Proposed Group: Page One News

[Me.]

H20 started a thread last week which had to do with organized activity as a means of spreading and disseminating a democratic and progressive point of view regarding politics, environment, finances, judicial matters etc. It was suggested in the course of the thread that an online newspaper might be a good idea, for it could provide the venue for a concentrated effort and focus regarding the aforementioned topics. The paper would aim for a wide audience of, “the existing and already converted”, those who are waiting to be convinced and those straddling the line. Given that so many of us are frustrated by the news the MSM, or COM, ignore, this would provide an alternative outlet. There are many, wonderful writers here on DU who produce powerful pieces. A newspaper could provide another platform and spotlight for those who have something to say and are tired of their point of view being ignored.

Page One was suggested on H20’s thread as a good name for the paper. Each page would be numbered with a one, giving each it’s due in the matter of priority and importance.

An endeavor such as this needs to be discussed and organized. A Du group could provide a format, (if the admins are willing) for the planning and implementation of the Page One News.

Many different skills and talents will be needed to get this up and going. Anyone interested?

[H2O Man]

1. I am.

I think it could be fun. I think that people should be encouraged to produce their own variation on an "underground press." But working with a group from across the DU spectrum could make it fun and more likely to take off.

[Me.]

2. Kicking In Case Any Of The Night Crew

are interested.

[ck4829]

3. Excellent Idea

[BigBearJohn]

4. Great idea -- with over 80,000 contributing reporters!

Recommended!

[H2O Man]

5. Could be fun.

It might make the summer months a blast. I think some undreground newspapers on college campuses and at high schools could be a good thing. Factories, offices, and other public places as well.

[emcguffie]

6. This is what we should be thinking about.

How we accomplish it should still be up in the air.

We NEED a new daily newspaper, privately owned. We NEED a new cable news channel, also privately owned.

Who is wealthy enough to do this? I think T Turner isn't anymore, but he sure knows what he is doing.

There are all these free papers everywhere now, that get by on advertising. Maybe if we got someone savvy enough to start some of those, locally, that would have real news in them?

Or else, find a family or benefactor willing to put up enough to start a new daily newspaper.

We have to find a way to get to those who don't go to the same internet pages we do everyday. Those who just turn on the tube, and now see/hear nothing.

We need a new cable news channel, and a new daily newspaper, both privately owned, as in the old days.

That's what went wron, and fed directly into deregulation. When we had privately owned media, the media still had a lot of integrity.

[Me.]

8. Good Thoughts

I did wonder on Sunday, after picking up a free copy of the Village Voice, how they did it for free. These are matters that would be discussed. And yes, we need representation everywhere. I just read how Air America is boosting it's numbers, but we still need more.

[emcguffie]

16. there are free papers everywhere now

The Daily News has one, that's on the more -- dare I say liberal? -- side, and then there's this consortium that's been starting them up everywhere, but those are more on the "right" side of the spectrum. They are targeted to younger people, who are less inclined to read "serious" newspapers like the NY Times.

Here in NY they hand them out at the subway exits.

Then there's also the Sun, which is hideous. And it isn't free. But it is relatively new.

I'm just going to keep asking, and someday someone will say, yes, let's do it! I know a journalist here at work who may work with me to draw up a proposal someday.

Maybe Greg Palast would be interested. Of course, it would need someone with some money, and to make that happen you would have to have a serious proposal.

Aren't there a number of journalists here at DU?

[halobeam]

7. Hi !!! I'm here ....

I'm so happy to see this idea blossoming...:bounce:

Just let me know what help you need, and I'm happy to give some time. A paper with real news, all priority one info (which is everything now-a-days) is vital to getting the public educated. I really liked one of the suggestions Dem2theMax made about everyone being able to printout the paper and hand it out themselves, so as not to incur costs for printing and distribution.

I have a link for the original thread if anyone's interested, there is some wonderful energy and information provided:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=3745690

[Me.]

9. Great!

All we need are ten people so that we can ask the admins if they would grant us a group.

[Dem2theMax]

10. Here was my original post -

I've been reading posts for months with the words 'we are the media' and 'grassroots newspapers.' So what are we waiting for?
Why can't we do just that, be the media with a grassroots newspaper?
It's one way to start getting the word out to the people who need to know the truth of what is going on in this country.

Why can't we get all the major progressive/liberal/democrat web sites involved and go from there? My idea is to simply have a site where everyone can go once a week and download a PDF file, print the 'newspaper' off on their computer, make copies and distribute them everywhere. The 'newspaper' could have the major stories of the week that need to be told and are not being covered by the MSM.
The ink and paper comes out of our own pockets - no need for ads. And since we'd distribute them, no need to pay anyone to do so.
This is a simple idea, but if put in the right hands, it could work.


_____________________________________

And now adding - put me on the list! :)

[Me.]

11. So Glad You Posted This

Lost my bookmark and couldn't reference it.

[snot]

12. I think this could be helpful

I saw another post recently to the effect that we should develop coherent talking points regarding election reform. To my mind, both this idea and Page One could be very helpful.

Right now, when I have time, I probably spend at least an hour per day just trying to catch up on major stories here. If I decide to try to e-mail acquaintances or post action items elsewhere to solicit signatures for petitions, etc., that might take another hour. And even spending two hours at it, I do a half-baked job. How many folks here are spending 2 hours a day trying to do the same thing? A lot of duplicative man-hours, perhaps.

Part of what's so time-consuming is just slogging through trying to identify the most impt. news.

Unfortunately, of course, it's hard to agree on what those critical stories are, or how they should be formulated. But it's worth a try. Maybe one solution would be to have a rotating roster of editors--individuals could sign up to "digest" certain issues on certain dates.

If someone could digest for me, and even better if someone could also formulate talking points, I could get the word out more consistently.

I favor bulletins that can actually elicit action. To do that, I've found eloquence is helpful but brevity is imperative. For many folks nowadays, if they can't figure out what you want them to do within the first 5 sentences or less, you'll probably just be deleted. Best to give them a link to a petition or site a.s.a.p. up front, and explain later.

[kimchi]

17. I agree we are duplicating efforts, snot.

It would be easiest (and cheapest) to start with an on-line digest--a compilation of daily stories. I also compile the most important news to send to my friends--but not consistently. As you say, it is time consuming. Combining work would leave all of us more time for other activism. If we implemented nothing but this, I would be in heaven.

We need talking points; which are hard for me. I would be willing to help with Page One for an hour a day. I think once we get a digital form going, all the congress-critters should receive the news. That way they can't say they don't know. (Well, they'd be lying.) If the Dems have talking points they sure aren't getting them out there like the other side.

Perhaps start with a thread with links to LBN ala Melissa G's Election Reform daily threads. Then assign or volunteer to write up different sections. Then one person could put it all into one coherent form so we could blast it. I think Truthout does a helluva job--but some people want the info all in one place so they don't have to click. (That would be me.)

A "real", free newspaper? Out of my league. I know that the 4 page newsletter my church publishes costs almost $400 just to print each mailing. And it isn't widely distributed.

Yeah, I'm rambling. I'm not sure exactly what we are talking about, or if we are on the same page. But whatever is decided, I'm here to help.

[H2O Man]

13. It looks like there may be a good amount

of interest. I have a couple of thoughts. First, to do a paper (centralized) and to try to distribute it would be very expensive. It automatically makes the venture a business. That is unlikely to happen, and it would likely be a drag if it did.

A de-centralized paper allows everyone who is interested to access the news stories and put together their own paper. Starting small is, in my opinion, the best idea.

Next, should people attempt a newspaper or newsletter? I have experience with both: I first took part in "underground" school newsletters in 1974. "The Hydra" had been put out by older no-do-gooders, and I took over. I am one of two editors for a Native American newspaper, and contribute regularly to a monthly newspaper put out by Opportunities for Broome, in Binghamton NY. An actual 12-16 page newspaper involves a lot of effort in terms of lay-out and expense.

I think that computer technology allows for individuals to do a set-up and lay-out of a newsletter in the comfort of their own home. The expense is relatively small .... paper and ink.

These are just a few things I think we should discuss. I'll be back in the evening, and look forward to continuing this discussion.

[H2O Man]

14. Another thought ....

One of the ways we might stir interest in this is by getting a list of the liberal/radicial college newspapers across the country. If we were to send out some news stories/analysis/editorials to the college papers, we might build up a readership. Just a thought ....

[Me.]

15. I Like The College Idea

as one way of attracting readers. It has the additional benefit of "getting them" while they are young.

[Pirate Smile]

18. There was an earlier thread on advertising DU on

TV, radio, newspapers, Internet sites, etc.

"Has anyone considered advertising DU in newspapers or on TV?

I got here on a referral from a friend, otherwise I wouldn't have found it.

I know lots of people who are frustrated with what's going on, but don't have Internet research skills. Probably the greatest advantage the right has right now is the number of people who don't realize they are in the MAJORITY because the news media is failing them and they don't see how to connect to others.

A simple text ad would do it:

What are newspapers afraid to print about the Bush administration?
Find out at democraticunderground.com.

or
join the resistance
democraticunderground.com ....more at
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=3743554

Your thread reminded me of this post in that thread - DAILY DU UPDATE:

"I would also look at an email service to offer people, i.e. sign up for daily DU updates."

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=104&topic_id=3743554&mesg_id=3744089

I was thinking of a compilation of:

- LBN stories from all types of sources Corporate media, international news sources, alternative news (raw story, blogs, personal experience stories that are frequently posted here and at other sites);

- analysis pieces, editorials (Molly Ivan, EJ Dionne, blog postings,etc.);

- heads-up reminders of what is happening today (if Congress is in session, who to contact re fighting nuclear option, Bolton nomination, sign Conyers letter, etc.);

- a cartoon or two;

Send it out as e-mails to people signed up for it or forward it to people you think want to or NEED to know the information.

It we can print it out and distribute it, great but we know we can use the Internet to distribute the information without costs (just time).

Many people don't have time or access to check repeatedly for any new info that pops up during the day. This could be a compilation.

Just an idea.

[H2O Man]

19. Good ideas.

The internet is always a good source of news. But there is something powerful about a physical paper. People working in a factory can take it into the restroom, something they can't do with a computer. If some of the artists on DU allow us to use their greatest works, we can produce "mini posters" that high school students can use for book covers or to paste up in public places. If it's cultural warfare that Karl Rove wants, all I can say is that we understand monkey warfare pretty well here on the left.

[halobeam]

22. Hey, the restrooms.... LOL

We could carry copies around and everytime we use a public restroom, just leave one there. ??? Just a thought, I mean, what else are they gonna do for that moment? hehe

[atommom]

20. Sounds like a great idea!

[Me.]

21. The Next Question Is...

Now that we have enough people to apply for a group, should we do so and continue the discussion there, or continue the discussing on GD? The pro to this is that the conversation could become more focused. the con, the thread would be hidden from the general populace.