It is now three weeks since the noisy raccoons in the wall of my sleeping quarters convinced me to relocate to the ancient futon in the front room. The change has disrupted a lot of my routines. I liked to write in my journal, read, and take breaks as well as sleep in my little bed. It is also 10 degrees cooler at night out there, definitely a loss in the heat wave. So far, no remedy in sight.
Another thing that is discomfiting is the changing nature of newspapers. James Flachsenhaar, former editor at the Courier News and now general manager/editor at the Daily Record, wrote last Sunday about a transformation at Gannett's six New Jersey newspapers "in which content is becoming as much about our audiences as for them." "Low-impact 'official' news" is being dialed down in favor of what readers have to say. And as some may observe, all the better if readers actually write the content and submit it ready-made for publication.
So I am wondering, what is news? What is content? Do newspapers want readers now to pay for the privilege of reading what readers wrote?
Flachsenhaar does acknowledge readers' "desire for watchdog journalism," holding elected officials accountable (though apparently without having reporters go to City Hall to check up on them).
Content has become so generic that most papers now offer links to stories that once were news - maybe weeks or even months ago. Old news is still content, it seems.
Speaking of City Hall, the blog is largely dedicated to letting readers know what is going on with the administration and governing body. The main thing happening lately seems to be some fundamental disagreements over fiscal policies, i.e., what to do with your tax money. Plaintalker can report that there is a rift over spending priorities, but only you, the citizens, can put pressure on your elected officials to do what you consider the right thing. All of their phone numbers and e-mail addresses can be found on the city web site. Even if you do not want to sit through council meetings, you can let them know what you think.
The city still lacks a chief financial officer. The mayor nominated one this month, but the council did not put the nomination on the agenda for a vote. The 2012 budget process was pretty much of a mess. A new CFO will need time to get a grip on the city's fiscal state, so one hopes there will be an appointment sooner rather than later, if the 2013 budget is not to go the same way.
These diverse distractions are making me edgy when I suppose I should just be enjoying the pleasures of summer. I guess it could be worse. I don't have a house under water, a gas-guzzling vehicle or a daily grind to deal with. I just wish things were better on the home front, in the news biz and around City Hall right now.
--Bernice
Bernice, the ever-changing state of print and news delivery is something I, too, watch. Know that your continual contribution in reporting local news is appreciated. Your writing is able to elicit emotions, both good and bad, meaning you've done your job well. I wish there were more people who read your blog so that they, too, could become more educated on what goes on in our local political scene, then work towards bringing about change.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear you still have the animal problem. Maybe it's time to move, since the landlord doesn't seem to be doing much to take care of his tenants and property.
ReplyDeleteLet's see if we can get a CFO who will be able to work with our shady mayor and not get fired by her highness. Plainfield is truly the loser with the bad decisions this mayor has made.
Good luck with the raccoons. I hope your landlord gets his act together for you.