Comments on: Can free music downloads save newspapers?

So you think newspapers are dying? Well what if you could download free music from your local newspaper?

[potatomaster]

You're overlooking an important point

Newspapers SHOULD die because they are an incredible waste of natural resources. We're not just talking about the paper used to print them, but also the by-products of the printing plants and the countless amount of emissions from the vehicles used to deliver them.

Why kill the environment to produce a piece of paper that is outdated before the ink dries? News should be read online because it makes sense from a news standpoint and an ecological one as well.

Let the newspaper remain where it belongs - in the past.

[newspapergrl]

Interesting Idea - Anything to save Newspapers

I feel for the music industry. Everyone is offering free downloads these days. And selling less music. And taking down the quality.

I'm a huge fan of newspapers - even though I'm an environmentalist. That's like saying we shouldn't print books anymore. Newspapers are an experience that doesn't transfer. Who can wait in an airport or get through a Sunday without reading one? not me.

I just posted on my own blog about this subject. I wonder if newspapers had some internet marketing help and online sales departments, could they increase traffic and revenues significantly?

Janet
www.newspapergirl.com

[laserdanger]

I feel for both sides of the argument. But in this case i believe that just because a particular model worked in the past, doesn't mean it has to dictate our future. Print media is outdated. as others have mentioned it is slow, especially when compared to a media source like the internet. Just like Blockbuster they are sticking to the old game plan when the competition is running circles around them. Books should continue to be printed, because their shelf life is much longer than that of a newspaper. I don't see any used newspaper stores anywhere?

I believe that the music downloads could possibly slow down the process, but it doesn't address the fundamental issue. A growing percentage of the population doesn't get their news from the newspaper. Being a fan of indie music, I believe there is a market for this strategy. Sites like Emusic don't need top 40 bands to stay aloft. although even that company is losing labels due to their compensation structure they have in place. The digital marketplace is fickle and major labels have not quite figured out what to do. They too just like many other companies are faced with new challenges and are struggling to keep up.

I believe many are neglecting the potential of devices like the kindle. A subscription fee could stay in tact, and it would have the speed and ease of use of a computer. There was a day when every household did not have a computer. I foresee the day when every person doesn't have some sort of kindle like device at hand.