I have accepted a position as the city government and business reporter for the Williamson County Sun in Georgetown, Texas. See their site at www.wilcosun.com.
I'm very excited about the move. I'm sad to be leaving the Charlotte Observer.
Am I crazy to pull up stakes at a 200,000 circulation, award-winning daily to move to a 15,000 circulation twice weekly? Some have said so. It doesn't feel that way to me. This is probably the best decision I've made in a long time.
I will miss all of my great co-workers at the Observer, but the opportunity at the Sun was too good to pass up. The chance to live near my hometown, my family and my fiance was icing.
Keep reading for adventures in community journalism!
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Friday, May 29, 2009
What are you willing to pay for online news?
Here is a report from PriceWaterHouseCoopers that looked at what people in seven different countries would pay for online news (click the headline). The countries included were the U.S., the Netherlands, Canada, the U.K., France, Germany and Switzerland. It was presented at the World Association of Newspapers meeting in Barcelona this week.
There are a few interesting highlights from the report.
Surprises:
-Americans are willing to pay the most for their online news, 68 percent of what they pay for print.
-The Dutch are willing to spend the least at 38 percent of print price.
-Consumers say they are the most interested in general news, but are least likely to pay for that. They would much rather pay for highly specialized, focused, targeted and relevant content.
No surprise there:
-Consumers are most likely to pay for sports and financial news. In fact some are willing to pay 97 percent of print price for financial news. The Wall Street Journal has been proving consumers willingness to pay for financial news online for a while now.
-Consumers are more likely to pay for news that comes from "high value, topic-specific publications" (i.e. magazines). We know this because people are willing to plunk down $5-$8 for glossies and only $.50 to $.75 for a newspaper.
- Readers expect to be a part of the news. They not only want to comment on stories online, but they want to contribute content too. This scares me. Not only because there are thousands of people out there that would love to do my job for free, but because of the lack of training when it comes to journalistic professionalism in the armature reporting community and blogosphere. We need a well-trained corps of professional journalists to properly report the news without bias or influence. Don't get me wrong, I'm all about readers feeling like the are "a part of their paper." But there are good and bad ways to go about it. Readers should only contribute content in areas where they are experts or have some extensive knowledge. Even then, they need some training.
Bad news:
-Because general news is offered for free in so many places online, it's going to be really difficult to charge for it. Ultimately, I see this as a losing scheme. You can't keep producing content for free online. The advertising just doesn't support it. And yet this is the product that is most in demand. That's a pickle I can't work my way around yet.
Good news:
-That people are willing to pay for online news at all.
The study did not look at the impact of electronic subscription services like the Kindle or some iPhone apps on consumer willingness to pay for online news. That would be the next study I'd like to see. How much should newspaper companies be looking at devices like that and developing subscription services to deliver to them.
I want to hear thoughts from readers about this subject. What kinds of online news are you willing to pay for and what are you willing to pay for it?
There are a few interesting highlights from the report.
Surprises:
-Americans are willing to pay the most for their online news, 68 percent of what they pay for print.
-The Dutch are willing to spend the least at 38 percent of print price.
-Consumers say they are the most interested in general news, but are least likely to pay for that. They would much rather pay for highly specialized, focused, targeted and relevant content.
No surprise there:
-Consumers are most likely to pay for sports and financial news. In fact some are willing to pay 97 percent of print price for financial news. The Wall Street Journal has been proving consumers willingness to pay for financial news online for a while now.
-Consumers are more likely to pay for news that comes from "high value, topic-specific publications" (i.e. magazines). We know this because people are willing to plunk down $5-$8 for glossies and only $.50 to $.75 for a newspaper.
- Readers expect to be a part of the news. They not only want to comment on stories online, but they want to contribute content too. This scares me. Not only because there are thousands of people out there that would love to do my job for free, but because of the lack of training when it comes to journalistic professionalism in the armature reporting community and blogosphere. We need a well-trained corps of professional journalists to properly report the news without bias or influence. Don't get me wrong, I'm all about readers feeling like the are "a part of their paper." But there are good and bad ways to go about it. Readers should only contribute content in areas where they are experts or have some extensive knowledge. Even then, they need some training.
Bad news:
-Because general news is offered for free in so many places online, it's going to be really difficult to charge for it. Ultimately, I see this as a losing scheme. You can't keep producing content for free online. The advertising just doesn't support it. And yet this is the product that is most in demand. That's a pickle I can't work my way around yet.
Good news:
-That people are willing to pay for online news at all.
The study did not look at the impact of electronic subscription services like the Kindle or some iPhone apps on consumer willingness to pay for online news. That would be the next study I'd like to see. How much should newspaper companies be looking at devices like that and developing subscription services to deliver to them.
I want to hear thoughts from readers about this subject. What kinds of online news are you willing to pay for and what are you willing to pay for it?
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Dear CNN, stop dancing on my grave
CNN sure thinks it is a lot of fun to celebrate the demise of newspapers. They've devoted several stories to it. More than most sites. But what really bothers me is the tone. There is a smugness there, an arrogance that is really grating.
Here a links to some of the stories. Decide for yourself.
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2009/02/27/roth.econ.stop.the.press.cnn?iref=videosearch
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/business/2007/02/08/lamonica.murdoch.newspapers.cnn.cnn?iref=videosearch
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/business/2007/01/20/money.change.newspaper.biz.cnn?iref=videosearch
http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-234926
Me, I've decided to stop reading CNN. Not because they put down the industry that feeds me, no, but because they are promoting their own self interest in celebrating the end of their competitors.
Well, guess what CNN? We're going to be a pain in your butt for a long time to come. Newspapers aren't dead yet. In fact, we're still the best source for local news online.
You may have broody Anderson Cooper, whose recent website ads look like a GQ cover. You may have your pathetic iReporters (which really get on my nerves), but let's face it, aside from covering terrorist attacks and tornadoes, what are they really good for?
Newspapers will always have the best local news, analysis and professionalism. We're not dead yet.
So you can just ruminate on that one for a while CNN. Or maybe you can send a soccer mom iReporter to find out more about it.
Here a links to some of the stories. Decide for yourself.
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2009/02/27/roth.econ.stop.the.press.cnn?iref=videosearch
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/business/2007/02/08/lamonica.murdoch.newspapers.cnn.cnn?iref=videosearch
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/business/2007/01/20/money.change.newspaper.biz.cnn?iref=videosearch
http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-234926
Me, I've decided to stop reading CNN. Not because they put down the industry that feeds me, no, but because they are promoting their own self interest in celebrating the end of their competitors.
Well, guess what CNN? We're going to be a pain in your butt for a long time to come. Newspapers aren't dead yet. In fact, we're still the best source for local news online.
You may have broody Anderson Cooper, whose recent website ads look like a GQ cover. You may have your pathetic iReporters (which really get on my nerves), but let's face it, aside from covering terrorist attacks and tornadoes, what are they really good for?
Newspapers will always have the best local news, analysis and professionalism. We're not dead yet.
So you can just ruminate on that one for a while CNN. Or maybe you can send a soccer mom iReporter to find out more about it.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
My Resume
Esther Robards-Forbes
robardsforbes@yahoo.com
Summary:
--Reporter with a strong track record for producing informative, concise and accurate articles under tight deadlines.
--Strong interviewing and interpersonal skills coupled with research and investigative skills.
--Proven track record of launching successful start-up publications and organizations that stand the test of time.
Experience:
Staff Writer
Nov. 2006-Present--The Charlotte Observer--Charlotte NC
--Conducted numerous enterprise reporting and general assignment projects for the regional sections of the Charlotte Observer.
--Wrote a weekly entertainment column for Features called "On the Loop" about the best events going on around Charlotte.
--Contributed stories and commentary to Features, Metro, and Business sections.
--Administered the Observer social networking efforts on Facebook, Twitter, MySpace and more.
--Maintained and contributed to CharlotteObserver.com on a daily basis.
--Was chosen to team that compiled and launched online events database events.charlotteobserver.com. I continue to manage the site.
--Launched occasional series profiling military personnel.
--Awarded three in-house awards for outstanding writing.
News Editor
Sept. 2005-Sept. 2006--Postgraduate Magazine--Edinburgh, UK
--Selected to team of Napier University grad students to create a new magazine targeting current and prospective graduate students throughout Scotland.
--Managed a staff of 10 reporters and photographers.
Education
Master of Science in Journalism 2006, Napier University, Edinburgh UK.
B.S. in Journalism 2005, Texas A&M University, College Station TX.
Certified in Shorthand, 100 wpm.
Other occupations unrelated to Journalism:
Cowgirl
1987-2005
--Worked on ranches with my father. Primary duties included bovine and equine care, herding, fence building. Developed particular skills in horsemanship and horse training.
Martial Arts Instructor
2001-2005
--I hold a black belt in American Karate and specialize in teaching self defense.
Girl Scout Camp Councilor
2002-2003
--Worked as a full-time councilor for two summers at Camp Mitre Peak near Alpine TX. Became a certified archery instructor.
Electronics Sales
2004
--Worked one summer selling computer components for Fry's Electronics in Austin, TX. Learned to build a computer from scratch.
Horsemanship Instructor
2005
--Worked for several months for Idlewood Stables in Austin TX as a Western and English horsemanship instructor for children and adults.
Lingerie Sales
2006
--Worked as a sales associate for La Senza Lingerie on Edinburgh's Prince's Street.
Professional Monster
2008
--Worked at Carowinds theme park, Charlotte NC, during Halloween season. Starred for 6 weeks as the Alien Queen, the final, climactic monster in the Alien Anihilation maze.
Writing Samples and References:
Writing samples can be found on this site and are available by request. References are available by request.
robardsforbes@yahoo.com
Summary:
--Reporter with a strong track record for producing informative, concise and accurate articles under tight deadlines.
--Strong interviewing and interpersonal skills coupled with research and investigative skills.
--Proven track record of launching successful start-up publications and organizations that stand the test of time.
Experience:
Staff Writer
Nov. 2006-Present--The Charlotte Observer--Charlotte NC
--Conducted numerous enterprise reporting and general assignment projects for the regional sections of the Charlotte Observer.
--Wrote a weekly entertainment column for Features called "On the Loop" about the best events going on around Charlotte.
--Contributed stories and commentary to Features, Metro, and Business sections.
--Administered the Observer social networking efforts on Facebook, Twitter, MySpace and more.
--Maintained and contributed to CharlotteObserver.com on a daily basis.
--Was chosen to team that compiled and launched online events database events.charlotteobserver.com. I continue to manage the site.
--Launched occasional series profiling military personnel.
--Awarded three in-house awards for outstanding writing.
News Editor
Sept. 2005-Sept. 2006--Postgraduate Magazine--Edinburgh, UK
--Selected to team of Napier University grad students to create a new magazine targeting current and prospective graduate students throughout Scotland.
--Managed a staff of 10 reporters and photographers.
Education
Master of Science in Journalism 2006, Napier University, Edinburgh UK.
B.S. in Journalism 2005, Texas A&M University, College Station TX.
Certified in Shorthand, 100 wpm.
Other occupations unrelated to Journalism:
Cowgirl
1987-2005
--Worked on ranches with my father. Primary duties included bovine and equine care, herding, fence building. Developed particular skills in horsemanship and horse training.
Martial Arts Instructor
2001-2005
--I hold a black belt in American Karate and specialize in teaching self defense.
Girl Scout Camp Councilor
2002-2003
--Worked as a full-time councilor for two summers at Camp Mitre Peak near Alpine TX. Became a certified archery instructor.
Electronics Sales
2004
--Worked one summer selling computer components for Fry's Electronics in Austin, TX. Learned to build a computer from scratch.
Horsemanship Instructor
2005
--Worked for several months for Idlewood Stables in Austin TX as a Western and English horsemanship instructor for children and adults.
Lingerie Sales
2006
--Worked as a sales associate for La Senza Lingerie on Edinburgh's Prince's Street.
Professional Monster
2008
--Worked at Carowinds theme park, Charlotte NC, during Halloween season. Starred for 6 weeks as the Alien Queen, the final, climactic monster in the Alien Anihilation maze.
Writing Samples and References:
Writing samples can be found on this site and are available by request. References are available by request.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Inauguration Day coverage
I was out in Charlotte today interviewing people who were watching the election. I have to say it was wonderful watching it and reporting on it. Reporting on it made me feel like I was a part of it somehow.
I'm still trying to process it all. I got to meet some interesting people today, from different walks of life and different political views, but everyone could feel the weight of history.
I'm still trying to process it all. I got to meet some interesting people today, from different walks of life and different political views, but everyone could feel the weight of history.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Hungry Journalist is about to get a little hungrier
To add a new twist to my moniker, I'm becoming a vegetarian. That's right, the former cowgirl and rancher's daughter is going to give up meat.
I came to this decision over the Christmas holidays. I had a long conversation with my mother and my doctor and found that almost all of my relatives died in their 50s from diet related diseases such as diabetes, heart attack, stroke and digestive cancers.
That's pretty daunting when you lay it all out like that.
My mom has decided to go veggie too. My fiance has decided to stay a carnivore. This should get interesting.
I'm still going to post fun recipes on this blog, they just probably won't have meat in them. But you can always add meat if you feel like it.
Let me get one thing straight. This is not a high-horse ethical stance. Animals are tasty. If I could get skinny, stay healthy and live past 60 by eating small, cute furry animals, I would do so with aplomb. And steak sauce.
But the truth is, I'm 26 and my cholesterol is a little high for someone my age. My mom has fought her weight and cholesterol her whole life. I lost my dad at 59 in April because he ate terrible things his whole life.
I've been joking with friends as I tell them about my decision that my ancestors on both sides are Irish as far back as anyone can remember. Perhaps my people, who survived on potatoes and cabbage for hundreds of years, evolved to be vegetarians. Maybe we are not meant to eat meat.
I'm still going to eat fish and I haven't been able to come to terms with giving up dairy and eggs yet. I'm just going to cut them out where I can. Like switching to soy milk for cereal.
We'll see how it goes. Stay tuned.
I'm also thinking about starting another blog about being veggie in the South. Would you read it?
I came to this decision over the Christmas holidays. I had a long conversation with my mother and my doctor and found that almost all of my relatives died in their 50s from diet related diseases such as diabetes, heart attack, stroke and digestive cancers.
That's pretty daunting when you lay it all out like that.
My mom has decided to go veggie too. My fiance has decided to stay a carnivore. This should get interesting.
I'm still going to post fun recipes on this blog, they just probably won't have meat in them. But you can always add meat if you feel like it.
Let me get one thing straight. This is not a high-horse ethical stance. Animals are tasty. If I could get skinny, stay healthy and live past 60 by eating small, cute furry animals, I would do so with aplomb. And steak sauce.
But the truth is, I'm 26 and my cholesterol is a little high for someone my age. My mom has fought her weight and cholesterol her whole life. I lost my dad at 59 in April because he ate terrible things his whole life.
I've been joking with friends as I tell them about my decision that my ancestors on both sides are Irish as far back as anyone can remember. Perhaps my people, who survived on potatoes and cabbage for hundreds of years, evolved to be vegetarians. Maybe we are not meant to eat meat.
I'm still going to eat fish and I haven't been able to come to terms with giving up dairy and eggs yet. I'm just going to cut them out where I can. Like switching to soy milk for cereal.
We'll see how it goes. Stay tuned.
I'm also thinking about starting another blog about being veggie in the South. Would you read it?
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