Yes, perhaps a strange headline to type as AOL continues to struggle with profitability for its ambitious hyperlocal Patch operation.
Yes, perhaps a strange headline to type after open-mike oddities during a recent staff call announcing cutbacks.
And, sure, some folks love to chortle on Facebook when they find the occasional very, very local, nonsensical story on a neighborhood Patch site. But, after a career in the business, I can certainly recall a few odd and stupid stories I wrote; it happens.
Glass houses, and all, you know.
Hyperlocal is a more-than-challenging business. Many great efforts have fallen flat, run out of money, been halted too early or hit a dead-end for any number of other reasons. But the bottom line is the same – success is hard to find.
So here is one clear point of success for Patch. I’m pretty sure it was not in the AOL game plan, or one of the top 5 to-do items on a stickie.
It came almost by accident, as Patch rose to its initial prominence in the years after the newspaper industry started cratering, and shedding folks with experience (aka, higher salaries).
Those who had worked in “traditional newsrooms” had nowhere to turn, no digital skills, no way to learn.
Many turned to Patch, at significantly lower paying jobs.
What Patch gained was deep experience at bargain pay rates.
What the former “traditional” journalists gained was an indoctrination to a digital world that many had not had in their previous jobs.
As Patch continues to struggle with it finances and closes sites, many of these experienced journalists are once again out working the very grim newspaper job market, made grimmer by the fact that they are older than the average applicant.
But at least they are now equipped with a better-than-rudimentary digital knowledge, and a lengthy and solid journalistic resume, significant value.
And also equipped with at least a bit of confidence and optimism, and some digital learnings they didn’t get earlier.
Here’s a former Patch-er friend saying goodbye on Facebook:
“I’m not working for Patch anymore.
“I was laid off yesterday after serving two years as a local editor …
“The job was a good thing, mainly because it gave me a chance to meet people in the community I wouldn’t have met otherwise. Thanks to all who helped me along the way.
“Patch also turned out to be a great professional opportunity. After working decades as a reporter/editor for newspapers, Patch allowed me (they even paid me!) to learn 21st century social media skills. Thanks, Patch.
“Last, thanks to the colleagues who helped, advised and encouraged me. Some of you guys also got walking papers yesterday, but don’t worry. Good things are waiting for all of us.”