"...fees may be modified or added by the manager at any time." UPDATED

I saw an ad on mtl Magazine's Facebook feed the other day. Sending a copy of the ad and what I thought was a simple question turned out to be too difficult for our manager to answer. My question was, "How much is Lanz Associates paying for this advertising?"

After the usual multiple emails exchange with our manager, Keith McGill wrote:

"As such I cannot provide you with a specific cost for this ad."

That is very disturbing news to me. On one hand, I'm told that fees may be modified or added by the manager at any time, but on the other hand, Keith has no idea what the cost was for the ad. Very disturbing.

Here is the email exchange.

February 23, 2017 email exchange with Keith McGill re mtl FB advertising

It is frustrating to constantly hear, "I don't know" or "I do not have that information" from the person who SHOULD know or have that information. If it is not available, how about taking that extra step to find the answer?

Update February 25, 2017 1:46 PM I heard back again from Keith McGill. Here is his reply:

From:	Keith Mcgill <kmcgill@mtlebanon.org>
To:	egillen476 <egillen476@aol.com>
Cc:	Commission <commission@mtlebanon.org>
Subject:	Re: Free advertising?
Date:	Sat, Feb 25, 2017 10:01 am

---

Good morning Elaine,

As I indicated in my previous response, sponsored content is a new product being offered to advertisers. As such, we are still trying to determine appropriate pricing.

It is possible that the pricing may need to be adjusted for online and sponsored content based on advertiser interest and response. This will take some time to determine.  I anticipate that we will be able to include the prices in our media kit next year.

I think the important thing is that the magazine has identified another revenue opportunity that will potentially allow us to continue to deliver important information on municipal programs and services to our residents in a cost effective manner, with the added benefit of promoting what a truly exceptional community we live in.

Keith 

On Fri, Feb 24, 2017 at 6:10 PM, egillen476@aol.com <egillen476@aol.com> wrote:

Hi Keith,

Will you please find out what the specific cost is for this type of advertising next week? It is disturbing how often we hear, "I don't know" or "I don't have that information" when we ask questions these days.

Commissioners, would you please follow up with Keith?

Thanks and have a wonderful weekend, everyone.

Elaine