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It's belt-tightening time at New York. Someone passed along the following e-mail from managing editor Ann Clarke which presents the stark reality that the favored reading material in area chiropractic waiting rooms is "over budget by many, many thousands of dollars." How is New York to meet the shortfall? Well, no more sushi for Hugo Lindgren, for one thing. Kurt Loder can no longer be convinced to share his memories of Tower Records over a crackling pork shank at Maloney & Porcelli ("Entertain sources or subjects as infrequently as possible." Sources are being treated like readers now!) And our particular favorite, no free ride:

We've done much better with car service this year, so please keep it up. The Copy Desk, in particular, has been great about taking cabs home instead of car service and I'm very appreciative. Subways/buses are even better, particularly when you're out and about during the day

So take a good look around the next time you're on the train: You may be sitting next to Adam Moss! You'll know him by the glasses.

Full e-mail follows.


Dear Colleagues,

I need your help.

We must come in on budget this year and, in order to make that happen, we need to spend a lot less from now until December 31. We are over budget by many, many thousands of dollars.

It's important to understand that our budget is not tied to revenue - it has nothing to do with advertising strengths or weaknesses. It is set at the beginning of the year. Normally, our spending patterns fall in line with the budget, but that has yet to happen this year.

Please make an effort to save money in every way possible. I'll be talking to individuals, but the following hold true for everyone:

* No staff meals (or drinks). You may not expense outings with your colleagues. Dinners may still be ordered on closing nights if you're working late (max $15/person).

* No travel (by eds or writers), unless pre-approved by me or Adam.

* We've done much better with car service this year, so please keep it up. The Copy Desk, in particular, has been great about taking cabs home instead of car service and I'm very appreciative. Subways/buses are even better, particularly when you're out and about during the day.

* Editors: I must approve any kill fees over 25%.

* Editors: I would be happy to negotiate deals with freelance writers. If your writer has an agent, or if you're working on an excerpt, I must at least be consulted, and would prefer to take over the negotiations entirely.

* Writers: Entertain sources or subjects as infrequently as possible. When you must go out for a drink or a meal, don't spend more than $50 total.

* We are making an effort to get the line-up decided early, which will cut down on costs and headaches. This means all features and photos scheduled to ship must be in the week before. Any out-of-the-ordinary Strategist and Culture pieces must be in the week before also.

I'm here if you need me - for questions, suggestions, or if you just want tohear me say "No."

I thank you in advance for your efforts,
Ann