Patch, like anything else, should be scrutinized relentlessly by an active press. As should our local newspapers, and the sweetheart sales tax exemptions many have carved out in their local markets, or the rampant falsification and inflation of circulation figures over the last 10 years.

Kudos to AOL for making a bold play into the local news marketplace, and to those journalists working hard to serve their communities. Shame on newspapers and traditional media companies for squandering yet another opportunity to shape our digital future. And hats off to local bloggers and community publications, most of whom continue their well-familiar roles as underfunded underdogs.

216.161.23.1, would you mind emailing me? Would you like to go on the record? r.hernandez [at] usc.edu

Thanks again.

I’ve already posted this on another site — thought you might find it to be good insight on what it’s really like to be a Patch reporter:

I was just hired by Patch last week as a copywriter and was assigned to write business listings as described in the article. IT IS A JOKE. They estimate that each listing will take you a half an hour. Two listings an hour at $12.50 each equals $25 an hour. Pretty decent freelance money, right?

Well, turns out they are grossly underestimated the time it takes to create a business listing. This is what we have to do, as instructed by AOL:

- Map out the location of the business
- Drive to the business (you

About the question: journalists are paid to ask the questions the general public are afraid or don’t have access to ask. It wasn’t a surprise for anyone coming from LA, the ‘evil’ vibe has been in the air for sure.

Pekka Pekkala