Ridder Rebound? Par Gets a Job Offer

Everyone’s announcing high-profile hires for their startup news websites, and Steve Perry wants in on the action.

So count him as the first to offer Par Ridder a new job. Barred by a judge from reporting for duty at 425 Portland Avenue for a year, the Star Tribune publisher’s schedule should be wide open to become The Daily Mole‘s latest hire.

Or make that intern.

In an open letter that isn’t — Perry is stocking the site with stories before the beta test starts any day now — he offers the Star Tribune publisher an unpaid gig, complete with desk, chair, phone, and business cards. “You would need a laptop computer of your own,” the letter states, “but we assume that’s not an issue.”

Read the letter after the jump

Dear Par,

We at the Daily Mole were saddened to hear of your abrupt exit from the Newspaper of the Twin Cities this morning. We can only hope it spells an end to the scorn and mockery you have endured in your time of trial. People can be so judgmental. Especially judges.

As your friends have no doubt pointed out, sometimes the best thing one can do with such adversity is to turn the page. In that spirit, we want to be the first to offer you a chance at clearing the slate and earning back your good name. (And make no mistake: Ridder, under normal circumstances, is a very good name.)

We’re talking work. A job. And by “job,” I mean unpaid internship. If you will agree to sell advertising for the Daily Mole for a period of six months, gratis, we will pledge to consider hiring you full-time.

As a Daily Mole intern, your perks would include a desk (with chair), access to a telephone, and a whole box of business cards. You would need a laptop computer of your own, but we assume that’s not an issue.

Courage!

Best wishes,

The Mole People

Photo via Editor & Publisher