Re: Neat summary of Google strategy

From: "Chris"
> On Tue, 9 Jun 2009, joseph harris wrote:
>
>> From: "Chris"
>>>
>>> It would be akin to taking one free newspaper from the 
>>> stack,
>>> and then photocopying it to deliver it to multiple 
>>> requestors.
>>> Nobody is getting paid less at the outset, but the 
>>> newspaper
>>> does get less information about who and where its paper 
>>> is
>>> read.
>>
>> But you also suggest there is no financial loss from such
>> photocopying; I think that would not be a sustainable
>> argument.
>
> All my words matter there. I explicitly indicated that 
> this was a
> free newspaper, not one for which you had to pay.
>
> We have these in Toronto ( http://www.metronews.ca/toronto 
> where
> you can even download a PDF of the complete paper ). They 
> are
> just there in a rack, and you grab one on the way by. They 
> are
> either tabloid or folded tabloid format, because of space
> limitations where they are typically read.

I cannot recall the post where i pointed out our first 
freesheet was at the end of 50s or in the very early 60s, so 
I know exactly what you are talking of. I have worked on 
both types of journal, and was involved i n the launch of a 
trade and technical freesheet. These are cery different in 
almost every respect from a paid for periodical.

Anything which is reliant on advertising is distorted by 
that advertising, and is also controlled by it. This is 
literal, not nod and wink even. When editing an institute 
journal I have been asked by advertising to allow PR puffs 
as articles to go opposite a related advertisement - the 
publishing contractor got his income from advertisisng.

On the point you make the repeat of a freesheet - assuming 
ads are included - would hardly be objectionable, though the 
cost of doing so makes no  sense of it. Such a copy would 
afford the unauthorised copier no compensating income, while 
benefitting the publisher rightsholder.

>
> For a newspaper that required you to pay per issue, it 
> would be
> different. The free papers are attractive on the subway, 
> where
> there is no wireless (LAN or cell) connectivity to read 
> anything
> online. (Don't get me started on the state of wireless 
> data
> here.) They also offer a crossword and Sudoku.

Some 'freesheets' [not free in terms of distorted 
information and exposure to persuasion] have been very 
successful in attracting advertising and developing 
editorial. But they are very subject to the whims of the 
advertisers; readers are not at the fore - nor is truth, 
insofar as truth is achievable.

This advertisisng effect has increasing distorted paid for 
media, and needs fast reversing for that industry to weather 
the downturn.

>
> I also explicitly said "paid less at the outset". That is 
> NOT the
> same as no financial loss, because the information about 
> how
> many papers are picked up and where goes into determining
> advertising rates.

Well I have no knowledge of the financial details today, but 
no freesheet continues if the income is not good, better 
than subscription media. They have been successful in the 
more targetted groups, such as local and specific niches 
such as fashion or accountacy and so on.

>
> This is a case of "dont overdo the analogy". It works for 
> the
> basic elements of the proxy, and that's about it. I didn't 
> try to
> extend it any farther; please don't drag it there.

But an analogy is just that - not as limited as a metaphor. 
You use it to hang a very large coat, and I was pointing out 
the coat is too heavy for it.

>
> Separately - I'm curious how you sell newspapers without 
> coin
> slot containers. Does every single newspaper have to be 
> sold at a
> newstand?
>
>
>
> : chris smith 
> ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
> : nihil tam munitum quod non expugnari pecunia possit - 
> cicero :
>

Traditionally we have had, often small, shops that 
specialise in it, chains which developed from it - like W H 
Smith, which is now a big book retailer (brick and mortar 
and online), newstands at stations, airports and other high 
pedestrian areas and paper sellers, either with small stands 
or with practically no stand at all. Most of these have also 
run home delivery services, though throwing from bikes is 
not permitted!

Many small shops are open from before 8am to 10 or 11 and 
supermarkets - with a dedicated news sales counter - can be 
24-hour.

Joseph Harris 



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