Local Home Town Journal abandons business model

Local Home Town Journal abandons business model

Once perceived a successful business model for local advertisers and readers has been abandoned due to "high cost of postage" according to publisher Laurie Wall.

"The high cost of postage has forced us to discontinue mailing the paper to everyone," said Wall.

The Home Town Journal had once touted mailing its weekly free publication to more than 11,000 homes and businesses throughout Baker, Union, and Bradford counties. Months ago owners announced they would no longer be mailing to P.O. Boxes in these counties. Pick up locations were placed at each post office for those interested in picking up their own copies versus the numerous ones found discarded in post office waste cans.

Laurie Wall announced other changes that would be taking place in her most recent issue on September 5, 2008 including the closing of their conveniently located office on Highway 90 in Glen St. Mary. Now customers will have to reach them by phone, fax, email, and the very element they gave up on, the U.S. mail.

In an attempt to maintain her business, Wall will be placing the Hometown Journal in various pickup locations and is encouraging her readership and advertisers to make the leap to the Internet.