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New Funding Model for Tyee

Bold tactic could redefine independent media.

David Beers 1 Apr 2008TheTyee.ca

David Beers, founding editor of The Tyee, is an idea man. To achieve economic efficiencies, the actual writing of this editorial was outsourced to The Steve Burgess Group and its offshore affiliates.

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As The Tyee looks ahead to another exciting season of top-notch political and cultural observation, we would like to update our faithful readership on some exciting new ideas. Changes are coming that will help us provide the kind of intelligent alternative that you crave.

As many of you know, finding stable funding for an independent online magazine like The Tyee poses a challenge. We believe we have found an exciting new solution to this perennial problem -- a strategy we call "Enhanced News." Here's how it might work:

Let's say we run a report on the current scandal involving former solicitor general John Les and possible dubious land deals in Chilliwack. Our story might read:

"The B.C. Criminal Justice Branch confirmed that it is examining whether former officials at Chilliwack City Hall, 'improperly benefited from any commercial transactions involving land developers.' But there is nothing improper about the deals you can find at O'Connor Chrysler Jeep Eagle on Yale Road in Chilliwack, home of honest bargains on great new and used vehicles."

Another example:

"Mayor Sam Sullivan's 'ecodensity' concept has drawn intense criticism from some community activists. While no one disputes that density is positive when it involves the densely packed, mouth-watering chocolate chips in every muffin at Schwartz Brothers' Bakery, community planners are not convinced that Sullivan's plan is a good one."

In this way, The Tyee will continue to bring you breaking news on important stories while developing a solid base of funding with local product placement associates. We believe that such inserts will be helpful not only to The Tyee, but also to our readership. After all, staying well informed has many components. Politics and culture are important, but so are the money-saving bargains you will find every day at Wonderbucks on Commercial Drive in Vancouver.

That's right, friends -- our Enhanced News concept is already at work. We look forward to a bold future in which The Tyee will continue to inform and entertain while Tyee staffers will be able to go out to a few decent restaurants for a change. That's good news for everybody. As Tyee staffers feel more comfortable about rent payments and rising fuel prices, they will be free to concentrate on making The Tyee as good as it can be. With your continued support, we will keep you up to date on the issues that matter, whether it's provincial politics, environmental policy, or the new two-for-one family package at Best Western Hotels. Your comfort is our business.  [Tyee]

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