Our newspaper is going out of business

**Grace** · 03-23-2009, 05:09 PM

After 174 years, the Ann Arbor News will close down the end of July. What an absolute shame.

They plan to do some sort of on-line thing but it's not the same as holding it in your hands.

**Edwina's Secretary** · 03-23-2009, 06:03 PM

It is so sad! I realize change is inevitable but this is a tough one for me. I remember my family getting two newspapers when I was a kid -- one morning and one evening.

A newspaper can go on the train with you - read in the bathtub -- shared over breakfast -- clipped and sent in a letter - used to wrap things up -- make sailor hats - make papier mache school projects - train the puppy.

It will be missed.

**moosmom** · 03-23-2009, 06:42 PM

Grace,

Newspapers from all over the country are going under. The Detroit Press is closing. Our newspaper in CT, the oldest continuously printed newspaper, the Hartford Courant, has laid off hundreds of very talented, long dedicated writers. It's a shame. I predict that within a year, the padlock will be slapped on the door. Blame the economy.

**Edwina's Secretary** · 03-23-2009, 07:42 PM

Originally Posted by moosmom

Blame the economy.

Donna - a very small part of the demise of newspapers is the economy. The way people get their news has changed. If it is free on the internet -- why pay for it? The competition from blogs and other sites is just making it impossible for print journalism.

The Seattle paper is going all on-line.

The interest in "in-depth" report is less as well.

So many factors are combining to make it tough on newspapers!

**catnapper** · 03-23-2009, 08:46 PM

A lot of them are. They just seem so ancient with today's headlines flashing online within moments of its happening. Yet, I still love to sift through the paper for comics, ads, local points of interest, etc. It won't be til they're gone that people will realize what they've taken for granted for so long.

**Marigold2** · 03-23-2009, 09:05 PM

Very sad. Nothing like reading the Sunday paper with a cup of coffee.

**Grace** · 03-23-2009, 09:14 PM

Originally Posted by Marigold2

Very sad. Nothing like reading the Sunday paper with a cup of coffee.

Precisely.

I have no problem with on-line papers - I read the NY Times, Boston Globe and my home town ProJo every day. That news has been in addition to the A2 News. I know people, of all ages, who are not computer savvy. What are they to do?

Donna, I had heard about the Courant. Like ES, I'm not convinced the economy is entirely to blame - although it certainly is a big component.

Yet, I still love to sift through the paper for comics, ads, local points of interest, etc. It won't be til they're gone that people will realize what they've taken for granted for so long.

So true.