Just weeks after I said the SeaTimes‘ current three-section format had a 26-page minimum size, I’m proven wrong. Tuesday’s paper was a flimsy 24 pages, including less than three pages of paid advertising. (Monday was an “observed” holiday, which meant little new political pronouncements and no stock listings.)

Last Sunday’s SeaTimes was the first I could remember (and I’m old) to have as few as 74 pages (not counting comics, TV section, magazine sections, and ad flyers).

If business at John and Fairview fails to pick up and stay picked up, management might have to impose further draconian cuts. Not to pare back to a profitable size, but to a subsidizeable size. That’s a scenario in which what’s left of the local conservative business community can prop up the paper with vanity ads, or with direct donations.