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Which is better: Columbus Alive or The Other Paper?

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Started 1 year ago by bobbyj
Latest reply from michaelcoyote
poll: Which is better: Columbus Alive or The Other Paper?
Columbus Alive : (19 votes)

37 %

The Other Paper : (20 votes)

39 %

I like them both the same : (10 votes)

20 %

I don't like either one : (2 votes)

4 %

51 votes

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bobbyj

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I am somewhat new to Columbus and don't have many social connections to escort me around town. I have been reading the free weekly newspapers "Columbus Alive" (CA) and "the Other Paper" (OP) as a guide for things I may be interested in.

Although they seem to have many similarities, are there any philosophical differences in issues/viewpoints that are investigated and published?

It seems to me that CA is like my old high school yearbook Although purported to document the experiences of many people, it really is just about scrap-booking the lives of 8-10 people. Every issue of CA mentions the same things and people: Surly Girl, Jeni's Ice Cream (overpriced btw), some "craft" article, local bands that only seem to play on weekday nights at out of the way places and most annoying: the picture section so inclusive in its breadth it may as well be pictures from the publisher's wedding reception. Is CA just a nepotistic weekly? Am I wrong? Or is it actually targeted to a certain particular group of individuals (which would explain a lot and also be better served by just setting up a Facebook site for themselves; i.e. no publishing/distribution costs - a legitimate CA "Green Issue" if you will)?

The OP on the other hand seems to be more varied in its issues but it also seems to cover more issues of general interest. The reviews are not all particularly fawning that also gives it more journalistic credibility over CA. But does the OP present a veritable "other" viewpoint? Maybe the OP can cover less populist and more visionary stories to distinguish itself from other publications. I realize that there is only so much news to go around but it would be nice if OP presented a more quotidian view of Columbus. Leaving CA to gratify its demographic and OP to find one for itself.

Anywhos? thoughts?

Posted 1 year ago #
10sun
Columbus, OH
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Did you have a question? It seems like you have a preference.

You get what you pay for with both publications.

Posted 1 year ago #
Displaced Columbusite

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Use this site to figure those things out, you clearly do not like CA and question OP's point of view. Just use this site as a reference and you most likely won't go wrong; you are bound to find similar interests at some point. Problem solved.

Posted 1 year ago #
lizless
Columbus/Hocking Hills
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The more weeklies in Columbus, the better. Bring em all on.

Posted 1 year ago #
bobbyj

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Thank you for your prompt replies.

I really don't have any animosity towards CA. In fact, after giving it more thought, there is probably a direct tie-in with the advertising clientele and what "news" CA decides to cover. But like another poster said, "you get what you pay for (and the advertisers in CA should too!). After all it is a free publication, and it makes sense to assuage the interests of those invested.

I guess my point is that with a title such as "Columbus Alive" I would expect it to cover a greater variety of viewpoints and interests of a city of near a million people. Come to think of it though, "HIGH ST. - 300 South to 5000 North (and sometimes Grandview!)" is not too catchy of a title for a weekly either.

The OP, if critique is necessary, seems to be sometimes inconsistent with its content. I dunno I don't want to start a feud, for all I know they are owned by the same people, but which publication would you recommend to your visiting in-laws (people you may want to greet and have cordial relations with but not actually entertain for long periods of time)?

I am glad I found this site though; which really does seem to do a comprehensive and varied coverage of Columbus. Hey Displaced Columbusite: Great image of Jesse Owens (right?)

Posted 1 year ago #
DavidF
Elysium Fields
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Jeni's is overpriced?

(Expletive deleted)

Posted 1 year ago #
rustbelt

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Columbus Alive isn't an alternative weekly newspaper in what I think is the traditional meaning of alt weekly. It's basically an entertainment guide published by the Dispatch. There is zero hard news. It's not meant to be edgy in the least. And it's target (and seemingly exclusive) demographic is young, white & with expendable cash. Lots of pretty people, too.

The Other Paper does have original reporting. In my opinion, the quality varies but I also think they've been doing better in this regard the past few months.

But, hey, I look forward to getting both each week. I learn about some local music I otherwise might not, some decent restaurant info, etc. They both have a prominent place in my bathroom.

Posted 1 year ago #
Displaced Columbusite

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bobbyj wrote >>
Thank you for your prompt replies.
I really don't have any animosity towards CA. In fact, after giving it more thought, there is probably a direct tie-in with the advertising clientele and what "news" CA decides to cover. But like another poster said, "you get what you pay for (and the advertisers in CA should too!). After all it is a free publication, and it makes sense to assuage the interests of those invested.
I guess my point is that with a title such as "Columbus Alive" I would expect it to cover a greater variety of viewpoints and interests of a city of near a million people. Come to think of it though, "HIGH ST. - 300 South to 5000 North (and sometimes Grandview!)" is not too catchy of a title for a weekly either.
The OP, if critique is necessary, seems to be sometimes inconsistent with its content. I dunno I don't want to start a feud, for all I know they are owned by the same people, but which publication would you recommend to your visiting in-laws (people you may want to greet and have cordial relations with but not actually entertain for long periods of time)?
I am glad I found this site though; which really does seem to do a comprehensive and varied coverage of Columbus. Hey Displaced Columbusite: Great image of Jesse Owens (right?)

That is in fact Jesse Owens, I used to use a pic of him blowing away the competition in a Big Ten track meet(I mean it was not even close), but it was difficult to see him; luckily I found this one.

Posted 1 year ago #
bobbyj

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rustbelt wrote >>
Columbus Alive isn't an alternative weekly newspaper in what I think is the traditional meaning of alt weekly. It's basically an entertainment guide published by the Dispatch. There is zero hard news. It's not meant to be edgy in the least. And it's target (and seemingly exclusive) demographic is young, white & with expendable cash. Lots of pretty people, too.

Thank you rustbelt.

No wonder the CA is like reading a reference letter from an interviewee's mother. I knew something was fishy about the CA but I couldn't figure it out myself.

That is a pretty clever move by the Dispatch, so ya gotta give them credit in essentially creating a shill spin-off of their (very crappy) Arts section. Nice move because hard-news in print form is dying.

So something IS better journalistically about the OP as well. It is very apparent to me at least. As you mentioned the quality of the content is spotty but at least it seems to be original. Thanks.

Posted 1 year ago #
Lakee911
Clintonville (South)
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DavidF wrote >>
Jeni's is overpriced?
(Expletive deleted)

Yes it is. It is good, don't get me wrong, but it is overpriced.

Posted 1 year ago #
drew

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Lakee911 wrote >>

DavidF wrote >>
Jeni's is overpriced?
(Expletive deleted)

Yes it is. It is good, don't get me wrong, but it is overpriced.

Odd. I tend to evaluate whether or not something is 'overpriced' in terms of whether or not it sells.

Posted 1 year ago #
unejoliefille

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Jeni's is expensive, not overpriced. The pricepoint is exactly on the mark when you factor in the quality of the ingredients and the integrity of craftsmanship. So really, I assume you meant, "Jeni's is of a higher quality and price point than I prefer (as far as ice cream is concerned)". No one will fault you for that.

I prefer the CA for reviews and local features, and while it might feature music "off the beaten path", it's the only place to read about it. I like the emphasis it places on individuals. I don't like the extensive photo pages and classifieds section. The Other Paper has excellent news and local interest stories. I find that while I flip through the CA for something that looks interesting, I read the Other Paper front to back.

Posted 1 year ago #
bman
New Albany
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Lakee911 wrote >>

DavidF wrote >>
Jeni's is overpriced?
(Expletive deleted)

Yes it is. It is good, don't get me wrong, but it is overpriced.

+1

ok ... I have to agree with the previous poster, Jeni's is expensive, but obviously people pay for that price point and I do as well. Even with quality ingredients though it is expensive for ice cream, even though I always want three or four scoops!

Posted 1 year ago #
bobbyj

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unejoliefille wrote >>
Jeni's is expensive, not overpriced. The pricepoint is exactly on the mark when you factor in the quality of the ingredients and the integrity of craftsmanship. So really, I assume you meant, "Jeni's is of a higher quality and price point than I prefer (as far as ice cream is concerned)". No one will fault you for that.

Thank you for your contribution; somehow this turned into an ice cream discussion. Oh well? such is the internet. I assume you work at Jeni's or are writing what you have read verbatim off the side of a ice cream container.

No I actually meant Jeni's is overpriced as in "shockingly expensive" not more than I prefer to pay (which is a lesser amount). I mean I wouldn't go there and walk out due to the price; it isn't prohibitively expensive just shockingly so. Pricing for such luxury items is complex though, in of itself.

1. It makes sense to "market" it in such a way as to extract as much money as possible from the buyer. If the cost was less it would be perceived (wrongly) as being an inferior product.

2. Is the taste and the quality of the ingredients good? Absolutely. However, does any ice cream have integrity and craftsmanship? (traits not normally attributed to food items) This point could be argued on semantics but it is basically salesmanship or else it would imply that other cheaper ice creams use poor inferior ingredients.

Some definitely do, but most do not and use ingredients that are better than average and perfectly satisfactory to delicious on a hot summer's day. I don't mean it is comparable to ice cream that you would buy in a tub at Wal-mart, but that is not its competitor anyway.

The relevant question is how much better is it than a
"premium ice cream" (that costs HALF as much!) therefore making Jeni's "overpriced"? I don't think Jeni's is worth twice the price (or double the value) of several other great ice-creams on the market. I am willing to bet the vast majority of people would agree with me.

3. You are not actually paying for the ice cream. You are paying for the premium of having a scarce luxury item in your possession and buying it in a upscale environment. If Jenis was sold at the gas station you would not attribute integrity and craftsmanship to the product. That is how you perceive the product due to how its presented. Starbucks is the master of this concept. Those bastards basically set the price point for coffee for the entire market, extracting as much per cup as it could and thus its competitors used that price-point to charge its customers without requisite expenses and overhead. You will often see "premium terms" with drip-coffee at many stores, knowing that the customer is willing to pay a premium for perception alone on how it is marketed.

4. Jeni's ice cream is delicious. However it is hard to quantify this this because when you eat it you are craving ice cream so your senses may not be objective. After all cold cheap pizza tastes great after a long night too. Would all ice creams taste the same if you had just eaten a gallon by yourself or had to compare several side by side? I'm guessin' they would, it is a com-modified item especially after a couple of scoops.

I just wanted to explain my thinking and that I was not somehow mistaken in what words I used. I think local businesses are great and it makes sense to go after the luxury market as the customers are better in every way (less complaining, more educated, less picky, willing to pay, more likely to return, etc.) than deal with cheapskates who don't tip and leave a mess.

A premium for Jeni's ice creams can also be attributed to the wonderful and unique flavors they have. For a few dollars more you get something that ain't the same old-vanilla flavor. So in that sense it is worth it and is not "overpriced".

Posted 1 year ago #
catnfiddle
Giant Corncob District
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Back on topic, I prefer Columbus Alive because I use it to find out what's happening around town that weekend and the incoming week. Other Paper does this to a point but I just prefer CA's coverage style. It's a subjective thing.

Posted 1 year ago #
lisathewaitress
SoHud
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welcome to columbus!!

I assume you work at Jeni's or are writing what you have read verbatim off the side of a ice cream container.

lol - tread lightly on this topic! we here in columbus love our jeni's. no one here needs to recite the package copy to defend ms. jeni!

BUT, having actually worked for jeni, and having written a lot of what is on the containers, by the by, i can vouch for the fact that you are, indeed, paying for the ice cream. it is VERY expensive to make. people have complained before about the price of Snowville milk, and that's what goes into the ice cream. it's expensive for us and for jeni's. The chocolate used is like 8 times the price of hershey's, the vanilla beans are fair trade, single origin from a farm in uganda, etc. it's expensive. unlike a lot of luxury brands, you aren't paying for advertising and tres cher packaging. you are paying for the ice cream.

all of that to say, your assessment on the weeklies seems correct. a hundred years ago, there used to be THREE weeklies (the guardian) and although i was just a wee lass when they were all around, i thought they were much better back then.

i would be curious to know your definition of "out of the way." the live music listings are listed by day, and there are numerous options for every day of the week - including weekends.

And lastly, one thing to remember about columbus is that many of the best things are out of the way. Because we had rapid suburban growth in the 80s, now some of those suburbs are locations for cheap rents, which means that most of our ethnic and cheap restaurants are out in the nether regions of the city.

Posted 1 year ago #
unejoliefille

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No, I have never worked there. I have a friend who works in the production kitchen who is always raving about the exotic and quality ingredients he gets to handle, as Lisa pointed out above, and how much precision and creativity go into each batch. Perhaps you should inquire about a tour of Jeni's or even Snowville (interesting and fun!), and meet some of the artisans that are your new neighbors/peers.

You can also buy Jeni's in several groceries and shops both around our city and outside of it, if you oppose the "luxurious atmosphere" of an ice cream parlor.

Posted 1 year ago #
drawrobot
Columbus, Ohio
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Having lived here for quite a while, I miss the old Columbus Alive before they got bought out and turned into an extension of the (Dispatch) Weekender. It's all free, I know but still, the difference is notable.

If you check Columbus Underground and donewaiting.com, you're pretty much covered.

Welcome to Columbus.

Posted 1 year ago #
Walker
The KLD / Downtown
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I'd like to settle this debate style, Teet VS JohnRoss. Ready, go!

Alternatively: I added a poll up top.

Posted 1 year ago #
lisathewaitress
SoHud
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Walker wrote >>
I'd like to settle this debate style, Teet VS JohnRoss. Ready, go!
Alternatively: I added a poll up top.

are you kidding??!!! the Teet, of course!!

Posted 1 year ago #