A Conversation Regarding LandWatch.com and NewWest.Net

Real Estate

A Conversation Regarding LandWatch.com and NewWest.Net

By Jonathan Weber , 2-13-08

NewWest.Net this week announced a deal with LandWatch.com to provide real estate listings on our site. Some members of our community are not happy about that.

We see LandWatch as a next-generation real estate service which has some great technology and great information, but in regard to this conversation it's not really different in kind from the thousands of other companies that are in the property business. And, we see the LandWatch listings on our site as akin to the classified advertising for real estate that every publication under the sun has always had, and a useful service to many readers.

It's also a simple reality that NewWest.Net is a free service, but it is not free to produce. We have to make money to do the journalism we do, and we do that via advertising and deals such as this one.

So, below, we'd love to hear your thoughts on this deal with these issues in mind. And, we ask that you try to keep the conversation civil and most importantly, constructive.

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By Jonathan Weber , 2-13-08 | comments (11) | email story | print story

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Comments

By Bill Croke, 2-13-08

Jonathan, I rest my case. Bill.

By Robert Hoskins, 2-13-08

Jonathan

Well, it seems that the reasoning is, if others are doing it and profiting from it, so we might as well get in on the act too, since we need the money.

An analogy might be, since there's already a fire, then another tossed match won't hurt.

Technically, this is true, but it does ignore the moral and ecological concerns over selling Montana, Wyoming, etc.

In any case, it exemplifies one of the great things about capitalism: we all sink into the moral morass together, and drag the doubters along too.

RH

By Scott, 2-13-08

I'm just very fustrated with this site in that it pulls the rope for whomever wants to pay of advertising. It begs the question, what the hell does this site stand for anymore? Ads for Campaign for American Wilderness, conservation groups...yet it's also slammed with real estate, development, develpment conferences...I know you will say we are trying to bridge a gap and find common ground where we can have both, but WTF. I thought this was a cool, local missoula site when it first came to Msla a while back. It's sad...Sorry Jonathan, but that is how I and many of my friends view this thing. Get back to journalism...oh wait, that doesn't pay for shit.

By Mr. Twister, 2-13-08

Scott- After a couple glasses of pinot last night I read the info about the ads and sent off a stupid, insulting reply to Jonathan. But here's the thing, money talks bullshit walks. Every rag out there prints real estate ads, MT Mag, High Country News, you name it. So what. Just because you moved to or grew up in the west doesn't count for squat unless you live in a tent with the clowns at BFC. This ain't the bible and it damn sure ain't your rag.

By Craig Moore, 2-13-08

Robert hits the nail squarely on the head...except it will be a capitalistic solution that keeps things going. New West can't exist in a financial vacuum. Perhaps New West will create a voluntary contributions mechanism from its readers while seeking other advertisers. Until then, I hope New West holds it together by whatever legal means.

By Another Scott (in Arkansas), 2-13-08

I think it's hilarious to hear you lucky NIMBYs whine. It's an age-old, predictable response by those of you that already live in "The Last Great Place", regardless of where you fall on the political spectrum. You think this e-paper is selling out? Why do you think there was a niche and a need for journalism about the "New West"? Because everyone is moving there! The reality and truth is, whoever owned your personal piece of paradise "sold out" too when you bought it. Want to reduce the environmental impact to the fragile ecosystems of the "New West"? Leave! and take 3 people with you.
(PS- Howdy to the Davemeister in Butte. If you're reading, we need you back!)

By Dave, 2-14-08

Until we go to a full communist state where no one but the government owns property, people will need to buy and sell real estate. If they are going to buy/sell, what better place to find that info than the Web? The Nat'l Assoc of Realtors says 85% of the buyers use the web in the process of buying their home. I'd much rather have realtors post their information on sites like Landwatch where they don't have to use nasty glues/chemicals, cut down trees, etc. to produce magazines and newspapers filled with real estate listings. In fact, I read where the largest real estate companies are cutting back their newspaper ads and putting URLs in much smaller ads sending the reader to their website. Bravo to them.

I hear there are some fine domiciles in North Korea where you wouldn't have to worry about this nasty buying and selling of real estate. New West -- keep up the great work!

By Robert Hoskins, 2-14-08

Jonathan

Well, it doesn't take very long for the jerks to show up, does it? For about a year, I quit commenting on New West because I was tired of the jerks, then I decided to get involved again because of bison, but quite frankly, I'm thinking of quitting again for good. I do have better things to do.

RH

By Mike, 2-20-08

Ok, I have an ad for the KKK that I would like to submit to NewWest for advertisment...would you accept my money and put a little link on your page for me? Of course not right? Because NewWest doesn't believe in the things that this organization stands for...integrity right? So whats the difference in selling out to a bunch of advertisers that contridict each other and in the larger picture contridict your mission statement? I'm confussed with this whole site...

By Rick, 2-20-08

Pay the bills is not the fun part. I can understand the philosophical argument against real estate ads and moreso content geared toward a warm fuzzy development picture but I accept tradeoffs of some of that for the rest New West brings based on mission / shared interests with the readership.

New West is drifting slowly northwest (and to print for ads people wil pay enough for). Maybe it makes sense to drift even further northwest and tap the stories and advertising options of Washington, mor eof Oregon, even BC? Are Salt Lake City and Boise contributing enough to advertsing base? Probably an inside the office discussion but I've wondered about it.

By Rick, 2-20-08

You have too given the drift so I not saying anything new but I am noting it publically, perhaps for elaboration if you wish.

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