The parent company of the Hudson-Patch, AOL (no longer a part of Time Warner since a 2008 spin-off) announced it would be laying off 500 employees at the on-line Patch division. The numbers are miserable according to Crains Business New York. "While the division more than doubled its sales last year to just under $35 million, Patch’s annual costs range from $126 million to $162 million."
That's a tough piece of news.
The Patch is an idea early for it's time. It is a brilliant idea still.
There are postings periodically for bloggers to cover Hudson sports and club events amongst other things. Consider for a moment that this is your chance to be a journalist covering a topic you care deeply about. Bias? What about Bias? I can't report sports I'm too biased!!!
Journalism is about the truth. Truth is you may care very deeply for the Hudson team but, so will the readers of your blog. Your chance at integrity is to be honest in the assessment and gracious in the delivery. When possible show that you care for both teams, and take several deep breaths before clicking "Post".
I do not know if the current Patch editor, Shawn Hogendorf, has been effected, and it is my hope he is not. Regardless, this event is sending the wrong message at the wrong time. Now is when we should be coming together and communicating as a community. In that spirit I would encourage all online media outlets in the Liberty Valley area to continue expanding and promoting their blogs. The question on everybody's mind today should be, "does paper really beat silicone?"
Peace-
Bob
