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Randy Cassingham's BlogHistorical Details and Author's Notes from This is True®
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Another Independent Content Site: RIP?
When I talk about how independent sites like True need your direct and ongoing support, I'll often emphasize that all independent sites need such support; if you like "them" (whoever "they" might be), you need to support them so they can continue. And indeed one of the oldest, most venerable content sites has stopped publishing and is in very real danger of failing completely.
Free Weird Newsletter
It's one you've probably heard of. Like True, the Top Five list has been publishing since 1994, but it ceased publishing new content in August.
That's a tragedy.
Right now, my friend Chris White is struggling to get things going again, and is selling nifty ad spots on his home page to get the funds to do it. I did buy some squares, but I'm not suggesting that you have to do that (but it'll help!) He also has a "premium" type subscription, but you don't have to do that necessarily either (but it'll help!)
You can also help by signing up for the Letterman-like humor lists (for now, you'll get classic "best-of" content). You can help by spreading the word about his unique, independent content. How? Like many have done for True, you can forward their free newsletters to friends with your recommendation. You can put links on your blog or web site. (Or Twitter page, or Facebook page, or MySpace page, or....)
Again, all independent content sites, not just True, truly do need your help to compete against the media giants. If you don't help, the little guys can and will fail, leaving you only with content from the media giants -- and in that world, we all lose.
I look forward to your comments on this -- or your favorite story about Top Five.
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Most Recent Comments
Posted by Donna Burton, Schenectady, NY on October 21, 2008:
I found Top 5 through True originally and have been a subscriber to both for several years now. I have several reasons for hoping to see Top 5 resurrect:
1) I enjoy the lists and marvel at how Chris can come up with such creative topics 2) I absolutely *love* participating when he has a reader's submission topic and seeing my name "in print" if he uses my contribution; 3) the wacky websites people come up with for "Too much fun links of the day" 4) I'd hate to see Chris stuck living in his parent's basement *forever* and last, but not least 5) I just bought a "lifetime" subscription--not having any idea said life would be cut so short...
Posted by Mark, Ridgewood NJ on October 23, 2008:
Randy, I want to thank you for reminding me of this site.
I had been a subscriber for a number of years, but I changed ISPs a few times and lost track of it. I even have a folder in "Outlook" where I kept some of my favorite columns.
I resubscribed using one of my web based addresses so I'll get it as long as Chris keeps sending it. I will be forwarding a few (free) columns to friends and family so they can enjoy it and hopefully subscribe themselves.
Posted by Doug Frank, Crosby, Texas on October 25, 2008:
And thank YOU for your support, Randy! ThisIsTrue and Top5 are both wonderful sites, and are great examples of the empowerment of the internet that allows creative individuals to make their mark (and a difference for others) in this crazy world. I think the fact that both have been online since 1994 (pause and reflect on that: NINETEEN NINETY-FOUR, kids!) testifies to their basic soundness and importance. The loss of these (or other sites like them) would be truly tragic.
And to paraphrase a wise man: the only thing required for this tragedy to occur would be for "...good men to do nothing". Guys like you and Chris White are the standard-bearers providing hope for the rest of us, and reminders that independent/small business is the backbone of America.
Keep up the great work, and good luck! Oh...and screw mega-corporate mediocrity and homogeneity!