A reality based independent journal of observation & analysis, serving the Flathead Valley & Montana since 2006. © James Conner.
Yesterday, Jay Stevens, the domain owner at https://4and20blackbirds.wordpress.com, a major blog in Missoula, locked down the website, saying it was time for a reboot because of declining readership and loss of focus on progressive issues:
…The readership has dropped 75 percent in the past year or so, from its high-water marks in 2011 and 2006. And it’s likely a majority of today’s hits are from a few obsessive readers and commenters who check in and post dozens of times a day. But, honestly, with Lee Enterprises cutting its state political bureau, now is the time for informative writing about state and local politics. Now is the time for reasoned views about the critical issues that affect everyday Montanans and Missoulians.
Which is why I put a lockdown on the site for now. It’s time for a reboot.
I don’t know what will happen to the site. I hope it will continue. I’ve asked jhwygirl to step up again, and I think she’s game. We’ll try to recruit new writers, and we’ll keep some of the old ones. But we’ll redirect the site to opinions and news that people need and like.…
Not everyone is happy about this; see the comments.
Last year, I deleted 4and20 from Flathead Memo's blogroll, probably with more fanfare than was strictly necessary. In recent months I sensed a change, and I found myself recommending some reads there.
Stevens is right: with Lee Enterprises retreating from comprehensive coverage of politics and government, quality local political blogs need to step up and fill the vacuum. That’s particularly true now.
The general election of 2016 will be the most important for the nation and Montana since 1932. Should Republicans seize the White House and retain control of Congress, the Affordable Care Act will be repealed. Medicare and Medicaid will be gutted beyond recognition. Social Security will be turned over to Wall Street. Income inequality will increase. The Kochs will be come richer, but the 99 percent will become poorer. That isn’t hysterical prediction: that’s hard, cold fact.
However 4and20 is remade, I wish Jay Stevens, et al, well. They work hard, and whatever their views and focus, they compete in the marketplace of ideas. Our body politic is healthier for it.