Campus Newspapers

Okay, I have to admit that I am a newspaper junkie. Real live newspapers though, not the on-line version, although I do read them, as well.

That said, I thought it was a neat idea, although pricey, when the free newspaper program was kicked off. I would have thrown the Chicago Trib in there instead of USA Today, but hey, that is just me. Yep, I know the program is from USA Today but it isn't like a trademarked program......

I had my doubts how successful it would be and have continually noted that even later at night in Reeve and in Clow, there usually is a pretty good stack of available newspapers particularly the JS and NYT. Why the USA Today runs out I can't imagine.

That said, I'm surprised at the little machines dispensing the newspapers. There didn't seem to be an issue with there not being enough papers to go around, at least in my little haunts. Were we having non-students go into dorms, the Rec Center etc to get a free newspaper? Was there really a problem?

I'm sure somewhere, somehow, part of UW Oshkosh paid for the machines. How much? They don't look cheap. Reminds me of the old story about a men's razor company (Gillette?). They had the idea that they didn't sell razors, that they sold razor blades, hence they damn near gave away the razors for free so one would buy the blades.

Is that what happened conversely with the machines? Did UW Oshkosh get in to a program to get out newspapers for free (fairly inexpensively) and then got stuck buying these white elephant machines?

Anyone know truly how much they cost or what the issue is?