บท 55: Emergence of Newspapers
Back in Bideford,
The town has seen exponential growth in terms of literacy thanks to the elementary school. By now, the children have gone to school for more than two weeks. Many children have begun to read despite the sometimes stuttering. A small number of exceptional children have already read fluently.
Due to that, Riz plans to introduce the newspaper to the public as a medium to practice their reading ability. Of course, he didn't waste his money solely for that purpose. He wants to establish the reputation of the newspaper as a trustworthy source of information among the people. The best time to do it is right now when his people don't have any reliable source to rely on.
Newspapers act as an effective method to control the populace. It appeared on Earth as early as the 16th century. Riz realizes that once the war starts, the people need to know the updates about the ongoing war. Without newspapers, the rumours will run rampant among the populace.
Right now, people are sceptical about Ryntum's victory in the war. After all, Ryntum will fight against the entire kingdom. Charlotte is currently helping him control public opinion through the tavern or else, unrest most likely will happen. It can cause panic and lead to the mass migration of people out of the territory to escape the flame of war. Losing the population is not a joke because it equates to the loss of human resources and income tax needed for future development.
....
Monday, 10th April 300 Paign Era.
It's early in the morning, the sun has not yet fully risen from the east. Riz is currently at his publishing company checking a stockpile of newspapers. Today is the first issue of the newspaper to be sold to the public.
He named the newspaper "Ryntum Weekly". It comprises brief news about important events that happened in the Ryntum territory in the previous week.
The lack of a method for fast information transmission between regions prevents him from releasing the newspaper daily. The newspaper has a single sheet of A2 paper folded into half to form four pages and sold the newspaper for 2 Ros.
"How are you going to sell it?" Theodora asked. Despite her sleepiness clearly visible on her face, she forced herself to follow Riz here.
"At my bookstores." He replied. Riz has established a chain of bookstores named "Big Bookstore" in every city that has a school in it; Bideford, Tegrot, Rafoldrod and Mabadszent. At first, he wanted to build schools in every city and town including the baronies but later he changed his mind. There is no need to waste Ryntum's money on them. He wants to make people who live in baronies feel like they're living in backwardness with no benefits.
"Is it worth the cost? Don't get me wrong but selling it at 2 Ros is a bit... you know, considering the transportation, manpower and other stuff."
Riz chuckled upon hearing Theodora's words. "My dear fiancee, the newspaper profit never lies in the sales alone but in the advertisement. The sales of newspapers and the cost of advertising come hand in hand. The more people buy my newspaper, the higher the advertisement costs."
"Advertisement?"
"It's a paid announcement service I provide to anyone who wants to promote their product It helps increase its awareness and exposure to the people."
After checking everything, the newspapers are sent to his bookstore in the town centre. It was put near the entrance of the shop.
....
"Dad, hurry up!"
"Slow down, Patricia or you are going to fall." said the merchant named Patson. His seven-year-old daughter has become much more energetic since she goes to school. She often tells him things she learns in school during dinner.
At first, he was reluctant to register her for school. However, the content of the textbooks changed his mind. Perhaps after finishing elementary school, both of his children probably exceed him in terms of knowledge. Since then, he has been determined to let both Patricia and her brother, Patrick further study in middle school.
They are currently heading to the bookstore opened by the young lord to buy some papers and notebooks. Patricia has pestered him for it since he picked her up from school. Her brother had it easy, just asked his sister to buy stuff for him while he was going to play with his friends.
Patson looks up and sees the store sign. He is full of admiration every time he comes here, 'Young lord is very talented in doing business."
Upon reaching the store, Patricia happily runs to find what she wants. Patson on the other hand had nothing to do except wait. While he was at it, his eyes looked around the interior of the store. The item was divided into different categories to make it easy for the customer to find their desired item. Even books were divided into different subjects and were arranged based on their colour scheme which helps attract customers' attention.
There are store workers wearing a uniform that can help you in case you didn't find the items you want. In a way, Riz's bookstores have become a source of reference for other shops. It is a good thing as it can help raise the quality of customer service in Bideford.
As his eyes wander around, he sees something new. He read the label of that item, "Newspaper? Ryntum Weekly?". Getting curious, he picks up one of them and begins to read.
His eyes move left and right reading the contents. He raised his eyebrows and inwardly said, 'Is what is written in this true? How old is this news?'
Patson called the staff nearby, "Excuse me."
"Yes sir. How can I help you?" said the staff with a smile on her face.
Patson asked, showing the newspaper in his hand. "Can I know what this is?"
"This is a new product in our store, the newspaper. It has news about events that happened last week, especially the major ones. Now, with only 2 Ros, the news is in your hand." said the staff, taking this chance to make some promotions.
"I will buy one. Take my money." There's nothing more important for a merchant other than information. He called his daughter, "Patricia, hurry up."
"Okay, dad." Patricia returns with a basket full of stuff, some are not on the list. Patson can only shake his head, 'She grabs more stuff than she initially planned to buy just like her mother. Is this habit running in their blood or is it just a woman's trait?'
Patson chooses not to say anything and pays for it. As soon as he returned home, Patson resumed reading the newspaper until he reached the last page. There is nothing there except a few words.
[Your business is not doing well? Want to get more customers? We have a perfect solution for you.
Advertise Your Business Here!!
1 Week - 3,000 Ros
2 Week - 5,000 Ros
3 Week - 7,000 Ros
4 Week - 11,000 Ros
Note: Advertisement spots are limited]
"This is something new!! Maybe I should try the service." Patson's business has become slower lately, perhaps due to the imminent war. If he can spend some money to get more customers, it's a good deal then.
"I need to go to their office tomorrow."
Patson is not the only one who thinks this way, other merchants think the same thing. Tomorrow, he will find the office full of people trying to get the advertisement deal.
....
Evening, at the usual tavern.
By the end of the day, newspapers are completely sold out in every store. At first, it was just a curiosity but then its existence spread across Bideford. It changes the way people obtain news.
"Man, this newspaper is convenient. Now, I won't be confused with rumours since it's all...all...What is it called again, Robick?" Willan asked.
Robick replied as he slightly irritates, "Official news. Get it right already."
"Yes, yes. There is no need to be so cranky. I guess you are in a bad mood as you are no longer the up-to-date source of news huh?"
"I guess so" Robick solemnly replied. He said inwardly, 'My job is actually more of controlling public opinion.'
Even though the newspaper took over his job of conveying news to the public, Riz still paid him the same. When the time comes, Riz needs someone from the masses to give his opinion to the public on certain news. The influential Robick fits for the job.
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