about newspapers and ads and those darn front-page ads.

I am usually late. But even in my race against time, I like taking that quick glance at the front-page of a newspaper, to know all the exciting and horrific things going on in the world. Imagine my plight when instead f seeing a news-story,I see an ad for 'lala building' on the cover. It is the only piece of 'news' that sticks with me (ah, an advertisers delight.) Does anyone else get irritated when they see an ad on the first page of a newspaper?

For illustrative purpose only (Don't sue me,man,)

The problem,ladies and gentlemen, is simple.

Opening the second page is a hassle.

The trend of front-page ads has gone on for a while now but I still get annoyed every time I see it. Big newspapers like Times of India and the Hindu get these ads. We can wag our fingers at these newspapers all we want. But we need to understand the reasons behind the ads before we do it.

In a time when people are saying 'Print is dying' (I am still in denial about that), we can't blame these newspapers for turning to advertisements be their messiah's. 

Why do they have ads?

Printing costs too much. People (that is us) won't buy newspapers at a higher price.My five rupee purchase isn't going to last them till tomorrow. So they turn to advertisers, who can easily help deal with their printing cost. It is said that the dependence on advertising revenue is so high it completely overshadows the revenue from purchasing newspapers. So don't be suspicious if you see a newspaper being circulated for free. Like I said, the price of the newspaper doesn't matter but the circulation does. If it is widely circulated, advertiser would be more keen on putting their ad in that paper.

I still think a full front-page advertisement is a sight for sore eyes. Wish they'd come up with a better way to make the money.