Classroom

By Jim Stasiowski Boredom alert: Much of this column is about two activities that some people (mostly intellectual snobs) have little or no interest in: golf and television. If you’re a journalist, however, I already have enticed you into reading more because you’re curious about how I am going to …

By Al Cross Last month’s column was a warning that the attack on journalism by certain actors on the public stage is having an effect on community newspapers, and that social media are driving readers to spend more time with national news than with local news. How can community papers …

Start with the letter E! By Peter W. Wagner Founder and publisher of The N’West Iowa REVIEW The challenge of selling newspaper, shopper and magazine ads can turn into an exasperating experience. There are moments when everything and everyone seems to be working against you. You hit the street early, …

There are commonalities and that could be a good thing Peter W, Wagner, Founder, The N’West Iowa REVIEW The March edition of FORTUNE magazine forecasts a difficult future for America’s department stores. From total sales of $230 billion in the 1990s. the figure dropped to $155 billion last year. “But …

By Kevin Slimp Two weeks ago, I found myself awake at 3 a.m., unable to get back to sleep. After tossing and turning for more than an hour, I decided I might as well get some work done. Checking my messages and social media, I quickly found I wasn’t the …

By Jim Stasiowski If I call you “a meticulous journalist,” will you smile or slug me? To me, “meticulous” means extremely careful, being certain each step is researched and considered thoroughly. Meticulous reporters and editors deserve raises. The Webster’s New World College Dictionary, Fifth Edition, recognized by the Associated Press …

By Jim Stasiowski It took 12 tries by an equal number of people before someone finally succeeded in explaining to me how tax-increment financing (known as TIF) works. Maybe 15 tries. Even before I fully understood TIF, I knew it was a way that a government uses tax money to …

This program will be a fast-paced session focused on three key skills for you and your team: Negotiate smarter, not harder. Negotiate on value, not on price. Win more and lose less in sales! This webinar will be applicable to leaders and sellers, who must negotiate to close deals, renew …

The newspaper industry has had a lot of success protecting public notice in the state legislatures, but collectively we’re on the defensive. Our opponents are more motivated than ever and increasingly sophisticated in their arguments. Every newspaper must play a role in this fight. This session will focus on the …