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Monday, October 20, 2008 3:24 PM CDT
Courier moves printing operations
Waterloo man arrested on arson charge
Suspicious man offers ride to girl
Authorities say suspect charged in double homicide
UDPATE: Abducted boy found alive in Las Vegas
Obama plans campaign stop in Des Moines
Palin smiles as ’SNL’ mocks her anew
Blast injures 2 in Fayette County
3 arrested for Waterloo downtown robbery
Body found in burned-down Lamoni house
Fashion critic Mr. Blackwell dies in Los Angeles
Grace’s injury not as bad as feared
Obama: Powell will have a role in adminstration 
Train hits tractor, killing 1
Red Sox comeback falls short; Rays win AL pennant
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Courier moves printing operations
By Courier Staff
WATERLOO --- Starting Tuesday, The Courier will be printed at a state-of-the- art printing facility at Color Web Printers, a division of the Cedar Rapids Gazette. It will be printed there daily and trucked back to Waterloo.
"As The Courier approaches our 150th anniversary (in January), we are engaging in a new phase of operation," said Dave Braton, Courier publisher. "Readers and advertisers will notice a better printed product, and we’ll gain several options for creative use of newsprint and color."
He added that "printing at Color Web will provide superior printing on some of the latest technology available."
The move means The Courier rebuilt offset Goss press, highly visible on the west side of downtown through the former department store windows at Commercial and West Fourth streets, will run no longer.
It also means the layoff of 18 full-time and 34 part-time pressroom and packaging department employees at The Courier. All received severance packages.
The relationship between The Courier and Color Web Printers is not new. Color Web has been printing The Courier’s Sunday color comics for years. In addition, The Courier utilized Color Web as a backup when mechanical problems occurred three years ago, and for 10 days in the spring during the June flood.
The plant also prints the Cedar Rapids Gazette, and many other familiar publications.
The news was announced to Courier employees Monday afternoon after Monday’s edition was printed.
"This is bitter-sweet. A number of employees are impacted, yet this transition will provide The Courier a state-of-the-art press and printing facility that will benefit us in the years to come," said Braton.
Braton said the reason behind the decision is two-fold —- an aging press in Waterloo and positioning for the future.
The Courier has been printed on a late vintage Goss letterpress that was converted to an offset press in 1983.
According to pressroom manager Scott Snyder, one of those impacted by the decision, said the press has gone through several upgrades through the years, including a digital inking system, spray dampening and a plate lockup system.
But a new press was going to be needed eventually, and with a cost that would run in the millions, Snyder and Braton said that the Courier building is just too old to handle a new press, and it became more cost-effective to utilize a central printing plant.
"Installation of a new press in Waterloo was extensively reviewed, along with our chosen option. It is rare to have a major press facility of Color Web’s nature less than an hour away. They have extensive press capacity available. In today’s economic environment, maximum use of facilities and resources is a must," Braton said.
Snyder said the move is "unfortunate," but one that is not surprising. "It is more beneficial to The Courier as a whole" to centralize printing operations, he said.
Braton and Snyder praised the work of the employees in the packaging and press operations, calling them outstanding employees.
As a central printing facility, Color Web Printers prints Cedar Rapids Gazette, King Features Syndicate comics for more than 130 newspapers, The Daily Iowan, Iowa Farmer Today and the Lifestyles and "Get Out" sections for the St. Louis Dispatch.
Central printing operations have been common and are increasing in the newspaper industry. It is not unique in Iowa. The Iowa City Press Citizen is printed at the Des Moines Register’s printing plant in Des Moines.
Newspapers such as McClatchy’s Sacramento Bee and The Washington Times have moved to central print sites for printing.
Color Web Printers was established in 1988. The company uses soy-based inks and recycled stocks. It uses a Goss Universal 70 press, which can produce 20,000 pages in an hour. It is located in a 207,000-square-foot building near the intersection of Interstate 380 and Highway 30 in Cedar Rapids. The company’s Web site said the press has 11 four-color press towers and five folders, considerably larger than The Courier’s press.
"As The Courier approaches our 150th anniversary (in January), we are engaging in a new phase of operation," said Dave Braton, Courier publisher. "Readers and advertisers will notice a better printed product, and we’ll gain several options for creative use of newsprint and color."
He added that "printing at Color Web will provide superior printing on some of the latest technology available."
The move means The Courier rebuilt offset Goss press, highly visible on the west side of downtown through the former department store windows at Commercial and West Fourth streets, will run no longer.
It also means the layoff of 18 full-time and 34 part-time pressroom and packaging department employees at The Courier. All received severance packages.
The relationship between The Courier and Color Web Printers is not new. Color Web has been printing The Courier’s Sunday color comics for years. In addition, The Courier utilized Color Web as a backup when mechanical problems occurred three years ago, and for 10 days in the spring during the June flood.
The plant also prints the Cedar Rapids Gazette, and many other familiar publications.
The news was announced to Courier employees Monday afternoon after Monday’s edition was printed.
"This is bitter-sweet. A number of employees are impacted, yet this transition will provide The Courier a state-of-the-art press and printing facility that will benefit us in the years to come," said Braton.
Braton said the reason behind the decision is two-fold —- an aging press in Waterloo and positioning for the future.
The Courier has been printed on a late vintage Goss letterpress that was converted to an offset press in 1983.
According to pressroom manager Scott Snyder, one of those impacted by the decision, said the press has gone through several upgrades through the years, including a digital inking system, spray dampening and a plate lockup system.
But a new press was going to be needed eventually, and with a cost that would run in the millions, Snyder and Braton said that the Courier building is just too old to handle a new press, and it became more cost-effective to utilize a central printing plant.
"Installation of a new press in Waterloo was extensively reviewed, along with our chosen option. It is rare to have a major press facility of Color Web’s nature less than an hour away. They have extensive press capacity available. In today’s economic environment, maximum use of facilities and resources is a must," Braton said.
Snyder said the move is "unfortunate," but one that is not surprising. "It is more beneficial to The Courier as a whole" to centralize printing operations, he said.
Braton and Snyder praised the work of the employees in the packaging and press operations, calling them outstanding employees.
As a central printing facility, Color Web Printers prints Cedar Rapids Gazette, King Features Syndicate comics for more than 130 newspapers, The Daily Iowan, Iowa Farmer Today and the Lifestyles and "Get Out" sections for the St. Louis Dispatch.
Central printing operations have been common and are increasing in the newspaper industry. It is not unique in Iowa. The Iowa City Press Citizen is printed at the Des Moines Register’s printing plant in Des Moines.
Newspapers such as McClatchy’s Sacramento Bee and The Washington Times have moved to central print sites for printing.
Color Web Printers was established in 1988. The company uses soy-based inks and recycled stocks. It uses a Goss Universal 70 press, which can produce 20,000 pages in an hour. It is located in a 207,000-square-foot building near the intersection of Interstate 380 and Highway 30 in Cedar Rapids. The company’s Web site said the press has 11 four-color press towers and five folders, considerably larger than The Courier’s press.
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More Stories from News » Breaking News
Waterloo man arrested on arson chargeSuspicious man offers ride to girlAuthorities say suspect charged in double homicideUDPATE: Abducted boy found alive in Las VegasObama plans campaign stop in Des MoinesPalin smiles as ’SNL’ mocks her anewBlast injures 2 in Fayette County3 arrested for Waterloo downtown robberyBody found in burned-down Lamoni houseFashion critic Mr. Blackwell dies in Los AngelesGrace’s injury not as bad as feared Obama: Powell will have a role in adminstration Train hits tractor, killing 1Red Sox comeback falls short; Rays win AL pennant
nanag wrote on Oct 20, 2008 4:07 PM:
" what a way to take care of your hometown people!!!!!!!!and when the weather is bad do we wait until the truck can get here? unbelieveable "
Waterloo Reader wrote on Oct 20, 2008 4:36 PM:
" Have we really come to this? Our hometown paper can't employ hometowners? I want some facts that support this is good for me as a subscriber. What was the old cut-off time for stories and what is the new cut-off time? What about late breaking stories? How is that not going to make the paper a little less timely by the time it gets to me? Several days last winter the Des Moines Register never hit my box due to weather. How long until that happens to the Courier?
Here's the big question: Are you going to reduce the subscription cost or reduce your advertising since you have agreed to this on the basis of cost-saving? Where does your cost saving go.....just into your profit? How is that of any benefit to me.
Is there a reason you couldn't have carried these long-term employees until the economy improved? "
Here's the big question: Are you going to reduce the subscription cost or reduce your advertising since you have agreed to this on the basis of cost-saving? Where does your cost saving go.....just into your profit? How is that of any benefit to me.
Is there a reason you couldn't have carried these long-term employees until the economy improved? "
Tom wrote on Oct 20, 2008 5:01 PM:
" Subscriptions must be down. I for one use to be a subscriber (20+ yrs) until they discontiued the door to door delivery. There is something about service that the courier needs to learn about. With winter coming on I am sure they will lose more. People are not going to want to go out to their mailboxes on a cold winters day to retrieve this rag. I'll continue to get my online copy until they start charging (which I am sure they will) for it. "
Death of common sense wrote on Oct 20, 2008 6:18 PM:
" I have been a subscriber for two years and my carriers have done horribly already in good weather. I have called numerous times and asked if my paper was still coming. My paper arrives HOURS later than what is promised and sometimes even the following day if I call and remind them to bring it. I do not live in Waterloo but one of the surrounding towns.
The Courier installed the tubes which are staggered around a foot above the ground and higher but my paper still is delivered to the road on foot while my two neighbors get theirs brought to their front door. don't understand if they can walk out to the road for their mail why not for the newspaper.
Customer service and the managers who oversee the newspaper delivery are a joke. "I'll let the manager know you have not received your paper, Ma'am." followed by "We will contact the carrier to see what is going on".
No one wants to earn slave wages??? "
The Courier installed the tubes which are staggered around a foot above the ground and higher but my paper still is delivered to the road on foot while my two neighbors get theirs brought to their front door. don't understand if they can walk out to the road for their mail why not for the newspaper.
Customer service and the managers who oversee the newspaper delivery are a joke. "I'll let the manager know you have not received your paper, Ma'am." followed by "We will contact the carrier to see what is going on".
No one wants to earn slave wages??? "
barbie200455 wrote on Oct 20, 2008 6:22 PM:
" It's cheaper to truck the newspaper 55 miles with gas as high as it is these days? What about loyalty to your employees? I bet many of them have been with you for years-and that severance package won't be there forever. But it's always about the $$$, isn't it? I am glad that I can still access the DM Register and Gazette online-at least they update their websites more often. "
kris wrote on Oct 20, 2008 6:28 PM:
" I agree Tom, ever notice how many of the Articles are AP news?? I can get that news on the internet. I want home town news and not just full page ads all the time. That is what we are paying for.......advertising. "
Tammy wrote on Oct 20, 2008 7:13 PM:
" What the heck is this town coming too? Our home town paper is printed 50+ miles away... in IOWA!! So we'll now be getting our 'local' news 2 days late when it snows? This is ludicrous!! The people in the press room have been with the courier for YEARS and you show up with the police to escort them out?!!? With the economy so bad in this town, why does the Waterloo/Cedar Falls courier feel the need to support the economy in a town an hours drive away?? Tell me this, how many upper management lost their jobs or took a pay cut to help defray costs? Will the price of the paper decrease now that the Courier is saving money or will the profits go towards upper managements bonus'. This is outrageous "
TeamRiceRacing wrote on Oct 20, 2008 7:20 PM:
" Glad my subscribtion dues are up. Won't be renewing them. If they're "too good" for local employment then I'll just get news elsewhere. As for cost savings.....you're right...I'll be saving money now. If the printing company wanted the business so bad. have them come to us and save the jobs and maybe create more. Guess that would make too much since. And when winter comes and people are blowing up your phone lines complaining they didn't get their paper....serves you right. "
GloriaJL wrote on Oct 20, 2008 8:01 PM:
" After being a customer for 31 years, I am seriously considering canceling my subscription. I feel strongly about supporting local businesses who provide local jobs. We are seing this trend happening nationally and voicing our displeasure might as well begin in our hometowns across America. What a way to celebrate your 150th anniversary, Courier. Certainly not a class operation to notify your employees this way. I am disappointed... "
me wrote on Oct 20, 2008 9:04 PM:
" so...did anyone else catch that the iowa city paper that is located 30 miles away from cedar rapids is printed in des moines which is over 100 miles. must be a great operation in cedar rapids to send business that far away. "
WaterWho wrote on Oct 20, 2008 9:43 PM:
" As far as the carriers are concerned, that is a matter of kids not wanting to work. There is not much The Courier can do about it, the kids, or adults in some cases, just deliver the papers when/if they feel like it. Paying them more would cause an increase in subscription rates...same with spending millions on a press in a building that may not support it. What makes it tough is the decline in subscriptions due to the internet. I think it would be equally frustrating to spend millions on a press that may be used little in the future. "
Bluetooth wrote on Oct 20, 2008 9:44 PM:
" I read all these comments and couldn't agree more with all of you its amazing how accurate the comments are.....fact of the matter is this, these employees were not laid off, they were terminated....
Further more I wonder who put their head into this thinking that it would be more cost effective to print outside the area and truck in your papers. Bad weather, Press problems will only delay the delivery of the paper, and the drivers that deliver the paper to the carriers will sit and wait as will the carriers who deliver to the customer, and then the customer themselves.
I wonder why all the cuts that have happened in this corporation have effected the working man...when the CEO of this company is paid the outrageous wage that she is....I am certain you can find a college grad that could do the same job for $100,000 not even a drop of what she makes, now thats cost effective.
And let us not forget who the people were that saved that building during the flood, who worked around the clock pumping sewer water and moving things around. The same men that printed your paper......what a way to say thanks.
I am sure subscription will be lost over this lack of judgment decision. I along with others thank people for their comments and support. "
Further more I wonder who put their head into this thinking that it would be more cost effective to print outside the area and truck in your papers. Bad weather, Press problems will only delay the delivery of the paper, and the drivers that deliver the paper to the carriers will sit and wait as will the carriers who deliver to the customer, and then the customer themselves.
I wonder why all the cuts that have happened in this corporation have effected the working man...when the CEO of this company is paid the outrageous wage that she is....I am certain you can find a college grad that could do the same job for $100,000 not even a drop of what she makes, now thats cost effective.
And let us not forget who the people were that saved that building during the flood, who worked around the clock pumping sewer water and moving things around. The same men that printed your paper......what a way to say thanks.
I am sure subscription will be lost over this lack of judgment decision. I along with others thank people for their comments and support. "
switzer wrote on Oct 20, 2008 10:04 PM:
" Despite everyone's claims of being paper subscribers you are also likely part of the reason for this transition. Online readership rises, ad revenues decline, and the need to make a more flashy print paper is required to keep the car dealers and realtors happy as they keep the paper alive. I will forecast < 3 Iowa metro newspapers are printed in the state by 2010. "
Newswatcher wrote on Oct 20, 2008 10:09 PM:
" Count me out, too.
I was already fumed with the change to the mailbox tube delivery. Instead of in my door, now my paper is across the street, and I have a fairly large front lawn with steps (rain now, then snow/ice in the winter). This really stinks on Sat and Sun morning when I used to enjoy the paper early in the am while relaxing in my robe, drinking a cup of coffee. I dreaded having to scoop the snow or put on my winter coat and boots to go get my paper. Our neighborhood is also one of the last to get snow removal.
Now that this unfortunate change has been made, the 'news' will the the 'olds' and I'm questioning whether I want to support a business that doesn't value good and timely service, let alone 52 of its' employees getting axed in a downturned economy.
Sorry, Courier, but you need to get back to the basics here and re-think this one. Advertisers will lose a LOT of reason to pay you the huge bucks when you're failing to keep subscribers. You lose the Ads, you lose the whole paper. And that spells the end. "
I was already fumed with the change to the mailbox tube delivery. Instead of in my door, now my paper is across the street, and I have a fairly large front lawn with steps (rain now, then snow/ice in the winter). This really stinks on Sat and Sun morning when I used to enjoy the paper early in the am while relaxing in my robe, drinking a cup of coffee. I dreaded having to scoop the snow or put on my winter coat and boots to go get my paper. Our neighborhood is also one of the last to get snow removal.
Now that this unfortunate change has been made, the 'news' will the the 'olds' and I'm questioning whether I want to support a business that doesn't value good and timely service, let alone 52 of its' employees getting axed in a downturned economy.
Sorry, Courier, but you need to get back to the basics here and re-think this one. Advertisers will lose a LOT of reason to pay you the huge bucks when you're failing to keep subscribers. You lose the Ads, you lose the whole paper. And that spells the end. "
frogge wrote on Oct 20, 2008 10:14 PM:
" I've been meaning to end my subscription to this liberal rag. I guess this is the final straw for me. "
courier_reader921 wrote on Oct 21, 2008 12:33 AM:
" Is it true that the courier brought the police in to escort the employees out??? Why would they do that? "
momwhocares wrote on Oct 21, 2008 3:42 AM:
" OK, did I miss something in this story? Who said the police showed up to escort the employees out? I also agree with many of you bloggers, support your LOCAL businesses. This is outsourcing!! I stopped my subscription a few years back and I am glad. The cost kept rising and I am sure one day I will pay to read it on line. "
East High Grad wrote on Oct 21, 2008 6:09 AM:
" The Iowa City Press-Citizen and the Des Moines Register are both owned by Gannett. That would explain why the Press-Citizen is printed in Des Moines rather than Cedar Rapids. I do agree that having to outsource printing at all is not good. The newspaper industry is slowly dying. I guess if the Courier didn't make this move, they would have cut the budget by making cuts that would affect the content of the newspaper. "
facts are facts wrote on Oct 21, 2008 6:45 AM:
" Since the Courier has decided to let local people go an take the work out of the area I feel I no longer will subscribe to their paper an support then either. WTG Courier on supporting our local area! "
me4now wrote on Oct 21, 2008 6:49 AM:
" Tom, Newswatcher, et al: People like you are part of the reason it is so hard to keep carriers and that the Courier went to the tubes. My daughter had a route last winter. While people cleared their driveways so that they could get their cars into the garage and themselves from garage to house, many of them forgot their front walks, steps and porches. My daughter fell numerous times trying to get the newspaper to the door. When I told her to start putting the paper in the closest non-icy spot to the house, customers complained to the Courier and some customers actually came out and yelled at her. After a couple months of freezing, sliding, falling and being yelled at, delivering the paper to so many ungrateful people became the most dreaded part of her day. She gave her notice and quit. Not a good experience for a kid's first job. "
Bluetooth wrote on Oct 21, 2008 7:08 AM:
" Yes it is true the that the Waterloo Police was at the Courier. They stood in the area as these workers cleaned out their lockers and removed their personal belongings.
I guess they had no respect or confidence that after years of dedicated work for them they would not leave peacefully, shame on them, and sorry to the Waterloo Police for wasting their time.
They said it was policy, but the Police have never been there before to escort any other employee's out.
If its all about saving the almighty dollar, maybe Lee enterprises should evaluate their CEO's annual wage! And the large bonus's she's given yearly.
I feel sorry for subscribers who will now, when things run late will be getting news that is way late and possibly a day old.....lets see if they cut you subscribers a break on your subscription price.....
Thanks for your support to all employees that were let go.....This is no doubt a boneheaded move, and you subscribers will eventually pay the price in more ways then one. "
I guess they had no respect or confidence that after years of dedicated work for them they would not leave peacefully, shame on them, and sorry to the Waterloo Police for wasting their time.
They said it was policy, but the Police have never been there before to escort any other employee's out.
If its all about saving the almighty dollar, maybe Lee enterprises should evaluate their CEO's annual wage! And the large bonus's she's given yearly.
I feel sorry for subscribers who will now, when things run late will be getting news that is way late and possibly a day old.....lets see if they cut you subscribers a break on your subscription price.....
Thanks for your support to all employees that were let go.....This is no doubt a boneheaded move, and you subscribers will eventually pay the price in more ways then one. "
01221958 wrote on Oct 21, 2008 7:13 AM:
" Outsourcing has proven over and over to be ineffective and I would suspect this move will create more problems than benefits. We have lost sight of loyalty and treat people like commodities. If companies refuse to be loyal to good employees, they will reap what they sow. Shame on them if they truly brought in the police to escort loyal employees out of the building! "
Newswatcher wrote on Oct 21, 2008 7:40 AM:
" to me4now, you have me all wrong here pal. I not only tipped my carrier well for their outstanding door service, all 3 of my children had the paper route in their younger years. So, my kids went through the same crap as yours, therefore I always tipped my carriers. Until the mailbox delivery. No tip for drive-ups.
Hope that helps you see my side of the story a little clearer. "
Hope that helps you see my side of the story a little clearer. "
shouldbemayor wrote on Oct 21, 2008 7:47 AM:
" This might not be a bad thing. Of course it would stink for the loyal labor force that got the shaft, however for the reader it may be a good thing.
This should open the door for a morning paper. The print staff at the Courier was a big obstacle because they did not want to shift to a 2nd / 3rd shift situation.
Besides, we all read the paper online anyway........ "
This should open the door for a morning paper. The print staff at the Courier was a big obstacle because they did not want to shift to a 2nd / 3rd shift situation.
Besides, we all read the paper online anyway........ "
sonora wrote on Oct 21, 2008 8:04 AM:
" I worked for 19 years under the Bob McCoy administration of the REAL Waterloo Courier and believe me he would NEVER have approved of this fiasco. "
Bluetooth wrote on Oct 21, 2008 8:15 AM:
" And how do you know this shouldbemayor, how do you know they did not want to shift to a 2nd or 3rd shift situation?
And maybe you read the paper online, but you are only given limited access, and trust me in time you will be paying subscription price to access online, trust me.
And its got nothing to do with a morning paper, they could have switched this along time ago....afternoon papers are old news, they should have shifted along time ago but didn't. So I don't think your going to see a morning paper.
A morning paper means you have to find new drivers to deliver the paper to carriers which will no longer be kids cause they will be in school, so who delivers the paper?
This is suppose to be a cost effective move....keep watching your wallet and see how much savings is passed on to you.
This has a lot of potential for problems printing this far out of city....when problems arise, the customer will pay.
If you have to stop the press for a breaking story, it delays your paper, bad weather, if 380 is shut down for inclement weather, your paper is delayed.
This was tested for ten days during the flood, by printing outside the city, Ten days and the decision was made it was cost effective. Maybe people need to look back and see how late their paper was during that time.
But it wasn't the flood that made the paper late, it was where it was coming from.....so get use to it. "
And maybe you read the paper online, but you are only given limited access, and trust me in time you will be paying subscription price to access online, trust me.
And its got nothing to do with a morning paper, they could have switched this along time ago....afternoon papers are old news, they should have shifted along time ago but didn't. So I don't think your going to see a morning paper.
A morning paper means you have to find new drivers to deliver the paper to carriers which will no longer be kids cause they will be in school, so who delivers the paper?
This is suppose to be a cost effective move....keep watching your wallet and see how much savings is passed on to you.
This has a lot of potential for problems printing this far out of city....when problems arise, the customer will pay.
If you have to stop the press for a breaking story, it delays your paper, bad weather, if 380 is shut down for inclement weather, your paper is delayed.
This was tested for ten days during the flood, by printing outside the city, Ten days and the decision was made it was cost effective. Maybe people need to look back and see how late their paper was during that time.
But it wasn't the flood that made the paper late, it was where it was coming from.....so get use to it. "
Route Driver wrote on Oct 21, 2008 8:42 AM:
" It really makes you wonder if all the factors have been concidered. With the cost of shipping, problems they will have on delivery, Delivering on time or some routes short or not delivered at all because the truck didn't come in.
(proven during the flood)
The people that were terminated recieved severance pay. With the price of gas and the possible decrese in subscribers because of late deliverys from the courer.(which determines the amount made) it won't be worth it, So could the courier lose entire routes? Was this fatored in the bottom line? "
(proven during the flood)
The people that were terminated recieved severance pay. With the price of gas and the possible decrese in subscribers because of late deliverys from the courer.(which determines the amount made) it won't be worth it, So could the courier lose entire routes? Was this fatored in the bottom line? "
Bluetooth wrote on Oct 21, 2008 8:45 AM:
" Maybe someone should question the large metal pull building that was built for a large sum of money to store advertisements. What a waste of space. It will be funny to see what that will be used for now.
Maybe that was suppose to be cost effective too. "
Maybe that was suppose to be cost effective too. "
Route driver wrote on Oct 21, 2008 9:06 AM:
" For newswatcher. No Tips? Do you think paper drivers have it easier? They put up with irate customers also, (people can be so inconcerdiate)and with the expence of vehicle upkeep, because of the route (less gas milage from start and stops, brakes, transmissions, etc.)
Your not the only that quite tipping, since the price of gas has gone up, many don't tip at all. "
Your not the only that quite tipping, since the price of gas has gone up, many don't tip at all. "
FairAndBalanced wrote on Oct 21, 2008 9:49 AM:
" This is appalling and my heart goes out to the loyal employees whose jobs were eliminated. Lee Enterprises has taken on so much debt in the past few years that they have cut their news operations and employee benefits to the bone. Their stock price is in the toilet; executive compensation is not. They are a local symbol of a national trend: Shareholder value is what it's all about, and when it comes to employees, in the end, the company doesn't love you back. "
Tom wrote on Oct 21, 2008 10:09 AM:
" To me4now: I too had 3 kids that delivered the paper. My kids had the same route for about 8 yrs. Until one day the courier decided to add a saturday morning paper. Now those of you that have kids that deliver, you know how hard it is to get the kids up at that time on Sunday mornings. As parents we too went with them. We don't need another Johnny Gosch incident. Now they had to get up on Saturdays TOO!!!. And to make it worse the carriers were not paid a dime more to deliver it. The Courier is all about themselves. I as a kid delivered the paper too. There used to trips that the carriers could earn. My brother went to Cape Canaveral on the Couriers dime. There were incentives to be a good carrier. Now they could care less about the carriers as long as they get their money. Now they treat some parts of the town as a rural routes and tubed them. But if you pay your carrier extra they would deliver it to the door! Screw that!!! "
waverly wrote on Oct 21, 2008 11:14 AM:
" sincerely hope the local customers will support the employees who lost their jobs - help them anyway they can! "
Panther88 wrote on Oct 21, 2008 11:39 AM:
" Time to say Adios to my subscription. I too have been considering on many occasions of dropping the Courier now I have a very good excuse to do so.
Oh, and if you think I would pay to have access online to this Liberal Crap... Think Again! "
Oh, and if you think I would pay to have access online to this Liberal Crap... Think Again! "
myvoicematterstome wrote on Oct 21, 2008 11:39 AM:
" What in the world was the Courier thinking. Like it isn't hard enough for people to make it, now these 52 people have to try and find another job. Good luck in your job search. Shame on you Courier for doing that to these dedicated employees. I know someone who has been there for YEARS!!! I bet your severance that you gave them isn't going to last for years. You can bet that your subscribers will cancel and that you will no longer get new subscribers. You can probably kiss your big fat salaries good-bye, because in less than a year, there will be no more Courier. Shame on you for waiting to tell your employees yesterday AFTER the paper had been printed and having the police come down too. Were you that scared that someone might throw a fit? Sounds a bit chicken @&*! to me. I was seriously thinking about subscribing to the paper, but guess what you just messed that up. For the rest of the Community, watch out because your phones will be ringing off the wall from people at the Courier wanting to offer you a subscription at a reduced rate or should I say more phone calls from them then they had in the past. They are REALLY going to be hurting now. "
hmmm214 wrote on Oct 21, 2008 12:19 PM:
" Well, well, well, does Waterloo/Cedar Falls even exist anymore? I'll just bet that The Courier won't even be "local" news anymore - just the bad stuff! Oh yeah, just like KWWL - they very seldom report anything about us here, right on their doorstep - just Cedar Rapids and Dubuque.
Great move Courier - NOT!!!! "
Great move Courier - NOT!!!! "
Bluetooth wrote on Oct 21, 2008 1:05 PM:
" ... Again people need to challenge this move on the reason it is suppose to be cost effective. NO WAY....
There is no way this can be cost effective when you print your local newspaper miles away...then have it shipped here, unloaded, and given to the drivers to deliver to the carriers.
And I bet if you check this isn't done in one trip, I bet it take more then one truck load to get the paper here.
The Courier wants you to believe its cost effective so they won't lose subscribers.
If Lee enterprises who owns the Courier wants to be cost effective, then they should re-evaluate their CEO's annual wage and then maybe some people would see what we are talking about. How you can pay someone that Enormous amount of money and then terminate, not laid off as they want people to believe, the working people.
I just hope the Courier sees this as irrational move once subscriptions start to get terminated. "
There is no way this can be cost effective when you print your local newspaper miles away...then have it shipped here, unloaded, and given to the drivers to deliver to the carriers.
And I bet if you check this isn't done in one trip, I bet it take more then one truck load to get the paper here.
The Courier wants you to believe its cost effective so they won't lose subscribers.
If Lee enterprises who owns the Courier wants to be cost effective, then they should re-evaluate their CEO's annual wage and then maybe some people would see what we are talking about. How you can pay someone that Enormous amount of money and then terminate, not laid off as they want people to believe, the working people.
I just hope the Courier sees this as irrational move once subscriptions start to get terminated. "
FedUp wrote on Oct 21, 2008 1:17 PM:
" Hey, folks, look on the bright side. It's entirely possible that the new printing company employs "proof readers"! They may even know the difference between "their", "there", and "they're". Now we all know those editorials about local support were just politics. Just compare them to all the speeches we've heard from all the candidates. "
whatever34 wrote on Oct 21, 2008 1:31 PM:
" This is all a bunch of bull,things happen, if you wanna cancel your paper, then fine, then that means that your not loyal to your community or to you local newpaper, yes i agree it is crap that they layed off those ppl, and my heart goes out to them also, but theres no need to talk crap about the courier and other departments like the customer service, all that is happed is that they are printing in Cedar Rapids its not like they are printing out of state. The courier is very old bulding and for them to get a new press there would have to be a new buliding they cant building a new press in a 150 year old building. I think some of you should just think about what you have said on here, some of it is degrating "
jojo44 wrote on Oct 21, 2008 1:42 PM:
" What a joke. Since this is no longer a local business I have no interest in continuing my subcription. "
Anthony wrote on Oct 21, 2008 2:37 PM:
" I have 2 boys that each have a route. They are up every weekend on time to deliver and they work with each other if one of them has something going on after school. Their papers are always on time and they get quite a few tips. What I have a problem with is what if the paper is late from CR. Also, what happens of they are short on papers? Now, they make a call and they have papers withing a short time. Will they have to wait for more papers from CR now. I can't see how this is good at all. "
waverly wrote on Oct 21, 2008 3:12 PM:
" the poor carriers- business and customers -you all have no idea- what is going to happen now that CR is printing your paper- maybe people should be asking the iowa city, customers about their paper service- oh wait - iowa city had to go a morning paper since the papers never got delivered on time and circulation went down!! "
Ken wrote on Oct 21, 2008 3:14 PM:
" I predict the television station will also be gone within a few years. The area simply doesn't have the economics to support these industries. The internet is changing how we get the news. The media outlets are regionalizing in order to maintain the profit margin. This has nothing to do with home town loyalty. Business is business. You can't pay the bills with good will. I live 1200 miles away and I'm able to keep up with the local news via the web. Nothing stays the same forever....not even Waterloo. "
whatever34 wrote on Oct 21, 2008 3:19 PM:
" anthony- you will not have to wait for papers there are extra papers at the courier for carriers that are short. "
Imfireball wrote on Oct 21, 2008 3:36 PM:
" look at what you have wrote whatever34? are you a sympathetic to such a bunch of crap? I bet it wasnt your job that was cut... but think about this... you could be next. "
Waterloo Reader wrote on Oct 21, 2008 3:38 PM:
" Whatever34: It sounds like you work in the customer service area for the Courier. How long until the outsource your work to a non-USA provider? You can't stay silent when the press operators lose their jobs and expect people to care when you lose your job.
Here's my "laugh" for the day. It's 3:35pm and my Courier is not in my box yet. It's not at my carriers house since I can see my carrier's house and I can always see the bundles in their front yards when the route driver drops them off. You don't suppose the Courier had press problems today do you? Where is the big banner telling us that the Courier is late today?
Rescind this decision before the Courier's customers start to leave. "
Here's my "laugh" for the day. It's 3:35pm and my Courier is not in my box yet. It's not at my carriers house since I can see my carrier's house and I can always see the bundles in their front yards when the route driver drops them off. You don't suppose the Courier had press problems today do you? Where is the big banner telling us that the Courier is late today?
Rescind this decision before the Courier's customers start to leave. "
bigdog21 wrote on Oct 21, 2008 4:31 PM:
" KEN - I agree with you, however, if business is business then forget loyalty. This world was built with loyal workers and people that wanted to work. Kids today have NO CLUE on how to WORK. Thus, the way society is. I wish people could truly have access to what the severance was - you would totally fall of your chair if you did. "
Browner wrote on Oct 21, 2008 4:37 PM:
" Bob McCoy is rolling over in his grave! This is probably the final straw for me. I've been thinking of dropping the Courier for a long time. My delivery carrier now seems to not care when or where the paper is delivered. I'm tired of reading all the typos and unchecked facts, and seeing all the poor graphics. And, I get upset every time I send my payment to Cincinnati, of all places. "
Bluetooth wrote on Oct 21, 2008 4:37 PM:
" Thats right you won't have to wait for extra papers, unless like what has happened before, should the press count be off and they need to print extra papers then you may be waiting.
But again I ask you all to challenge this move as being Cost effective. I ask you all to watch and see what happens once the weather changes and that paper needs to get from CR to W'loo .
At least when it was printed here the Cedar Valley was usually able to get there papers in a timely fashion even during inclement weather.
What ever the case is, I know for a fact that this decision was made after a 10 day trial period during the flood, and there's no way they had time to see if this was cost effective.
Will see if your subscription price goes up along with news stand prices. "
But again I ask you all to challenge this move as being Cost effective. I ask you all to watch and see what happens once the weather changes and that paper needs to get from CR to W'loo .
At least when it was printed here the Cedar Valley was usually able to get there papers in a timely fashion even during inclement weather.
What ever the case is, I know for a fact that this decision was made after a 10 day trial period during the flood, and there's no way they had time to see if this was cost effective.
Will see if your subscription price goes up along with news stand prices. "
whatever34 wrote on Oct 21, 2008 5:34 PM:
" Ok.. i dont agree with what has happend,i think it is crap, but it was not my descion to do this, this has been discused for along time now. nobody new this was gunna happen untill yesterday, this was a slap in the face for eveybody,and like i said before it is really horrible that these ppl are out of jobs, and you know what nobody's job is safe, and it could be a matter of time that i will lose my job who knows, nobody knows anything, i hate to sit here and have a war in this, but i do think some of you are wrong and thinking that just cause there printing in cr doesnt mean we dont care about our customers and employees here,and i dont know what else to say about those ppl getting layed off it is very heart breaking to see them go, but nobody has power over that, what do you say when so many ppl get layed off like that. the whole courier could get layed off and there would be nothing anybody could do about it. the paper will still be on time just like it was when we were printing here in waterloo.Sooner or later this was gunna happen and it happend, its reality, and i dont know how many times i can say this but i feel really really sorry for the ppl that lost the jobs. iam just stating my opinion just like everybody else. "
Bluetooth wrote on Oct 21, 2008 6:25 PM:
" For all you people that keep saying these people were laid off, YOU ARE WRONG! These people were terminated, straight from the publishers mouth...Terminated, not laid off.
Also maybe people don't know but both areas had union employee's, wonder if this was a way to eliminate the union, since Lee Enterprises is against the union in their establishments.
And for people to think that the publisher had no idea this was going to happen until yesterday, you are mistaken, this was known, but was kept secret from the employees.
They were not stupid, especially when an ink truck is sent on its way and not allowed to deliver the ink...no ink, no paper, no job...Duh.
Theres alot people don't know, they all just want you to know that this was a cost effective move.......not hardly and time will prove that.
And I bet their not done yet Laying (TERMINATING) people off. "
Also maybe people don't know but both areas had union employee's, wonder if this was a way to eliminate the union, since Lee Enterprises is against the union in their establishments.
And for people to think that the publisher had no idea this was going to happen until yesterday, you are mistaken, this was known, but was kept secret from the employees.
They were not stupid, especially when an ink truck is sent on its way and not allowed to deliver the ink...no ink, no paper, no job...Duh.
Theres alot people don't know, they all just want you to know that this was a cost effective move.......not hardly and time will prove that.
And I bet their not done yet Laying (TERMINATING) people off. "
PatrynXX wrote on Oct 21, 2008 10:03 PM:
" Hmm wonder if us former employees can comment. The part time folks weren't part of a union. We thought we were going into a meeting with the publisher as a get to know him better. As I usually do, I got spiffied up for the meeting. Can't believe I got dressed up and drove from Cedar Falls on monday just to find that out. The only good thing was I was among other coworkers which I guess was better than finding out over the phone alone. But according to another coworker, even our bosses in that particular department didn't know. All I really know though. The Cedar Falls Times is the only paper that seems local anymore. All I see about The Courier now is a Cedar Rapids newspaper with a division in Waterloo. We were extremely loyal employees and at least deserved some sort of warning. This was months in the making. Their decision was based as in cheaper as in cheaper to get the paper from Cedar Rapids vs building a new press in a new building vs maintaining the old one. Yes why it's cheaper with the gas the way it is I have no idea. Glad to see people actually noting that Waterloo no longer has a local paper. I'll be reading the Cedar Falls Times from now on. "
PatrynXX wrote on Oct 21, 2008 10:22 PM:
" Leave one extra comment. I have no idea why the cops showed up. We weren't violent employees. I just needed to get out of the building with that cop standing in the room off to the side. It was very uh... well the tension skyrocketed with him in there. We did our best to ignore him. Wish my coworkers loves of love, luck and anything else that goes with that. With many of the supervisors picking up boxes to cart their stuff out it felt like someone being at Enron. Boxes.... and all this after having a $30,000 sticker machine put in that never really worked. "
iowasteve wrote on Oct 22, 2008 1:30 AM:
" Carriers are not effected by this why are they brought up up at all? "
courier_reader921 wrote on Oct 22, 2008 5:24 AM:
" Funny how we haven't seen an editor's note posted yet defending the Courier's decision. I talked to many of my family members about this story...and guess what...10 of my family members who subscribed to the Courier are cancelling their subscription. I think somone should start an online non-biased newspaper for the Cedar Valley. "
WaterWho wrote on Oct 22, 2008 7:18 AM:
" I'm with Ken on this one. Business is business. Local newspapers are slowly heading down the drain. In an era of economic uncertainty, both people and businesses are looking for ways to cut costs. In a few years, the only newspapers will be on the internet, so it would be tough to justify spending millions of dollars on a press that might see 15 years of operation. It is just a matter of time before newspapers, like all things, move towards electronic only versions. Welcome to the electronic age.
It is terrible that people lost their jobs, especially at a time when finding work is hard. The lack of warning for those effected shows a true lack of class on Lee Enterprises part. A decision like this is not reached overnight. "
It is terrible that people lost their jobs, especially at a time when finding work is hard. The lack of warning for those effected shows a true lack of class on Lee Enterprises part. A decision like this is not reached overnight. "
chatty1 wrote on Oct 22, 2008 7:36 AM:
" iowasteve: The carriers will be affected when the papers aren't delivered to them on time, causing them to be delivered to the customers on time. The carriers are being put in the bad spot. Hopefully, people will remember that it's not their faults.
PatrynXX: I don't think anybody ever figured out why in the world the Courier started putting stickers on the front of the paper like that. It was always over something somebody wanted to see, and I never saw one come off cleanly! Good riddance to that machine. "
PatrynXX: I don't think anybody ever figured out why in the world the Courier started putting stickers on the front of the paper like that. It was always over something somebody wanted to see, and I never saw one come off cleanly! Good riddance to that machine. "
chatty1 wrote on Oct 22, 2008 7:54 AM:
" Correction: Causing them NOT to be delivered to customers on time. "
Newswatcher wrote on Oct 22, 2008 8:12 AM:
" Perhaps the Courier is assuming there will be an Obama Presidency and they know they will see a tax hike, like so many other businesses.
You all supporting Obama have no idea how scenes like this will play out all across the country if you vote that empty suit into office.
Better start considering if you could end up losing your job like these people did due to tax hikes on small business owners!
Think, think, think! "
You all supporting Obama have no idea how scenes like this will play out all across the country if you vote that empty suit into office.
Better start considering if you could end up losing your job like these people did due to tax hikes on small business owners!
Think, think, think! "
TommyBoy wrote on Oct 22, 2008 8:38 AM:
" And the circulation of the Cedar Falls Times continues to grow. Mark my words... the Eastern Iowa Gazette is coming. The Courier and the Press Citizen will fall victim to papers like the Times who print local interest stories, cover local sports, and address local issues. 100% of what you read in the Courier at noon, is available at 9:00 am at 100's of other sources.
The days of printing stories off the AP wire and being lazy are over. It's time for the Courier to get out and cover local news again. It's the only way for them to survive.
As for the workers? Too bad. At least you guys won an award from the company that owns you a week or so ago! Yippee! "
The days of printing stories off the AP wire and being lazy are over. It's time for the Courier to get out and cover local news again. It's the only way for them to survive.
As for the workers? Too bad. At least you guys won an award from the company that owns you a week or so ago! Yippee! "
Bluetooth wrote on Oct 22, 2008 8:49 AM:
" Newswatcher, this has got nothing to do with Obama its people like you that have no clue....and besides who the (deleted) is in office now....BUSH "
Bluetooth wrote on Oct 22, 2008 9:07 AM:
" Newswatcher....maybe this would not have happened if Obama was in office, maybe its going to take someone who is watching out for the middle class, and not cooperate america....
If obama was in office maybe the upper management of this cooperation would be online looking for work "
If obama was in office maybe the upper management of this cooperation would be online looking for work "
Newswatcher wrote on Oct 22, 2008 9:22 AM:
" Bluetooth, go back and read what I wrote, it's about people losing jobs! This would clearly happen under an Obama Presidency. Business owners all across the country know it and they are already talking about it.
Mark my words, bud. More jobs will be lost if Obama wins. Period! If you're too stupid to understand why, then ask a business owner, he'll explain it to you.
Summary, it's about job losses here in this article, so that's my input. Don't like it much, do you. "
Mark my words, bud. More jobs will be lost if Obama wins. Period! If you're too stupid to understand why, then ask a business owner, he'll explain it to you.
Summary, it's about job losses here in this article, so that's my input. Don't like it much, do you. "
Newswatcher wrote on Oct 22, 2008 9:24 AM:
" This is the funniest read of the day:
Bluetooth connects these job losses on Bush!
HAHAHAHAHAHA! Nice try! If it were his fault, they would have been gone 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 years ago!
It's clear you just don't get it! I can only imagine what you do for a living, if you do anything at all. "
Bluetooth connects these job losses on Bush!
HAHAHAHAHAHA! Nice try! If it were his fault, they would have been gone 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 years ago!
It's clear you just don't get it! I can only imagine what you do for a living, if you do anything at all. "
Bluetooth wrote on Oct 22, 2008 1:54 PM:
" Newswatcher I am not even going to waste my time with your one sided views, I wonder if your last name wouldn't be Palin. Maybe it should be McCain/Newswatcher ticket.
This went from people dedicated to that rag they printed, and how they got blind sided by their employee.
How this move was to be so cost effective, by terminating 52 of your employees, and printing your local newspaper outside the area....
Its you that doesn't understand Newswatcher, your hands probably haven't been dirty from a good days work for years, you probably live for this blog thing, either that its the only thing to do at the retirement home.
So unless you know what these dedicated workers went through maybe you just step aside with your political views. "
This went from people dedicated to that rag they printed, and how they got blind sided by their employee.
How this move was to be so cost effective, by terminating 52 of your employees, and printing your local newspaper outside the area....
Its you that doesn't understand Newswatcher, your hands probably haven't been dirty from a good days work for years, you probably live for this blog thing, either that its the only thing to do at the retirement home.
So unless you know what these dedicated workers went through maybe you just step aside with your political views. "
truthiness wrote on Oct 22, 2008 1:57 PM:
" It's a shame the Courier management didn't have enough guts to bring this up to their employees beforehand, but conveniently waited until after the printing was done for the day. Even more shameful if it is true that they brought in police to watch their employees pack up their stuff.
Now as for those canceling their subscriptions, good for you. The only way people can make their voices heard is through the pocketbook. However, don't rely on the online version of the Courier, because it is notorious for not running stories (especially local ones) that ran in the print version. I've wondered why some stories where only available in print and not online, but now understand it is to maintain their subscriber base.
And let's go easy on the praise or the conversion to the Cedar Falls Times. It is a weekly paper, so it is not very timely with news. Plus, it is more of a feature-oriented paper that really doesn't dig deep into the tougher issues that face cities. Come to think of it, very few reporters and editors actually ask the hard questions of their local elected officials, department heads or business leaders. I've always viewed the Times as an advertisement for Cedar Falls, with very little substance to the big issues that affects the Cedar Valley. Of course, when you're a weekly, it probably doesn't make sense to do in-depth stories in a timely manner. "
Now as for those canceling their subscriptions, good for you. The only way people can make their voices heard is through the pocketbook. However, don't rely on the online version of the Courier, because it is notorious for not running stories (especially local ones) that ran in the print version. I've wondered why some stories where only available in print and not online, but now understand it is to maintain their subscriber base.
And let's go easy on the praise or the conversion to the Cedar Falls Times. It is a weekly paper, so it is not very timely with news. Plus, it is more of a feature-oriented paper that really doesn't dig deep into the tougher issues that face cities. Come to think of it, very few reporters and editors actually ask the hard questions of their local elected officials, department heads or business leaders. I've always viewed the Times as an advertisement for Cedar Falls, with very little substance to the big issues that affects the Cedar Valley. Of course, when you're a weekly, it probably doesn't make sense to do in-depth stories in a timely manner. "
FAQ wrote on Oct 22, 2008 1:58 PM:
" Wow, the Courier actually gave a 1 day notice that their press employees no longer have jobs. How nice of you Courier! "The news was announced to Courier employees Monday afternoon after Monday’s edition was printed."
I have my own poor service stories regarding newspaper delivery. I'm just waiting for them to tell me that I have to get a box added to my mailbox post in order to get the Courier. That will be the same day my subscription to the Courier ends. Heck, it might even end sooner as it will be a matter of weeks, if not days, that the Courier will be raising their subscription rates. "
I have my own poor service stories regarding newspaper delivery. I'm just waiting for them to tell me that I have to get a box added to my mailbox post in order to get the Courier. That will be the same day my subscription to the Courier ends. Heck, it might even end sooner as it will be a matter of weeks, if not days, that the Courier will be raising their subscription rates. "
pantherGirl wrote on Oct 22, 2008 2:10 PM:
" There's a handful of you who post frequently and spin the story around to accommodate whatever debate that you're attempting to initiate- no matter how irrelevant to the story it may be. Don't be selfish, this isn't about you. Debate each other's political and/or moral beliefs elsewhere.
The majority of people who are posting are concerned with the welfare of their fellow community members who've been affected by this event, and it's creating a public outcry. Appropriately.
That being said... The economy is poor, and people are losing jobs. However- I think the way the Courier handled this situation is absolutely reprehensible. My heart goes out to those of you affected by this disaster "
The majority of people who are posting are concerned with the welfare of their fellow community members who've been affected by this event, and it's creating a public outcry. Appropriately.
That being said... The economy is poor, and people are losing jobs. However- I think the way the Courier handled this situation is absolutely reprehensible. My heart goes out to those of you affected by this disaster "
myvoicematterstome wrote on Oct 22, 2008 2:13 PM:
" Newswatcher................ Have you paid attention to the stock market the past few weeks????????? Same thing is happening with job loss. Bush is behind all of this crap, just like he was behind 9/11 but then that's another story.
OBAMA 08!! "
OBAMA 08!! "
myvoicematterstome wrote on Oct 22, 2008 2:18 PM:
" One could always go to the library and read it for free. They get 2 copies and if readership goes up, maybe just maybe they would get more copies. "
cf1981 wrote on Oct 22, 2008 2:22 PM:
" I agree with thruthiness on the CF Times. They just shill for the city. Notice the 2 pages in the middle of the first section that's nothing but warm fuzzy pictures of random citizens engaging in Norman Rockwell-esque activities. How wholesome! *gag* "
Newswatcher wrote on Oct 22, 2008 2:29 PM:
" nanag,
I wrote about job losses and how this size of a company releasing these employees will be a common occurance if Small Business owners get the tax hike that Obama is promising to implement.
Job losses, what that feels like, looks like and does to a community. It's important to relate that to what Business owners across the country are feeling may happen to them if their taxes are raised.
That was my political connection.
Of course Bluetooth had to blame the Courier job losses on Bush. "
I wrote about job losses and how this size of a company releasing these employees will be a common occurance if Small Business owners get the tax hike that Obama is promising to implement.
Job losses, what that feels like, looks like and does to a community. It's important to relate that to what Business owners across the country are feeling may happen to them if their taxes are raised.
That was my political connection.
Of course Bluetooth had to blame the Courier job losses on Bush. "
whatever34 wrote on Oct 22, 2008 3:15 PM:
" ok i think its about time we give this up, it happend it sux yes i know, but the discion was made and theres nothing nobody can do about it,iam very suprised that so many ppl can sit there and say so many negative things about the courier, its a business, and this happen like this with big corperations. trust me it was not easy for anybody not even the publisher to have to tell all the emloyees what has happend. try and put your self if all the employees shoes, even the ones that got layed off. "
Newswatcher wrote on Oct 22, 2008 3:49 PM:
" Looky here, children; you Obamites are just ALL wound up today aren't you?!! You sure are an angry bunch, perhaps you need to go out and play in the rain a little today. Or better yet, take a nap. Especially mattertome, what a hoot of a comment! "
think wrote on Oct 22, 2008 3:51 PM:
" I don’t watch network news or read the paper simply because they are now almost openly endorsing liberals and left wing socialist. Liberals want big business taxed. You just got what you asked for. Well K Mart is looking for help. "
Bluetooth wrote on Oct 22, 2008 4:34 PM:
" Newswatch ...I have been talking about this job loss situation at the courier since it happened monday, and not once did I say anything about bush....then your one sided mind comes on here and starts mentioning obama...you are just like Mccain you say one thing and then something different.
And to you Whatever34 maybe you should be in the shoes of those who where blind sided by the Courier or should I say Lee Enterprises....and for you to say you know it sux on what happened, unless your at home with a family to support and Jobless, you have no clue....This should be a wake up call for all still employed there, I imagine they are training CR to do all your jobs too, so maybe we will all meet at the Unemployment office.
And you right it wasn't easy for the publisher to tell anyone, thats why he knew about it and hid it from everyone until the last paper was printed. Nice guy. "
And to you Whatever34 maybe you should be in the shoes of those who where blind sided by the Courier or should I say Lee Enterprises....and for you to say you know it sux on what happened, unless your at home with a family to support and Jobless, you have no clue....This should be a wake up call for all still employed there, I imagine they are training CR to do all your jobs too, so maybe we will all meet at the Unemployment office.
And you right it wasn't easy for the publisher to tell anyone, thats why he knew about it and hid it from everyone until the last paper was printed. Nice guy. "
just me wrote on Oct 22, 2008 5:31 PM:
" I have lived in the Waterloo area my entire life and have never subscribed to the courier. They are very one sided in their reports and do not make sure the have the information correct before printing it - it has been proven time and again. I am sorry for those people that were terminated and in that way. I am so glad I did not waste my money on supporting the courier. I only even read the online version to read what you guys post! You guys are great!!!! "
joyce wrote on Oct 22, 2008 5:46 PM:
" I'm glad so many people are concerned about the employees of the Courier.My brother lost his job that day.sad.he has a wife and kids,mortgage as do most, if not all, of them.They are not at an age to go job hunting.
I dont subscribe but I do buy it atthe counter and Im done.No notice,no nothing, and they try to make it sound like a good thing. "
I dont subscribe but I do buy it atthe counter and Im done.No notice,no nothing, and they try to make it sound like a good thing. "
ggjr78 wrote on Oct 22, 2008 6:58 PM:
" Way to go Courier! What a great way to support to your local economy during these times. You are worried about a clear quality print for your ads - How any local business would feel right by buying an ad in your newspaper (with the "new better printed product") and expect people to support their “local” stores. Hopefully the local retailers in Waterloo/Cedar Falls will open up their eyes and realize this.
Also, I’d like to make mention of the Courier’s classy unbiased journalism. When I heard about the “layoffs”, it took me a while to find it on your web site. If Deere’s had a layoff of just a small fraction of their work force, it would have made front page “local” news. To list it under state was an interesting place to put it. For being a “Local” news source you’d think this would be a priority story, Even though you may be seen as “the bad guy” - That is what journalism is. I am from Alaska – While I have not always agreed with the Anchorage Daily News they do list the facts – For better or for worse.
Cost savings – Another interesting choice. Normally only very large corporations or companies in financial trouble use this term as a cop out when their bottom line is being scrutinized and management is trying to cover their rears, they scramble to make ends meet without keeping the best interest of the company (employees included) in mind. I am in upper management and understand what it takes to make a tough decision but to say this is a cost saving act, please. Move your newspaper to a big city if you are concerned about saving money – Oh wait you already have. It won’t take much time for your customer to see a decline in the quality of your product. "
Also, I’d like to make mention of the Courier’s classy unbiased journalism. When I heard about the “layoffs”, it took me a while to find it on your web site. If Deere’s had a layoff of just a small fraction of their work force, it would have made front page “local” news. To list it under state was an interesting place to put it. For being a “Local” news source you’d think this would be a priority story, Even though you may be seen as “the bad guy” - That is what journalism is. I am from Alaska – While I have not always agreed with the Anchorage Daily News they do list the facts – For better or for worse.
Cost savings – Another interesting choice. Normally only very large corporations or companies in financial trouble use this term as a cop out when their bottom line is being scrutinized and management is trying to cover their rears, they scramble to make ends meet without keeping the best interest of the company (employees included) in mind. I am in upper management and understand what it takes to make a tough decision but to say this is a cost saving act, please. Move your newspaper to a big city if you are concerned about saving money – Oh wait you already have. It won’t take much time for your customer to see a decline in the quality of your product. "
PatrynXX wrote on Oct 22, 2008 9:11 PM:
" chatty1- yeah what a waste of $30,000 for a machine nobody liked. Hard to put the stickers on and hard to take them off. I'm sure in the dark silent press room there's still stickers on the silent machines. I'm glad though that the community noticed that Waterloo no longer has a locally printed paper. It was the one bright spot. br />
I didn't like that cop there and it would have been easier on us if we were allowed to say proper good-bye's. When quiting a job it's always ethically correct to give a 2 week notice. Wish the folks at the Courier would do the same. People I've talked to since Monday are saying when their subscriptions come up for renewal, they won't be renewing. For those who want actual news locally. While I don't think the Cedar Falls Times is printed in Cedar Falls... it's on topic. I'd suggest reading that paper to support the area. The Courier is simply a Cedar Rapids paper with an outfit in Waterloo. Sorta like how I watch KCRG to hear about stuff in Waterloo. While KWWL some news locally I don't hear about. Courier started the Employee of the month back in January. So here's a shot out to the last stated Employee of the Month : Ricky Page. I wish him the best of luck. from Lee B. "
I didn't like that cop there and it would have been easier on us if we were allowed to say proper good-bye's. When quiting a job it's always ethically correct to give a 2 week notice. Wish the folks at the Courier would do the same. People I've talked to since Monday are saying when their subscriptions come up for renewal, they won't be renewing. For those who want actual news locally. While I don't think the Cedar Falls Times is printed in Cedar Falls... it's on topic. I'd suggest reading that paper to support the area. The Courier is simply a Cedar Rapids paper with an outfit in Waterloo. Sorta like how I watch KCRG to hear about stuff in Waterloo. While KWWL some news locally I don't hear about. Courier started the Employee of the month back in January. So here's a shot out to the last stated Employee of the Month : Ricky Page. I wish him the best of luck. from Lee B. "
Bluetooth wrote on Oct 22, 2008 9:17 PM:
" THANK YOU ggjr78 THANK YOU!!!
I agree with your blog, maybe people don't know it but Lee enterprises is against unions in there corporations . They have been after getting the union out of there for along time. I think this may have been part of the reason for the move also.
In fact on the Lee enterprise site, it also talks about Union Free Lee, well they got what they wanted, even if it was at the cost of dedicated employees and the welfare of their families "
I agree with your blog, maybe people don't know it but Lee enterprises is against unions in there corporations . They have been after getting the union out of there for along time. I think this may have been part of the reason for the move also.
In fact on the Lee enterprise site, it also talks about Union Free Lee, well they got what they wanted, even if it was at the cost of dedicated employees and the welfare of their families "
sonora wrote on Oct 22, 2008 9:24 PM:
" You all must realize this was a Lee Enterprise decision. They're in bad shape financially and are looking for anyway to save money. Newspapers all over the country are going to centalized printing. Unfortunately, the Courier is one of them. I too expect a negative impact on customer service as a result of it. Don't be surprised if sometime in the future you talk to someone in Texas when you call circulation with a problem. "
PatrynXX wrote on Oct 22, 2008 9:28 PM:
" Going to add one last item... I really don't expect to get anything back. But it makes me beyond proud that people who subscribe to the Courier are outraged. We worked hard, some harder than me. I was part time weekend. Although hours like 2-7pm friday, 4am-7 saturday morning (alot more in the fall.. not this year..) 11:30 saturday night.. People saying there aren't people willing to work 2nd , 3rd shifts clearly don't know the courier employees. Someone calls you up and asks us to show up whenever. We show up. As for the Cedar Falls Times. Yes it's a weekly paper. Like the old days a weekly paper. A paper worth reading. So of course it's on Cedar Falls. But it's a fun read. Like newspapers used to be. The De Witt Observer. That's been a fun read. Grandpa was the Disturbed Philosopher for decades in that paper (De Witt IA) Until a nasty fall in 2006 ended that. It's still a fun read. Local papers used to be like that. "
FAQ wrote on Oct 22, 2008 9:37 PM:
" I just looked at the Courier tonight and the "new and improved" printing is terrible. Look at the Want Ads section of the car section, page C4. It looks like the color ran or something. It's an awful looking color and the print is blurry. If this is an example of things to come, it doesn't look good for the Courier. Your editorial tonight was pitiful and your terminated employees deserved better treatment than they received. Shameful! "
Newswatcher wrote on Oct 22, 2008 10:15 PM:
" Bluetooth, in reply to your 4:34 pm entry on 10/22, try again.
Re-read your entry from 10/22 @ 8:49 am. I believe BUSH spells Bush. No? "
Re-read your entry from 10/22 @ 8:49 am. I believe BUSH spells Bush. No? "
shouldbemayor wrote on Oct 22, 2008 11:21 PM:
" I don't think we matter.
The Courier outsources the printing. Who cares? They outsourced the reporting long ago. 90% of the stories are AP or national. Very little local. By the time the paper hits the steps, I have heard or seen the AP stories 10 times over on the internet, on T.V. or in a morning edition paper.
I don't think we matter.
Channel 7 has pretty much taken us for granted for years. The news team has instructions, no...ORDERS to make Cedar Rapids and Dubuque their primary source for news. Don't believe me? Watch any night this week. They will almost always start with a story about CR or Dubuque, no matter what the content. Then watch what the first story about Waterloo is. 9 times out of 10 it is more newsworthy than the one the top story.
I don't think we matter.
I will say this. The Courier could easily cut off this thread or censor our replies. They are taking their medicine. Hats off to them for that.
I still don't think we matter. "
The Courier outsources the printing. Who cares? They outsourced the reporting long ago. 90% of the stories are AP or national. Very little local. By the time the paper hits the steps, I have heard or seen the AP stories 10 times over on the internet, on T.V. or in a morning edition paper.
I don't think we matter.
Channel 7 has pretty much taken us for granted for years. The news team has instructions, no...ORDERS to make Cedar Rapids and Dubuque their primary source for news. Don't believe me? Watch any night this week. They will almost always start with a story about CR or Dubuque, no matter what the content. Then watch what the first story about Waterloo is. 9 times out of 10 it is more newsworthy than the one the top story.
I don't think we matter.
I will say this. The Courier could easily cut off this thread or censor our replies. They are taking their medicine. Hats off to them for that.
I still don't think we matter. "
blah2blah wrote on Oct 23, 2008 6:39 AM:
" You people really don't seem to get the big picture. There was no money for what was needed for printing to continue in Waterloo. A new press can cost MILLIONS! Unfortunatly, that is the price of business sometimes. Let some people go for the good of the company. That is the way the system works. It has nothing to do with loyalty or peoples lives.
And hey "FAQ" you should look at some previous printing by the "talent" of the Couriers past. It looks 100% better now.
Anyway, no one gets enjoyment out of this situation. It sucks that people had to lose jobs, but that is the world we live in!!!
But, people are correct in saying this was not something that happened overnight. The workers should have been given notice weeks, if not months in advance. This has been in the works at least since the floods in June. That was onw hell of a crappy move on EVERYONES part!!! "
And hey "FAQ" you should look at some previous printing by the "talent" of the Couriers past. It looks 100% better now.
Anyway, no one gets enjoyment out of this situation. It sucks that people had to lose jobs, but that is the world we live in!!!
But, people are correct in saying this was not something that happened overnight. The workers should have been given notice weeks, if not months in advance. This has been in the works at least since the floods in June. That was onw hell of a crappy move on EVERYONES part!!! "
blah2blah wrote on Oct 23, 2008 6:41 AM:
" And BTW. For everyone on here who thinks cancelling subscriptions will make any difference. THINK AGAIN!!! They don't care. The only thing it might do, is finish off the paper for good. And they obviously don't care too much about that anyway! "
PatrynXX wrote on Oct 23, 2008 7:34 AM:
" Well canceling would wake the Mayor in Waterloo take notice. He let it happen under his watch. Much like Vilsack (yes I tend to be a dem) allowed Bluebird to leave the state. Lee Ent (of all things someone with my first name) wasn't fiscally responsible. Bought way too many newspapers. We suddenly became the packaging dept who also had to do the janitor stuff of emtptying trash. Which in the end they hired someone to do just that. So if it's not really a local paper, why bother keeping it in a building thats falling apart anyway. Can't really use that top floor in the old Ward building anymore. Unless you want to fall through it. Which is why that big metal storage addition was added. The building is unsafe anywa. should tear the whole block down. If the economy goes as bad as it goes, how many of us will afford the internet? Thats why there was always the newspaper that seemed to do good in hard times. Why have a publisher in a building without a printing press. Makes no sense to me. "
just me wrote on Oct 23, 2008 7:39 PM:
" This world needs to get back to loyalty and away from greed. If you make $1 million dolloars every year, why is that not enough, why do you have to find a way to make $2 million? (not saying that is what they made - an example). We are Iowa and we are midwest and we need to support Waterloo Cedar Falls. Cedar Rapids is a big town they can support themselves. "
the_bat wrote on Oct 23, 2008 9:09 PM:
" Or, maybe how about all you people who are canceling your subscription also stop sucking up costly bandwidth and server disk space to post stuff on the Courier web site?
If I was running the Courier, that's the way I'd do it. Newspapers, after all, are businesses. And like all businesses, they have to make a profit if they're going to survive.
Of course it's unfortunate some people had to be let go, but if Obama wins, there will be way more, in all kinds of businesses, let go. It's just a harbinger of things to come, folks.
^o^
...And I'll bet those who scream about this the loudest shop in large stores where most of the merchandise is made in China. "
If I was running the Courier, that's the way I'd do it. Newspapers, after all, are businesses. And like all businesses, they have to make a profit if they're going to survive.
Of course it's unfortunate some people had to be let go, but if Obama wins, there will be way more, in all kinds of businesses, let go. It's just a harbinger of things to come, folks.
^o^
...And I'll bet those who scream about this the loudest shop in large stores where most of the merchandise is made in China. "
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capslock wrote on Oct 20, 2008 4:03 PM: