Call to Action --- Cancel Your Ogden Newspaper!

WV26003 (4.00 / 2)

We cancelled a couple of times before for similar reasons, but then we resumed because it was easier to see what stories I needed to blog about. Naomi Smoot's one of the best reporters The Journal has had in ages. I certainly have been there before. I know after we cancelled one time, their service is so off kilter that we kept getting it for months for free.


When a man embarks upon a crime, he is morally guilty of any other crime which may spring from it. Sherlock Holmes.

---

by: Carnacki @ Thu Nov 20, 2008 at 17:26:24 PM CST

Option (4.00 / 2)

If I need the paper, I'll get it at the machine. But, canceling the subscription is a firm message.

---

by: WV26003 @ Thu Nov 20, 2008 at 20:19:39 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Have you noticed the website is posting AP stories now? (0.00 / 0)

This is not just the local reporter's stories. Surprised us all at home, even the tall one. This happened with the arrival of the new Ogden insider editor replacing Maria. The template is uniform, 7S and all.

I'll get killed at home for this one. So unless you have a bird cage. . .


NFTT: Support My Team or I Will Dance

---

by: CA Berkeley WV @ Fri Nov 21, 2008 at 10:28:52 AM CST

[ Parent ]

THe Urinal (4.00 / 2)

Morgan County just has a weekly paper, but we have a choice of daily regionals. I learned very quickly when we moved here what people think of The Urinal so I usually buy the Hagerstown's Herald-Mail unless there's something of interest in the Journal. I urge you to forward your blog as an email to the West Virginia and Eastern Panhandle for Obama listservs -- or I will forward it for you if you give me permission.

Beauty will save the world

---

by: wvbibi @ Thu Nov 20, 2008 at 18:39:42 PM CST

Of course you can (4.00 / 2)

I don't know the listservs, but you absolutely of course have my permission. Like I said, my intent is not to hurt the reporters. I know several of them in Wheeling personally. They have college degrees and make barely above minimum wage (which the Nuttings and Mike Myer opposed, of course). I can no longer stomach their crap.

---

by: WV26003 @ Thu Nov 20, 2008 at 20:18:55 PM CST

[ Parent ]

they don't call it the urinal for nothin' (4.00 / 2)

I quit taking the urinal decades ago but I still follow online for free and buy it occasionally when I'm out, not often.  I was always in a running battle with this paper and have been in it on many occasions for various reasons. I don't like the editorial staff, the cost of advertising, or the high cost of getting it delivered, no breaks whatsoever at any time.

---

by: JBdem4usa @ Thu Nov 20, 2008 at 21:37:29 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Boycott Seven Springs (4.00 / 2)

If you are going to go after Ogden Publishing, attack their vitals.  Loss of a few subscriptions is probably not going to impact them very much

I understand that Seven Springs cost about $100 million and - given the current economic crisis - is probably facing problems.  Their need to "advertise" it in the Intel suggests weakness.  As such, it is probably vulnerable to economic pressure, such as a boycott.  

Newspapers generally are facing economic difficulties and - in particular - are losing classified advertising to online sources.  It would be a fair guess that Ogden's situation is similar.  For research on general publishing economics, consider Editor and Publisher: http://www.editorandpublisher....

Learn where their pressure points are, and strike there.

---

by: Hugh de Latham @ Fri Nov 21, 2008 at 00:36:19 AM CST

"Avoid Right Wing Seven Springs" (4.00 / 2)

"Avoid Right Wing Seven Springs" has a nice ring to it.

This is the definite leverage point.

Getting the word out about the connection between Seven Springs and the "right-wing publishing empire" of its owner may give pause to visitors from its target markets (look at the "Directions page at the resort website... they're trying to draw visitors from New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, DC, Columbus, Pittsburgh, and Cleveland).

There are plenty of sympathetic folks in those markets. Put together a succinct diary enumerating Ogden's worst wingnuttery (like carrying Maulkin), the connection between Ogden and Seven Springs, and a call for action.

Over on our right-hand side bar our blogroll has a list of "neighbors" websites. That's a good place to cross-post diaries and started spreading the word with allies in neighboring states.

Next up would be to sprinkle links to those diaries on skiing and snowboarding websites / bulletin boards / newspaper article comments.

---

by: Clem Guttata @ Fri Nov 21, 2008 at 04:21:00 AM CST

[ Parent ]

Contacting sponsors is a great idea - Call write and email Seven Springs (0.00 / 0)

Seven Springs Mountain Resort
777 Waterwheel Drive
Seven Springs, PA 15622
(814) 352-7777
(800) 452-2223

email rshaffer@7springs.com

If you're familiar with their paper then directly suggesting that Silver Springs find an advertisement venue that's not so right wing oriented might help, too.

Another suggestion might be that if you take the tme and trouble to write a letter of complaint, take a little extra time to fire off copies not only to each of the newsrags that Ogden owns, but all other WV media AND Silver Springs Resort/ Silver Springs Realty. Other venues may be interested in covering the story of the Journal's demise by calling Silver Springs and directly asking them if they realize that Ogden is cutting back services to their customers, and further suggesting that that the Journal's editorial content doesn't fit Silver Springs' clientele.

Insert image of Bill O'Reilley snowboarding here.

A quick visit to several related sites indicates (to me, anyway) that Silver Springs is probably raring to advertise through a great progressive blog which reaches a broader, more cerebral and more urban public. If anyone knows of one, that is.

I am still upset over the drastic changes that Ogden implemented to Graffiti magazine. I recall when that little "freebie" used to regularly publish the works of several really good political/ editorial writers. Why, before they squeezed the life from it, they even used to get into editorial battles with Charleston Newspapers' Jim Haught and Betty Chilton!

Now it's not much more than a jumped-up local entertainment guide.

BTW I noticed that Graffiti's newly upgraded internet site features direct links to Seven Springs Resort and Seven Springs Realty, listing them as as "affiliated" sites. So selling Seven Springs advertising space in lieu of their spending bucks over a dying rag like the Journal may be something WVABLUE might wish to think about.

 

---

by: One Citizen @ Fri Nov 21, 2008 at 07:12:04 AM CST

[ Parent ]

One Citizen (0.00 / 0)

It's even worse... if I understand the situation correctly, the same family owns both Ogden Newspapers and the Seven Springs Resort.

There's probably something more recent available to confirm, but here's one article about the purchase...

The Pirates' Nutting family buying Seven Springs

---

by: Clem Guttata @ Fri Nov 21, 2008 at 10:16:49 AM CST

[ Parent ]

That's why... (0.00 / 0)

So when I pick up the Wheeling Intelligencer and see a front page article specifically about the opening of ski season at Seven Springs (nothing about Snowshoe, Timberline, Canaan Valley, etc.), I am infuriated.

Seven Springs Welcomes Snow

Seven Springs, rated the No. 1 ski resort in the mid-Atlantic region, opens its slopes Friday with plenty of fresh, new looks and attractions for the whole family.

::snip::

Hours of operation will be 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday; and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Lift tickets will be $29 for adults and $22 for children ages 6-11.

This is not front-page news. Now I do not blame Heather Ziegler. She is a friend of our family's, and she is a very avid and competent writer. I higher doubt, however, that she wrote this article of her own volition. This is an ADVERTISEMENT, and it didn't appear on the front page of the Sunday Travel section -- oh no -- it was on the front page of a daily edition.

This goes to the very question of ethics I have with Ogden Publishing. To me, it is a serious conflict-of-interest to run such an article while ignoring the ski resorts that are actually located in the State of West Virginia. Does anyone else find it bothersome?

---

by: WV26003 @ Fri Nov 21, 2008 at 10:25:52 AM CST

[ Parent ]

Subscriptions go beyond a few (0.00 / 0)

When I spoke with the woman at Wheeling circulation, she informed me that I was at least the 20th call she had received THAT DAY for cancelation.

And I've also been informed that the Wheeling Fire Department has canceled all of its subscriptions at all of its firehouses and facilities --- resulting in more than $1000.

I'm calling the Wheeling City Manager's office in about five minutes, and I have phone calls into two Wheeling City Councilman. After that, I'm calling Ohio County Administrator Greg Stewart.

---

by: WV26003 @ Fri Nov 21, 2008 at 09:00:55 AM CST

[ Parent ]

Call you City Manager and County Administrator (0.00 / 0)

I have calls in to both the Wheeling City Manager's Office and the Ohio County Administrator's Office inquiring as to how much each entity spends on newspaper subscriptions per year. All I'm asking for, at this time, is the figures to determine how much taxpayers are paying for their subscriptions.

I implore you to inquire the same of your city and county so that we can compile and publish a list. I do not believe it would be appropriate of me, as an Ohio County resident, to call Jefferson County and ask them. So, to those of you living in various counties and cities, please get the information for me, and post it on here. I thank you for your help on this matter.

---

by: WV26003 @ Fri Nov 21, 2008 at 09:12:38 AM CST

Actually when I've called other county offices from here in Charleston (0.00 / 0)

and explained why I'm making similar requests, I've found that county clerks have always been quite accommodating. While I haven't called the WV counties of Ohio or Jefferson, my experience phoning county clerks offices (both large and small) have almost always been successful in WV. I've also usually found them to be quite rewarding in that when conversing about the subject at hand, many clerks have actually volunteered suggestions which were quite helpful.

Besides, I'd bet even money that Jefferson county is probably getting caught in the Ogden squeeze as well, although the county clerk (and their chamber of commerce) may not know it.

BTW there's a guide to contact a number of chambers of commerce all across WV at this link.  

---

by: One Citizen @ Fri Nov 21, 2008 at 09:40:44 AM CST

[ Parent ]

Thank you (0.00 / 0)

I'm trying to walk on tip-toes when it comes to this, and that's why I'm trying to avoid calling Marshall County offices, for example, without first seeking a Marshall County resident to do so.

It has also been my experience that other county clerks offices are very helpful with non-residents, but the issue carries more weight if a resident of that county handles the inquiry. It provides more accountability.

I have also written to Delegate Orphy Klempa about the matter. Perhaps he would have more luck than I would at ascertaining the state's expenses on newspaper subscriptions. If you get the figures from Jefferson County, let me know.

---

by: WV26003 @ Fri Nov 21, 2008 at 10:11:50 AM CST

[ Parent ]

Whoa... I struck a nerve (4.00 / 1)

After speaking with the Wheeling Finance Division, I was directed to the Wheeling City Manager's office and told that such a request was "not appropriate". Hmm. I wonder why. I guess I will have to go through the City Solicitor's office now. If they want to play games, I can play games, too.

---

by: WV26003 @ Fri Nov 21, 2008 at 10:36:31 AM CST

Filing my FOIA request this afternoon (4.00 / 1)

Robert Herron
c/o City of Wheeling City Manager's Office
1500 Chapline Street
Wheeling, WV 26003

Dear Mr. Herron:

Pursuant to WV Code § 29B-1-3 (1), "Every person has a right to inspect or copy any public record of a public body in this state." Furthermore, pursuant to WV § 29B-1-3 (3), "The custodian of any public records, unless otherwise expressly provided by statute, shall furnish proper and reasonable opportunities for inspection and examination of the records in his or her office and reasonable facilities for making memoranda or abstracts therefrom, during the usual business hours, to all persons having occasion to make examination of them." I am hereby submitting a formal request for information related to certain City of Wheeling's office expenses and the opportunity to inspect such records in accordance with WV Law.

Request: To inspect all records (or be furnished with appropriate copies of such records) relating to any and all subscriptions held by the City of Wheeling, its offices, and divisions with Ogden Newspapers, Inc. (ONI). Additionally, to inspect all records (or be furnished with appropriate copies of such records) relating to any and all subscription-related disbursements made to Ogden Newspapers, Inc. (ONI) by the City of Wheeling, its offices, and divisions. This request includes, but is not necessarily limited to, invoices, billing statements, and/or payment receipts held by the City of Wheeling in regard to subscriptions or other circulation-related accounts with the Wheeling Intelligencer and the Wheeling News-Register. This request does not necessarily seek any financial information from the City of Wheeling relating to legal advertisements with or public notices filed with Ogden Newspapers, Inc. (ONI).

Purpose: To determine how much money the City of Wheeling, its offices, and divisions disburse annually or regularly for the purchase of newspapers published by Ogden Newspapers, Inc. (ONI).

I also request to be provided a specific time, date, and location of mutual convenience to inspect such records, in person, if copies of said information cannot be readily provided. If such copies require personal incurrence of expenses on my part, in accordance with the West Virginia Code, please provide me with the costs of obtaining said copies.

Finally, it is my duty to remind you that WV § 29B-1-3 (4) states, "All requests for information must state with reasonable specificity the information sought. The custodian, upon demand for records made under this statute, shall as soon as is practicable but within a maximum of five days not including Saturdays, Sundays or legal holidays."

Should you require further information related to my request, you may contact me by phone at (304) 280-2515, and I thank you in advance for your lawful and timely fulfillment of my request.

Very truly yours,

---

by: WV26003 @ Fri Nov 21, 2008 at 12:06:25 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Ask for the last financial statement through FIOA (0.00 / 0)

They have to list all expenditures over $50. Every city/town has to file a financial statement with the state each year, in addition to the next year's budget.

§8-13-23. Preparation, publication and disposition of financial statements.

(a) Every city, within ninety days after the beginning of each fiscal year, shall prepare on a form to be prescribed by the state tax commissioner and cause to be published a sworn statement revealing: (1) The receipts and expenditures of the city during the previous fiscal year; (2) the name of each person who received more than fifty dollars during the previous fiscal year, together with the amount received; and (3) all debts of the city, the purpose for which each debt was contracted, its due date and to what date the interest on the debt has been paid. The statement shall be published as a Class I legal advertisement in compliance with the provisions of article three, chapter fifty-nine of this code and the publication area for the publication shall be the city: Provided, That all salaries, receipts, payments to each individual vendor and expenditures to employees of municipal offices, companies and departments may be published in the aggregate.

Municipalities called "towns" have only slightly different requirements.

Basically, it is our tax money, they have to show us the canceled checks  

NFTT: Support My Team or I Will Dance

---

by: CA Berkeley WV @ Fri Nov 21, 2008 at 14:02:23 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Here's what I learned (0.00 / 0)

You give excellent information. Unfortunately, what I've discovered is that the City of Wheeling separates by each individual office their "office expenses", so the only way to determine what offices have subscriptions is to request all records relating to payment to the newspaper. Since each is divided by office, no single office has a payment greater than $50 to the newspapers. The 5 days expires a week from Tuesday. Let's see the response I receive. Hopefully it is more polite than the one I received over the phone from the City Manager's office.

---

by: WV26003 @ Fri Nov 21, 2008 at 15:39:34 PM CST

[ Parent ]

You might try a follow-up call after a couple of days. (0.00 / 0)

Especially considering the results of your first phone contact. I've had great results dealing with the City of Charleston under similar circumstances. I suspect mostly because the asswipe that was nasty to me over the phone didn't want to deal with the possibility of followup litigation.

What happened in my case was the person apologized and very sweetly asked if they could help rectify the situation instead of taking a chance on being exposed for awarding a contract without going through the requisite solicitation and bid process.

I ended up getting what I wanted without really even trying because he knew what he'd done was against the city charter and state law. He simply couldn't stand the horror of losing his cushy job over it so he capitulated.

According to WV statute, almost all goods and services purchased by cities/ counties/ school districts/ state requires going through the competitive bid process, although I can't remember if the minimum is $500.00 or $1500.00 under the City of Charleston charter.

Offhand, I'd speculate that there's a greater than even possibility that the City of Wheeling separated purchases to each office so they could circumvent state law. If that's truly the case, ya gots 'em by the short hairs. All you have to remember is that if the cash comes from the same "treasurer" and all goes to the same "vendor", the contracts should have been bid out, usually on a per-year basis (but not always).

And if they're dodging state Law through the purchase of their newspapers, they're likely doing the same with all of their office supplies.

Believe me, they start playing reeal nice once you push a FOIA on them, ESPECIALLY if they realize they're doing something shady.

---

by: One Citizen @ Fri Nov 21, 2008 at 16:53:27 PM CST

[ Parent ]

The state got busted on the divide and corrupt maneuver (0.00 / 0)

Four old furnaces needed to be removed from a basement. Each one was let on a separate contract to duck the competitive bid requirements.

We have part time staff in our Class IV town. It is hard to hold them to the five days knowing there is one part time clerk. Wheeling should do better, or explain why it is taking more time.

They really can't refuse to provide a copy of all check written out to Ogden under "office" a opposed to the legal ads. Don't threaten to sue, just ask them if they intend to comply with the law.

NFTT: Support My Team or I Will Dance

---

by: CA Berkeley WV @ Fri Nov 21, 2008 at 22:13:16 PM CST

[ Parent ]

I agree with CA Brkely. Don't threaten anything that you don't fully intend to do. (0.00 / 0)

On the other hand, when someone cuts your nose off, or gets too defensive, you should be prepared to let them know, either directly or indirectly, that whenever government business isn't completely transparent there's usually some shady dealing going on.

---

by: One Citizen @ Sat Nov 22, 2008 at 12:30:19 PM CST

[ Parent ]

No threats (0.00 / 0)

I haven't made any threats. I just think the people of Wheeling and Ohio County have the right to know how much of their money is going to purchase newspaper subscriptions from Ogden Newspapers, Inc.

And believe you me, they will find out.

---

by: WV26003 @ Sat Nov 22, 2008 at 18:39:41 PM CST

[ Parent ]