Finding comfort when there isn't any to be found...the joy of being sold

[Cassandra Hood]

After what seems to be a downward spiral at Cox, we were told yesterday that Cox is selling a majority of their papers. They will be keeping The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The Palm Beach Post and their paper in Dayton. So it seems that they are selling approximately 27 papers, mine included. And only three weeks ago, they were talking about moving us into a brand new building, the land had been bought; for goodness sakes, they were choosing color schemes for the bathrooms. And then the dreary day came when our publisher announced that due to the current economic environment, it just wasn't "smart" to go on with buying a new press and building a new building. We took it in stride, as much as we could. Then we found out that the AJC was getting a very expensive new press, one that would cost Cox the amount that our new building would have cost. I know that I am new to this whole business, but that stung a little. Add to that pile, yesterday's announcement. We are for sale.
It is hard not to sound like I am whining about the situation. It is hard for all of us to sound like we aren't just a bunch of whiners. But where do you find hope when there doesn't seem any to be found? I am trying to stay positive and believe that things will turn out OK, but in that attempt, I feel like I am being a little naive. I knew the state of the newspaper world long before I even decided to join it. Even so, it seems that this tiny paper in Grand Junction would miss all of the layoffs, they would be exempt from the torments that took larger city papers by storm.
What is hard to grasp is why Cox has decided to sell off the papers that are turning a profit in favor of keeping the three papers that seem to be leaching their money. The short of it, I think, is that it will be a whole lot easier to sell papers that are profitable than not, but many people have speculated otherwise. Which is again, where it is hard to find hope. I know it is a journalist's nature to be pessimistic, but is there room for optimism in the newsroom too? I love what I do. This is the path that I want to be on, but is it better to jump ship now and try to find another job, or is it better to stick with The Sentinel and wait to see what happens after we are sold?
Is there any way to find comfort and hope where there isn't any to be found?

[Darla Cameron]

I'm so sorry, Cassandra! I'm from Grand Junction and interned at the Sentinel after high school- it's a tough little paper. I know it's hard to be optimistic, but I'm glad you have faith on the town and people. The town needs the Sentinel, and I think they know that. Give my absolute best to Denny, Mike Wiggins and everyone there.

[Connie Beard]

It's disheartening to hear of a newspaper being sold — doubly so when you used to read that very paper. I grew up on the western slope of Colorado and Grand Junction's The Sentinel was THE paper of choice.

I've been through a few sell-offs myself and realize it is not an easy thing to get through. My thoughts? Look around and keep all your options open. Stash some moving funds away now, and if you end up staying in Grand Junction, have dinner at the Pufferbelly Station (it is still there, isn't it?)

[Tim Summers]

Stay agile. Keep your portfolio and resume updated and your eyes/ears peeled for opportunities. Other than that, look at it as an opportunity to do new stuff. When Gannett sold The Detroit News to Media News Group, we suddenly had a new found freedom to do better, bigger, louder visuals than the previous publisher allowed. In turn, we're having more fun and producing better work. On the other hand, I fully understand your apprehension for what's next. I've seen a lot of changes over the years. You just have to remain current. Online seems to be the latest trend. Hang in there