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Rocky Mountain News last paper Friday
Diane Cebula, Photographer
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Chris Mackler, Student/Intern, Photographer
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Arlington | VA | United States | Posted: 2:37 PM on 02.26.09 |
| ->> Well, crap. |
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Mike Burley, Photographer
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Honolulu | HI | USA | Posted: 2:41 PM on 02.26.09 |
| ->> Unbelievable... |
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Rob Ostermaier, Photographer
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Newport News | VA | USA | Posted: 2:47 PM on 02.26.09 |
| ->> Anybody know is they are going online only or is the whole operation shutting down? |
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Dominic Hanna, Photographer, Student/Intern
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Bear | DE | United States | Posted: 2:51 PM on 02.26.09 |
->> according to AP(via msnbc), they are shutting down.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29412240/
Honestly didn't see this one coming. |
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Michael McNamara, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Rafael Agustin Delgado, Student/Intern, Photographer
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Pasadena / Fullerton | Ca | USA | Posted: 3:07 PM on 02.26.09 |
| ->> Unfortunately, this reality may become a trend to follow. |
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Steven E. Frischling, Photographer
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Live HVN : Work SFO-NYC | | | Posted: 3:09 PM on 02.26.09 |
->> Wow. Just Wow.
The RMN was the one bright spot in my layovers in DEN, good stories, nice design, great photos and great use of photos. I rarely read a sports section, but I never passed up the chance to read RMN's sports section because I found it superior to just about every other papers sports section by leaps and bounds. |
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Byron Hetzler, Photographer
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Granby | CO | USA | Posted: 3:20 PM on 02.26.09 |
| ->> Amen Steven. A lot of talented people now out of work. |
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Jason Palmer, Photographer
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Wichita Falls | TX | USA | Posted: 3:36 PM on 02.26.09 |
| ->> From another Scripps Howard paper employee... that's like a kick in the groin after last weeks punch in the gut when they announced pay reductions among other things. |
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Kevin Clifford, Photographer
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Reno | NV | United States | Posted: 3:45 PM on 02.26.09 |
->> Really sad to hear. It's interesting to read the comments from Michael's link:
"As Albuquerque Tribune goes, as RMN goes, as Scripps-Howard goes, so goes the daily newspaper industry. Don't it always seem to go, that you don't know what you've got til it's gone?"
"I've read the RMN for 50 years. What will morning be like without it? I suppose the sun will still come up.
I guess we will have to carry our conversations to the Post so long as it lasts. It won't be the same, but what ever is? Goodbye old friend."
"The End of news has come to Denver (Never had any real news stories here anyway.) Please take the Post and the rest of the television and print media with you." |
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Sefton Ipock, Photographer
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Anderson | SC | | Posted: 3:57 PM on 02.26.09 |
->> Another Scripps employee here. Kind of scary to think that this could happen to the best paper in your chain. I know there are other circumstances at play here, but still…
Sefton |
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David Manning, Photographer
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Athens | GA | | Posted: 3:57 PM on 02.26.09 |
->> Thats just unbelievable.
Who's next? |
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Rick Giase, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Arvada | CO | USA | Posted: 4:06 PM on 02.26.09 |
| ->> I left the Rocky four years ago after 10 years there as a shooter and editor. I was on staff for the '03 Pulitzer. Steven Frishling's comments are spot on about the quality of the paper. It's like watching a relative die. |
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Jim Bryant, Photographer
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Port Orchard | WA | USA | Posted: 4:40 PM on 02.26.09 |
| ->> The newspaper industry is in such a sad state of affairs, it not about news anymore, but is just another example of corporate greed and something that might affect their bonus checks. "Another one bites the dust!" Who's next????? Either the SF Chronicle or Seattle Post Intelligencer, for sure. |
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Kevin Sperl, Photographer
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Gilford | nh | USA | Posted: 5:06 PM on 02.26.09 |
->> Thoughts out to Preston Gannaway, last years Pulitzer winner and formerly of the Concord Monitor here in New Hampshire.
She found out about the award as she was driving out to start her new job at the RMN.
The Concord Monitor has seen an exodus of it's photo editor, Dan Habib and its entire staff, except for 1, and since replaced by others. The photos in that paper have suffered greatly as a result. There seems to be no photo direction at the Monitor any more, which used to carry the flag as far as photo quality goes. |
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Danny Gawlowski, Photographer
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Bellingham | WA | USA | Posted: 5:22 PM on 02.26.09 |
| ->> Sadness. |
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Corey Perrine, Photographer
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Corey Perrine, Photographer
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Hudson | NH | USA | Posted: 5:43 PM on 02.26.09 |
->> Kevin,
A word to the wise, I wouldn't knock Will DeShazer, Ken Williams and Alex Cohn's photojournalism abilities in a public forum especially when the subject is about the RMN closing. But that's just me.
Respectfully,
Corey |
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Steve Ueckert, Photographer
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Houston | TX | USA | Posted: 8:29 PM on 02.26.09 |
->> Along with the hearst properties in Seattle and San Francisco, the futures of both definitely are in question, there are also (not hearst) the San Diego Union-Tribune and the Austin (Texas) American-Statesman which are trying to find buyers.
"Trying to find a buyer" are code words for likely to close. |
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Jay Janner, Photographer
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Austin | TX | USA | Posted: 8:49 PM on 02.26.09 |
| ->> The Rocky was a big influence on my growth as a photojournalist during my years in Colorado. It was a shining star. An inspiration. |
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Jeffrey Furticella, Photo Editor, Photographer
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Charlotte | NC | US | Posted: 9:31 PM on 02.26.09 |
->> This really is devastating news. The Rocky was a standard-setting publication, and this is a tremendous blow to the industry. Lucky for some of the staff that it appears they will be absorbed by the Denver Post, but for the many others what a loss. Truly a sad day for journalism, and sadder still, it looks like it may be just the beginning.
***
Kevin,
I marked your post inappropriate. Not only is it ignorant to be sweepingly critical of the talented staff of the Hartford Courant, but it is insensitive and irresponsible to do so in a discussion such as this. Concern yourself more with your own photographic direction than that of the Courant's, it will serve you better in the long run.
- furt |
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Walter Calahan, Photographer
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Westminster | MD | USA | Posted: 11:00 PM on 02.26.09 |
->> I think the Rocky Mountains are going to fall down on Saturday. A shame no one there to report it.
I think Kevin was using the Concord Monitor as his state-wide publication of quality, and is lamenting its loss of talent to whom he look up for inspiration. Perhaps he did like me, and simply expressed himself poorly. After all, he's been distorted by my distorted writings. |
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Todd Spoth, Photographer, Student/Intern
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Houston | TX | USA | Posted: 1:25 AM on 02.27.09 |
| ->> My first newspaper internship was in Colorado and although it was at the Gazette in Colorado Springs, I had the opportunity to meet and work closely with Rocky photogs in Colorado. I really loved the Rockey for its incredible use of photography. There was a content sharing agreement that was established when I was shooting there. It was so awesome to see some of my images in the Rocky. What a sad time. Much love to all of the Denver peoples and everyone who was affected this horrible week. |
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Jeffrey Furticella, Photo Editor, Photographer
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Charlotte | NC | US | Posted: 1:29 AM on 02.27.09 |
->> Clank, uber-typo on my part. Meant to say Concord Monitor, not Hartford Courant. Shouldn't have skipped dinner tonight...
- furt |
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Corey Perrine, Photographer
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Justin Edmonds, Student/Intern, Photographer
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Chicago | IL | USA | Posted: 6:00 AM on 02.27.09 |
| ->> Thanks Corey! That video is outstanding and as a Denver native, very touching. I will miss My Rocky... |
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Thad Parsons, Photographer, Student/Intern
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Oxford | UK | United Kingdom | Posted: 6:50 AM on 02.27.09 |
| ->> Sad that the economy has taken such an institution away! I hope that everyone is able to find a new job quickly and that maybe one day in the future, this paper will print again. |
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Kevin Sperl, Photographer
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Gilford | nh | USA | Posted: 7:07 AM on 02.27.09 |
->> I don't recall knocking the current staff at the Concord Monitor. I believe my comments were reserved for the quality of the staff, including Pulitzer winner Preston and Photo Editor Dan Habib, that have left and the obvious loss of photo quality and direction at the paper. The Monitor is not what it used to be photographically and I stand by my comments.
No offense to the current staff but it ain't what it used to be. |
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Chip Litherland, Photographer
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Sarasota | FL | USA | Posted: 7:32 AM on 02.27.09 |
->> Here's the final front...sad, because I was talking with a friend yesterday about what the last photo would be on the front -
http://cfapp2.rockymountainnews.com/frontpage/index.cfm
...I guess having none is just as telling.
The Rocky was held to such a higher standard for me, and I always looked up to their staff and the way they did what they did. My hometown paper will surely be missed. |
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G.J. McCarthy, Photographer
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Dallas | TX | USA21 | Posted: 9:36 AM on 02.27.09 |
->> Outstanding ... the perfect end to a week chock full of crappy news. Lameness.
Can't agree more with Chip -- news like this is especially hard given the absolutely tremendous regard I had (nay, still have) for their photojournalists. Big loss for the city, state, region as a whole ... hell, the whole country.
Best of luck to everyone ...
- gerry -
PS -- Hey, Kevin Sperl ... I got somethin for ya ... http://tinyurl.com/cnlmlp |
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Wesley R. Bush, Photographer
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Nashville | TN | U.S. | Posted: 1:38 PM on 02.27.09 |
| ->> What happens to the rights to the images after the newspaper closes? |
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Marc F. Henning, Photographer
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Bentonville | AR | USA | Posted: 2:29 PM on 02.27.09 |
->> i can't imagine this industry without The Rocky. i idolized that paper during my photo school days in Denver. if they can just shutter the paper without giving it much of a chance to find a means to survive, like massive layoffs and shifting to an online-only edition, it speaks volumes about where this industry is headed.
this really has me rattled.
marc
p.s.- Gerry, that was awesome. |
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Mike Brice, Photographer
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Toledo | OH | USA | Posted: 2:48 PM on 02.27.09 |
->> What happens to the RMN staff covering Spring Training?
Hopefully they have RT tickets. |
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Adam Vogler, Photographer
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Pittsburg | KS | USA | Posted: 2:51 PM on 02.27.09 |
->> As someone who has been searching for a job since being laid-off in late December this news was seriously disturbing. Its increasingly difficult to remain optimistic.
I just don't know.
Good luck ya'll |
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Kevin Sperl, Photographer
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Gilford | nh | USA | Posted: 3:19 PM on 02.27.09 |
->> Hey, G.J. McCarthy!
Sorry for expressing my opinion about how the local paper, to which I subscribe, has seen its photographic mission diminish in the past year.
I did not name names, others did. My comments were directed at the PAPER not PEOPLE.
As far as I can tell, there is no photo editor there any more. A major drop in mission to follow Dan Habib.
It is an appropriate comments to make in the wake of the RMN as this diminished mission is part of the discussion.
And, by the way, another weekly on the seacoast of New Hampshire announced it is closing this morning.
YOUR comment is inappropriate.. |
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Ben Mackey, Photographer
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Columbia | MD | USA | Posted: 5:30 PM on 02.27.09 |
->> Although I've never been lucky enough to live in Denver, as Fish put it, I made it a point to buy both papers when passing through DEN or in town for a few days.
For all those who shot for the Rocky over the years and especially those now on the street, thanks for all your work.
The world will never know Denver and Colorado as well as they did this morning, nor will Denver and Colorado know the world... |
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Joseph Zimmerman, Photographer
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Todd Spoth, Photographer, Student/Intern
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Houston | TX | USA | Posted: 8:41 PM on 02.27.09 |
->> Joseph,
Look a little harder.
the piece is awesome though. saw it this morning. |
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Corey Perrine, Photographer
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Hudson | NH | USA | Posted: 3:17 PM on 02.28.09 |
->> Rocky fans should tune in here.
http://www.iwantmyrocky.com/
It's quite possible the staffers pick up the pieces and rebuild or build anew. This would be interesting if it happens. |
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Lennart Wiedemuth, Student/Intern, Photographer
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Ennepetal | NRW | Germany | Posted: 7:54 PM on 02.28.09 |
->> Corey,
I hope they can make it happen, so sad to see a good paper with talented staff going down.
Best wishes to all,
Lennart |
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D. Ross Cameron, Photographer
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Oakland | CA | USA | Posted: 9:29 PM on 02.28.09 |
->> "Although the newspaper will no longer publish after Friday, Scripps said employees will remain on the payroll through April 28.
"The Denver Post will begin publishing a Saturday edition this week [and looking for any other ways it can pick the bones of the dying paper that -- in just the last decade -- won two Pulitzer prizes for photography, covering stories the Post could easily have covered equally well... but didn't]."
Just shows you that readers don't know quality when they see it.
I weep for the future.
DRC |
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Michael Fischer, Photographer
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Spencer | Ia | USA | Posted: 10:19 PM on 02.28.09 |
->> Layoffs. Terminations. Closures.
Lack of business didn't kill The Rocky. Lack of business vision, lack of real leadership, but most of all, lack of courage by those corporate leaders killed The Rocky.
I hate seeing this happen to the one industry I truly loved. And I don't know which emotion is stronger at this point: the sadness or the anger.
There will be a better day - I know that because I am usually optimistic - but I have a difficult time seeing it right now.
God bless the entire staff of the Rocky.
MRF |
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G.J. McCarthy, Photographer
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Dallas | TX | USA21 | Posted: 10:04 AM on 03.02.09 |
->> Hi Kevin:
So, to counter the point I was trying to make a little cryptically and, admittedly, sophomorically, I'll try something a little more, uhm, professional. And I'm dropping it after this, too. If you want to continue to chat about this, hit me up off-list. Our little banter here disrupts the spirit of this thread.
I didn't think your original comments were really inappropriate (I don't even touch that button; "funny" is more my speed), but I did think they were ill-placed. This thread was intended for us all to lament the passing of a truly wonderful newspaper and express condolences towards friends (yes, I did have friends there) who are out on their ass in one of the worst economies yet.
If you have issues with the quality of reporting, photography, etc. at your newspaper (thank you for subscribing, by the way), then I suggest you take it up with people at the Monitor. Have the guts to personally email people there and express your concern. Offer to take folks out for coffee or something. Come up with real suggestions -- offer story ideas! -- to how they might go about improving upon the deficiencies you personally (or others in your community) see. There's no guarantee that they'll have the time (or interest) in hearing you out, but the attempt will be a whole lot more classy than sniping on some Internet message board.
Last thing -- you think quality is down only at the Monitor? Wrong -- quality is falling everywhere, and has been for a while. Anyone who tells you otherwise is delusional.
What else do you expect, with dwindling resources, loss of manpower, and the ever shrinking news hole. And let me tell you from personal experience, my friend -- it is VERY hard to go full-bore when you don't even know if you'll have a job in four weeks ... or, let alone, a paper to call home, as we just saw with the Rocky.
But man, we're trying ... hard as we can. There may be wafflers here and there -- it's to be expected -- but for the most part, I am damned proud of the effort people at my paper and all the others out there are putting forward in the face of such a dismal future. Daily newspapers may be tanking fast, but it's not for a lack of fight on many people's part.
So the question for me is, aside from subscribing to your daily newspaper (and again, sincerest thanks for that), what are you doing to ensure its continued success in covering your community?
Respectfully,
- gerry - |
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Rick Giase, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Arvada | CO | USA | Posted: 12:03 PM on 03.02.09 |
| ->> In the interest of accuracy-a correction to a previous post: The RMN won three Pulitzers (not two) for photography in the last decade. |
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Patrick Fallon, Student/Intern, Photographer
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