Editor’s note: In Carson City, a free online site called CarsonNow.org is competing against The Union’s sister newspaper, The Nevada Appeal, which has set up a “paywall.” It was launched by a former Swift journalist, Kirk Caraway.
Here’s a column Kirk wrote in November when the “paywall” was launched. His point: “We don’t operate from behind a wall. We are a part of the community, and the community is at the center of everything we do. We can’t do this without help from the community, and we welcome that help with open arms, not closed doors.” Check out the comments below the article.
“Thank you for the early Christmas present
By Kirk Caraway
“When I read last month that the Nevada Appeal planned to start charging readers to access their web content, a tune began playing in my head: “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…”
“Since the first step of their paywall (as we in the industry refer to paid access systems) was erected on Wednesday, traffic for Carson Now shot up 50 percent. I expect that to grow even more when the first free trial period ends and they begin asking readers for their credit cards.
“So thank you, Nevada Appeal, for the early gift. I will make sure to add you to my Christmas card list this year.
“It’s very touching to read the flood of emails hitting my inbox from readers fleeing the Appeal’s paywall. Their offers to spread the word about Carson Now, sending in news tips and even passing along advertising leads goes to the heart of what a community news operation is.
“We don’t operate from behind a wall. We are a part of the community, and the community is at the center of everything we do. We can’t do this without help from the community, and we welcome that help with open arms, not closed doors.
“You can easily share your news, photos and other items of community interest here. And those businesses and organizations interested in advertising on the fastest-growing news site in Carson City can find out more here.
Thank you, Carson City.”
Filed under: Uncategorized
Here’s “Goodbye to The Union” by Don Pelton, author of Sierra Voices:
http://sierravoices.com/2012/01/goodbye-to-the-union-its-been-strange-to-know-ya/
Don notes: “By the way, most of the local restaurants where we have breakfast — like South Pine and TJs — have a couple of copies of The Union lying about for diners to peruse while they eat.”