The fate of print journalism is a regular topic around here, because my brother is a reporter for a small paper in upstate New York. Also, for a short time, I considered making a switch from academia to journalism. That's like bailing out of the Titanic to get a lift on the Hindenburg.

Megan pointed to some gruesome figures about the top 25 Daily Newspapers. Megan's probably right. Those 25 papers will probably be whittled down to 3 in the next few years. 

The very local papers, like the one my brother works for, will most likely still be around. Their circulation rates have stayed constant. The Internet hasn't replaced local papers yet. There are very few successful, hyperlocal blogs and websites – none that would replace the regional paper. 

Part of me, the dark part of me that eats with her mouth open, wonders whether or not it matters. Sure, it's bad that smart, talented people can't find work, but I'm not exactly starving for good things to read. I can barely keep up with what I've got.

The Cleveland Plain-Dealer is number 16 on the Daily Newspaper list. It's not a very good newspaper. It's mostly ads and wire stories. What original content they have is thin and boring. Ohio needs excellent coverage of politics in their cities and in the state capital, but it doesn't need reporters giving them original stories on home and garden. People get their sports and entertainment and national news elsewhere. The only thing we need from the Plain Dealer is coverage of state and local affairs. I wonder if they would be more viable, if they reduced their mission.