Well, the “Old Gray Lady” gave way to color photographs on its front page and has finally caved to the demands of money. Of course, The New York Times doesn’t quite put it that way, but the stately “paper of record” has, as of April 22, begun printing personal ads for its Sunday editions.
This is no joke. And it seems both inevitable and probably innocuous. The Times’ advertising revenues in February were down nearly 7 percent from February 2000, and personal ads are a healthy source of revenue. (The Emerald has felt a bit of an advertising squeeze this year as well, and it’s good to know that it’s a nationwide malady.)
Besides, will reading about a “upwardly mobile cappucino-lover seeking society maven with Tribeca loft” really detract from the professionalism and austere tone of the Times? It seems that if the paper truly is recording everything important for history, then including the modern single person’s quest for love in 50 words or less is a part of that history.
Personal ads might also add a little levity to the paper as they intrigue the mind. What type of people would advertise themselves in the Times, and what words and phrases would they use? A look at a sampling of recent ads showed that it’s not all 50-cent words and snooty requirements. There was some mention of espresso drinks and SUVs, but hey, it’s the 21st century.
This news from the East Coast prompted the Emerald editorial board to think about personal ads on our campus. What would personal ads from notable University and city personalities say? We’re not sure, but we thought it would be fun to write a few personals anyway, poking a bit of fun at local figures. So read on, and identify your favorite “celebrity.”