"When the news got out that I was ousted" from C-Ville Weekly, says Hawes Spencer, "the calls poured in. And amid the calls of condolence were calls to action - at least three serious proposals." And just that quickly, a new weekly newspaper has been born. It will be called "The Hook", and it will be "hip and edgy and irreverent," according to Spencer. The first issue is promised to hit the distribution racks February 7th.

There are several backers, including a private investor who "wishes to stay out of the picture for now." The publisher is Blair Kelly, who has publishing experience (Charlottesville Business Journal, real estate weeklies), and was a founder of Cornerstone Networks (now owned by nTelos). Kelly is also the Delegate from the Keswick Polo Club to the United States Polo Association.

According to Spencer, "much of the talent from C-Ville Weekly has signed on with The Hook," including art director Chris Conklin, who evolved the present "look" of C-Ville Weekly.

Offices are in the former Boxer Jam space at Second Street West on the Downtown Mall. Chaos reigns at present - "It's a mess" - but all the elements are coming together.

"It comes out of the blocks with the most important thing - great content," says Spencer. "It will be good for Charlottesville to have another [weekly community newspaper] option."

One thing The Hook doesn't have yet is a great "high concept" catch-phrase. (They need a hook). C-Ville weekly, currently "Packed with the Hometown Lowdown," at one time promised to be "Irritating 10% of its Readers every Week."

Send your hip, edgy and irreverent phrases to us at george@loper.org - we'll publish our selections, with full attribution, and pass them on. (Dave Sagarin, January 25, 2002)