The Paper Chase.

Byline: GRAYDON CARTER

The Paper Chase

Goodness knows, I'm not one to complain, and I'm sure you're not the sort to, either, but aren't you growing just a bit tired of reading about the demise of newspapersin the papers themselves? It's no wonder readership is down. Who has the patience to hear endless whining about someone else's misfortune when your own fortunes are rickety? This is not to say that the health and vigor of the nation's dailies are not vital to the intellectual health and vigor of the commonwealth as a whole, or that newspapers aren't an essential force in keeping a watchful eye on corrupt politicians and venal corporate overlordsneither of which are in short supply these days. I would also hope you feel that the loss or even weakening of the nation's principal daily, The New York Times, would mark an end to life as we know it. The Internet is partly to blame for all of this, and perhaps micro-pricing or gated content will be part of the solution. "Youthing" down a paper to attract 21-year-olds isn't the answer: the only way you're ever …