Shocker! Patch to Begin Layoffs

I’ve said from the get go that AOL’s Patch was doomed.  The implosion begins:

Patch has implemented a new “One Team One Goal” strategy, with a budget that effectively eliminates anywhere from 50 to 100 percent of freelance dollars, depending on the Patch region and how the supervising editor and regional ad director choose to allocate dollars.

The editorial emphasis is now on “easy, quick-hitting, cookie-cutter copy,” including mandatory “Best Of” features i.e., best coffeeshop, best burgers, etc. that compel businesses and readers to visit and participate in the Patch directories. Each Patch has a directory of local businesses, organizations, churches, etc.

via Patch plans to reduce staff and change its editorial format | JIMROMENESKO.COM.