Recent Blog Posts

Reader comment on:
A Letter From the Editor: The Future of the Sun

Submitted by Jon Osterholm, Sep 5, 2008 16:12

Nov. 2000 saw the start of another new daily, in Nashville. I was part of the launch of that newspaper. I could have sworn the NY Sun started just about the same time. That shows how such an adventurous business experience could skew the sense of time! That daily, The City Paper, has certainly had its issues; financial challenges are tough even for established papers. That paper - at www.nashvillecitypaper.com - very recently announced that it is going to an online model, not long after it was taken over by new ownership. It has had a total of three primary owners since it began. I left -- was asked to leave -- during the first ownership change, in June 2002. Laid off. Prior to that launch, I started and ran a small newspaper for communities outside of Nashville, but in that highly controlled market, I could only manage to do that for a bit more than two years. When at the City Paper, I had an eye on the Sun as an example of the potential for new daily paper operations, as the City Paper. I recall some beatings about the Sun I'd read in other papers' sites. The CP took some shots, too. Many were quite simply earned and should have been taken as such. I found sad that CP leaders were in denial of basic, sincere facts pointed out in an alt weekly's jabs at us, just as the untested, immature writers reacted. Made it clear to me that certain members of the leadership were there by providence, for having enjoyed insulated higher-up jobs elsewhere in media, and not because they were worthy leaders. They were named an engine of the company, not for being an engine, but for merely being an agreeable cylinder. I think these were the only two dailies to start that year, which needless to say inspired me to work even harder at trying to make it all work. There is a fatal error being made in daily media: bring in experienced people who will create the same thing they have in other companies. Rather, they should be following the examples of truly changed or forward-looking businesses, and new businesses, such as Jet Blue, Google, Vizio, Apple, Virgin, DayJet, for examples. Where is the Virgin Mobile of advertising? The Apple of news content? The Vizio of print production? The Google of print advertising? The DayJet of distribution? "New" is not different by default, it is just new. It is not going to be successful, especially in an industry such as print-online-broadcast media, unless someone with actual business and financial tenacity and outright cleverness can offer a NEW way of doing things! From the front desk to the printing press, the model needs to be adapted to work less clumsily, LESS TOP-HEAVY.


Note: Comments are screened, and in some cases edited, before posting. We reserve the right to reject anything we find objectionable.

Other reader comments on this article

Comment By Date

we were very impressed with the paper when we lived in NYC,we now live in San Diego and are subscribers!... [MORE]

renee and melvin schlamm 

Sep 29, 2008 18:16

To me, it is always sad to hear that another paper (even in another city) is on the verge of... [MORE]

Scott Larsen 

Sep 23, 2008 22:57

My suggestion would be to forget printing on paper and go completely web based. Be the place online for NYC... [MORE]

Ted Koch 

Sep 22, 2008 23:56

Ironically, I just stopped subscribing because of your blatant right-wing bias, which finally trumped your superb coverage of the arts... [MORE]

Doc J 

Sep 22, 2008 11:20

Muenchen-Trudering September 20, 2008 I buy the "Sun" whenever I am in New York City, and hate the idea of... [MORE]

Count L F Chodkiewicz Chudzikiewicz 

Sep 20, 2008 04:19

The Sun is my favorite New York paper, for what should be obvious reasons. The Times, I am 'over', completely... [MORE]

j-m zimmerman 

Sep 16, 2008 10:32

I've been an online subscriber for about three years now, and my only complaint is that I can't get home... [MORE]

Mike 

Sep 14, 2008 16:06

After reading today's editorials in The New York Times, count me in as a new subscriber! I want both sides... [MORE]

Eve Longlade 

Sep 13, 2008 14:00

It would be like a final blow to print journalism if you were to go under. I am a subscriber... [MORE]

leo rettig 

Sep 13, 2008 05:14

First the Dodgers leave Brooklyn, then the rides leave Coney Island and now the Sun is departing? This is too... [MORE]

Stephen Morochnick 

Sep 11, 2008 15:48

Submitted by Mare, Sep 4, 2008 09:51 "First Obama, now this. Raise your price. I'd pay double and I'm sure... [MORE]

mickey 

Sep 11, 2008 15:45

Dear NY SUN: This is a love letter. I have never written a public one before. I am devastated by... [MORE]

Delia Fine 

Sep 10, 2008 23:43

I'm terribly worried to hear this news. While I believe the printed newspaper is important to preserve to promote more... [MORE]

Catherine Fitzpatrick 

Sep 9, 2008 18:18

While I rarely agree with the Sun's editorial views, I do value the cultural coverage and excellent writing--and the absolutely... [MORE]

J. Weiss 

Sep 9, 2008 18:18

Say it isn't so! I would happily have been a subscriber, if delivery extended to my part of the country.... [MORE]

Will 

Sep 9, 2008 15:28

It was a serendipity when I discovered "The Sun" a few years ago. It has been at the top of... [MORE]

Ron Vaughan 

Sep 9, 2008 05:44

This is very sad as I feel the paper was just gaining momentum. There were many readers that were not... [MORE]

kristopher irizarry-hoeksema 

Sep 8, 2008 15:28

Please say it isn't so! I have so enjoyed your refreshing op-ed and especially your contributing writers (like John McWhorter)... [MORE]

TAK 

Sep 8, 2008 10:02

I've been reading The Sun online version only since I live in Texas. I find its international and national articles... [MORE]

Pat Collar 

Sep 7, 2008 13:01

Your prognostication of the Sun's future is indeed dismaying. Living in Rockland County, i was unable to obtain a hard... [MORE]

jeffrey f. cohen 

Sep 7, 2008 12:44

Please don't go! I really enjoy your paper. Get writing that gives the Times a run for their money. Stay... [MORE]

buttabean 

Sep 7, 2008 00:50

I've been a devoted reader of the Sun since its recent incarnation. I'm pulling for your organization Seth and I'll... [MORE]

Dave 

Sep 6, 2008 18:22

I was saddened to read the gloomy letter. The New York Sun is a New York gem, and life without... [MORE]

gideon Braude 

Sep 6, 2008 13:13

The NY Sun is a breath of fresh air for NYC. It provides a real alternative to the bias of... [MORE]

tps 

Sep 6, 2008 08:16

Your answers are in your reader comments. I will subscribe. [MORE]

William Ludwig 

Sep 6, 2008 07:58

I still remember when the World-Telegram&Sun folded in 1966 and it was worse than losing a family member, and all... [MORE]

Doug Rand 

Sep 6, 2008 03:08

Even from Philadelphia I follow the Sun. May the Lord bless you and the sun shine upon you. [MORE]

Rick Koenig 

Sep 5, 2008 21:18

Say it ain't so, Seth. Say it ain't so. Heard the news about the Sun's possible demise on my drive... [MORE]

David Koch 

Sep 5, 2008 20:23

This is devastating news. My husband and I completely rejected the NY Times and its affiliates several years ago. We... [MORE]

Judith Eisner 

Sep 5, 2008 16:37

Nov. 2000 saw the start of another new daily, in Nashville. I was part of the launch of that newspaper....

Jon Osterholm 

Sep 5, 2008 16:12

Following the euphoria of Sarah Palin; the thought that this wonderful periodical might shut its doors--is just unacceptable. You are... [MORE]

Nancy Joyce Jancourtz 

Sep 5, 2008 15:09

An online publication would definitely be cheaper to operate, and perhaps receive more financial backing. The print world in general... [MORE]

kemi 

Sep 5, 2008 13:44

Two thoughts: A few months ago I unilaterally, you might say, subscribed to your online edition, knowing that in doing... [MORE]

Dan Davis 

Sep 5, 2008 13:22

I have been reading this paper since it was launched. It has had major impact on my life. I really... [MORE]

David B 

Sep 5, 2008 11:54

Perhaps you'd do well to stop marketing the paper as a center-right alternative to the New York Times. While true,... [MORE]

Sari Roboff 

Sep 5, 2008 10:04

The sun sets in the west, surely, not in the east - may the Sun continue to rise! [MORE]

staffan, stockholm 

Sep 5, 2008 09:22

And what will we be left with? The New Duranty Times with all the news that's fit to falsify. [MORE]

leo solomon 

Sep 5, 2008 07:07

Loss of The Sun would be a social tragedy of a high order. Web sites are nice, but there is... [MORE]

Dernon Ruton 

Sep 4, 2008 23:50

Please don't go. I grew up in NY, and read the NYT. The Times of today is not the same... [MORE]

RJ 

Sep 4, 2008 22:59

Please do everything possible to save The New York Sun! This is a powerful voice for conservatives in a very... [MORE]

Chris 

Sep 4, 2008 22:03

The online edition of The Sun should soldier on, but apparently that is the hardest sector of the newspaper business... [MORE]

Bob Stump 

Sep 4, 2008 21:19

Here is an idea. Throw a benefit and charge $200. If 200 people come out, you have $40,000. Now that... [MORE]

robert abrams 

Sep 4, 2008 21:16

It's a sad day. I've been a fan of the NY Sun since day one. Hopefully if hard print is... [MORE]

nick 

Sep 4, 2008 20:48

Please do whatever it takes to keep this paper alive. Raise the price if necessary. This paper is a voice... [MORE]

daniel levy 

Sep 4, 2008 19:33

Does the Sun have the capability to put out an email version of the paper? I live in Nowhereville, NC... [MORE]

Naomi 

Sep 4, 2008 18:51

I'm sorry, but I don't understand you guys (or your counterparts from other newspapers). Why, oh why, are you still... [MORE]

A.C. Douglas 

Sep 4, 2008 18:00

I hope you can carry on. I started attending operas and concerts around the same time the NY Sun started,... [MORE]

Cristina 

Sep 4, 2008 17:49

To those who have suggested a subscription-based email or Web version of the paper: There used to be a subscription... [MORE]

Eric Bram 

Sep 4, 2008 17:42

This is a wonderful concise read each day, and have brought it into the college classroom since it is difficult... [MORE]

kaympesile 

Sep 4, 2008 17:24

The Sun is a welcome alternative to the Times, which I found to be less than reputable these last few... [MORE]

Walter Ocner 

Sep 4, 2008 17:03

The Sun is a fine paper, but I think you failed to create a more cohesive group of readers. I... [MORE]

Zalman Alpert 

Sep 4, 2008 17:02

I first became aware of The New York Sun in 2006, when my newspaper, a spunky startup in suburban Detroit... [MORE]

Hawke Fracassa 

Sep 4, 2008 16:53

I too had not heard of The Sun until today, when reading Bloomberg, I read a blurb about the NY-Sun... [MORE]

mbm 

Sep 4, 2008 16:20

Your newspaper has been a blessing. I've been an avid reader for years. I'm praying that someone will come forward... [MORE]

Anthony Iovine 

Sep 4, 2008 16:20

I set up a group page on Facebook, Save the New York Sun, with the hopes that those that join... [MORE]

Daniel Peterson 

Sep 4, 2008 16:18

Wow. Say it isn't so. I never suspected. You folks have really brought a fresh look to the news and... [MORE]

Common Sense 12 

Sep 4, 2008 15:00

I need my coffee and my NYSun in the morning. Please don't stop publishing. Charge me more for my paper,... [MORE]

kiki richardson 

Sep 4, 2008 14:45

I live in Myrtle Beach, SC and the first think I do every a.m. is read The Sun on the... [MORE]

George Parness 

Sep 4, 2008 14:42

Make the online version subscription-based with a credit card monthly fee. [MORE]

Boine Johnson 

Sep 4, 2008 14:41

The NY Sun is a wonderful newspaper. I know because I worked there. With the right management changes on the... [MORE]

Jeffrey Pipes Guice 

Sep 4, 2008 13:33

I too would be glad to pay to subscribe by e-mail for this publication, since I do not have the... [MORE]

Suan Angelo 

Sep 4, 2008 12:59

Please survive, Sun! In this city, especially, with all the deep pockets inspiring all the insane rents and the building... [MORE]

Jocelyn 

Sep 4, 2008 12:56

For our native son Walt Whitman...the Sun must live and breathe......I think he would have enjoyed its excellence.....a true New... [MORE]

david reisman 

Sep 4, 2008 12:46

NYSUN friends and colleagues: Sad day for journalism. The demise of a paper is by any measure a loss for... [MORE]

youssef M. Ibrahim 

Sep 4, 2008 12:37

Oh no! I can't bear to think of my morning commute without the NY Sun. I love the newspaper, it... [MORE]

Bernice 

Sep 4, 2008 12:35

I am very saddened to read of the possible demise of the Sun. I fit squarely within the category of... [MORE]

Rick 

Sep 4, 2008 12:27

The Sun has become, and I hope will continue to be an important voice, and point of view, in the... [MORE]

barbara Brookhart 

Sep 4, 2008 12:06

I just want to add my voice to the chorus by asking what can we, the avid readers, do to... [MORE]

Jim Keating 

Sep 4, 2008 12:04

Have you looked at just suspending print and becoming a purely internet newspaper? I think that is the future of... [MORE]

warren 

Sep 4, 2008 11:52

Keep up the fight. You have many fans and admirers across political lines. I hope those who have the means... [MORE]

Edward 

Sep 4, 2008 11:28

My best wishes to the NY Sun. My paper ended just last week. [MORE]

Hoosier Reporter 

Sep 4, 2008 11:24

If the printed version is too costly to produce, I would gladly pay to subscribe to an e-mail version. Please... [MORE]

A. Troy 

Sep 4, 2008 10:55

I would be saddened to see the demise of the Sun. I find it to be a refreshing alternative to... [MORE]

George Mohr 

Sep 4, 2008 10:47

Raise the cover price and start a fund-raiser for a foundation to support the paper (I shall contribute), but don't... [MORE]

Charles D. Cole, Jr. 

Sep 4, 2008 10:40

Here is the answer to your financial problem. Advertise. I found you by accident. I had/have never seen any reference... [MORE]

mary bullard 

Sep 4, 2008 10:18

Please keep this going. The New York Sun is what a newspaper ought to be, a mixture of sophistication, good... [MORE]

Hugh Branson 

Sep 4, 2008 10:18

I sure hope that your paper can survive. I enjoy reading the insightful commentary on both the politics, business and... [MORE]

bruce love 

Sep 4, 2008 10:11

I, too, am sorry about the possible demise of the Sun. The arts coverage was second to none, especially in... [MORE]

Mark 

Sep 4, 2008 10:11

Oh no. What will I do without the wise, common sense columns of Alicia Colon? Where will I read Otta... [MORE]

Margot 

Sep 4, 2008 10:03

Disturbing news, indeed. We have purposely maintained our electronic subscription here in upstate New York because we wanted to support... [MORE]

OCULUS 

Sep 4, 2008 09:57

Why doesn't the Sun sell its newspaper in NJ and the other suburbs where there is a much larger percentage... [MORE]

Steve McDormit 

Sep 4, 2008 09:53

First Obama, now this. Raise your price. I'd pay double and I'm sure there are a lot of others who... [MORE]

Mare 

Sep 4, 2008 09:51

Hey everybody, click on all the ads on the website so they have to pay The Sun! Please please don't... [MORE]

Julie 

Sep 4, 2008 09:45

I agree with all above -- we need the Sun! Your coverage of politics, news, the arts is excellent. [MORE]

Lucy Barnett 

Sep 4, 2008 09:41

Say it ain't so!! I hope that this newspaper does not disappear as it is a voice of reason in... [MORE]

Oren Ritterband 

Sep 4, 2008 09:29

Seth, While you are not alone in battling the growing hindrances found in today's marketplace, your unique voice from NYC... [MORE]

John Burtis 

Sep 4, 2008 09:27

Dear Seth, As much as I haven't agreed with you politically on most issues I really have say the Sun... [MORE]

John Doe 

Sep 4, 2008 08:41

I hope you pull it off guys. Your paper is indispensable. [MORE]

Michael Greenberg 

Sep 4, 2008 08:34

The American public needs a non-biased newspaper like the Sun. Fair and balanced is an unknown with the other newspapers,... [MORE]

William H Stubbs 

Sep 4, 2008 08:18

I loved the Sun and used to subscribe. I began reading it years ago when no one had even heard... [MORE]

Evan 

Sep 4, 2008 07:37

Thank you all for what you are doing with the NYS. I love reading this paper. By the way, what... [MORE]

Tom Sweeney 

Sep 4, 2008 06:59

If rooting, and hoping counted, you would have no problem. I root and hope you find your way out of... [MORE]

Dick Rich 

Sep 4, 2008 06:55

I have read every issue of the NY Sun. Your coverage of local news and politics, the arts, real estate/business,... [MORE]

Barry Popik 

Sep 4, 2008 02:47

I too would lament the loss of a vital newspaper regardless of my agreeing or not with its position. The... [MORE]

Phil Kipnis 

Sep 4, 2008 01:40

Nooooooooooooooooooo! Seriously--how much are we talking here-- $100m or $10m? I don't have it personally, but I do have friends--can... [MORE]

Lindy 

Sep 4, 2008 01:29

As if I didn't have enough to distract and depress me. A newly energized and enabled Russia, back to its... [MORE]

Steven Mittelmann 

Sep 3, 2008 23:21

Comment on A Letter From the Editor: The Future of the Sun

    Before submitting your comment, please provide a valid email address to complete the verification process.