Maine, US: Following the decision of a local newspaper of cutting the regional book review section owing to budget cuts, Maine boy and international fame Stephen King’s interference has led to the daily switching their decision.
Asking people to retweet King said, “The Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram will no longer publish local, freelance-written reviews of books about Maine, set in Maine, or written by Maine authors.” He also asked the followers to tell the paper to not take such a decision.
Within half an hour the Portland Press Herald replied back, offering King to “reinstate the local book reviews immediately”, if he could get 100 followers to get digital subscription.
Calling the response a “Sales pitch? Blackmail?” The renowned writer asked his followers to subscribe, as the paper was shy of 29 subscribers from the goal of 100.
The Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram will no longer publish local, freelance-written reviews of books about Maine, set in Maine, or written by Maine authors.
Retweet this if you’re from Maine (or even if you’re not). Tell the paper DON’T DO THIS.— Stephen King (@StephenKing) January 11, 2019
These are challenging times for newspapers. But here’s an offer: If you can get 100 of your followers to buy digital subscriptions to the @PressHerald, we will reinstate the local book reviews immediately. Use the promo code KING. Deal? https://t.co/5eoqjQ2psV
— Portland Press Herald (@PressHerald) January 11, 2019
As of first light we had 71 new subscribers and we want to welcome them all! 29 more to our goal. To sweeten the deal, if you follow us here you also get:
Wallbagel updates
Limericks
90s hip hop referencesCode King for online/Carrie Sunday printhttps://t.co/5eoqjQ2psV pic.twitter.com/2oxrz2u1Re
— Portland Press Herald (@PressHerald) January 12, 2019
PS — We’d be willing to bet a retweet by @StephenKing would get us over the threshold.
— Portland Press Herald (@PressHerald) January 12, 2019
The Portland (Maine) Press-Herald has agreed to reinstate local book reviews if 100 people subscribe. Sales pitch? Blackmail? Either way, 71 people have subscribed so far. Are there 29 more Twitterheads out there who want to ante up? Just asking.
— Stephen King (@StephenKing) January 12, 2019
Thanks to everybody who subscribed to the Press-Herald. You saved the day. There are countries where the arts are considered vital. Too bad this isn’t one of them. The paper thanked you guys. Also thanked me. (And misspelled my name.)
— Stephen King (@StephenKing) January 14, 2019
Finally, the local reviews were welcomed once again at the Maine’s newspaper.
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