We Want Media

In something akin to a wee child throwing stones at a old, lumbering beast, Gawker looks at the New York Times' stance on snark and this whole Internet.

On the one hand, the Times runs an internal newsletter featuring the column "After Deadline," which contains Standards Editor Craig Whitney's aghast discovery: Snark! It's invading writing! It was, in fact, featured in six(!) pieces since March 13.

The main offenders? Sunday Styles, the Book Review (twice), a quote (which Craig may let slide...THIS TIME), Leisure and the Arts section. Indeed, this reeks of lazy writing. To use such trivial words, what would a publication like Time have to say about this?

I mean, honestly, who uses such poor word choice? OMG, ya know?

Of course, this could just be one of those moments where you realize that Old Media is totally square and uncool and New Media is "teh awezome!!"

Speaking of New Media, Gawker (#1 media source for J-School bloggers) notes in the New York Times' annual report :

Regarding the blogs...: "The proliferation of nontraditional media, largely available at no cost, challenges the traditional media model, in which quality journalism has primarily been supported by print advertising revenues. If consumers fail to differentiate our content from other content providers, on the Internet or otherwise, we may experience a decline in revenues." Because the internets aren't supported equally by display advertising? And that Times might be confused with other brands? Huh, what?

Moving on! "Help wanted and automotive classified advertising revenues, which are important categories at all of our newspaper properties, have declined as less expensive or free online alternatives have proliferated." Screw you, Craig Newmark!

You mean, print must bow to digital? Analog is dead, long live Google AdSense?

Hm, I wonder if I can start expressing joy by saying "Google!" and dancing. What would Craig Whitney say...well, whatever. This is the best news ever.

Now, to casually sit back and wait for my hard-earned Internet dollars to come in--or, the Snapper.