Rob Alaway lost his job at LDN and started....

[masonco]

a web page. It seems that the new owners let several of the LDN newsstaff go.

Here is his new web page and pictures. Does anyone know what is happening at LDN? I've not heard about anyone being laid off but am not surprised at that.

http://www.masoncountypress.net/p/history-of-mcpnet.html

[ EDITOR'S NOTE:  As of 1-16-11, it has moved to:  http://www.masoncountypress.com/ ]

[XLFD]

I checked it out, it looks pretty good.  What's up with former firefighters starting up web pages?  I hope we can collaborate on projects together and share our content.

I like it a lot better than the LDN website that sends a couple of pop-up ads at you every time you go there.  I added it to my favorites, and recommend others with an interest in our area to check it out as a supplement.  Good luck, Rob.

[masonco]

I thought it was awesome.

Does anyone know what is going on with LDN?

[Marty Redman]

I only know whats really going on at LDN from what I read elsewhere.  There are two postings here by XLFD that discuss the LDN situation, one about five employees that were let go just before new years and one talking about possible future layoffs.  There is also a link to WMOM there competitor on the airwaves.

 

If he keeps up the energy and gets more resources he will have himself a swell site that will put extra pressure on the LDN's two web efforts, Picture This and their e-edition.  Maybe even this website if he puts out an open forum.  Right now, shameless plug of this website, I look to the Torch for what is actually going on up there under the radar and leave the e-LDN and there pop-ups to themselves.

[masonco]

I haven't had time to investigate sites nor even keep up here. Traveling all over the state makes things a bit hectic. I almost forgot LDN was sold and totally missed who got fired err I mean laid off.

[Sweater Cows!]

I don't think his site will be the investigative sort that this site prefers, I would think. But that's okay it's his to do with as he chooses and wish him best of success in whatever path chosen. Even if not doing investigative reporting I  would hope he produces interesting reading with accuracy and multiple un-spun views.

[XLFD]

Even though Rob is probably not on the best terms with LDN, I fear his government associations in Scottville as a member of their Planning Commission and the Scottville Main Street Program will make our associations strained, especially since Ludington's own CDD Venzke and Police Chief Barnett are messing up helping out my hometown of Sweetwater nowadays.

Rob is a probably a lot brighter than me and doesn't bite the hands that may feed him.  If his site gets controversial like this one, his appointments in those two offices will be in jeopardy, as will his status among the cliques that could help his photography business prosper.  I would like to see him get a niche though, if he's willing to expend the energy. 

[Willy]

I've met Rob a few times and he seems like a decent guy. He may find out that to have credibility  he will need to report all the news, even controversial stories in order to keep people interested in his web page. We've had enough lack of fact checking, biased and one sided journalism from the LDN. And I used to be a big supporter of the LDN and would defend them when criticism arose regarding their operating procedures. How things change.

[AQUAMAN]

I checked out his website too and noticed a few things right off the bat: 1) I don't see any particular niche or purpose, unlike many like the Torch, Fishing, Football, etc.. 2) there is a plea for donations, proving the site will need more funds to run than what the creator has to start with, 3) an incentive and focus for starting the site and drawing new membership. But, it's real early, maybe time will tell.

[XLFD]

I made a note attached to MasonCo's header link to show the move they recently did to their new location. 

 

[masonco]

Thank you XFLD...I saw there was a change but lost the link and information on it. Ditches do not like me lately, Please keep me posted on the changes. Maybe a new owner will be less biased in news reports?

[AQUAMAN]

If Rob got on the same page as the Torch, with correct and accurate reporting of info. and give pics. to accompany it, he may just have a niche in the reporting news market locally, and the website will prosper. If not, then he probably sinks, imho.