With the Detroit newspapers about to deliver only three days a week, residents of the Motor City are wondering if people won’t know about their funerals. The Wall Street Journal has the story.

A colleague said the other day that she is trying to be more conscious of what she spends, perhaps scheduling interviews back to back so she cuts down on mileage. Meeting a source for coffee instead of lunch.

The Company accuses us of being insenstive to what is happening in the economy and the industry, but we’re not. (Boy, do we wish you could have been in the off-the-record sessions.) We know times are tough, but gutting a contract isn’t the answer. We’re willing to be reasonable, to offer concessions while protecting our members’ long-term interests.

But the conversation of the other day left us thinking: Do you have suggestions on steps the Company could take to save money? Are there small steps you’ve been taking to reduce expenses?

We’re not looking for sarcasm here. We’re looking for serious thoughts. Please share yours.

The Guild extends its congratulations to George Hearst on his promotion to publisher of the Times Union.

George is known for being affable and approachable, and he knows many, if not most, of the employees on a first-name basis.

He also is well-known for his involvement in the community.

Yes, he’s been the Company’s chief negotiator during these exceedingly difficult contract talks but we are cautiously optimistic he will set a fresh tone now that he is publisher. We look forward to working with George as a partner in keeping the Times Union a vital part of the community for many years to come.