Welcome to tonight's online chat. Tonight's chat is open to any topics or issues. I'm Roger Plothow, editor and publisher of the Post Register. My sign-on is rplothow -- that will preceed all of my posts.

Guests: It looks like we've got a lot of people logged in as guests, but not as registered participants. To actually participate in the chat, you must register (your information will be kept anonymous).

Why do you charge for people to read the Post Register on line?

barbie: That's a good question. It's a pretty controversial decision, but one that we've adhered to for more than six years.

When the Internet first emerged as more than a way for the government and universities to share information, newspapers began trying to figure out how to use the new medium. Many newspapers rushed to experiment, and they decided to put their news online and try to sell advertising to pay the costs.

If I already pay for my paper to be delivered at my door every morning and I don't have time to read it untill I get to work, I feel I should not have to pay twice for it.

We decided, however, that comprehensive local news was our most valuable asset, and it was bad business to give it away. Sort of like a pizza restaurant giving away pizza. Over time, this decision has proven to be the right one. If we provide an important and valuable service, it should be worth a reasonable fee.

barbie: I agree that you shouldn't have to pay twice. That's why we decided a couple of years ago to allow subscribers to our print edition to receive a password to our online edition at no extra charge. If you have not received your password, we hope you'll request one.

Roger, Why is the national news and international news coverages so sparse in the PR?

Toaste: Another good question. We focus on what we do better than anyone else -- local news. You have many options to receive national and international news -- TV, and the Internet in particular. However, no one covers local news better than the Post Register. So, we have made a conscious effort to focus on that. I suspect that over time, local newspapers will become more and more intensely local as we strive to differentiate ourselves from other media.

Why then doesn't the front page have the most important local stories on it, and maybe at least the national/international headlines? Seems like your front page is very dedicated to more "human interest articles".

Hello. I took a chance since my e-mail hadn't come back and was able to enter the discusion. I apologize for my late arrival.

Toaste: We try to select stories of greatest local interest for the front page. I'm not sure what the ratio between "hard" and "soft" news is, but our objective is "relevant." By the time the PR comes out every day, most of the national and international news is pretty stale, so we provide only a summary.

NetFan: Welcome. We appear to be having trouble with our automatic e-mail reply to some users, so we're now replying to them manually.

Glad you are aware of the problem. Please do not let me interrupt your discussion. I do want to add to what Toaste asked earlier, when it is the right time.Also, is there a level at which we should address each other? That is something that makes me unconfortable with Post Talk. Some people address you as "Roger," some skip a greeting and I tend to go with , Mr. Plothow. Since we don't know the ages of others, what is most appropriate to be respectul of others?

Well, I'm back again after being told the room had closed. Hopefully, a few people are still around.

Roger: Are you at one point going to ad as a piece to the Post Register, selected conversation from PR Chat?

Sorry to sound so critical, but were it not for the grocery ads, Opinion page, and some of the local news, I don't think I would keep my subscription. I am sure you are trying to please, but I am used to newspapers with more substance. In addition, I do find that many of the articles that are written locally are done somewhat poorly. I hate having to read the whole article and then still be wondering what the headline was about. Guess my journalism training taught me to say all the important stuff in the first paragraph or so, and then use the rest of the space for expanding. Too many of the PR articles start ought with a lot of background and the news in them are near the end of the article. Again, just my opinion - not trying to be overly critical.

NetFan: You're certainly welcome to call me "Roger." As for others, I'd simply refer to them by the nickname they've chosen to use here. If you're referring to people not in the chatroom, any respectful reference will do.

Toaste: Not at all. We don't presume to be flawless and we appreciate feedback. It would be particularly helpful, if you're interested, to send us a note when you see a specific story you find unclear or otherwise unsatisfactory. Feel free to e-mail me directly -- rplothow@postregister.com -- or our Executive Editor Dean Miller -- dmiller@postregister.com.

Thanks - will do.

I'll add that we are trying a number of approaches to new that are not typical -- for example, we often use graphics or photo illustrations with our lead stories, which is not typical of daily newspapers. We are trying to write shorter, more succinct stories. Perhaps we too often are attempting to be too clever. But we are trying to break out of the traditional newspaper mold.

Roger, I think respectful is the key. Although, I have to say I sometimes wonder on Post Talk when someone says somet like, "Roger, you really aren't going to....... are you," then perhaps that is a person who knows you far better than others. Sometimes, I think that could give the wrong impression to those who may be new to the site or not a somewhat regular user. I hope you understand my concern here, as I'm reading the above comments with one eye, while trying to type and look at my keyboard with the other.

We are competing for the attention, particularly among younger people, of consumers who are used to bold, in-your-face messages and splashy visuals. It's safe to say we're always experimenting with new ways to deliver the news.

I guess my advice is that readers usually want the news up front. I don't mind elaboration if I am interested in learning more, and that is helpful many times. Just some of the articles start out more like novelettes, i.e., "It was a cold and windy night...." or some similar type start.

NetFan: One thing I've learned in 23 years in this business is that many folks feel they have a right to be in your face. And, I have to say, I don't mind that, since we're often in the face of those we cover.

Toaste, It looks like Roger was ahead of me in one of my comments to you. I, too, would strongly encourage you to give feedback (the beauty of Post Talk) on stories you feel have not been covered at the level they should have been. I will alert you, as an avid reader/writer in Post Talk, that usually only Roger answers any direct questions.

I would be happy to point one out the next time I see that kind of thing.

Toaste: Understood. I'd say we're share the same objective. I'm sure we occasionally "over-write."

NetFan is right -- I monitor Post Talk frequently and respond often. You're welcome to participate there, where others can observe the discussion.

And Toaste, from personally experience, I will say I have always had a prompt response from either Dean Miller or Roger when I complained about a story, or methods by which it was obtained. I strongly encourage you to use both avenues, let alone the telephone, to contact the senior management of the Post Register when you see things that aren't quite right in an article, or maybe ambigious etc.

What I like about Post Talk, is I find my thoughts are usually shared by others. They may be a little more timid to put their words into that format. And, some people are worried about spelling etc. Roger, how about a spell check?Anyway, I think, Toaste, you may find your remarks will spin off other remarks. It can be a very interesting and educational process, at least for me.

I have done the latter, NetFan. And the response has generally been quite satisfactory. I just was not familiar with the Post Talk option.

Another question. Why do you have an ombudsman for the govoner race? I think most of us have the ability to decide for ourselves if the Post Register is fair or not. From what I've read, the ombudsman is way off course and is only confusing things.

Well, I'm glad you came here tonight to learn more about it. One thing I wish, given the results and power of Post Talk, is that some of the better "threads" could be incorporated later into the print version.

We actually suffer from too little feedback, not too much. That's why we do things like this chat -- we're always interested in hearing from as many people as possible.

Barbie - Good question! If only Jerry Brady didnt keep running for office, as I understand it. But, I defer to Roger.

barbie: When Jerry Brady, who is president of the Post Co. (which owns the Post Register) and a 25 percent owner of the company, decided to run for governor in 2002, it put us in an awkward position, very rare for newspapers.

Modern newspapers, unlike those of the early 20th century and before, try to be objective in their coverage. So how do you cover a campaign that includes your boss?

Jnixon and aavery182 - are you around, can you post? Don't be timid -it looks like I have the most typos to date. So please join in with any thoughts etc. Looks like ccorbin just joined too. Would that be ccorbin as in the feature writer?

I do applaud the PR attempts to be "neutral" in the race for Governor. I think the Ombudsman thing adds a little balance to Marty's viewpoints.

So, among the steps we took then was to hire an independent ombudsman, Lee Warnick (a former reporter and current professor at BYU-I) to write about our work, specifically in covering the campaign. One of the questions we heard later was that we shouldn't have hired our own ombudsman.

Tell your boss your staff is ready to walk out the door if he runs for another office (JUST JOKING :) ).

When Jerry decided to run again in 2006, we turned the hiring of an ombudsman over to an independent committee. Unfortunately, I don't think they did a great job in hiring for this position. Mr. Kunde, in my view, has been disappointing.

Netfan: Were not being timid just monitoring the system to keep the chat up and running.

It's a decision (allowing an independent committee to make this decision) that I now regret. But a deal is a deal, so here we are.

Thanks - I owe you then for letting me enter the process. Except my subscription is paid. I guess I don't owe you but will say I appreciate your efforts very much!

That was to aavery182. SORRY.

NetFan: It's remarkable to me how complicated this process is. Our folks have done a great job with it, and we'll tweak the process for the next one.

Thanks Netfan. We love how much you use the Post Talk, also. It's great to see one of our user promote it so heavily.

I am also wondering why more in-depth reporting on the IPP3 Electric Plant hasn't been forthcoming. Surely, Jackie Flowers would be able to provide some more information. It seems that there is simply no general understanding amongst folks like McFadden and others about how to meet "base loads". While wind, hydro, solar, and conservation are all needed and essential, it is also important to understand that you cannot count on them. I for one do not want to sit in the dark trying to read the PR while waiting for the sun to shine, rain to come, wind to blow, or someone else to shut off their extra lights and appliances.

I think it has been a very positive move for the Post Register to list on the left hand side of the page, both the staff, and more importanty, whom that staff member reports to as well as how to reach their supervisor. Also, I found the ethics page very helpful and interesting. I had no idea prior to reading it the limitations journalists and editors etc. could, or more appropriately, couldn't do in political campaigns.

From what I've read, the ombudsman is extreemly prejeducePlease explain what post talk is....

Gee, thanks aavery182. Is there an emoitcon for a blush?

Toaste: Beyond Paul Menser's original story on IPP3 (and our upcoming editorial on the issue this Sunday), what other information would you be interested in seeing?

May be in future. We'll see.

barbie: I'm not sure Mr. Kunde is prejudiced, but he clearly has a particular political point of view. Post Talk is our message board, which readers with a password can participate on at www.postregister.com.

Post Talk is the 24/7 online way to express your views of what was written. After every online story, there are options about "discuss this story" etc. I can voice what I think, be it about how well a story was or wasn't written, the content that was MISSED, or where I thought the story did exceptionally well. It is at best an exchange of ideas and hopefully broadening horizons for others. WE all bring different areas of expertise to the readership of the PR.

It's not unusual for us to pick up ideas for follow-up stories by checking on Post Talk, and we certainly learn a lot about how to do our jobs better.

I really think it is important to explain how a base load capacity is required. If cheaper or renewable sources are available, use them, but you have to have the capacity somewhere when they are not. Also, the fact that the spot price for electricity can spike (as this summer to $500 per MW-hr) and our buying in pretty much guarantees something nearer $40 (4 cents vs. $0.50 per kw-hr). Folks should understand what that would do to their nice low electric bills in the future.

NetFan: You seem to know a lot about the newspaper. Are you an employee?

Roger, I hope you won't mind if I repeat in my words (not yours) what you wrote in Post Talk a few months ago in answer to something I asked you.Essentially you said the number of online subscriptions for the PR was growing and was at XXXXXX, but you did read what was written and those who wrote there probably got their feedback directed your way a little faster and perhaps a little stronger, than those who write letters to the editor, which have to clear and appear about two weeks after a discussion. Please correct what I didn't say appropriately, Roger. But, your point was those who write in Post Talk are heard by you, if I understood you correctly.

Toaste: I'll pass that along to Dean and Paul. And perhaps we'll address it in our editorial. Our editorial board has not made a final decision on our specific position, but we'll be taking a position on Sunday.

Barbie No, I'm not an employee. I am probably the original, most opinionated "opposition" Roger had to deal with six years ago when I strongy objected to paying for the online version of the PR.

NetFan: Post Talk is more immediate than letters to the editor and interactive, so there's a much better opportunity for give and take. We currently have approximately 1,500 online subscribers.

I actually read something Roger had written elsewhere and his view of why one cannot give information away. Co-owning a small business, he suddenly made a lot more sense to me. So I said to mysef, "sign up for a year and see if he is right?" I think I joined that first year and have renewed my subscription every year since then.

It's safe to say that NetFan was passionately opposed to our online policy, and that he/she has been gracious enough to have changed her/his position. I have spoken to a variety of national newspaper groups on this topic, but I remain in the minority in our subscriber-based web site policy.

Roger, That is good to see the numbers going up. Your point was powerful to me, so I probably remember it in the way that is easiest for me. Please state your view, if you would like, so others may judge for themselves. (DO you remember that exchange? I think it was around Aug.).

Thanks.

I learn from so many who post on Post Talk. There are so many areas in which I have limited to no experience that anytime, say another jouranlist could point out something, I'll rethink the article. I hope that some of the comments I've made over the years.... and it has been years, have benefitted others.

Roger, I am going on extended travel soon. To avoid papers piling up on my doorstep, I requested a suspension in my subscription. Will I still be able to use the on-line version while I am traveling?

NetFan: Well, put simply, a business that gives away its most valuable asset (in our case, local news) will soon not have a business. It's more complicated than that, of course, but that's the gist of my position.

Toaste - I know you asked Roger your question, but becaue I have to travel a lot, I ONLY subscribe to the PR online. I can get it anywhere in the world.

Toaste: If you put your home delivery subscription on vacation hold but have received an online password, you'll be able to continue to use that password while you're away.

Great!!! Thank you again.

And time is one of my most precious commodities (spelling?). So for me, the online version is the best because I read exactly what I want to read and bypass the rest.

By the way, the only material from our print edition that is not included in our online edition is the preprinted insert advertising.

Of course, the online edition also provides access to our archives.

???? what us preprinted insert advertising?

NetFan: The stuff in the middle of the paper from national advertisers -- coupons, slick advertising from places like Circuit City, etc.

NetFan: The only preprinted insert we have online is Parade magazine.

And Parade is a recent addition, which they've provided to newspapers after a number of us began requesting it.

Yes, Roger is right about that - access to the archieves. Probably another point I took him to task about (he is very patient, or at least has been with me!) so ask when you have a suggestion or another view.I complained I couldn't even access my own father's obituary compared to some things that use to be accessible on line. Now, all the stories are accessibe, I think, since 1999? Please correct me, if I'm wrong on that.Now, not only are the obits from 1999 and forward available, if I recall this correctly, even non-subscribers can request an obit from the PR (current day obits) and they will be sent at no fee. PR employes, please correct me if I'm wrong.Barbie, with all my typos and random different thoughts, no way I could work for a newspaper. I'm interested, but one thought sparks six others and away my brain goes.

WE can get parade online now, can't we? It shows up as accessible, I'm simply not interested enough to read it, given the time I have to read.

NetFan: Yes we have full archives back to 1999, and partial archives back to 1990.

Roger, a while ago, I had some information that was a bit embarassing for one of the local organizations, but needed some investigative reporting to verify/expand that information. I called and asked for an "investigative reporter" and was informed the PR did not really do that much. Is that true? Yet I see the Boy Scouts/sex abuse and Kimball Mason stories received a lot of column space. So, what do we do with "hot tips" like that?

Toaste: Hmmmm. We have a long history of investigative journalism. We're probably known more for that than anything else. So, I'm surprised to hear you were told otherwise. If we think there's something out there that our readers would be interested in (or that falls under our obligation to expose corruption or other wrongdoing), we'll go after it.

I could never get to a reporter on that particular story and was pretty well shut down with the receptionist in that case. Perhaps, she/they should be made aware of a contact point for folks calling in like that to which they may be referred.

Toaste: Yes, I'd hate to think that a receptionist is making news judgments for us. If you ever run into a similar obstacle, call or e-mail me and I'll see that you at least get to talk to one of our editors. I'll pass along your experience to Dean.

All: Five-minute warning. We'll be closing the chat in five minutes. I've enjoyed it very much and look forward to doing it again in the future. Any final questions or comments?

She didn't really make the decision, just did not know that "investigative reporting" was within your perview. Thus, she could not refer me to anyone. Glad to know that the PR is wanting such leads in the future.

Toaste: Absolutely. I apologize that you didn't get to talk to the right people.

One final question: the morning delivery is getting later and later. Are we soon going back to an afternoon paper?(Grin!)

Toaste: Ouch! If you're not getting your paper by 7 a.m., please drop me a note or give me a call. I'll forward your information to our circulation people and see what the problem is. Sometimes we have a carrier that is slipping a little or is trying to deliver too many papers.

jnixon- how would I find out if something was "partially available" prior to 1999?

Barbie, Did you get your questions answered?

NetFan: Sorry, I'll add a note.

Roger, I'll save my other concern for another time, as that person doesn't seem to be online.

Seems like it used to come nearer 4 am. Now it is sometimes after 7. Guess I should be taking more advantage of the on-line version when it is late. It has been getting better in the last couple of weeks, so I presume it may have just been the individual carrier.

jnixon - THANKS!

Toaste: Yes, I'm sure that's true, but if it doesn't improve please let me know. And do take advantage of our online edition.

HINT - the online version starts the next day's paper at around 2:00 a.m.

Yes, I got my questions answered... Thanks for askin!

Sure. Please check out Post Talk.

Great!! Thanks all for a great discussion. Sorry if I tended to dominate the discussion.

Thanks to all who participated and the larger number who lurked as guests. We'll let you know when our next chat is. Good evening!