🚀 go-pugleaf

How I Started a Newspaper Without Money

I was able to start a paper without capital because, like a lot of people, I 
already had most of the equipment I needed. I had a very small computer that 
was barely able to run the software I needed to run.  I had an inexpensive 
scanner, a laser printer, and some useful software.

I also had a small space in my little house to use as a press room. The 
missing equipment was a light table (which you may not even need today, 
since everything can now be put on a disk, or even sent by email to the 
print shop. I had no money, so I built my own light table.

When I went out my first week, I had no money for any of the above expenses. 
I had just quit my job in order to start the newspaper. So as I visited 
businesses in my area, I sold ideas and space for ads and collected my fee 
in advance. I collected money for every ad I sold. And then I used that cash 
to pay all my expenses, and to pay for other needs I had, such as rent and 
food.

I repeated that process every issue.  I would spend a couple of days going 
around to sell ads, and then I would use the money to produce the newspaper. 
The other days I spent building ads, interviewing people, taking pictures 
and writing up the stories for the paper.

As each issue of the paper was published, people were so pleased that it 
became easier and easier to sell ads each time I went around. And then 
businesses from other towns, and the nearby cities also wanted to place ads 
in our paper.

Bartering works, too.

For some ads I would simply trade the advertising for something I needed, 
such as a camera or a few nights in a motel room, or for film processing (a 
big expense for me in those days).  You may find it easy to barter for all 
kinds of things. But be careful to always collect enough money to take care 
of all expenses.

----------------------------------

"How I Started a Newspaper Without Money" is posted online here: 
http://www.newspaper-info.com/nomoney.htm

This information is part of an entire "online seminar" that details how I 
started and ran a small newspaper that covered two small towns and other 
remote communities, and includes observations and information for others who 
wish to have a newspaper publishing business.  I've posted all the 
information, free of charge.  You will also find pages listing additional 
resources, including newspaper associations and sources.

While a good formal education is valuable, I don't believe anyone should 
allow their lack of education to hold them back from following and realizing 
their dreams.  I started and operated my paper without a journalism 
background, without newspaper experience, and without ever having even sold 
a single ad.  If I can do it, chances are good that you can too.

You can learn all about my experiences and the things I learned, and maybe 
profit by them.


Jim Sutton
Newspaper Business Online Seminar: www.newspaper-info.com

Free 2007 Calendar: www.jimsgraphix.com/lowcal.htm