Brian Wheeler writes for Charlottesville Tomorrow about a curious advertising insert that appeared in the Daily Progress last Friday that turns out to be funded by the Progress. Entitled “Uptown,” it promoted “shopping,” “eating,” and “living” in Hollymead, Forest Lakes and 29 North, mixing promotion of the Places29 master planning process with the advertising. Brian asked the advertising department what the deal was with this, and they explained that they just want “to boost traffic towards that area which is not getting the attention it deserves.” What, it’s so crowded that nobody goes there anymore?
News and meta-news about Charlottesville, VA, since 2001.
Sideblog
Police announced this afternoon that their investigation into what was initially believed to be a fatal fire on Rugby Avenue is now a homicide investigation. #
The Virginia Supreme Court has denied George Huguely’s appeal. His second-degree murder conviction will stand, WRIC reports. #
In a carefully worded story, and not citing specific sources, WTVR reports that forensic evidence belonging to Jesse Matthew Jr., the main suspect in the disappearance of Hannah Graham, matches forensic evidence collected during the investigation of Morgan Harrington’s 2009 murder. #
In the wake of Hannah Graham’s disappearance, and the evidence that came from private security footage, city officials are revisiting the question of installing security cameras on the downtown mall. #
Both Charlottesville Registrar Sheri Iachetta and former Electoral Board member Stephanie Commander have turned themselves in to the police on
foursix and four felony counts of embezzlement, respectively. #Ten years ago, the National Institutes of Health budget doubled and schools like the University of Virginia built massive new research facilities. A decade later, those buildings remain largely underutilized. NPR visits UVA in this story on the effect of federal binge and spurge spending in the sciences. #
In 2012, Council approved a new student housing complex on West Main—now some council members are questioning whether what they were shown matches what was built. #
The Architectural Review Board has approved a bike-themed mural on West Market, below the McGuffey Art Center, although at least one member expressed concerns that it might look like the bicyclists were riding away from Charlottesville’s downtown. #
City Police Chief Tim Longo is meeting with city leaders to work on protocols regarding the use of military surplus police weapons in Charlottesville. #
A 100-year-old Colonnades resident received military honors for her service in the WWII Women’s Army Corps #
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i thought everyone worried about traffic up there? WHOOPS!
Advertorials like this only make sense if you endorse commerce as the raison d’être for our community. While not entirely bad, it crowds out more worthwhile pursuits.
[…] Seeking “Uptown” shoppers. […]
For years I have rarely gone north of Lowes since I live near town- I always thought I was unusual about this but maybe not…Why would anyone, who did not live up there, go up there anyhow??
I think this act of the Progress is not “curious” at all. The trend in all local papers seems to be to often give local merchants a publicity boost, one way or another, perhaps in a direct deal for ads purchase or perhaps not ,but it amounts to the same thing.
I go to Petsmart because none of the local pet supply shops stocks a dog shampoo I can use (allergies). If online pet supply shops listed ingredients, I’d just order online. I *hate* making that drive. Heck, when going up to Swift Run Gap, I often cut through the countryside past Earlysville and Dyke now.
If the newspaper is giving away free advertisements then I think it’s fair to say that’s a strange thing. They’re in one business and one business only: selling people’s eyeball time to advertisers. Kinda odd to give that away, isn’t it?
well DQ is suppose to be coming soon woot
Waldo says:If the newspaper is giving away free advertisements then I think it’s fair to say that’s a strange thing.
Ah, but I didn`t say something for nothing. Have you not noticed the “news” stories on local businesses with a large ad bought by that same business on another page? Quite common. Merely the ad salesperson doing a little “business”.