E Paper?

[CMNSNC]

I realize that this topic has been done to death in the "paper", but this is a letter I wrote that won't be published because "the topic has been canceled".
It would be interesting to see how many readers feel as I do about the op/ed section of the paper being taken away from those who do not own computers or would prefer to read without having to "log on".
There might be some monetary considerations for the papers decision, but don't you think that too many things have been lost in this great nation of ours because of monetary considerations?
I was a guest editorial member a few years ago and now have somewhat of a feel of how a newspaper is run. The owner and editors of the paper do listen and I would suggest that you let them know how you feel. Write to them and let them know.
Here is my letter.

There has been much discussion regarding the new format of the op/ed section of the Record-Journal.
I would like to add my two cents to the debate.
In the first place it is refered to as an ‘e’ paper. There is no paper involved at all. While this might make the ‘greenies’ amongst us very happy I feel that many of us are being left out. Despite all the electronic hype that is bombarding us every day, not all of us own computers!
That I feel is an insult to those who do not.
One very good letter today mentioned the fact while sitting at the breakfast table the couple could read and discuss topics of interest. I have on occasion walked my dog while reading the PAPER! Try that with a laptop!
I do own a computer and enjoy the R-J website, but let’s not forget the time honored tradition of reading the printed word! Costs might be a consideration in making the decision to go to the electronic version of editorials and if that is really the case then I pity all who will miss a great tradition.
Just a thought. Does anyone have a computer in their bathroom!

[jma]

An unfortunate requirement of my job is that I am stuck with a computer. I frequently have fantasies about tossing the stupid thing out the window. Every summer I relax, camping at Hammonasset. No phones, no TV's and NO FRIGGIN COMPUTERS!!! Still, I like to know what's going on back home. Now, thanks to the "powers-that-be" at the R/J, I may have to bring a laptop. I suppose my future fantasies may include R/J editors being tossed out the window instead!!! Any volunteers??

[Eastside Bill]

What the RJ is doing may ultimately lead to its demise. A newspaper that cuts back on its printed content reduces the reasons for buying the paper in the first place. If I can read what I'm looking for only on line, why continue to buy the hard copy? So far, the expanded local opinion seems to be mostly more letters to the editor (certainly a cost saving approach for the RJ since that is all unpaid copy). I don't have the time or access to go on-line during the day to read the paper, so the columns I used to read in the paper are now unread. While I'd miss the RJ's local slant, there is now more reason to switch to the Hartford Courant.

Newspapers certainly have to change with the technology (and speaking of technology, I sure wish the RJ would clean up the website's layout), but I'm afraid that this approach may be one it will regret.

[CMNSNC]

Originally I thought the 'e' paper was going to be a supplement to the written word, not a replacement. I wonder what Ben Franklin would have thought of this? I feel sorry for the children of this country when the power goes out. By the way 'Eastside Bill', I enjoy your thoughts on other topics.