And this is why we still need “traditional” journalism

As you may know, I recently became a victim of the downturn in print publishing. My weekly newspaper was bought out by another publication and while it will continue as an independent entity, the majority of staff were let go because of redundant positions. It’s a vicious cycle: the paper fires the staff and the quality goes gown so they lose readers, etc.

You might have read a lot in recent days about the problems newspapers are having because of reduced advertising revenue. Millennials don’t get their news from the old-fashioned sources. Rather they seem to rely on social media and extensions thereof, with an entirely different business model. (Full disclosure: I’m currently doing some part-time work doing social media for a company’s Facebook page and it’s been quite an education, finding out what I’ve been doing for years doesn’t really translate anymore.)

As I look for full-time employment, I come across ads for jobs that incorporate these “new fangled” elements. One thing I notice is that there are a lot of companies, relatively speaking, that pay crap. Maybe is $15 for a 500 word article or three cents a word. That might be okay for some youngsters still in school or looking to build a portfolio. But if this is any indication, I weep for the craft.

The author of the article for a gaming site argues whether the Dodgers should get rid of Ian Kinsler. The Dodgers.

MLB Trade Rumors are buzzing about the Dodgers wanting to wash their hands off Ian Kinsler. This has sparked rumors of them being unjust since Kinsler has good statistics overall. However, the Dodgers may be looking for better performances overall.

Unless I missed a major move, Kinsler is on the Tigers.

The writer throws in some ridiculous numbers. The Dodgers should keep Kinsler despite his .143 batting average in October.

October.

Kinsler had one hit in seven at-bats.

To be honest, judging by the quality of the work, I wonder if this person knows anything about baseball (“Baseball-Reference.com talks of how Kinsler is a good second baseman and right batter. He throws right and is 6 feet tall.”). Or if English is the first language (“wash their hands off…”). Or if this is a 10-year-old.