Tom Luxsox Coins

Washington Commemorative

What do the established media companies have that upstart online companies and bloggers don't? Massive archives of content - decades of material. How can this be leveraged to make more money and fund the newsrooms producing new content?

The other thing established newspapers and magazines have is a recognizable brand. More on that later.

Idea # 1: Provide business information services - compete with LexisNexis

I don't know exactly how LexisNexis works. I assume they license archives from the New York Times and others. So this is already a revenue stream for the papers who sell content to Nexis.

But what if they fired the middleman and expanded their offerings? Gannet, AP, Reuters, the New York Times, the Washington Post Company, and a few other companies could find ways to offer a lot of value. The Time's open search API is interesting, and the possible start of "newspapers as platforms."

They'd have to compete head-on with Google (I assume Nexis already is) to provide premium business with premium access programs and meaningful search systems. Business intelligence companies might be good acquisition targets. The key to success here will be not in just dumping tons of raw data on companies, but finding unique and useful ways to sort it and find value in it. Which is exactly what newspapers are supposed to be doing for the public.

There's a conflict of interest potential here, but I'm not sure having a few big "business information service" clients is any worse a conflict than having a few big advertisers.

Idea # 2: Offer archival material - maybe personalized

Time has a publicly accessible online archive of all their articles all the way back to their beginnings in 1923, including covers. This seems really smart since they can run ads on all these millions of pages (I don't know if they make more than way than by selling to Nexis and similar databases, or if offering everything up for free like that prohibits them from also selling to databases). They also have special collections based around particular themes or people, like World War II and Johnn Lennon.

The New Yorker sells a DVD of their complete archives. I don't know if there's any sort of topical sorting features on the DVD to help you find stuff based around a theme.

But here's an idea: Couldn't Time,The New Yorker, and any other magazine or newspaper with sufficiently deep and archives and quality content sell hard cover commemorative books and/or slipcase editions on topics of special interest to collectors (like WWII, John Lennon, JFK, Marilyn Monroe). Books of photos, stories, covers, etc.

I'm sure a few such thing already exist, but it seems there could be quite a market for such products.

When Time published their archives my friend and Buckminster Fuller historian Trevor Blake went through their archives to read everything they had ever published about Bucky. I don't know if there would be a huge market for, say, a Harper's Buckminster Fuller Archive but it gives me another idea: media companies could partner with print on demand services like Lulu to sell special customized archives of material from their archives. Build a simple interface to let people drag and drop text and pictures into a template and charge them a premium for a nice hardbound collection of material. Maybe even let them make their customized books available for sale and cut them in on the profit.

Idea 3: re-invent the online classified

There's only so much leverage a small local paper or alt-weekly can get out of its archives. But they do still have their brand names. So whatever online offerings they may have will probably draw a lot of attention - the trick is to monetize it.

Papers have been complaining that Craig's List killed their classifieds, and are therefore killing their papers. I've got news for them: Craig's List is far from perfect. It's ugly. It's been years since there's been any significant improvement (since the addition of RSS feeds I'd say).

There's plenty of room for local papers to compete with Craig's List. They just don't want to have to give the bulk of their classifieds out for free. Why not? Craig's List changed the game (actually, eBay did even before that), so it's time for papers to start playing it. Simply Hired and Indeed compete with CL for job listings. OK Cupid competes with them for personals. Cars.com competes with them for auto listings. Get in the game.

Select Alternatives is making some headway here, offering online personal sites for alt. weeklies. The Portland Mercury uses 'em and I've heard very good things.

Hint: there are major opportunities in geolocative services.

Conclusion

In short: papers should be acquiring and partnering with tech companies, and hiring innovative software developers. There are plenty of untapped markets that newspapers are in a unique position to take advantage of if they're willing to experiment and innovate before it's too late.

Klint Finley writes and blogs about new media, technology, and marketing among other things on his weird blog Renegade Futurist. He graduated from the Evergreen State College in 2003, where he studied Communications and Mass Media. He started his first blog in 1999 and has been blogging ever since.

Commemorative Medallion Made of Plaster and Depicts the State of Washington Seal $49.99 James Wehn Commemorative Medallion Made of Plaster and Depicts the State of Washington Seal - Giclee Print

Washington Nationals Park 24KT Gold Commemorative Coin $39.99 The Highland Mint commemorates the New home of The Washington Nationals minting a "Nationals Park" 24KT Gold overlay proof commemorative Coin. Each Coin measures 39mm in diameter and is minted with the Nationals Park on the front and the Washington Nationals Team Logo on the back. Each coin is protected in an acrylic capsule to preserve its condition as well as delivered in a black velour jewelry box and accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. Limited Edition 5000 and Officially Licensed by MLB.

American Coin Treasures Colorized Washington Commemorative Half Dollar Coin Keychain $106.01 This Washington Commemorative Half Dollar Keychain displays a 1982 coin made of 90% silver celebrating the 250th anniversary of the birth of George Washington. Beautifully colorized by American Coin Treasures, this legendary coin is set in a handsome chrome key ring that features a handy mirror on the back.

Washington Nationals 24kt Gold And Color Team Commemorative Coin $34.95 Washington Nationals 24kt Gold And Color Team Commemorative Coin The Highland Mint has struck a 24KT Gold plated coin with the center embedded with the Nationals team logo in color! This unique coin combining Color and the beauty of 24KT Gold is individually numbered on the reverse and protected in an acrylic capsule to preserve its condition. The commemorative coin is delivered in a black velour hinged jewelry box and accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. Limited Edition of 5000 and officially licensed by MLB.

New York Times George Washington Commemorative John Trumbull Reprint $249.44 This officially licensed reproduction of The New York Times picture section on February 21, 1915, 'General George Washington at Trenton' is displayed under blue matting. This commemorative piece is set in a 20-inch x 16-inch espresso wood frame.Brand: American Coin TreasuresModel: 50050Officially licensed reproduction of The New York Times picture section on February 21, 1915, 'General George Washington at Trenton' Displays the historical painting by John TrumbullThe sepia tone reprint is displayed under blue mattingSet in a 20-inch x 16-inch espresso wood frameFrame also houses two (2) Washington stamps and a commemorative Silver Half DollarThe commemorative 90-percent silver half dollar was minted in 1982 and features Mount Vernon on the reverse and George Washington on the obverseA Certificate of Authenticity is included

Highland Mint Washington Redskins Framed Stadium Photo and Commemorative Coins $89.99 Display your team pride with this framed stadium photo and gold-plated commemorative team and NFL coins. The 13" x 16" frame with glass provides durability.

Washington Huskies 24KT Gold Commemorative Coin from The Highland Mint $34.95 The 24KT Gold plated College Commemorative Coin measures 39mm in diameter featuring the Washington Huskies Logo on the front and the Official University Seal on the reverse. Each coin is individually numbered on the edge making this a true collectible that will last forever. A Limited Mintage of 10,000 each coin is protected in a hard acrylic capsule delivered in a black suede jewelry box and accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity.

Washington State Cougars 24KT Gold Commemorative Coin from The Highland Mint $34.95 The 24KT Gold plated College Commemorative Coin measures 39mm in diameter featuring the Washington State Cougars Logo on the front and the Official University Seal on the reverse. Each coin is individually numbered on the edge making this a true collectible that will last forever. A Limited Mintage of 10,000 each coin is protected in a hard acrylic capsule delivered in a black suede jewelry box and accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity.

Washington Redskins Commemorative 48 x 60 Tapestry Throw Blanket $33.95 Show some NFL spirit with one of our Commemorative woven Tapestries. These heirloom quality throws are a tribute to American craftsmanship. Throughout history, tapestries have commemorated special events. Now you can own a tapestry celebrating the Washington Redskins championship wins. Each victory year is listed in bold detail for all to see. Use it as a room accent, bed covering, throw blanket or wall-hanging. Tapestries are approx. 48" x 60" with fringes on all sides

Washington Nationals 24KT Gold and Color Team Commemorative Coin $39.99 The Highland Mint has struck a 24KT Gold plated coin with the center embedded with the Nationals team logo in color! This unique coin combining Color and the beauty of 24KT Gold is individually numbered on the reverse and protected in an acrylic capsule to preserve its condition. The commemorative coin is delivered in a black velour hinged jewelry box and accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. Limited Edition of 5000 and officially licensed by MLB.

Washington Redskins Super Bowl Commemorative Hat $24.99 This beautifully embroidered hat celebrates every year your team has won the championship. Features dual logos, and adjustable hook and loop closure. One size fits most.

Washington Redskins NFL Super Bowl Commemorative Woven Tapestry Throw (48x60") $34.05 Washington Redskins NFL Super Bowl Commemorative Woven Tapestry Throw (48x60") This loom woven triple layer tapestry throw blanket is fringed on all 4 sides. This blanket can be used at the game; on a picnic; in the bedroom; or cuddle under it in the den while watching the game. Use it as a room accent; bed covering; throw blanket or wall hanging. They are easy to care for; and are machine washable and dryable. This blanket is made of 100% acrylic. Actual item will vary from image.

Highland Mint WNCOLGK WASHINGTON NATIONALS 24KT GOLD AND COLOR TEAM COMMEMORATIVE COIN $45.44 The Highland Mint has struck a 24KT Gold plated coin with the center embedded with the Nationals team logo in color This unique coin combining Color and the beauty of 24KT Gold is individually numbered on the reverse and protected in an acrylic capsule to preserve its condition. The commemorative coin is delivered in a black velour hinged jewelry box and accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. Limited Edition of 5000 and officially licensed by MLB. Team: Washington Nationals. Mintage 5000. Sport: Baseball

Highland Mint NPGPMK Nationals Park 24KT Gold Commemorative Coin $45.44 The Highland Mint commemorates the New home of The Washington Nationals minting a Nationals Park 24KT Gold overlay proof commemorative Coin. Each Coin measures 39mm in diameter and is minted with the Nationals Park on the front and the Washington Nationals Team Logo on the back. Each coin is protected in an acrylic capsule to preserve its condition as well as delivered in a black velour jewelry box and accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. Limited Edition 5000 and Officially Licensed by MLB. Team: Washington Nationals. Mintage 5000. Sport: Baseball

Nationals Park 24KT Gold Commemorative Coin from The Highland Mint $34.95 The Highland Mint commemorates the new home of The Washington Nationals minting a "Nationals Park" 24KT gold overlay proof commemorative coin. Each coin measures 39mm in diameter and is minted with the Nationals Park on the front and the Washington Nationals team logo on the back. Each coin is protected in an acrylic capsule to preserve its condition as well as delivered in a black velour jewelry box and accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. Limited edition of 5000 and officially licensed by MLB.

Commemorative #15 $249.99 Patrick Nagel Commemorative #15 - Serigraph

Commemorative #11 $249.99 Patrick Nagel Commemorative #11 - Serigraph

Commemorative, 1986 $249.99 Patrick Nagel Commemorative, 1986 - Serigraph

Commemorative #6 $249.99 Patrick Nagel Commemorative #6 - Serigraph

Commemorative #12 $249.99 Patrick Nagel Commemorative #12 - Serigraph

9/11 Commemorative Box Set $13.99 9/11 Commemorative Box Set

Notorious BIG - Commemorative $9.99 Notorious BIG - Commemorative - Poster

Highland Mint WS10GK World Series 2010 Commemorative 24KT Gold Coin $48.88 The Highland Mint is a full service mint that was established in the early 1980 s. With stateoftheart facilities housed in a 45 000 square foot building in Melbourne Florida our complete services allow us to take any job from start to finish. Inhouse abilities include layout and design sculpting and die making processing of precious and nonprecious metals stock tooling of different shapes and sizes minting framing mat cutting laser etching plus packaging and fulfillment services. An NFL Commemorative Coin minted with your team logo on the front is protected in an ornament capsule and delivered ready to hang. Each coin measures 39mm in diameter and is struck in precious Fine Silver plate over solid bronze and delivered in a custom 4 x 5 gift box. Each coin is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity and Officially Licensed by NFL. Football Team: Washington Redskins

Denzel Washington Framed Print $9.99 Denzel Washington framed classic commemorative measures 10 1/4" x 8", and features a 4" x 6" glossy photo of the actor/director. Washington's credits include Glory, Malcolm X, Philadelphia, Devil in a Blue Dress, American Gangster as an actor and Antwone Fisher, The Great Debaters as a director. He has won 2 Academy Awards and numerous other accolades. Picture shows him as the character 'Alonzo' in Training Day. Elegantly set against a shiny black backdrop with opulent outlines.

Encore Select 181FBWAS2011 2011 Washington Redskins 12x18 Photo Stat Frame $56.03 This Photograph Statistics Plaque by Encore Select Features the 2011 Washington Redskins Photograph Along with a Photograph ofnbsp;Fed Ex Field and a Commemorative Nameplate.

View of a Commemorative Cross $39.99 View of a Commemorative Cross - Photographic Print

John F. Kennedy Framed Photograph Details: 8x10, 5-29-64 1st Day Cover, Presidential Seal, Commemorative Plate $118.99 Own a piece of American History with this framed first day cover. The United States Postal Service issued a three cent Kennedy Memorial stamp on May 29- 1964. Commemorate the event with this first day cover- cancelled on May 29- 1964 in Washington D.C. The 5x7 first day cover- an 8x10 photograph of President John F. Kennedy- and a commemorative plate are double matted with a suede top matte. Also included is a Presidential Seal printed on blue suede. All are framed in cherrywood. Overall dimensions 19x23.

Commemorative Stone Arch (China) $29.99 Commemorative Stone Arch (China) - Photographic Print

Commemorative Card for October Revolution $39.99 Commemorative Card for October Revolution - Giclee Print

1952 Brooklyn Dodgers Commemorative Cup $131.58 1952 Brooklyn Dodgers Commemorative Cup 1952 Brooklyn Dodgers Commemorative Cup

Emmitt Smith Commemorative Gold Coin $58.48 Emmitt Smith Commemorative Gold Coin Emmitt Smith Commemorative Gold Coin

Greg Maddux Commemorative Gold Coin $36.55 Greg Maddux Commemorative Gold Coin Greg Maddux Commemorative Gold Coin