NewsRegister.com becomes subscription-based website
Dec 12, 2012 | 44 Comments
News-Register Staff
NewsRegister.com, the online platform for McMinnville's community newspaper, became a subscription-based website Wednesday.
Publisher Jeb Bladine made the announcement Friday, Dec. 7. Comments from readers and the publisher's updates have been posted on this article for nearly a week.
The website, which has served McMinnville and the Yamhill Valley since 1996, joins a growing legion of news sites across the country that now require subscriptions to access the bulk of its content.
"This is a decision we did not reach lightly. We've debated the pros and cons of this move for years," Bladine said in making the announcement. "But the time has come. We can't expect our print subscribers to pay for the newspaper and then give our work away for free to everyone else."
Existing newspaper subscribers can visit the website and request login information. Online access is included in each print subscription.
Non-subscribers will have the opportunity to sign up for a special $10 two-month newspaper/online subscription offer. More information on both options is available here - www.newsregister.com/subscribe-online
With the change, NewsRegister.com also launched Open Source, a community news blog located on the home page. The blog will combine reporting from the paper's news staff, submitted news and photos from readers (replacing the current ValleyEye submission page) and various social media parts.
Bladine said readers can expect timely coverage of local news with concise reporting online and more in-depth information in the following print edition. He emphasized that readers should not consider the website and the newspaper to be duplications. "We're now reporting local news in two distinctly different ways," he said. "An informed Yamhill Valley resident should be reading both the website and the newspaper."
The NewsRegister.com website will continue to serve both subscribers and non-subscribers. Some local information will be made available to everyone. That's especially true for urgent news stories involving public safety issues. "We will continue to be the go-to source for public safety and the urgent information the public need to know," Bladine said.
Other content available to everyone includes the online community calendar, local weather forecasts, special sections, quick access to links for other community websites, the HomeFinder real estate listings, legal notices, access to the Yamhill County jail roster, classified advertising and content generated by Open Source.
Paid content includes local news and sports reporting, news videos, the News-Register digital news archive and the electronic edition of the printed newspaper twice a week.
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Comments
I try not to watch much television, and have made a conscious decision to spend less time on the Internet...but...I will continue to subscribe to the News-Register and pay for both the printed, as well as digital format.
But this isn't HBO .. it's a small town family owned newspaper that I am quite positive is not really in the market to compete with conglomerations. I could be wrong, but I don't think so.
Just curious, angela, have you seen the Bi-Mart ad in yesterdays edition of the N-R? I very recently purchased a West Bend Movie Theater (4 oz version) Popcorn maker for my grand kids. Cost me $79...Bi-Mart now has them priced at $59.
Now, in my mind, the savings realized from taking advantage of that one ad alone, is enough to pay for my next two months of subscription to the News-Register. At least that's how I view things.
People view things differently, obviously we all have our own perspectives. A couple of months ago I'd mentioned to my mother that I'd read an article about my (1969 junior year high school Art teacher Mr Basset) in the Fairmont-Sentinal.
The article had been written some years ago. She hasn't lived in that community since the 1950's, but she now is a paid subsciber to that newspapers printed version and recieves it by U.S mail six days a week out here on the west coast.
She respectfully declined the Sunday edition offer, though, as they don't have a 'Piggly Wiggly' down in Mountain View, California, to gleen any savings from it's advertisement inserts.
The News-Register has high hopes to charge residents for two news sources then doesn’t consistently or accurately report in the online version. Then has the nerve to shut down the one decent source of news we had only because that was free and the News-Register can’t compete.
I assume you refer to the Georgia-based SP Newsprint plant of Newberg, from which we have purchased hundreds of thousands of dollars of newsprint over many years. A time came when a combination of issues related to plant capacity, consistent availability to us, and on-press performance of paper caused us to reduce, but not eliminate, that purchasing.We're saddened by the 2012 SP bankruptcy filing, but heartened by news of a new sheet from the Newberg plant.
As for shutting down some other news source, that's simply a falsehood. If you are referring to an online news operation that started and eventually ceased publication in McMinnville, the only role played by the News-Register was our internal discussions about how difficult it is, from our own experience, to maintain a free local news website.
Jeb Bladine
News-Register
I’m sure you are a fine person with a loving family. I can only hope that whatever caused the bitterness you carry toward our company will ease over time. If you ever want to talk about what’s behind that bitterness, but not in a public forum, you know where we are. Here’s hoping you have a happy holiday season.
Jeb Bladine, News-Register
For starters, here's one thing that keeps us going in the face of all the changes in modern communications:
Years ago, a community survey that drew several thousand responses from Yamhill County residents included two simple questions: 1) Do you have a good public school system? and 2) Do you have good local government?
At that time, 67% of subscribers and regular N-R readers said "Yes" to both questions. And equally interesting, 67% of non-readers said "No" to both questions. I think those results could be replicated in most places served by traditional community newspapers.
It's a chicken-egg issue, of course: Do community newspapers create positive community outlooks among their readers, or are people with positive community outlooks drawn to community newspapers that highlight so much of what's good about the activities of local people. A bit of both, no doubt.
There also is a lot of "bad news," rising in recent decades due to the increase in crime, drugs, economic challenges, etc. But for those who doubt the extent of "good community news" published on our pages, while you still have free access to our online newspaper archive, take a look through the 138,560 articles (current count) displayed in that archive going back to Jan. 1, 1999.
And fear not, Buster -- we will be publishing long beyond your 2-year prediction. We are a business, and we'll adjust while continuing to provide communication services that many people value. Down-sizing isn't fun. It's happening at every Oregon newspaper, but like us, they will survive. Don't mistake prudence for demise.
I appreciate your kind words. Maybe you're less connected to the local community, living here just half-time, but we hope you'll watch the website for content of interest.
Much on our website will remain open to everyone. Web pages with "red background" will contain open-access content; pages with "blue background" will hold content limited to subscribers. Some free content on different digital platforms will be linked from our pages.
All readers will still access classified ads, legal notices, real estate listings, events calendar, business listings and a variety of community information. A new "Open Source" blog will appear on Page 1, and there will be open access to news deemed important to public safety.
As for "blue page" content, no apologies for that. The local jeweler does not give away watches, nor does the supermarket provide free food to everyone. The auto shop charges for parts, and after a few free tastes, area wineries want compensation for their product.
I suppose it's appropriate for our situation to play out in public, since we "intrude" on the lives of others. That, however, is a subject for a later comment.
Some people dislike our newspaper for what we have published about them, their family, friends or causes. We understand that, but it's not easily changed.
Five areas come to mind:
1) We publish arrests, lawsuits and adjudications – the public record of local law enforcement and justice systems. Those named don't like it.
2) We write stories about unusual cases, often with photographs. Some say we “convict innocent people without a trial.” We still believe we should inform readers in detail about alleged criminal activity in our community today, not months or years later.
3) We report statements from government sources, public meetings and private interviews without the ability to verify all of them independently. If you disagree with those statements you might accuse the newspaper of inaccurate reporting. Our reality is that a newspaper must report news when it happens as best we can, not go off onto impossible missions to become the “arbiter of truth” on ever-evolving public affairs.
4) People listen to identical discussions, watch identical events and read identical stories, yet walk away with different memories, impressions and opinions. One person's truth becomes another person's lie. Any hard news story is almost guaranteed to anger someone.
5) We publish editorial opinions. If you disagree strongly, even with just one opinion among dozens that we publish, it might make you dislike all that we do.
We try not to take offense when people dislike us. We truly appreciate those who recognize that reporting and commenting on the news is an inexact science at best, and that charging a fee for providing expensive services is not a crime against humanity.
Will I be allowed to continue my current method of (monthly auto-bank-transfer) subscription payment plan? Secondly, will subscribers wishing to use any future commenting features also be required to join/open third party accounts with business' such as Facebook or Google+?
There is no change at this time in newspaper subscription process, rates or policies.
Subscribers wanting full website access will complete a basic information form, and will be registered for website access that functions as it does now without requiring third-party accounts. In 2013, the system will allow website-only subscriptions for 1 day, 1 week or 1 month.
Current user accounts will be eliminated, although I understand that comments from those accounts will remain on stories. Most website articles published prior to 2012 will be eliminated, but the permanent newspaper archive dating back to 1999 will remain accessible to subscribers.
Concerning your comment about timing for online stories:
Our production flow still focuses primarily toward publication of the print newspaper – that's when most of our major stories “become ready” for publication. Of course, we still post breaking news on the website prior to newspaper publication days.
You may have noticed the new e-edition of the print newspaper, which is posted online Monday and Thursday evenings prior to mail delivery of the newspaper Tuesdays and Fridays. That will continue to be available to subscribers, and new stories will be posted to the regular website display on Tuesday and Friday mornings.
1) The required subscription is to the print News-Register, not to the website. Newspaper subscribers will receive website access at no additional cost.
2) We’re offering a special subscription price of $10 for two months during this transition period. That price, without including the print edition, will be available to out-of-county residents who do not want to pay the much-higher postage cost.
3) You can obtain new accounts now by clicking the “Create a New Account” bar at the upper-right of the page, and following directions. Doing that now will reduce chances of delay later.
4) Current logins will work on the website until Wednesday, and then only new accounts will be able to login. When you request a new account, you will receive a temporary login right away, usable until you get a permanent account within one business day.
More details to come.
It has been fun to banter back and forth, especially with the regulars around here. Nobody's been able to turn me into a liberal but I do have more respect for them than I otherwise would have.
As for the NR's decision to go to subscription, I have complete respect for it. I know what it is like to run a business and you have to do what is right for the business to succeed. I have no doubt that this change is necessary for the NR to stay afloat. I think Jeb is an honorable man and wouldn't make this move without it being necessary.
As for me, I just don't think I want to subscribe. I'll probably just drift on to some other source of free news. But I truly enjoyed posting here. Adios.
How many regular NR.com readers already subscribe to the paper?
How many of those people will stop reading the news online because it now requires them to register and login to the website?
How many people will subscribe in order to maintain access to online stories and the e-edition?
Will the free content still available keep a flow of readers coming to the website?
What will happen to the number – and the tone – of online reader comments with the change to subscriber-only access?
It’s going to be a learning experience, to be sure. Whatever we learn will be applied to the next set of decisions about digital services to newspaper subscribers and others.
Meanwhile, if you’re on the fence about the value of local news, you can take the very small plunge of investing $10 for 18 home-delivered issues of the News-Register and two months of website access.
Jeb, keep up the good work. I hope the transition goes well and works the way you have forecasted.
And then he went on to say--->"....if the price is right."
Last month I purchased two (2) boxes of Twinkies for my wife, ten (10) to a box for only six (6) dollars a box out here at the 'the big store' on Grand Ronde Road.
Now, a greedy son of a bitch would have asked for more....times being how they are.
I started delivering newspapers 57 years ago, and no one regretted that business decision more than I did. Cost was a primary concern, but also risk: When the state of Oregon declared that newspaper carriers were employees, not independent contractors, it created major financial risk along with high current costs. And, by the way, those “rain-shine-sleet-snow” postal service carriers are “personal delivery” as well – we greatly appreciate not only their delivery services, but also the terrific assistance we received from area postmasters in the transition to mail delivery.
Buster, you are correct that, like any business, we have to find the correct balance with pricing of our products/services. It’s a difficult balance because so much of our revenue comes from businesses paying to have their messages placed in the hands of local residents. We have to find what works for out-of-county readers who are not apt to respond to local advertising messages.
Dances, Twinkies may be on the way out, but not news. In decades past it was about the same price for a paper and cup of coffee – 5 cents, then 10, then 25 and 50. That cup of coffee averages about $1.50 now, and our paper is $1 at the stands.
One more day until the latest digital information experiment begins.
Life is change, and so it goes. I have been reading the reactions to this article for a few days and will take this opportunity to add mine before the big transition.
I have been a subscriber to the N/R for more than 20 years, a contributor to the online community for a little more than a month. I value our local news source, appreciate the online forum, and have been grateful that solutions were found to keep things afloat. The alternative (dribs and drabs from the big city sources) is deprivation and lost connections. I believe we need to know what happens at our grass roots.
For the record, I have had only positive experiences with the N/R. From the kindness and sensitivity of the folks who helped me write an obituary, to the fair treatment received during a painful public dispute, to my recent questions about something I couldn’t find online, I have encountered professionalism and home-town hospitality with every contact. Thank you News Register. The grump-sters and their half-empty glasses do not speak for the majority. You are an invaluable asset to the citizens of Yamhill County.
~~~~~~~~~~
Before we sign off here and move on, I need to leave a message for “Dances with Redwoods.” I mis-read your post about access to an article awhile back and left a slightly snarky and totally inappropriate response. A cyber “foot in mouth” moment. Please accept my apology? I look forward to reading your contributions in the new format.
As with the last person to have shanked me (actually stabbed me in my right lung a couple years back) you are forgiven for an act that I'd never laid blame to.
Like I once stated in an article that Paul Daquilante wrote... "Sometimes accidents are just that."
I like Paul, and something tells me, that I'd probably like you, too, if I ever got to know you.
Michael Tubbs Sr
49291 SW Hebo Road
Grand Ronde, Oregon 97347
Are you one of our long-lost cousins? Just kidding ... Thanks for the kind words, which I hereby shower on all the great people who work for this company.
Today, a dozen people with 20-plus years at our company met for lunch, including 7 with 25-44 years. Next week we recognize another 40 people with 5-plus years here. They're the best!
I know some will think this comment-string was intended to fish for a comment such as yours, but that's not the case. It has been a welcome opportunity to pass along a few of myriad questions and thoughts that have come up in planning for this transition.
See you, I hope, on the other side of that.
Wednesday morning, we start activating website registration for people with something in common as subscribers to the News-Register. Our number of online readers will drop at first, increase over time, and perhaps become more interactive with us and each other because of that shared connection.
Years from now, I’ll remember the exact day this happened:
12–12–12.
It’s one of the most symmetrically pleasing dates since 12–12-1212, exactly 800 years ago. So much for the numerology of the digitology for this newseology.
Here’s the thing: We’re going to be more positive toward website readers in general because they are subscribers to our paper; we think website readers will be more positive toward each other for that same reason.
The collective force – there is, I think, an actual collective force of such things – will help us improve both the print and online services to readers and the community.
Thanks to all who participated in this discussion, and all who join in the new online experiment.
thanks for the tour...
troy prouty*
"doing his best that he can at this moment (which is all we reaaly have)...
"A newspaper is a citizen of its community," my old employer wrote. The N-R always has reflected that standard and responsibility. It's been an excellent mix of exceptional, well-presented photography, solId reporting, fascinating local columnists and important editorializing.
I grieve when obituaries (always considered local news) transform into just another source of ad revenue and when so much obvious effort and innovation has to be directed into "special sections/editions" in order to pay the bills. And, when traditions like paper carriers become only memories. However, it's understandable in these changing times.
Those who want to spend a lot of their time arguing out the irritations of the day can move to free blogs (or start their own). But, we all need a dependable newspaper--whether we buy it online or in the rack or both places--one that we can trust to have the community's interests foremost.
Here's hoping that you find ways to keep on keeping on, News-Register.