New York Times to launch squeegee brigade

Network World ^ | 09/18/2007 | Paul McNamara

[Anti-Bubba182]

The New York Times intends to recoup a portion of the revenue lost to its elimination of most online subscription services by enlisting all reporters, columnists and editors in what will be called The New York Times Premium Stoplight Squeegee Service.

Although not mentioned in the official announcement of the demise of TimesSelect, Network World has learned of the newspaper's windshield-washing plans through a Times reporter who asked to remain anonymous for fear of "losing this sorry-ass job."

"You gotta be friggin' kidding me," the veteran reporter told Buzzblog. "Why can't we sell hot dogs or Italian ice on the street corner instead; anything would be more dignified than squeegees."

Launched in 2005, TimesSelect had been considered a critical test case for paid content on the 'Net and its failure will reverberate throughout an online publishing industry that finds itself grasping at straws to find revenue.

The Premium Stoplight Squeegee Service -- or Psss, as it will be known in Times marketing materials -- is modeled after the iconic if somewhat controversial practice of New York's homeless accosting motorists, splattering their windows with water, and then asking payment to complete the job. Critics have called the business model everything from extortion to just plain icky.

Psss will be staffed Monday through Friday by a rotating platoon of 20 Times employees who will fan out in pairs over major intersections near the company's Manhattan headquarters. While pricing has yet to be determined, industry analysts I have spoken with estimate it is likely to start in the range of $2 to $5 per windshield, with a la carte options available for other windows......"

[Anti-Bubba182]

Things are looking up for MoDo. If she bends over enough hoods she may get lucky!

[Westlander]

[Toliy]

Is this from the Onion?

[Navy Patriot]

Humor break!

[Anti-Bubba182]

No, it is satire from another site.