I’ve been distracted by other things, but I continue to mull over the idea of a blogger newspaper.
Two responses in particular to my last word on the topic deserve a reply.
First, An Spailpín Fánach points out that good writing is not the same as journalism. That’s true. Indeed, it’s why subeditors exist. Yes, I do think there is a market for fine writing, both as commentary and in breaking news. And yes, I think it’s a neglected market.
Spailpín also argues that a blogger newspaper (call it Blogger Times for now) would reinforce readers’ existing prejudices. Perhaps, but don’t all newspapers do that to a degree? The job of a curator (or editor) is to mix and match, challenging as well as confirming.
Second, Antoin O Lachtnain does some number crunching. The bottom line is, if his figures are accurate, Blogger Times would cost quite a lot. So much, in fact, that it might be better packaged as a magazine.
Numbers can be crunched different ways, if all else is in place. But I do think Net News should be packaged and sold on shelves. There are enough talented writers out there who deserve a wider audience.