John Paton tells the journalists at Thunderdome that we no longer have jobs. An amazing group. I’ve been honored to work with them.
I learned a long time ago that news was a tough business. I learned it before I watched the death of the Des Moines Tribune and before I experienced the death of the Kansas City Times. I learned it before I was fired as editor of the Minot Daily News and before TBD imploded. So I wasn’t surprised when the ax fell again today.
I’m exploring (and interested in learning about) opportunities in the news business and beyond. But I don’t know yet what my next stop will be. Here’s what I do know:
- I’ve enjoyed my time with Digital First Media.
- I’m deeply grateful to Jim Brady, Jon Cooper and John Paton for the opportunity to work at Digital First (and Journal Register Co. before it became DFM).
- I leave with no regrets.
- I knew the risks in 2011 when I went to work for a company owned by hedge funds. And I knew the risks in 2012 when I turned down an attractive offer from a family-owned newspaper company to stay with the company owned by hedge funds.
- Anyone who says Thunderdome failed is wrong. As I said about TBD, you can’t fail unless you were given a chance to succeed.
- I will do everything I can to help in the job searches of my DFM colleagues who lost their jobs today. These are extraordinary journalists who will provide great value for their next news organizations.
- I wish all the best for my DFM colleagues who will remain with the company. We’ve worked hard together and come a long way. I hope that the company prospers and that this is the last cut. I’ve enjoyed working with them and know they will continue doing great journalism.
No denial or sugarcoating here. I don’t agree at all with today’s decision to cut Thunderdome or with the company’s new direction. But neither of those calls was mine to make and I’m not going to criticize them or waste time discussing them. I’ll post some links here to coverage of what’s happening at Digital First, but won’t comment on the accuracy of the reporting or the insightfulness of the analysis.
As I’ve said before, bitterness is like wreaking revenge on yourself. I’m too busy looking for my next opportunity to dwell on how this one ended.
The Newsonomics of Digital First Media’s Thunderdome implosion (and coming sale)
Digital First Media’s Project Thunderdome on chopping block
We need to keep experimenting in journalism
In another blow to local journalism, Digital First Media to shutter Thunderdome
Update: I should clarify that I was given my notice Wednesday, not fired immediately. My last day is July 1, if I choose to work that long.
About my blog name: Yes, I have a ridiculous blog name. It’s temporary, and it’s for a good cause.
The Buttry Diary 
Steve, I am certain you will land on your feet. Good luck on the job hunt!
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Godspeed! I work for a non-profit magazine myself. It’s an unstable lifestyle.
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Sorry to hear it. Tough times, but that’s when the tough survive. You will.
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Thanks, Harry! I will. Still looking forward to meeting you this month (I get to stick around a while).
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Steve, I am so sorry.
You have taken far more lumps than I in this brutal business, and yet you plan to continue. I’ll be praying all of God’s best for you and Mimi as you begin your search anew. Godspeed!
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Thanks, Ted! And all the best in your search, too.
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Hard day. Best of luck Steve.
Dave Orrick, Pioneer Press
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Steve: I have never seen anyone throw themselves into their work as completely as you have over the last couple of years — I’ve been constantly amazed by your energy and willingness to share. Thanks for all the good tips and ideas. Best of luck, let us know where you land. nan
*Nan Chalat Noaker*
*Editor, The Park Record(435)649-9014*
*1670 Bonanza Drive*
*Park City, Utah84060*
*editor@parkrecord.com * *www.parkrecord.com *
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Thanks, Nan. Kind words are balm, especially today.
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Steve, you’ve done a great job of helping thousands of journalists learn new and important skills. Thanks
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Much appreciated, Royal! I enjoyed working with you (and hope good opportunities await us both).
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Excellent attitude. Can’t wait to see what your next adventure is!
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Steve–I’m very, very sorry. Why is it that so many of the best and brightest keep getting their horses shot out from under them? You will land well because you have all the attributes of a high achiever and a great person.
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Thanks, Tom!
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[…] Steve Buttry makes the argument that you can’t call Thunderdome a failure (or TBD either) because it was never given enough time to succeed. I think he’s correct, but […]
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As noted in conversations on other venues, I’m deeply sorry to see this happen (although entirely confident all the smart people involved, including you, will be fine!). What I do find very heartening, however, is the almost complete absence of schadenfreude, to use the term Ken Doctor used in his article, in any of the public discussion and comment about the events of today. It says a lot about how much the industry respected (and, I would submit, envied and cheered on) DFM for thinking big and transformatively. You may not think so now, but from an outsider’s perspective you most certainly did move the ball forward for the rest of the industry, and it seems like everyone knows it. Any failure in this case would only have been in not trying, and certainly none of you was guilty of that. Wherever you all go, you can hold your heads up proudly for what you had the chance to do at DFM. So from me, best wishes and heartfelt thanks.
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I really appreciate that, Elaine!
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Schadenfrude ahead: Steve Buttry is a member of the Hats in Reverse gang that spouts a lot of B.S. and does nothing to improve newspapers. Addition by subtraction, my friends. DFM is destined to fail as well.
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Thanks for your comment, Robert. Would you like me to correct the spelling of schadenfreude for you?
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Steve: This is sad to hear, but I know you see these kinds of situations as opportunities. I hope all the best opportunities come your way.
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Indeed, many of the opportunities in my career came disguised as disappointments.
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Steve, It was a tough fight and I thank everyone at Thunderdome for some very hard and creative work. Innovation is not something tried very often in our profession, and we at the Vallejo Times-Herald thank you for your help and encouragement. Put me down as a reference and the best of luck to you. Ted
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Steve: I have an idea of the family owned newspaper that you turned down in 2012 from attending training sessions led by you in previous years. Don’t blame you for turning down the offer, but that big, new empty building and the people in it would have benefited from you there.
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I doubt if you’re right about the newspaper, John. Maybe we should discuss privately: stephenbuttry (at) gmail.
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Steve, a layoff is never welcome but it’s generally on opportunity — best wishes for your next adventure!
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I describe my career as a series of great opportunities, some of them disguised initially as disappointments.
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[…] Buttry, one Thunderdome’s many talented journalists, has written this completely honest post on the demise of the project. In it he […]
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Steve, I’m not a bit worried about you coming out of this well. With your knowledge, experience, vision and contacts, I think it’s time for a “Buttry Media Company” in which you continue your regular blogging, consulting, coaching and speaking — now for yourself instead of for some other company. You are the most visionary person I know about how the journalism of today will move to the journalism of the future. There has to be a lot of demand out there for your insights and advice.
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Thanks, Chuck! Already exploring lots of opportunities.
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So sorry to hear this news. I hope things get better for you soon.
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Thanks, Eagle!
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Steve — One never gets used to layoffs — no matter how often they are experienced. You’re right, however. The next gig may be a better opportunity than the last. Just stay away from anything that’s associated with a hedge fund!!! Best of luck to you.
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Thanks, Bonnie! And you & I know job cuts have been part of this biz for a long time.
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I’ve often said you can best see the true character in a person by their exit – from divorce, from a job, from friendship and finally, from life. You will find your way, Steve. The personal accolades already posted are accurate. God speed and – as we said in Ioway – keep it between the fence rows.
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Thanks, Denny!
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Steve,
just caught up with all this. You’ll do very well in your next gig. The reason: you’re always looking over the horizon. Talent and questing and wisdom and brilliance don’t often come in one package. But you had it before we met almost in the 8 track age, and still do. Glad to talk whenever you have time.
Jake
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Thanks, Jake! Hell, we met back when faxes on thermal paper that curled up into a roll was a new thing.
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Steve, still filtering this development and wish you the very best. Thank you for all your encouragement and help the past few years
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Thanks, Don! It’s been a pleasure.
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My thoughts and good luck are with you on this next avenue of your journey in life.
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Thanks, Mavis!
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Steve Buttry=classy. Best wishes on whatever’s next!
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Thanks, Matt! You always were good with equations. 🙂
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You were one of my favorite instructors at AU. Your life has inspired me to keep moving forward. I hope I can return a little of that to you now.
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Thanks, Andrea! You have and I will.
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Saddest and most accurate sentence about the state of our industry: “…you can’t fail unless you were given a chance to succeed.” Indeed, you have not failed. I live in hope — despite evidence to the contrary — that someday the folks holding the cash will understand that “chance to succeed” doesn’t mean a year or two. Land well, my friend. You are on the short list of good guys.
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I’m touched, Linda. Thanks!
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Great attitude and perception of life. All the best!
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Thanks, Thomas!
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You’re the bounce-back guy, Mr. Buttry. Great things soon will come your way.
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[…] サンダードームで「デジタル・トランスフォーメーション・エディター」を務めたスティーブ・バトリーさんは、ペイトンさんがプロジェクト中止をメンバーに伝える生々しい写真を、自身のブログに掲載している。 […]
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[…] Stevebuttery.wordpress.com. Until recently, Steve Buttry was the digital transformation editor at Digital First Media in the U.S. I am a fan […]
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[…] « Looking for my next opportunity, whatever that is […]
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[…] in an online post, announced the scythe had swung his way. The layoffs were forecast a day earlier (April 1) in an […]
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[…] one of the emails wishing me success in my job search came some questions from a young reporter. I enjoy few thing more here than answering […]
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[…] been fired twice in my career: in 1992 when I was editor of the Minot Daily News and Wednesday when Digital First Media announced that it was shutting Thunderdome and told me my job would end on July 1 […]
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[…] because something I know that’s not at the front of my mind might be helpful to me as I move on from Digital First Media. So I share it in case it might help my colleagues or others who’ve been fired (sadly, we […]
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Steve, I was laid off from DFM a day before Christmas Eve 2013. I loved my job as a newspaper editor. When I was told I was being let go it was like a piece of my soul was ripped out of me and I was devastated. How would I get another job like that one? A deep, dark depression settled on my shoulders and I actually broke down one day and sobbed at my desk at work (we continued to work until 12-31).
But I am here to tell you there is a silver lining — three months later I was at a brand spanking new job as a communications specialist for the headquarters of a multi-billion dollar company. I work with a great group of people who value my skills, I’m making $8,000 more a year, the benefits (including holidays, PTO and an expense budget) are amazing and the pace is invigorating but not frantic because we have the resources to do the job right.
I don’t regret my time at the paper, as I said, it was an amazing job. I have to even thank DFM — I would not have left on my own — even with no raises in 8 years (to make ends meet I was working 28 hours a week at a second job), increasing pressure to do much, much, much more with less, pagination control snatched away and the attention to detail lost because of severe lack of staff.
I’d like to thank you personally. The digital skills I used at the paper were a big part of why I was hired at my current job. My family and friends laugh when I tell them I get to write Facebook posts and tweets for work (that is not all I do…ha ha).
You will land a dream job…I know it. Everyone who got the pink slip at Thunderdome should know that the skills they possess are highly sought after by other businesses, and while some may think the can never leave journalism (I was one), there is a big, wide corporate world out there and endless possibilities. Good luck to you!
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Thanks for the kind words, Donna! I am glad you have moved on to a great job with such a great attitude.
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[…] the four of us all short-timers, along with two winners, because of the closing of Thunderdome, it could have been awkward. But everyone handled the situation with grace, class and […]
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[…] my work on that project, some other travel, work on the annual DFMies and the distractions of the Thunderdome demise. But we’ve wrapped up the DFMies and compiling the lessons and achievements of Project Unbolt […]
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[…] colleagues provided valuable training to the New Haven Register as part of Project Unbolt. With my departure and the demise of Thunderdome, DFM newsrooms are going to have to provide internal training as outlined here. And newsrooms will […]
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[…] But the intervening year has been, well, strange. I’ve lived long enough to resist calling it difficult. I’ve lived through, and watched others survive, more disrupting times than anything we encountered this year. But there were some bumps in the road. I spent a long winter hobbled by orthopedic surgery. And my companion’s capricious news industry continues to be quicksand under our feet. In April, we found out he’ll be out of a job on July 1st. […]
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Steve, sorry to hear about your job situation. The irony is that I too may soon be in the same (sinking) boat…
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Sorry to learn that Darcy! All the best in pursuing and finding your next opportunity.
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[…] next chapter of my career will be at Louisiana State University. After I wrap up my work at Digital First Media July 1, I will become the Lamar Visiting Scholar at LSU’s Manship School of […]
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[…] staffers to provide training that would help in some of the Project Unbolt improvements. With the Thunderdome staff scattering, you can provide training in a lot of ways: national organizations such as the Poynter Institute or […]
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[…] I prepare to leave Digital First Media (tomorrow will be my last day), here is that manual, my recommendations for newsrooms to unbolt […]
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[…] my recent job hunt, a university (not LSU, where I’m now working) asked applicants for faculty jobs to submit a […]
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[…] day I learned my position was going to be eliminated, I told readers of my blog as well as the people connected with me on Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and […]
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[…] job hunt might start with losing your job in a corporate staff reduction, as happened to my Thunderdome colleagues and me in April. Or you may be frustrated with your current job and decide to move along. Or you may want to pursue […]
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[…] distribution initiative he championed. That month, DFM Digital Transformation Editor Steve Buttry announced he was leaving, as did Project Thunderdome Editor Robyn […]
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[…] that Digital First thing didn’t last as long as I thought, so I’m teaching now. And next semester, I will be teaching a class in interactive […]
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[…] TBD launched at nearly the same time, and they were a member of our community network). I also saw Digital First Media shut down Thunderdome after less than two years. I have great appreciation for the persistence it took for Laura and Chris to keep Homicide Watch […]
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[…] not saying that getting involved in building a better business model will save your job (check my track record). But I’d rather go down fighting to save the business than wishing it would save my […]
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[…] funds that own Digital First Media began exploring options to sell the company, so they decided my job and many more were expendable. I found my next opportunity teaching at LSU’s Manship School of Mass Communication. I’ve […]
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[…] notable posts of the year dealt with my professional transition: the closing of Thunderdome by DFM (nearly 4,000 views, my third most-read 2014 post), noting the response on Twitter (more than […]
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[…] and I promised to dust off this handout and update it. Well, that evening I learned about upcoming upheaval at Digital First Media that would bring the end of my job. So it took me a while to get around to it, but here it […]
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[…] including a murkier, less important role for me. I’ve seen similar abrupt shifts at TBD and Digital First Media. As innovation accelerates, corporate bosses grow cautious. Don’t join a bold project […]
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[…] ejemplos de branding. Tenían fuertes marcas individuales y colectivas, de manera que cuando la compañía cerró Thunderdome durante la primavera pasada, a pesar de que estábamos restringidos a un reducido mercado de […]
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[…] them). TBD didn’t last nearly as long as Kushner’s ventures in Southern California, and DFM has lasted just a bit longer. It’s hard to measure the lifetimes of ventures, since you could pick different starting […]
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[…] was not involved in the sale at all, other than losing my job last year as the company was preparing for the sale. But I understood DFM enough to know this was an […]
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[…] was disappointed, of course, with last year’s abrupt end to my time with Digital First Media. But I give John profound thanks for the opportunity to work with DFM, one of the best experiences […]
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[…] recently, much of the Thunderdome newsroom was based in New York, and those people had a marvelous organizational culture that benefited from […]
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[…] warning. I lost a job with no warning once (told on Friday to clean out my office that evening) and last year I got three months’ notice. Other times you feel like you’re ready for a move up that’s not likely to come in your […]
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[…] people whose outpouring of support has uplifted and touched me the past couple of years. When I lost my job last year, the encouragement and support on social media (and tips and introductions to people who actually […]
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[…] didn’t have great long-term prospects either. More hedge-fund-driven upheaval resulted in cuts last year that included my job, and those cuts continue. I just read a detailed, depressing account of Postmedia’s […]
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[…] also arranged for him and John and me to have lunch with Dan Conover, who had a great idea for a semantic content management system that I wish some company had invested in and tried. Chuck had invited John and Dan and I to […]
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[…] moved to LSU in 2011. He brought me to Baton Rouge for a consultation in December 2013. And the day Digital First Media cut my job and about 50 others, Jerry emailed me, and later that day we talked on the phone about the job […]
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