Lebo Citizens: mtl Magazine vs. In Mt. Lebanon Magazine

Monday, March 11, 2013

mtl Magazine vs. In Mt. Lebanon Magazine

Hands down, In Mt. Lebanon Magazine is better. In the latest, 88 page issue which costs residents nothing, we learn about:

Mt. Lebanon Public Library news and three month calendar, in addition to full color photos of their fundraisers
Health news
Sports news
Teen Center Schedule
PA DEP award of $31,500 to Mt. Lebanon
Fashion Show hosted by Keynotes of Music for Mt. Lebanon
Local Fish Fry Events
Pet news
Home improvements
Restaurant reviews
Spotlight on an excellent Orthodox Christian School. (I can speak first hand of this school!)

This magazine is available online at http://www.incommunitymagazines.com/communities/mount-lebanon.

I would like to copy a comment that recently arrived in my pending comments folder. I got the biggest kick out of it.

Anonymous said...

I think you're all nuts! I love Mt. Lebanon Magazine and so does everyone I know (why I'm an advertiser in it). Everyone reads it cover to cover it seems -- at least my clients do! I throw that In community "magazine" thing into the trash before opening it-- it is nothing more than a souped-up Pennysaver (whichever commenter suggested they were comparable must not know how to read). mt.l is a treasure that, as I understand it, is largely run on advertising dollars. the type of resident who mt.l attracts is generally one who is invested in developing a vibrant and connected community. mt.l is something we should be proud of as a community.

March 11, 2013 at 12:45 PM

Why did I get the biggest kick out of it? "Anonymous" advertises in Mt. Lebanon Magazine. Why didn't "Anonymous" take advantage of some free advertising and sign their name? Gee, do you think a mtl staff member wrote that comment? Or was it one of the 21 bloggers needed to run the lebomag blog, which is moderated by a NY Times moderator?

43 comments:

Anonymous said...: First off how do they know their customers read it cover to cover? This sounds suspiciously like the Kubit claims that the community was divided evenly down the middle on the high school project.
Also, similar is the fact that anonymous provides not one shred of concrete evidence supporting their claim!
I'd also like to see the evidence that the magazine runs 'largely' on advertising revenue. Just what is largely? 52%, 70%, 99.9%.?
If you're going to make a claim like that, one would think the accounting information would be readily at hand!; March 11, 2013 at 2:13 PM
Anonymous said...: It seems few of the Enthusiastic MTLMagazine Advertiser's cover-to-cover reading customers find Lebomags articles moving enough to join in on the blog.
Hell, Elaine's blog generates mote participation in a couple of hours than MTL does in almost a week.

I'd advised the advertisers to reevaluate their ad spending. For what the magazine charges for ad space it doesn't appear to be a very judicious use of advertising dollars.; March 11, 2013 at 3:02 PM
Anonymous said...: So, let me get this straight,the anonymous comments that disagree with you are fake, but the ones that sing your praises as a true genius are real?

If you wanted to be taken seriously, you'd put you money where your mouth is on this issue and ban anonymous comments (like most reputable blogs do). Oh, right, but you can't do that because then you would also have to stop posting as anonymous and there goes your entire audience.

Probably the advertiser commented anonymously because he did not want to alienate any customers. Doesn't take a genius to figure that one out.; March 11, 2013 at 3:34 PM
Lebo Citizens said...: 3:34 PM, oops. I'm busted again. Just like I wrote this one.
If I would stop accepting anonymous comments, what would you do?
I just have to keep being irreputable. Whatever.
Elaine; March 11, 2013 at 3:47 PM
Lebo Citizens said...: 3:34PM,
Let me try to break this down for you. What I do with this blog costs you nothing. I don't take advertising dollars so I am not concerned with web traffic. I do this so that people can read about Mt. Lebanon from my perspective. I don't answer to anyone. I have no Mt. Lebanon staff controlling me. I accept anonymous comments. If that irritates you, stick with mtl magazine and lebomag.com. It is as simple as that.
Elaine; March 11, 2013 at 3:58 PM
Anonymous said...: Mt. Lebanon Magazine's time has past. It's as simple as that.

Although there is a lot going on politically in this town, it circumvents those issues, choosing instead to write about home decorating and improvement.

I don't feel it represents what is going on in this community anymore. It's also not very interesting.

It's time for a change.; March 11, 2013 at 4:09 PM
Anonymous said...: 3:34 its OK for the advertiser Ti remain anonymous because they don't want to alienate any customers.
But in your opinion everyone else should sign their name.

Isn't that a double standard? I'll admit I'm not a genius so please explain you position to me.
You can submit a comment... anonymously. Your advertiser is justified posting anonymously because they don't want to possibly alienate customers.
But everyone else doesn't have anything to fear. Their customers might not be alienated by their post, their boss might not look kindly on their post.

Please explain, I truly want to see the logic in your position. No name calling, no smart comment, I'm trying to comprehend your comment.; March 11, 2013 at 5:15 PM
Anonymous said...: is there a way to quantify the largely of advertising dollars mt lebo mag gets? is this secret proprietary information not subject to right to know? the advertising revenues support the large paid staff and expensive format. a modest publication publishing only those items within its proper scope would cost the same amount in taxpayer money.; March 11, 2013 at 5:56 PM
Anonymous said...: 3:34 here's a suggestion that I figured out though admittedly I don't consider myself a genius.Why don't YOU show Elaine and the rest of us how its done. Come back and admit you're the anonymous poster at 3:34 and my name is ________. I've started a blog about all things MTL and everyone that wishes to is welcome to chime in. Set up your own blogging rules though I would expect everyone needs to sign their real name.
Does that seem fair to you 3:34? I'm betting Elaine wouldn't have a problem with it.

I'm still curious why the "advertiser" has gotten back here with the evidence backing their claims. They seemed so adamant that their facts are --- facts.; March 11, 2013 at 6:03 PM
Greg Nilsen said...: I'm amazed that either of these is in circulation, along with The Almanac. I never read any of them because everything in them I've either already read about, or can read about online. The hard copies are just fodder for the recycling bin.

Maybe I'm just too newfangled...; March 11, 2013 at 7:19 PM
Anonymous said...: Really? It doesn't cost us anything to tune into to your slanted, one-note, hate-filled teabagger sermons? Well, keep up the good work! I'll check in from time to time to see if the hate's still flowing.

One last thing: couldn't help but notice the ban on anonymous comments yielded a free and full exchange on that Dan Miller post. What did get, three comments? Two of them you? Yeah, keep up the comic relief.; March 11, 2013 at 7:53 PM
Anonymous said...: Wonder why the ESB isn't concerned about the trees used for these three publications?
Aren't they concerned with saving the environment?; March 11, 2013 at 7:57 PM
Anonymous said...: And 7:53 off an running with the name calling.
No facts, no evidence, no financial reports or blog announcement. Just sir more of the down home, neighborly goodness we grown to love for all the chuckles it brings.

High five 7:53, you've out done yourself this time. Anonymously of course!
Hmmm does that make you a "slanted, one-note, hate-filled teabagger too? I thiiiinnnnnk it does, precious!; March 11, 2013 at 8:21 PM
Anonymous said...: 8:21...you must be one of the people who favors in communitymagazine because you have no reading comprehension skills I see 7:53 called your sermons hate filled, Elaine. Errrr, i mean anonymous. You, however, just called th first name. But that's par for the course with your trade,ark vitriol. haters gonna hate.; March 11, 2013 at 8:34 PM
Lebo Citizens said...: I am having a hard time following 8:34's comment. In any case, I vote for eliminating Mt. Lebanon magazine and just going with InCommunity magazine. To have 21 people writing for a staff that is running a blog, in addition to writing about Noah's Ark on Facebook instead of covering a commission retreat, and competing against a free magazine is a waste of taxpayers' money.
Elaine; March 11, 2013 at 9:14 PM
Anonymous said...: 8:34 what is a teabagger? And do they always delved hatefilled sermons?

Or is this your customary pleasant demeanor reserved for all of your neighbors and friends?; March 11, 2013 at 9:15 PM
Anonymous said...: Elaine, I'm not a fan of either magazine though MTL does look slicker.

I have a problem with any publication or periodical being dumped on my lawn or in my mailbox without permission.

I certainly hope that if the municipality goes to pay as you throw trash pick-up they mandated that these publications get permission to deliver to residents.
Why should we be forced to pay for disposal of something we don't subscribe to or request.; March 11, 2013 at 9:32 PM
Lebo Citizens said...: 9:32 PM, I understand what you are saying. in Community is published four times a year. Mtl magazine is mailed ten times per year. What about all those food ads that are sent weekly?
Elaine; March 11, 2013 at 9:46 PM
Anonymous said...: If you want them you approve them being delivered and if you don't they have to stop mailing them.
I understand this creates a huge mess, but consider this.
If you decide to start say a lawn service you are breaking the law if you drop your flyer in a residences mailbox or mail slot.

But a company can buy a bulk permit and drop amost anything they want in your box or mail slot.
With the proposal of pay as you throw why should the post office or grocery store saddle you with an expense you didn't ask for.; March 11, 2013 at 9:58 PM
Anonymous said...: That's the thing, Elaine, we don't get a vote. Every person in Mt. Lebanon could vote or otherwise express their opinion that Mt. Lebanon Magazine should stop publishing, but would that stop them?

This thing that started out as providing vital local information in a pre internet age has grown far beyond its scope of legitimate operation. It will keep growing because there is no limit to its growth.

The fact that it can "largely" pay for its expenses with advertising sales is not relevant to whether the magazine is going beyond the scope of the permissible. By the same reasoning, why shouldn't the Fire Department get into the home security business? Or public works get into the hardware business?

The fact that a private, for-profit business is competing with a government enterprise is, in my opinion, evidence that the government is engaged in a private or proprietary business.

But as long as the magazine pleases its "publisher" and the commissioners, it will continue.; March 11, 2013 at 10:32 PM
Anonymous said...: as if to emphasize the point I made at 10 32 post gazette has article about the legality of a fee pittsburgh charges. municipalities can do unlawful acts until someone challenges the legality. again is the mt lebanon magazine morphed into a private business?; March 12, 2013 at 7:53 AM
Anonymous said...: It might be a diferent story if the community magazine were truly a community magazine. If it presented both sides of the issues on important matters like the high school project or the assessments. Four thousand people signed a petition to hold down cost on the HS project. This was an unheard of event in resident participation (no other Lebo petition has come close in signatures) and if you read mtl its almost as if it never occurred.
Tom Morrtel and James Fraasch did an excellent study of reassessements and neighborhood valuations and the magazine operates like this isn't something the 'community' might want to read more about.
No we get articles about somebody's vacation or a mom going back to work or a new business. Nicely written stories to be sure and probably of interest to many. That's why IN Mt. Lebanon exist I imagine.
But a 'community' magazine should cover the 'community' not just the stories the editor finds important or in their own best interest.; March 12, 2013 at 8:10 AM
Anonymous said...: Somebody explain this, please.
Anonymous' comment at 12:45 that started this whole chain thinks it's appropriate to call people nuts.
3:34 thinks it perfectly OK for them to tell Elaine how to run her blog. A blog that she runs entirely by herself, doesn't use municipal offices, electricity, or enjoys municipal healthcare benefits or pension.
But they get upset when taxpayers take issue with a community magazine and editor that does enjoy all the benefit of being a "public servant."
MTL magazines are located in offices provided by taxpayers, use publically funded utilities, supplies and equipment and will be bailed out by taxpayer dollars should it run a deficit.
I'd love to get a deal like that for my business. Guaranteed never to fail, practically guaranteed raises, low government group health insurance rates and generous guaranteed pension. That's the life!
But of course Elaine must act in a manner approved by the two 'nice' people listed above.
Incredible, simply incredible.; March 12, 2013 at 10:12 AM
Anonymous said...: 753, you're a coward and most likely a dopey college kid who doesn't know a thing about the real world. Keep getting your views from Bill Maher and the other hateful clowns in the media. Don't worry, someday you'll be an adult and have to deal with adult issues, like watching your hard-earned pay be confiscated by an ever-expanding government and paying for really useful things like a "community " magazine that features such hard hitting stories as the latest house tour. Until then, stay off the computer in your mom's basement.

Also, I find it interesting that the anonymous "advertiser" touts the value of its customers being so invested in a vibrant community. Which community would that be? Would it be Mt. Lebanon, or the other communities advertised in our "community" magazine like Sewickley, Fox Chapel,Bethel, USC, etc...? Time for a change, people.; March 12, 2013 at 11:21 AM
Lebo Citizens said...: The last time I brought this up, I was told that I am making a mountain out of a molehill. With that being said, I have a real problem with "someone" paid with our tax dollars moderating comments on a blog that is funded by taxpayers. Has anyone submitted a comment to the Lebolife blogs and was denied? That is what I want to hear about. I see that another post is up and the comment attached to it is from one of the other "Morgan approved" bloggers. Besides the magazine morphing into a private business, is Mt. Lebanon denying our rights?
Elaine; March 12, 2013 at 11:42 AM
Anonymous said...: To anyone who does not want to receive the Almanac while they are away on vacation or to permanently stop delivery just call the Almanac office in McMurray at 724-941-7725 ext 133 and they will honor your request. You can also have the Pennysaver, grocery store ads, and other unwanted mail reduced greatly by contacting the post office and filling out a request form. Hope this is helpful to all of the people who are concerned about the environmental impact of unwanted mailings and pay as you throw implications.; March 12, 2013 at 12:44 PM
Anonymous said...: 11 21 it i beyond me how you misunderstand my comments so let me be blunt. home rule law prohibits munis from operating private businesses. i believe mt lebo mag is a private business. they will continue to operate as private business until someone takes legal action and proves that it is a prohibited business. you are welcome to fund and pursue such a challenge.

gotta go. mom made me pb&j sammich; March 12, 2013 at 12:57 PM
Anonymous said...: Since no one seems to have the will, financial resources or legal prowess to investigate a challenge alone as suggested by 12:57 is there an organization like the ACLU that takes on these types of issues?
Any one know?
One would think the daily papers would be in since a government entity is taking ad revenue out of their pockets.; March 12, 2013 at 1:22 PM
Anonymous said...: As I was driving through Mt.Lebanon the other day, seeing all the mini houses on Cedar Blvd made me wonder, which all the new bigger construction to our North and South what is the attraction to Mt. Lebanon?? We are people who value education, love our sidewalks, our little business areas and regardless of the mega-mansions that surround us, we decide to live and make do with our 20's, 30's, 40's or a few newer construction homes...Yes, there are those who lean a little farther to the right or to the left.. BUT in reality folks we need to pull together as a community an embrace our similarities!!; March 12, 2013 at 3:08 PM
Lebo Citizens said...: 12:57, hope your sammy was tasty. ;) I will inquire about your concern at tonight's commission meeting. I suppose if we give Susan another deserving raise, the magazine could operate in the red. At least that would be a logical solution to some.
Elaine; March 12, 2013 at 3:17 PM
Anonymous said...: I think if the magazine is revenue neutral and is mostly positive about Mt. Lebanon. I don't really care that it exists. I surely wouldn't think of telling them to close down because they do not provide "balanced" coverage. That is not their job. Their job is to make Mt. Lebanon look good both to residents and non-residents alike.

For the most part I think they succeed in doing just that.

Just because you don't like it doesn't mean it should shut down. The beauty of freedom of speech is that you have the ability to post ad nauseum about how much you hate the magazine and the people who run it.

If you ran it, or your friends wrote for it, would it not entertain you?

The purpose of the mag isn't to foster debate or discussion. It is completely non-confrontational except for when people like you rail about how non-confrontational it is! It doesn't show both sides! Of course it doesn't. Would advertisers advertise if they did?

Why is it a bad thing to have the municipality put out a huge advertisement for the municipality showing the best we have to offer to our residents and surrounding communities? And this is done at no cost to taxpayers?

Just my two cents but I think this blog and others spend far too much time thinking about the magazine. Unless, of course, there is something personal going on here that the general public does not know. Did Ms. Morgans run over someone's cat?; March 12, 2013 at 3:57 PM
Anonymous said...: 3:57 you asked the first obvious question, is the magazine revenue neutral?
Not the claimed revenue neutral, but bottom line, all In cost of operations neutral.
I mean seriously, the district is investigating finding private concerns to take over their field maintenance.
Maybe it's time to see if IN MTL can do the same job for less money. Why do we need two magazines doing the same jib?; March 12, 2013 at 4:26 PM
Anonymous said...: How about this proposal?

Residents who aren't interested in receiving the magazine should be able to opt out; they should also get a tax refund for doing so.

Remember, the magazine is available at the library.; March 12, 2013 at 5:41 PM
Anonymous said...: Where do people get the idea that if some municipal activity doesn't cost the taxpayers anything, the muni has the power to do it? One can think of hundreds of activities that fall under that criterion.

I hope if someone ever takes mt lebo mag to task, they defend by saying it makes the community look good and doesn't cost anything.

5:41 PM,

How about, instead of opting out, people have to opt in? And when they opt-in the have to pay the cost of what the magazine doesn't "largely" make from ad revenues.; March 12, 2013 at 6:22 PM
Anonymous said...: There already is a magazine that covers basically all the material that the official magazine does, that provides its own staff, offices and equipment.
IN MTL doesn't use $1 of taxpayer money so there no need to refund taxpayers if they choose not to subscribe to it.
It would behoove IN MTL to make some sort of special deal with the municipality for the right to carry community schedules, calendars etc. since doing so makes the magazine more attractive to and increases readers.
On the other an opting in (subscribing) or opting out plan does nothing for the revenue steam of the official MTL magazine since they could no longer claim they reach every household in the community to their advertisers.; March 12, 2013 at 8:04 PM
Lebo Citizens said...: I just spoke during Citizens Comments about In Mt. Lebanon Magazine and how the staff has too much time on their hands to be writing about Justin Bieber musical toothbrushes, Jennifer Hudson and American Idol, memories of our first cars, and my favorite - what books would we take on Noah's Ark while I was sitting at the Commission Retreat.

I also mentioned about opting in OR opting out of receiving the magazine. I did not mention the Home Rule Charter. I didn't see anything that would pertain to the PIO, but I am not an attorney.
Elaine; March 12, 2013 at 8:24 PM
Anonymous said...: Elaine, you have a serious myopic and bizarre fixation with the magazine that no one else shares. You're scarily obsessed with it and Susan Morgans, who does an excellent job running an excellent community resource. I hope you seek help for learning to get over your obsession with Ms. Morgans and the magazine. The whole thing leaves me scared as It's a bit single white female (remember that old movie? ) of you.; March 12, 2013 at 9:19 PM
Lebo Citizens said...: Thank you. This was my 941st post. Yes, all about Susan Morgans and the magazine. Thanks for reading.
Elaine; March 12, 2013 at 9:28 PM
Anonymous said...: 9:19 Say what? Will you kindly explain what "excellent job running an excellent community resource" by Morgans means and provide such convincing examples which can justify her pay+alpha in this excellent community? Would you prefer to live in a community starting to be rotten from inside? Wake up and use your brain, look left and right to see around the world and in all political spectra how excellent local communities can be run.(BTW, out of worry, don't just look at 10 miles radius as you probably will. I meant globally, at least nationally) Are you couple of folks above including 9:19 narcissistically admire our community? How naive! From HS, Math, sports to this magazine problem, did you have any problem ever with the decision making process? Was not curious? Then seriously, please do me a favor. Don't watch too much HW movie because part of your brain started malfunctioning. If you can bleed money, good for you. Most of us can't. I may be very different from Elaine in terms of political view but I really appreciate her hard, 'free' work. Just couldn't stand these idiotic naive comments.; March 12, 2013 at 10:54 PM
Anonymous said...: 9:19 makes your blog so wonderful to visit Elaine. The depth of their analysis, the intellect displayed and the incredible grasp on the facts is a wonder to behold.
There's no one in the whole wide community with more insight as to what is good for the community.
Don't ever make signed comments mandatory as we might lose this one special and loving neighbor.; March 12, 2013 at 11:01 PM
Anonymous said...: Oh c'mon 10:54 I love 9:19's drive bys.
In our circle we try to guess how many post they'll make under a topic in which they'll tell somebody they disagree with that they should get help.
It's great fun. We're thinking of starting a 9:19 beer pong game.
Every time they call someone crazy or to seek help you have to take a swig.; March 12, 2013 at 11:27 PM
Anonymous said...: 919: You know what's really scary? People like you who visit websites and blogs for the sole purpose of posting how much you dislike the website or blog. Talk about an obsession. Demonstrates a limited mental capacity as well as some kind of anger issue. Maybe you should stay off the Internet and go find a therapist instead.; March 13, 2013 at 9:26 AM
Anonymous said...: 9:19 What's scarier is folks who respond to blog postings to diagnose others with limited mental capacity.; March 13, 2013 at 11:01 AM