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USA Today reportedly to give sports staffers bonuses for big pageviews

Discussion in 'Journalism topics only' started by gannettblog, Apr 7, 2011.

  1. Mizzougrad96

    Mizzougrad96 Active Member

    Good to know USA Today is stealing its business model from Examiner.com
     
  2. SeanKennedy

    SeanKennedy Member

    Too many issues with this, too little time.

    A question: Does this mean writers will start getting paid less regular salary, and will have to rely on a potential "bonus"?
     
  3. Batman

    Batman Well-Known Member

    Gannett? With an idea that DOESN'T screw the rank and file?
    We're about a week late for April Fool's, dude.
     
  4. MartinonMTV2

    MartinonMTV2 New Member

    If it does, then it won't start yet. Not unless Cassidy is lying. Which I guess is possible, but not very smart.
     
  5. Bad idea all around. Not surprised Gannett would be the one to float it.
     
  6. WTFünke

    WTFünke Member

    I'm not an executive, but the belief that financial bonuses like this motivate people to do better work isn't just wrong --- it's an antiquated notion that's downright harmful.

    Clearly, Gannett execs have pulled this idea out of their asses. It's not steeped in anything except bullshit. So, yeah, sounds like Gannett ...

    Fact check:

    Cool, short video that explains creating financial bonuses for nonthinking jobs works ... but creating financial bonuses for creative-type jobs reduces performance.
    http://www.thatvideosite.com/video/well_drawn_explanation_on_what_motivates_us

    TED lecture that explains through scientific evidence that "extrinsic motivators" like bonuses don't work.
    https://www.mentalfloss.com/blogs/archives/44262
     
  7. VJ

    VJ Member

    I'd just like to say I support potentially bad ideas that result in people potentially getting paid more money rather than bad ideas that result in people getting laid off. Just saying.
     
  8. If you're at USAT, might as well just post pornography on your blog. PAGE VIEW$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
     
  9. WTFünke

    WTFünke Member

    If they can afford to pay bonuses, they can afford to instead give everyone a little salary bump ...
     
  10. flexmaster33

    flexmaster33 Well-Known Member

    It's Gannett...first hit 'em with the good news..."potential" bonuses ahead...then the bad to follow in a few weeks..."Oh yes, we're going to have to take you down to part-time" or "Sorry, the company is having to slash into payroll...you now make $2 less an hour."
     
  11. MartinonMTV2

    MartinonMTV2 New Member

    Someone here speculated the people won't be getting paid more overall, though. And, as someone else said, if there's money for this, then there's money to give merit pay raises.

    I think I support discouraging bad ideas. But a USA Today exec says this isn't happening at this time. Until someone other than an anonymous source says otherwise, I'll assume the exec is telling the truth.
     
  12. Baron Scicluna

    Baron Scicluna Well-Known Member

    Gee, what's next? Providing bonuses every time a minority is quoted in a story?

    Oh wait ...
     
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