
1.) Newspapers have sold out to ads. If I could get a paper that contained only the current news and features, I would happily subscribe. Instead, 50-80% of the paper I'm buying is printed with ads.
2.) Newspapers focus on telling me exactly what everyone else is telling me. Wire services are a boon on the expenses side, but they make your paper exactly like the one in the next county over.
3.) Newspapers think of themselves as a print product. But I don't want more things I use once and then take to the recycling yard. Give me good on-line design or an inspirational end of life for the paper. (I like the idea of paper mache bowls and boxes for take-out food. You can read as you eat!)