Say anything

Consultants told the Columbus Dispatch that people would rather be in the know than to simply know what's what. Or, as editor Benjamin Marrison put it:

A month ago, Los Angeles consultants -- hired to help The Dispatch become more effective on our Web sites -- suggested that we should take readers behind the scenes more.

They said Internet readers want to be part of the reporting process. The consultants continued: Online news consumers don't mind if your initial report is inaccurate. They just want it first. Online readers know that, over time, the truth will come out.

Maybe that's why newspapers have struggled with the Internet.

The Dispatch plans to ignore the consultants and continue to try to be accurate.

(via Romenesko)

Four in the morning

The Columbus Dispatch to cut 45 staffers ... The Los Angeles Times ends California section today ... Is the pen mightier than the (concealed) pistol? ... What sells is what's being cut