Oregon Media Insiders

Lynn, I think EVERYONE in Portland media wants the Trib (and KPAM) to succeed, or at least survive. No one in their right mind wants all those jobs to suddenly evaporate and dump all those talented (and semi-talented) people on the market. Consequently, the thing that a lot of us criticize about Pamplin is that he has never quite been able to commit to the Tribune in a way that would allow it to become truly competitive. Time and time again over the past seven years the paper has announced big expansions, new features and hiring staff-ups with great fanfare (the latest was just last fall), only to reverse themselves a few months later and lay those people off. No wonder a lot of the blogosphere reaction is bitter. The comically absurd spin that always accompanies these cutbacks ("we are pleased to announce ...") only invites further derision. They really should have more respect for their readers' intelligence.