Comments on: ‘Significant’ layoffs at the PJS this fall http://peoriapundit.com/blogpeoria/2007/06/23/significant-layoffs-at-the-pjs-this-fall/ News, politics and the media in the River City Fri, 21 Nov 2008 12:48:06 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6 By: Alan Francis http://peoriapundit.com/blogpeoria/2007/06/23/significant-layoffs-at-the-pjs-this-fall/#comment-89409 Alan Francis Mon, 25 Jun 2007 23:04:28 +0000 http://peoriapundit.com/blogpeoria/2007/06/23/significant-layoffs-at-the-pjs-this-fall/#comment-89409 Since publisher Bill Love was involved with Co-Op Tapes & Records, which distributed the paper free throughout the Midwest, much of its coverage was indeed musical: reviews, features, interviews with musicians both local and well-known ranging from Bo Diddley to Kool Ray & the Polaroids.  But it also covered politics, the environment, and pop culture.  Craig Moore of the Peoria Record Co. was another staff stalwart.  Knight was a solid editor and Bill Love was an ideal publisher: as far as I know, mostly hands-off and supportive: the Anti-Gatehouse, as it were. Since publisher Bill Love was involved with Co-Op Tapes & Records, which distributed the paper free throughout the Midwest, much of its coverage was indeed musical: reviews, features, interviews with musicians both local and well-known ranging from Bo Diddley to Kool Ray & the Polaroids.  But it also covered politics, the environment, and pop culture.  Craig Moore of the Peoria Record Co. was another staff stalwart.  Knight was a solid editor and Bill Love was an ideal publisher: as far as I know, mostly hands-off and supportive: the Anti-Gatehouse, as it were.

]]> By: Billy Dennis http://peoriapundit.com/blogpeoria/2007/06/23/significant-layoffs-at-the-pjs-this-fall/#comment-89408 Billy Dennis Mon, 25 Jun 2007 22:57:19 +0000 http://peoriapundit.com/blogpeoria/2007/06/23/significant-layoffs-at-the-pjs-this-fall/#comment-89408 I'm sad that I never contributed to it. I'm was under the impression it was mostly about the music scene, and I'm not as into music as some people are. I'm sad that I never contributed to it. I'm was under the impression it was mostly about the music scene, and I'm not as into music as some people are.

]]> By: Alan Francis http://peoriapundit.com/blogpeoria/2007/06/23/significant-layoffs-at-the-pjs-this-fall/#comment-89407 Alan Francis Mon, 25 Jun 2007 22:52:16 +0000 http://peoriapundit.com/blogpeoria/2007/06/23/significant-layoffs-at-the-pjs-this-fall/#comment-89407 The PRAIRIE SUN was edited by Bill Knight, now a professor of journalism at Western Illinois University.  Steve Tarter, now with the JS, was one contributor; Bob Gordon of Acme Comics may have been another.As Tarter said at the Irish wake held for the SUN at the Peoria Pizza Works when it ceased publication in 1982: "The PRAIRIE SUN: it will live forever in our hearts and in our attics." The PRAIRIE SUN was edited by Bill Knight, now a professor of journalism at Western Illinois University.  Steve Tarter, now with the JS, was one contributor; Bob Gordon of Acme Comics may have been another.As Tarter said at the Irish wake held for the SUN at the Peoria Pizza Works when it ceased publication in 1982: "The PRAIRIE SUN: it will live forever in our hearts and in our attics."

]]> By: Billy Dennis http://peoriapundit.com/blogpeoria/2007/06/23/significant-layoffs-at-the-pjs-this-fall/#comment-89405 Billy Dennis Mon, 25 Jun 2007 21:38:01 +0000 http://peoriapundit.com/blogpeoria/2007/06/23/significant-layoffs-at-the-pjs-this-fall/#comment-89405 Surprisingly, I've never seen an issue of the Prairie Sun. I used to like the old Penny Press, though ... Surprisingly, I've never seen an issue of the Prairie Sun. I used to like the old Penny Press, though …

]]> By: Alan Francis http://peoriapundit.com/blogpeoria/2007/06/23/significant-layoffs-at-the-pjs-this-fall/#comment-89401 Alan Francis Mon, 25 Jun 2007 20:04:04 +0000 http://peoriapundit.com/blogpeoria/2007/06/23/significant-layoffs-at-the-pjs-this-fall/#comment-89401 Thanks for the correction on the free bagels and doughnuts.  I had some bad information, it seems. Is honor-system coffee still available in the cafeteria? Today's JS has an obituary for another citizen journalist, Bill Love, whose PRAIRIE SUN weekly newspaper enlivened the Midwest during the 1970's until its demise in 1982.  It was fearless, funny, and free in every sense of the word.  Thanks for the correction on the free bagels and doughnuts.  I had some bad information, it seems. Is honor-system coffee still available in the cafeteria? Today's JS has an obituary for another citizen journalist, Bill Love, whose PRAIRIE SUN weekly newspaper enlivened the Midwest during the 1970's until its demise in 1982.  It was fearless, funny, and free in every sense of the word. 

]]> By: in the know http://peoriapundit.com/blogpeoria/2007/06/23/significant-layoffs-at-the-pjs-this-fall/#comment-89399 in the know Mon, 25 Jun 2007 18:23:24 +0000 http://peoriapundit.com/blogpeoria/2007/06/23/significant-layoffs-at-the-pjs-this-fall/#comment-89399 Never did employees get free bagels or donuts. They could buy them, though. Never did employees get free bagels or donuts. They could buy them, though.

]]> By: Somebody http://peoriapundit.com/blogpeoria/2007/06/23/significant-layoffs-at-the-pjs-this-fall/#comment-89391 Somebody Mon, 25 Jun 2007 13:36:19 +0000 http://peoriapundit.com/blogpeoria/2007/06/23/significant-layoffs-at-the-pjs-this-fall/#comment-89391 Al, Plasticware no longer available: True Free bagels/doughnuts: Those items were never free. But they removed the ones for sale on the honor system. Rented art: True. Sandra: This post is just another fine example of Bill's citizen journalism at its best. Tim: It certainly appears as though Bill hates the JS, but it's really a love-hate relationship. Bill has nothing to write about if the paper isn't around. The paper does 96% of Bill's reporting. Al,

Plasticware no longer available: True
Free bagels/doughnuts: Those items were never free. But they removed the ones for sale on the honor system.
Rented art: True.

Sandra: This post is just another fine example of Bill's citizen journalism at its best.

Tim: It certainly appears as though Bill hates the JS, but it's really
a love-hate relationship. Bill has nothing to write about if the paper
isn't around. The paper does 96% of Bill's reporting.

]]> By: tim http://peoriapundit.com/blogpeoria/2007/06/23/significant-layoffs-at-the-pjs-this-fall/#comment-89382 tim Mon, 25 Jun 2007 01:09:06 +0000 http://peoriapundit.com/blogpeoria/2007/06/23/significant-layoffs-at-the-pjs-this-fall/#comment-89382 What's so ominous about it?  Don't you hate the Journal Star anyway?  What's so ominous about it?  Don't you hate the Journal Star anyway? 

]]> By: thewriteholly http://peoriapundit.com/blogpeoria/2007/06/23/significant-layoffs-at-the-pjs-this-fall/#comment-89380 thewriteholly Mon, 25 Jun 2007 00:01:11 +0000 http://peoriapundit.com/blogpeoria/2007/06/23/significant-layoffs-at-the-pjs-this-fall/#comment-89380 With regard to selling the Pekin Times building: Gatehouse Publisher, Ratliff says, "I love old, historic buildings," and considers it a spacious, beautiful building. Perhaps 30 years ago. The newsroom is seated in a former ballroom, and, despite its unique old qualities, the place is rotting at the seams. Lest we forget a drunk recently fell through the 2nd story ceiling onto the pagination desk. The third floor is a rotting array of floors which host any number of useless junk from decades gone that also threaten to go shooting through the ceilings straight to China. A portion of the third floor is dedicated to a rogue putting matt sheltered by an old net, and, if you can navigate to that area without breaking your leg, you can hit a few golf balls, withstanding sweltering summer heat and freezing winter chills. Sell it???? Har har. They'll be fortunate if they can give that place away, historic or not. With regard to selling the Pekin Times building: Gatehouse Publisher, Ratliff says, "I love old, historic buildings," and considers it a spacious, beautiful building. Perhaps 30 years ago. The newsroom is seated in a former ballroom, and, despite its unique old qualities, the place is rotting at the seams. Lest we forget a drunk recently fell through the 2nd story ceiling onto the pagination desk. The third floor is a rotting array of floors which host any number of useless junk from decades gone that also threaten to go shooting through the ceilings straight to China. A portion of the third floor is dedicated to a rogue putting matt sheltered by an old net, and, if you can navigate to that area without breaking your leg, you can hit a few golf balls, withstanding sweltering summer heat and freezing winter chills. Sell it???? Har har. They'll be fortunate if they can give that place away, historic or not.

]]> By: thewriteholly http://peoriapundit.com/blogpeoria/2007/06/23/significant-layoffs-at-the-pjs-this-fall/#comment-89379 thewriteholly Sun, 24 Jun 2007 23:55:22 +0000 http://peoriapundit.com/blogpeoria/2007/06/23/significant-layoffs-at-the-pjs-this-fall/#comment-89379 With regard to selling the Pekin Times building: Gatehouse Publisher, Ratliff says, "I love old, historic buildings," and considers it a spacious, beautiful building. Perhaps 30 years ago. The newsroom is seated in a former ballroom, and, despite its unique old qualities, the place is rotting at the seams. Lest we forget a drunk recently fell through the 2nd story ceiling onto the pagination desk. The third floor is a rotting array of floors which host any number of worthless junk from decades gone that also threaten to go shooting through the ceilings straight to China. A portion of the third floor is dedicated to a rogue putting matt sheltered by an old net, and, if you can navigate to that area without breaking your leg, you can hit a few golf balls, withstanding sweltering summer heat and freezing winter chills. Sell it???? Har har. They'll be fortunate if they can give that place away, historic or not. With regard to selling the Pekin Times building: Gatehouse Publisher, Ratliff says, "I love old, historic buildings," and considers it a spacious, beautiful building. Perhaps 30 years ago. The newsroom is seated in a former ballroom, and, despite its unique old qualities, the place is rotting at the seams. Lest we forget a drunk recently fell through the 2nd story ceiling onto the pagination desk. The third floor is a rotting array of floors which host any number of worthless junk from decades gone that also threaten to go shooting through the ceilings straight to China. A portion of the third floor is dedicated to a rogue putting matt sheltered by an old net, and, if you can navigate to that area without breaking your leg, you can hit a few golf balls, withstanding sweltering summer heat and freezing winter chills. Sell it???? Har har. They'll be fortunate if they can give that place away, historic or not.

]]> By: Alan Francis http://peoriapundit.com/blogpeoria/2007/06/23/significant-layoffs-at-the-pjs-this-fall/#comment-89378 Alan Francis Sun, 24 Jun 2007 23:15:40 +0000 http://peoriapundit.com/blogpeoria/2007/06/23/significant-layoffs-at-the-pjs-this-fall/#comment-89378 See if you can confirm these three allegations:The JS lunchroom no longer provides free plasticware; employees must bring their own. JS newsroom staffers no longer get free bagels/ doughnuts for breakfast. Rented art works have been removed from the walls. Second-hand source alleges these things, but you know the old journalistic proverb: "If your mother says she loves you, check it out." Al See if you can confirm these three allegations:The JS lunchroom no longer provides free plasticware; employees must bring their own. JS newsroom staffers no longer get free bagels/ doughnuts for breakfast. Rented art works have been removed from the walls. Second-hand source alleges these things, but you know the old journalistic proverb: "If your mother says she loves you, check it out." Al

]]> By: Sandra http://peoriapundit.com/blogpeoria/2007/06/23/significant-layoffs-at-the-pjs-this-fall/#comment-89376 Sandra Sun, 24 Jun 2007 19:57:54 +0000 http://peoriapundit.com/blogpeoria/2007/06/23/significant-layoffs-at-the-pjs-this-fall/#comment-89376 Honestly Bill, why do you do this? Why do you reprint rumors and innuendos without trying to confirm it? The layoffs or cutbacks or whatever may or may not turn out to be true, but the people at the PJS are worried enough already without you printing garbage like this without trying to confirm it first. Geez, you are starting to turn into a tabloid for cripes sakes. Honestly Bill, why do you do this? Why do you reprint rumors and innuendos without trying to confirm it? The layoffs or cutbacks or whatever may or may not turn out to be true, but the people at the PJS are worried enough already without you printing garbage like this without trying to confirm it first. Geez, you are starting to turn into a tabloid for cripes sakes.

]]> By: BJStone http://peoriapundit.com/blogpeoria/2007/06/23/significant-layoffs-at-the-pjs-this-fall/#comment-89374 BJStone Sun, 24 Jun 2007 16:45:55 +0000 http://peoriapundit.com/blogpeoria/2007/06/23/significant-layoffs-at-the-pjs-this-fall/#comment-89374 Mahkno, um, no. When I do read a paper (am I am BY FAR not alone in this), whether it's the PJStar, the Sun-Times, the StarTribune, or the USA Today, it is sports I read first, it is sports I spend the most time with. Want to save a bundle? Get rid of "religion" sections, or "world news" sections in local papers. That would save money WITHOUT lowering readership. Mahkno, um, no. When I do read a paper (am I am BY FAR not alone in this), whether it's the PJStar, the Sun-Times, the StarTribune, or the USA Today, it is sports I read first, it is sports I spend the most time with. Want to save a bundle? Get rid of "religion" sections, or "world news" sections in local papers. That would save money WITHOUT lowering readership.

]]> By: Dellmaster http://peoriapundit.com/blogpeoria/2007/06/23/significant-layoffs-at-the-pjs-this-fall/#comment-89373 Dellmaster Sun, 24 Jun 2007 15:06:17 +0000 http://peoriapundit.com/blogpeoria/2007/06/23/significant-layoffs-at-the-pjs-this-fall/#comment-89373 bill must be thrilled. The paper he hates and the people he mocks are going to be gone. Then it's just his little site for news bill must be thrilled. The paper he hates and the people he mocks are going to be gone. Then it's just his little site for news

]]> By: Mahkno http://peoriapundit.com/blogpeoria/2007/06/23/significant-layoffs-at-the-pjs-this-fall/#comment-89370 Mahkno Sun, 24 Jun 2007 12:25:58 +0000 http://peoriapundit.com/blogpeoria/2007/06/23/significant-layoffs-at-the-pjs-this-fall/#comment-89370 Just do away with the sports page altogether and save a bundle.   Just do away with the sports page altogether and save a bundle.  

]]> By: D-Money http://peoriapundit.com/blogpeoria/2007/06/23/significant-layoffs-at-the-pjs-this-fall/#comment-89355 D-Money Sun, 24 Jun 2007 05:17:39 +0000 http://peoriapundit.com/blogpeoria/2007/06/23/significant-layoffs-at-the-pjs-this-fall/#comment-89355 and the PJStar will be Sections of Section A, AP stories everyone read on the Internet the day before.Not liking Gatehouse's moves so far....at least they are not trying to hide the face they are cutting back. and the PJStar will be Sections of Section A, AP stories everyone read on the Internet the day before.Not liking Gatehouse's moves so far….at least they are not trying to hide the face they are cutting back.

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