Salon In Print: Unless they’re going to put models in bikinis on the cover and stock it with six-pack ab tips from the world’s greatest writers, I have a tough time seeing Salon.com in print.
The migration has been rumored for some time now. Unlike the “boy books” that rake in ads regardless of content differentiation, Salon is going to need a very expensive overhaul if it’s going to
compete with The New Yorker, The Atlantic or even Vanity Fair. I like Salon.com. I like at least the part you don’t pay for. It’s the only place I can find Greil Marcus writing. And I see some
occasional film and book reviews that cut through the political and sponsor-correct garbage you read elsewhere. But if you’re going to take that package to the world of printing, paper and postage it
needs to be stronger. I don’t think the numbers add up. I don’t think the audience is clamoring. I say Salon goes back to free on the web – all of it.
Whispers: I always say economic
reality is best heard with your ear to the street – both Wall Street and Main Street. The whispers among media pros early this summer said that ad spending was getting spooked by shaky consumer
spending and the tanking market. That happened. The whispers I hear right now say a flat but solid Q3 and a surprisingly robust Q4 for ad spending. Take that to your broker.
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Just To Let You
Know: I am so done with bobble heads. I never understood why they became the promotional juggernaut of the year and I can’t wait until they become golf tees so I can take a three wood to one of
them.
