Can You Help Save Print Classifieds?

I was set this challenge with the chance to win $250 USD. All I have to do is write an essay with some ideas about how to save print classifieds…knew there’d be a catch. Doh.

ReinventingClassifieds.com is a new website and initiative whose aim is to resurrect through reinvention the newspaper classifieds business.

Contrary to the belief of many of my colleagues, I reckon newspaper classifieds can be saved. At the moment, though, they’re treading water and the waves are washing over them, causing them to gulp and gasp for air. A few splutters perhaps. They’re not going to be able to recover from their fix alone. They need the new technologies to lean over the edge of their secure aquatic crafts and pluck them out.

If you’re not into metaphors and can’t work out what the heck I’m on about, here’s the point put simply. Newspaper classifieds will only survive if they work in conjunction with new technologies.

For example:

- Offer free Wi-fi internet access for newspaper subscribers while in CBD locations.

- Create a killer application for the new iPhone that ties in the ads from print and online, including video classifieds.

Jeez, US$250…that’d buy a nice meal in a posh restaurant for me and the missus.