Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with newspaper

Ads where a word is worth 1000 pictures

Shepherd — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 12:59:36 -0800

Great text-driven (print) ads from 2009? I'm currently working on a project that involves championing the text component of advertising: finding ads where the text is front and centre as opposed to the visual, and language is used intelligently and playfully to sell an idea or concept. I've got a few things lined up, from local businesses to national campaigns, but I'd like to see more ads, most likely print/billboard ads (but TV/Web is also a possibility) where the written word (i.e. visually present, a clever script read with no words on-screen won't cut it) is the star, and does its job remarkably well. Ideas?

A Two-Part Question About Italian Dialects and The Mechanics of Breaking Glass Windows

jason's_planet — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 09:51:50 -0800

This is a two-part question about a video on YouTube. The first part of the question is about the Sicilian dialect of the Italian language; the second part deals with the mechanics of breaking a glass window with a crowbar. (You don't have to watch the whole video if you don't want to; there are two sections I'm curious about and each one only runs for a few seconds.)

Here's the video: the opening sequence of the early-seventies Italian crimesploitation flick "Il Cittadino Si Ribella", featuring the song "Goodbye My Friend."

Now, at about :51, there are a group of hooligans trashing an apartment. One of them happens upon a poster on the wall with the words "Italiani Ribellatevi". He mutters something that sounds like "Italiani Ribel-ad" before he tears it off the wall. Is this meant to be Sicilian dialect? I ask because it reminds me of the bits of New York Italian slang I've heard here and there, with "Gallamad" for "Calamari" and so on and so forth.

From 1:50 to about 2:10, there's a scene where a guy smashes a shop window with a crowbar. Prior to doing so, he wraps the crowbar in newspaper. Now why would he do that? Is that for personal safety? Is the newsprint supposed to protect him from shards of broken glass flying back at him? Or is there some other reason?

So there you have it. A question involving the Italian language and breaking glass windows. And the song "Goodbye My Friend." I submit that this question is unique in the six-year history of Ask MetaFilter.

As always, many thanks in advance.

In 1988, invented the Oscillation Overthruster while an intern for Team Banzai.

Shepherd — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 13:28:27 -0800

What happens if somebody lies in an obituary? I was reading up on Poe's death recently; Griswold's "obituary"/poison pen letter about the man following his death was intriguing, and I've been wondering what happens if somebody crafts an obituary that contains deliberate falsehoods, or provides the newspaper/funeral home with facts that aren't necessarily true. I'm not talking about "news obituaries," as those are obviously the work of paid newspaper staff and fall firmly under its wing. I'm wondering about the "classifieds obituaries."

This is partly legal curiosity, and partly my own desire to have an obituary that contains sentences like "in 1987, wrestled George 'the Animal' Steele at WrestleMania III in his masked identity as Doctor Resisto."

Are standard-grade obituaries fact-checked or even reviewed for ridiculous claims, or are they (in terms of the paid-per-inch details) "free space" that an author can fill as she chooses?

Who is legally responsible if an obituary contains false or even defamatory information?

Stories of local and national shennanigans

reenum — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 12:07:17 -0800

I want to read investigative reports exposing corruption or scandal on a local or national level. Please provide me with links. Over the past few months, I've become obsessed with investigative and explanatory journalism. I'm currently plowing through the Pulitzer Prize winning stories I can find in each category.

I've read story after story dealing with corruption, shady dealings, abuses of power, etc. and I want more on an ongoing basis. Examples include the FPP post on the Blue I submitted yesterday, the Tampa Tribune's investigation into Scientology, the Seattle Times' look at improper sealing of court records, and the like,

I've been going around to different newspaper websites in an effort to try and build a collection of links to their investigations or special reports sections. Problem is, a lot of these papers have buried these stories deep in the website.

This is where you guys come in. I'd like links to as many magazine and newspaper investigations or special reports you can muster. Ideally, the link will be a repository of such stories (such as this). But, links to individual investigations, blogs that document these sorts of stories, anthologies, books, etc. are also appreciated.

I know we have a few librarians in here, and your expertise would be most appreciated as well.

Thanks to all!

Surely those old newspapers go somewhere

The Biggest Dreamer — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 09:29:25 -0800

How do I get a copy of a newspaper... that's NOT today's? This feels like a really stupid question. But..

let's say that I/my friend had her name mentioned in the New York Times last Friday, and in her absentmindedness she never bought a copy that day. And unfortunately her parents read the NYPost and don't buy the Times 'cause it's so expensive.. so they haven't even noticed yet! She wants to send her parents a newspaper clipping (while she could just print the article off the Internet, there's nothing like a nice newspaper clipping that'll yellow over the years, really).

So given that today's Sunday, how can I purchase (or find) a copy of Friday's newspaper? Is this even possible?

Should I be tipping the newspaper delivery person more often?

cadge — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 10:08:20 -0800

Newspaper delivery tipping etiquette? Are additional tips expected outside of the holiday season? I have a Sunday newspaper subscription. Sometimes I find tip envelopes filled out with the delivery person's address (and occasionally a little note on cardstock like "Wishing you a nice holiday") in with my newspaper.

I know to tip at the holiday season, but I also get these tip envelopes at other times during the year (usually on other holidays, I think, like July 4).

Are tips for newspaper delivery expected outside of the winter holiday season?

How to handle inquiries from MSM journalists, who seem to just suck information out and run?

Anonymous — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 06:29:44 -0800

For better or worse, I am regarded as somewhat of an authority in a particular field (yes I have a blog about it). For this reason, I am getting requests for information about the subject matter from mainstream media journalists and writers. This is a new situation for me and I don't know how best to handle it. Up until now I have usually tried to help them out - in some cases for several days/hours. However, what has ended up happening more times than not is that they will not mention my blog or me at all, but instead feature people that I help them find (some of them are my direct competitors). I admit that I wouldn't mind the exposure, since for better or worse MSM mentions are still considered by many to be authoritative, so this really sticks in my craw. These journalists often never even send a simple email thanking me for my time, which also doesn't sit well either. I suppose this is all part of how a journalist operates due to tight deadlines or whatever other excuse?

My question is, how do I handle these requests? Do I continue to help them? Request that they credit me for the information they get directly from me? Ignore them? (Politely) tell them to f**k off? Any strategies for dealing with these people would be appreciated.

(anonymous to avoid any charge of self linking since my personal site in profiles links to all my other sites.)

How do you read a newspaper?

andythebean — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 21:45:26 -0800

How do you read a newspaper? When I read a newspaper, I generally intend to read the entire thing. As a newspaper reader is wont to do, I follow articles to one of the rear pages. Often there is an article on the rear page that catches my eye after I've finished the article I came back for.
Do you typically flip back to the page of origin with plans to read the intriguing article later?
~or~
Do you read any interesting articles that might cross your path?

I wonder this for its implications about how newspaper workers decide to put which articles where, as well as its potential crossover to internet reading habits...

How do I find out about a 1980 crime in Alabama?

Doug — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:10:02 -0800

What's the best way to search distant local newspaper archives for information on a crime that occurred almost 30 years ago in Birmingham, Alabama? I’m looking for any and all information concerning a crime that occurred in Alabama in 1980. I don’t have much information. A woman was abducted from Eastwood Mall in Birmingham Alabama. I believe the abduction occurred at the TP Crockmeir’s restaurant in the mall. That’s essentially all I know. I have access to Westlaw, but my searches are coming up with no results. I’ve sent emails to several local Birmingham newspapers, but I’ve received no replies. Is there an easier way for me, a person in NYC, to find articles on this crime?

Help me find independent journalists

reenum — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 14:30:26 -0800

Looking for independent news sites and journalists' blogs I've been reading ProPublica since last year and really love it. I've tried to find similar sites, but no other site seems to have independent journalism without an extreme bias towards the left or right.

Today, I was reading a post on The Inquisitr and it talked about how some journalists who find themselves out of work are relaunching themselves on the Web.

Can anyone point me to independent journalism sites besides ProPublica and sites of journalists who used to write for a paper, but now publish independently on the Web?

Who are the best feature writers out there?

reenum — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 09:21:10 -0800

Who are the best magazine and newspaper feature writers, past and present? I've been on a magazine and newspaper kick lately. I've gotten tons of articles by Michael Lewis, William Langewiesche and Jack Hitt. For sports, I love Gary Smith. I also like to read the in-depth articles put out by ProPublica.

Could you suggest others who write deep, delving pieces about a subject? The subject itself doesn't matter; I care more that the writer have the ability to engage a reader and explain a situation or subject in an interesting way.

Thanks!

Archive.org for yesterday...

typography — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 17:01:32 -0800

Is there a way of seeing what the New York Times had on the front page of their website at certain times in the recent past? I know this is easy to find the front page of the actual newspaper, but I'm wondering if there's something similar for the website.

looking for smart ways to refute the following illogical statement:

Paleoindian — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 14:29:18 -0800

I'm looking for smart ways to refute the following illogical statement: "Newspapers will never die, you can't make a scrap book out of interactive products..." Lets pretend that scrapbooking is the lifeblood of newspapers. How are interactive products (i'm guessing the person means websites, social networks, blogs, etc.) now used for "scrapbooking"?

or... Deconstruct the original statement any way you think is better. Thanks!

Name this This American Life story

NoraReed — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 20:29:06 -0800

NPR Filter: What is the story from This American Life about two newspaper journalists who compete to get a certain phrase in the newspaper? A friend remembers this story but hasn't been able to find it in the archive; he doesn't remember what the phrase was.

How can I become less ignorant regarding current events, without having to read dry, third-person-omniscient points of view?

surenoproblem — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 20:31:49 -0800

How can I become less ignorant regarding current events, without having to read dry, third-person-omniscient points of view? I am completely, woefully ignorant with regards to current events and politics.

I read a lot: novels, Harper's, the New Yorker, etc, but when I try to read the front pages of the newspaper, my brain grinds to a halt, unable to find the sense of people and character, personal points of view or the exposition of new ideas that I normally read for.

Does anyone have any recommendations? When This American Life did a story on the financial crisis, I found that very accessible, and found myself wishing they covered more current events in that fashion.

I'm going to persist with trying to read the front pages of the paper, but right now, it feels like such a chore. Any recommendations of blogs, magazines, podcasts or TTC courses, etc would be most appreciated.

Please help me be less ignorant!

Movie Filter : Newspapers

Paleoindian — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:38:57 -0800

I'm looking for movies that prominently feature newspapers in their plot, Like that Jim Belushi movie whatever it was called. or even just in certain scenes like the beginning of Blade Runner and the USA Today from back to the future.

The New York Times on Sunday, maybe?

vkxmai — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 10:04:52 -0800

How do I tell if my newspaper is being stolen or not delivered? I have read these three threads regarding this issue, but my question and problem are a bit different.

I subscribe to the NYTimes Sunday edition. In the past twelve weeks, I've received it three times. Of the three times I've actually received the paper, once it was the Wednesday edition. Each time I have what the NYT calls a "missed paper," I call in Monday morning and complain and my account is credited. I can also request a credit online.

My NYT, when it is in fact delivered, has always been placed on my doormat.

I've spoken to the property manager and her assistants in the office. They confirmed that the local delivery person usually comes through between 5:30 and 6:00 on Sundays.

I suspect that the delivery person can't be bothered by taking one NYTimes to the back of a multi-bloc apartment complex. I know most of my neighbors by name and don't suspect any of them. Plenty of people get other local (Akron and Cleveland) papers and those sit on their doorsteps until the early afternoon on Sundays, sometimes.

I am considering canceling my subscription and just buying it every Sunday. I don't mind the extra $2 at the newsstand, but I do mind the hassle of having to drive to get a paper that could be delivered.

Aside from tormenting the courier with a special bag/bell/secret handshake, posting possibly haranguing notes, or waking up at 5:00 in the morning to ply the courier with coffee or tea, what else could I do?

Have any of you decided to cancel a subscription because of a similar situation, or subscribed to a theft-proof e-Paper instead?

Where can I buy a copy of the New York Law Journal in Manhattan?

dorisfromregopark — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 08:14:04 -0800

Where can I buy a copy of the New York Law Journal in Manhattan? I am used to reading the New York Law Journal in law firms or law libraries, but I would like to buy a copy for my own use. Does anyone know of a store or stand that definitely sells them? It would be great if I could find one on the upper west side, but midtown will do.

Thanks, friend(s).

Where can I buy the Post today?

peachfuzz — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 11:03:19 -0800

Where can I buy the Post in DC-ish today? I'm in Montgomery County, and every single place I've checked is sold out of the paper, including drugstores and coffee shops and gas stations. Assuming I don't randomly stumble on a secret cache somewhere, can I go down to the Post building downtown and buy one? Or at one of the local warehouses or the printing office or something? Any help? I really, really want a paper today.

Looking for NY Herald archives

cherie72 — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 14:42:43 -0800

Looking for NY Herald archives from 4/21/12. Is there an online site where I can search/view them? Any idea if there is an online resource that will allow me to view archives of the NY Herald. I want the Sunday, April 21, 1912 edition. There's a piece in what I believe is called the "Women of Society" section (or something similar) that I'd like to see.

I have made some calls/emails about where I can find this, or even go to a library that might have it on microfilm or some other such source. But I don't seem to get replies.

Any leads appreciated.

Can a website generate $1.7billion per year via advertising?

Paleoindian — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 16:30:11 -0800

Maximum online ad revenue? -newspapers can not sell an infinite amount of ads in their print newspaper because of a realistic maximum page count and circulation. are websites beholden to any such caveats? what I'm trying to figure out is what would say, the new york times, have to do to generate $1.7billion revenue with a pure online presence and advertising model?

is it possible? what would the new york time site look like? Just so you know, in 2007 $1.7billion was the the NYT print ad and circ. revenue. Their online ad revenue was ~$350million

Thanks.

What to replace the Chicago Tribune With?

qsysopr — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 05:46:17 -0800

Recommend an alternative to my Chicago Tribune subscription. I thought I'd give the new Chicago Tribune a week before I decided to continue my 30 year subscription but the new Tribune is so bad I'm going to make the move after only two days. It's too dumbed down for me.

I want to replace the Tribune with better newspaper that can be delivered for about the same price. I was thinking the NYT but it's pricey at $14 a week.

Humpday Food-day

Eekacat — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 20:52:02 -0800

How did Wednesday become food and coupon day for USAian newspapers? Even though I've traveled to other parts of the world, I've never paid attention to the phenomenon there. Does this occur in your country as well?

Newspaper's here, it's covered in mud!

k8lin — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 09:06:05 -0800

How can I get my morning newspaper delivered closer to my door, and farther away from the street? I've got daily paper delivery, and have had it at this location (in Central Illinois) for over a year. The other day, someone left the paper on my doorstep, which I'd like to happen more often -- usually, it's hanging out in the gutter on the street, or is in the strip of lawn in front of the sidewalk, where I put my recycling and trash bins out. Occasionally, it gets thrown onto the sidewalk, but it's never been on my lawn or on my steps, except for that awesome fluke the other day.

Is this normal? Where does your newspaper get delivered, and how can I get my paper delivered closer to my door? It's often wet and muddy because of the location it lands in. It also gets "stolen" more often, I think because it's just in the street or near my trash bins on garbage day and looks like, well, trash.

Is the fee that I'm paying for the paper (which is quite considerable, actually -- newspapers are expensive!) also going towards the delivery service? If so, I feel like I should have the paper delivered closer to my door, or at least not in the gutter. It doesn't help that most of my neighbors (who get a different newspaper than I do) get the paper delivered right to their doorstep, which leads me to believe that my request isn't too off the mark. What should I do?

Publishing N00b Questions

unclejeffy — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 05:41:26 -0800

I've got a publication I'd like convenience stores and others to sell. How do i get them to do that, and what kind of financial arrangements are involved? Let's just say that I'm publishing a tabloid-sized publication on a subject of great interest locally, and that it sells at retail for $1. Ideally, I'd like it to be sold at convenience stores, gas stations, and the like. (It is the type of thing that, because of the subject matter and price, will likely be purchased on impulse.)

Who do I need to approach? Individual managers at each store? A district manager for the chain stores? Owners?

And what do I need to offer them to make this an enticing deal? I am willing to split the sale 50/50 because I can still make a decent profit. Is that an arrangement that is likely to appeal to them? Do I ask them to buy them from me, or do they take them on consignment?

Answers to these and all of my unasked questions are appreciated!