Re: - Article length

**H*@aol.com**

The papers I write for recently converted from a broadsheet to  what I call 
a short sheet, a la New York Times.  Prior to the change  over they did the 
appropriate amount of PR telling readers it would make the  paper more 
readable etc, etc., with no loss of content.

Previous to the switch I would write 1200 to 1600 words a  week.  In the 
old days when the paper had only one edition if they couldn't  fit my column 
on one page they would truncate it to another spot in the  paper.  But, now 
that I'm in the 'Residence' section they can't do that and  with multiple 
editions of the paper it's even more impossible.

Then came the call from my editor.  "I've got good news  and bad news" it 
began.  The bad news was that because of the short  sheeting of the paper my 
column had to be reduced to 750 words but the good news  was that I would 
get paid the same....so I was getting a raise.  No  interest in content, the 
loss of reader appeal....they just had to fit the  column into their new 
space and that's all that mattered.

It was an impossible task for me and an unacceptable dumbing  down of what 
I could and would write.  I made it my editor's problem.   I still write 
1200 to 1500 words a week and if she and the publisher want to  edit it down to 
750 words and try maintain a 30 year tradition and loyal  readership...I 
wish them luck.  Not quite sure how they're handling it  as I rarely read the 
paper and the online edition of my column is always  full length with no 
cuts.

Funny thing is they're not shy about pictures.  I get  paid the same for 
pictures that are used in print or online and for some reason  they just love 
having pictures.  I now make nearly as much with my pictures  as I do with 
my prose.

There seems to be little concern for/with content.  Just  put enough in 
print so they can sell advertising.  I think the greatest and  saddest example 
is Horticulture magazine which you could once rely on for works  of depth, 
instruction and new information.  The pieces are now short,  inconsequential 
and of limited value.  With lots of pictures.

Andrew

Andrew Messinger
The Hampton Gardener is a  registered trade mark and is published every 
Thursday in The Southampton Press,  The Press and the Easthampton Press 

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