So thrilled to read yet another great article from Fred Bruning. Once Newsday decided to move on from your great column I never thought it would happen. Newspapers in my home growing up were so important. My parents read The Daily News like it was a bible. I grew up in The Bronx one of 8 - no computer - no internet - no iphone. The paper was where we got news, TV listings, store coupons, etc. My parents were advid readers of the paper and books. Thankfully they instilled that in me. The written word is more powerful than any other means of communication. I truly believe this generation is missing out on a very important opportunity to learn and grow from what you read.
Well said, Fred. A fitting subject for your debut newsletter on Substack. As the song goes, I second that emotion. Thanks for mentioning Craig's List, which I often cite as a leading cause of the declining fortunes of newspapers. (That list has also played a role in the deaths of sex workers who used it to advertise, then become victims, as in the Gilgo Beach case.) Hedge funds are another enemy of newspaper health. So are politicians who are passing legislation to remove the requirement that municipalities put paid legal notices in local papers. That legislation will kill yet another revenue stream. Tough days for journalism. Anyway, congratulations on the newsletter.
What a pleasant surprise to see your email in my inbox. I didn’t waste any time and read your essay and found myself smiling, as always. Maybe you can take some extra naps so we readers can get more content. Welcome back!
Great to have you back Fred! Former newspaper man myself, (well I had a Daily News paper route when I was 12, that counts doesn’t it?). While I’ve adapted to the online versions of the papers I read, it is sad to be witnessing the demise of the “dead tree” editions. Like a book (and I will never read one on a computer screen), there is just something special about the printed word on paper that you can hold in your hands.
Molly Ivins once said she didn't mind being part of a dying industry, but it pissed her off that the industry was committing suicide. My own observation is that, on early-morning runs these days, I MIGHT see a newspaper in the driveway of one in 20 houses. At best.
Thanks for finding the time to continue writing your great column, Fred Bruning. And thanks for making it easy to read whenever you file. A real treat for your many fans. Don't know where you find the energy to do everything, but it might have something to do with the five-hamburger lunches you enjoyed as a kid. All that protein is still working its magic.
Glad to see you back “in print” again, Fred!! Your columns are always so enjoyable and insightful!! Thanks for including me in your new invisible ink world!
Thanks a million, Mary Ellen./fb
Nice...alas too good for Newsday.
Sidney
So thrilled to read yet another great article from Fred Bruning. Once Newsday decided to move on from your great column I never thought it would happen. Newspapers in my home growing up were so important. My parents read The Daily News like it was a bible. I grew up in The Bronx one of 8 - no computer - no internet - no iphone. The paper was where we got news, TV listings, store coupons, etc. My parents were advid readers of the paper and books. Thankfully they instilled that in me. The written word is more powerful than any other means of communication. I truly believe this generation is missing out on a very important opportunity to learn and grow from what you read.
Well said, Fred. A fitting subject for your debut newsletter on Substack. As the song goes, I second that emotion. Thanks for mentioning Craig's List, which I often cite as a leading cause of the declining fortunes of newspapers. (That list has also played a role in the deaths of sex workers who used it to advertise, then become victims, as in the Gilgo Beach case.) Hedge funds are another enemy of newspaper health. So are politicians who are passing legislation to remove the requirement that municipalities put paid legal notices in local papers. That legislation will kill yet another revenue stream. Tough days for journalism. Anyway, congratulations on the newsletter.
What a wonderful inbox surprise Fred!! Thanks so much for doing this.
What a pleasant surprise to see your email in my inbox. I didn’t waste any time and read your essay and found myself smiling, as always. Maybe you can take some extra naps so we readers can get more content. Welcome back!
Great to have you back Fred! Former newspaper man myself, (well I had a Daily News paper route when I was 12, that counts doesn’t it?). While I’ve adapted to the online versions of the papers I read, it is sad to be witnessing the demise of the “dead tree” editions. Like a book (and I will never read one on a computer screen), there is just something special about the printed word on paper that you can hold in your hands.
Molly Ivins once said she didn't mind being part of a dying industry, but it pissed her off that the industry was committing suicide. My own observation is that, on early-morning runs these days, I MIGHT see a newspaper in the driveway of one in 20 houses. At best.
Nice, appropriate piece. Naturally.
Fred,
I’m so glad you started another way to read your articles!!!!
Janice T
Thanks, Janice.
Most kind.
Glad you're aboard.
Happy holidays/fb
So happy you have started your Substack writings, Dad!
Thanks for finding the time to continue writing your great column, Fred Bruning. And thanks for making it easy to read whenever you file. A real treat for your many fans. Don't know where you find the energy to do everything, but it might have something to do with the five-hamburger lunches you enjoyed as a kid. All that protein is still working its magic.
So glad you're back!
Glad to see your column appear in my inbox, Fred! Best of luck!
Glad to see you back “in print” again, Fred!! Your columns are always so enjoyable and insightful!! Thanks for including me in your new invisible ink world!
So glad to see you Fred!
Great to have you back.
Huzzah!!! Welcome back, Fred!