It seems that a journalist has been specifically fired based on the number of hits his articles got. In this case, not enough. Dave Jansen by all accounts did a fine job as a reviewer of televisions for PC World magazine, published by IDG. The problem came when the publisher decided to carry on with an online version only and looked at the number of people surfing the television review section. The issue here isn’t that Dave sucked as a writer, only that his readership and hits weren’t big enough. Again, size matters.
The issue is a perfect example of someone, maybe even you, who for reasons beyond your control you might find yourself occupationally repositioned. Not such a big deal but imagine how your self-confidence or self-esteem might be rocked by an event like this. Especially a creative person, like a journalist. And in Dave’s situation, he just got canned on a global basis with the posting on the net.
This is exactly why we all need to be concerned about protecting consumer rights and standing up for people when they face difficult financial times. Dave, whom I’m now using as an example, might very well find himself struggling to land immediately on his feet. He might have had bills and expenses based upon his anticipated income and now, poof.
On top of the emotional struggles that he might face we can now heap on the stress and tension of making ends meet. If, God forbid, Dave was an average bloke that did not have loads of cash laying around in the bank, the upcoming bills might be a bit hard to pay in a few months.
Now let’s heap on collection calls, delinquent notices, the shame of not living up to his payment promises and calls to neighbors, chasing him down. That’s not really going to help Dave feel more secure and confident in getting out there to land a new job, is it? Nope.
You see how this all snowballs? I’ve almost got Dave bankrupt here but I’m using him as just an example. I have no idea what Dave’s real financial situation is, but Dave, if you need help, contact me.
Dave isn’t one of the evil consumers that creditors portray as “intentionally ripping off credit card companies”. Dave is just a neighbor and nice guy that found himself without enough clicks. Of course, maybe if he had a better beat or wrote more gory headlines, his readership might have been up. I can see it now, “Television kills 3 between 18-24 in massive MTV advert fireball. Two left naked in porn pose” Now Dave, that’s how you write a headline to appeal to the target demographic.
And why is the younger age group the target, because they spend more and not maxed out yet like their parents. If middle aged people had more disposable money, we’d be the sexy ones on TV. But I digress.
In the world I want to create for all of us, creditors would be reasonable and understanding in allowing Dave and others to participate in a payment plan that allows people to get back on their feet with care and compassion and rebuild income streams and then resume regular payments. Unfortunately that is not the way the world works now. In the world today, once Dave falls behind on his payments his creditors will begin to ratchet up the collection pressure at the very same time Dave will be looking for a job.
The other important part of the article is that it falls into place with all the buzz words I’ve heard recently about new world media, unbundling old media, iTV, etc. It is a bit like when old fashioned typesetters were decimated by the advent of the PC and laser printer. It wasn’t their fault, it just happened.
In today’s world, if journalists are employed by hits and clicks, some will be repositioned, and you don’t want to know what position that is. Beyond their control they will be faced with writing for employment rather than writing for information, ethical journalism, or the rounded voice of the media outlet.
It is important to fight for fair treatment of all consumers that face financial problems simply because you don’t know when you are going to get your unexpected turn in the barrel, like Dave did.
* Thanks for the article link @mobasoft.
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