Let me get this straight, Phillip. You're a blogger. You disseminate information via a blog, which is more effective in providing focused info to people than local newspapers have ever been. The efficiency and speed of information dissemination via the internet are so great that they are putting the older media out of business. And yet you contend that it is only the on-line classified trade that is doing the newspapers in? You don't think bloggers like you, and news accumulation sites (like Reddit, which directed me here to your blog) also bear responsibility? And isn't the evolution of information dissemination a ~good~ thing??? Is getting a paycheck from the Star-Ledger of New Jersey the ~only~ way that Ed Silverman can support his blog?

Philip Dawdy responds: Jack, the reality is that the criaiglists of the world basically swiped 30 to 50 percent of most newspapers' revenues, meaning newspapers cannot cover much of anything anymore. even the nyt is in big trouble. while i get your point about blogs providing more focused coverage of certain issues, i sure don't like the fact that i now scramble to make approximately one-half of the income i did at a newspaper (and only half of that comes from this blog), which wasn't a whole lot to begin with.

I agree this is very sad. He did great and important work. I just have to hope some angel might step in and get the site up and running again -- and while they're at it -- get some joint venture going with you.

Newark Star Ledger has been going through a lot of changes lately, laying of tons of staff, etc. For as long as I have been alive, this is the best paper in New Jersey and set the mark for all the other papers. It even was the featureed paper on "The Sopranos"! I kept my subscription current because of Mr. Silverman.

I just got off the phone with their subscription department and cancelled my subscription. And I am going to call my parents tonight to join me. And anyone else I know who subscribes to get their printed news elsewhere.

One pissed off Jersey Girl. We are going to miss you Ed.

Hi Philip, I came by way of the MedGadget award finalists in which I join you as a Patient Blogger.

Previously unaware of your blog, I will have to check in on you now occasionally. I am a patient living with MS, RA, and depression. Quite a mix.

Pharmalot had become one of my favorite pharmablogs out there and I have enjoyed keeping up-to-date with Ed. He will leave a hole in my feed reader.

It's nice to meet you, though. Keep up the good work.

lisa

Pharmalot will be missed by me!

One of the many who relied on Pharmalot. I did not realize how important it was. As Joanie Mitchell said, "Don't know what you got till it's gone."

Sob!