If you’re reading the newsletter this week, and thinking, this all looks a bit different… you’re not mistaken. No, I didn’t get a haircut… but the website did receive a buzzcut of sorts. Beginning this week I’m embarking on something of an experiment. Namely – a radical dialing back of those intrusive ads. At least as far as our main stories go – you should now encounter a distinct lack of third-party ads. I’m hoping this makes for a more enjoyable and engaging reading experience. You might encounter them for a while on some ancillary parts of the website, but our core stories should be distraction-free.
You’ll still see news and ads from our sponsors. Most recently you might’ve also noticed our sponsored content articles too. Sponsored content is exactly what it says on the tin. A business contacts GSLC with a story or message they want to communicate to Utah’s most well-informed diners (that’s you dear reader), and we duly produce a story with our very own je ne sais quoi. No regurgitated press releases, nor otherwise jetsam and flotsam. Nobody wants flotsam.
Unlike the previously auto-inserted ads which can range from messy to downright infuriating – yes I read your emails – the sponsored content is easily skippable should you wish. Simply move on to the next post. Expect to see no more than one per week. They will be served up alongside all the regular, detailed reports on what’s opening and closing, foodie events, menu specials, features on great new businesses, dishes, and much more.
I plan to trial this new approach for the next six months and see where we end up revenue-wise. I’m bullish that our sponsors can bridge the gap, and maintain an ad-free experience. Dozens of people have also asked about a possible paid subscription option as well, something I’ve spoken about quietly here and there. Expect that to also arrive in the weeks ahead. Fear ye not though, the bulk of our content will remain free as can be.
Hi, I’m Stuart, nice to meet you! I’m the founder, writer and wrangler at Gastronomic SLC. I’m a multiple-award winning journalist and have written in myopic detail about the Salt Lake City dining scene for the better part of seventeen years.
I’ve worked extensively with multiple local publications from Visit Salt Lake to Salt Lake Magazine, not least helped to consult on national TV. Pause those credits, yep, that’s me! I’m also a former restaurant critic of more than five years, working for the Salt Lake Tribune. I’m largely fueled by a critical obsession with rice, alliteration and the use of big words I don’t understand. What they’re saying about me: “Not inaccurate”, “I thought he was older”, “I don’t share his feelings”.
Want to know more? This is why I am the way I am.
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