TBT, Or Not TBT
Re: Publisher’s Note, “Desperately Seeking Young’uns,” by Ben Eason (Sept. 15-22)
I just finished reading your pointed review of the new St. Pete Times publication. I couldn't really understand the basis for all of your criticisms. Then I thought about it.
You call the SPT publication a "faux" alternative. Do you mean that they claim to be or are obviously attempting to appear "alternative" while failing to do so? Or is it possible that they are not trying to be alternative, but merely present a new alternative to the Weekly Planet?
Although many of your readers may not realize it, you are the corporate president of Creative Loafing, Inc. Four years ago, you sold 25 percent of your independent newspaper to Cox Enterprises. Originally, you were thrilled to be doing business with the media giant. Unfortunately for you, the corporate sellout didn't go quite as planned. Cox's Atlanta Journal-Constitution began publishing their own weekly magazine behind your back and you were furious. You and the rest of the Creative Loafing board, which includes the ever alternative- and independent-minded GOP fundraiser Dick Mandt, voted to censure Cox. Five-million or so dollars later, you had your "independent" news source back. At the age of 40, you knew you had been taken, and you were furious. In July, you were quoted as saying, "I sold out to the wrong guys." I don't know, Ben. Maybe you shouldn't have sold out at all.
I'll have to say it's no surprise you are acting so nasty toward the St. Pete Times. You obviously have a very recently formed chip on your shoulder when it comes to newspapers that try to launch free weekly publications that might compete with your own. I suspect at the heart of your animosity is misplaced resentment toward Cox and the AJC (and perhaps a dash of insecurity regarding the fact that the whole venture took place to begin with and what the "sellout" reveals about you). Take it out on the St. Pete Times if you must, but please, at least be consistent.
In your article, you state, "We're thrilled that Burdines and International Mall are willing to try an alternative." Are you trying to suggest that the SPT weekly is funded by posh advertisers with a corporate agenda? If so, I would remind you that the same issue of the Weekly Planet in which your article was published contained ads from Hummer SUVs, Washington Mutual, 93.3 FLZ (a Clear Channel station) and Miller Lite. It reeks of a pot that wants everyone to know how black the kettle is.
It seems obvious that you're trying to discredit this new effort and hurt the SPT weekly's ability to enter the market (somewhat monopolistic behavior for someone who accuses the Times of being a monopoly). You are negative, misleading and primarily seem worried about losing ad revenue (read: "And let the people who have advertised in the Planet this week know how much you appreciate their support for what we do").
Ultimately, your article comes across as tasteless, paranoid and ironically out of touch with the attitude of your younger, hipper audience. And all those insults will certainly do a lot for your karma.
Justin Elza
Tampa
Although I've been a loyal Creative Loafing/ Weekly Planet reader since the late '80s, I also gave the new tbt paper a try this past week, out of curiosity.
It appears they are targeting a different type of reader. WP covers subjects in depth, requires a longer attention span and is relaxing to read. Tbt seems more appropriate for those I call ADDults with its too-busy layout and superficial subject matter. It also has an undercurrent of insincerity, as if they're trying too hard to make you believe they're hip, when it's quite obvious they're not.
If I were you, I would just keep doing what you've been doing. WP has a very loyal following. Stay the course, and don't sell out.
One more thing: Acknowledging tbt's existence, like you did in the latest WP, is better advertisement for tbt than anything it could buy.
David J. DalCason
Largo
Didn't take long for you guys to take a shot at this new product. Although, I'm not real surprised. Do you think asking people to pick up tbt is going to hurt you more than help? The other night I was surprised to receive this new Times product with my Domino's pizza delivery, and the first thing I noticed was the paper quality. I must admit, one thing that jumped out after a quick scan was the nonexistent string of "adult" advertisements in the new publication. This is an important factor for I am the mother of two young children, and I felt comfortable leaving this new magazine out on the coffee table. My husband picked it up mainly because of the Bucs player on the front, and he said it was similar to your publication with subtle differences. Although, I do recall him noticing how his hands didn't have ink on them after he flipped through it. It's always been my opinion that competition is good for everyone. So, even if the new product and your paper are said to be different from one another, perception is reality in most cases.
Kimberly Cordes
Tampa
Uh yeah, that thing sucked. What was up with the dead squirrel?
Gus Rodriguez
Via e-mail
Free Advice
Re: “The Ten Commandments of Music ‘Journalism’,” by Scott Harrell (Sept. 22-28)
As a music writer myself, I really enjoyed your column. Though City Magazine operates on a smaller scale than Weekly Planet, I can relate to nearly everything you pointed out. After all, I did eventually get hired by basically writing for free for more than a year, starting with CD reviews and working my way up. Anyway, keep up the good work, and thanks.
Carter Davis
Managing Editor, City Magazine
Tuscaloosa, Ala.
They're The Best
Re: “Best of the Bay,” Pundits’ Picks/Arts & Entertainment (Sept. 22-28)
We just wanted to thank you for the article on us in "Best of the Bay." It's great to know we are recognized as Best New Band. Your album review on us was great, too! Thank you for your support.
Drone Dimension
Via e-mail
CORRECTIONs
In "Best of the Bay/People's Picks" (Sept. 22-28), an incorrect name and address was given for Tony Collins' choice for Best Sushi. The correct information is Baywalk Tokyo Sushi Café, 195 Second Ave. N., St. Petersburg, 727-823-1912.
Also in "Best of the Bay," an incorrect address was listed for Vinyl Fever, the Readers' Pick winner in the categories Best Indie Music Store/Best Place to Buy Used CDs. The correct address is 4110 Henderson Blvd., Tampa.
This article appears in Sep 29 – Oct 5, 2004.
