Apparently no one has told people in Arkansas that they can advertise online. Waiting for my story to be edited tonight I looked through Sunday’s Democrat-Gazette classifieds. It’s a full two sections, 14 pages in all, of everything ranging from personals to government meeting announcements.

The best of the three-liners:

• In the personals - “Rachel, I would like that. Call me or write. Please be sincere.”
• Under special announcements - “I, Jimmy J. Wheeler, am not responsible for any debts/actions of Shona D. Golen Wheeler, this day forward.”
• Cats for sale - “Tom cat, 21-years-old, very skinny, … needs medical attention. Please call…”
• For sale - “French antiques, 1980s original: Inlaid burlwood French Bedroom suite…”
• For sale - “Playboy magazines, 1955 to present. All complete. $5,000. ..”
• Sad - “Engagement ring, white gold, 0.25ct princess cut, worn 3 mos. …” and “Wedding dress with veil, size 8, never worn. Call…”

Who says reading the paper’s no fun?

I’ve almost finished up my first week at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, and I’m finally settling down a bit in Little Rock.

I’m here for roughly 10 weeks doing general assignment work. So far I’ve covered a town meeting in Wrightsville (an unsuccessful attempt to replace the mayor who resigned a few weeks back), the ubiquitous Memorial Day travel story, a North Little Rock housing employee charged with rape while on parole for a 1980’s murder conviction), and various police briefs. (I’d link, it’s subscriber-only.)

I’ve had a great time in the newsroom so far. This is my first time working in a metro newsoom - my past two internships were at community papers - and the dynamics are definitely different. The DemGaz hasn’t been spared from budget woe and layoffs (they’ve had two rounds this year, the second this month), but the atmosphere here is much more positive than in other newsrooms I’ve visited. There is apprehension, but not yet depression, when the future of journalism is discussed.

The Washington Post ran a piece yesterday about the DemGaz’s online strategy. I think the point at the end, that each newspaper must find what works for them, is a useful one to learn, and what we’re emphasizing at the DTH.

And one thing that’s unmistakable is the quality of reporting and writing at the DemGaz. That’s something that’s important no matter the medium.

I’m excited for the rest of the summer.