blogger interrupted

This has been a long time coming.

The two alternative publications will continue to publish separately for their next three issues and then merge into a single newsweekly, the “Scene,” on July 23, according to Don Farley, publisher of the Alternative Group for Times-Shamrock Communications.

As a Clevelander, I’ve always read both papers, but I’ve always rooted for the Free Times.  Not sure why, but it seemed like more of a Cleveland thing, as opposed to Scene, even though both are as Cleveland as it comes.  I’ve had a few op-eds in the Free Times, and of course, the cover story last month.  

But Cleveland just is not big enough for two alt-weeklies, never has been.  I’m amazed at how long this took to happen, it seems like a merger was destined to be the end-game in a very long competition.  It’s good news that the Free Times publisher, Matt Fabyan, will be the publisher of the new Scene.  At least for me.

And that leads me to my pitch!  I’ve made no secret of wanting to make a living out of my writing.  I’ve pitched to Scene, Free Times, the PD, anyone who will listen.  Now that my controversy is older than dirt, perhaps someone at the new Scene can take a chance.

Aside from my obviously incredible talents, which warrant my hiring on their own merits, if I may say so myself…it’s about time some dead tree publication in Ohio made a move online that made a little sense, got a little traction, and drove some revenue.  The PD’s blogging efforts have been laughable, the Free Times current blog feels like a ghost town.  Scene’s current blog has more posting, but no one links to it, and the only comments are regarding a pissed off former employee gloating over the merger.  

Revenue online is really the only place a newspaper can compete in the new media world.  Why not kick start it with some controversy?  Why not make some news, and why not put some teeth into your online efforts with a damn good blogger?

Did I mention I really need a job?

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