Twenty questions for a struggling business

When a business struggles, or fails, who is to blame?

Is it the customer, for failing to support the business?

Or is it the business, for failing to serve the customer?

When music fans start downloading music instead of buying CDs, is it the fault of the fans for not respecting copyrights?

Or is it the fault of the record companies, for not moving more quickly to make their recordings available in digital formats?

Is it the fault of the fans for wanting something for free?

Or is it the fault of the record companies for making fans buy entire albums, when all they really wanted was a few songs?

When people start placing ads on Craigslist instead of in newspapers, is it the fault of readers for not supporting the bona fide classifieds?

Or is it the fault of newspapers, for refusing to offer their own service with free, immediate-run online ads?

When readers spend only a few minutes a month on newspaper websites, is it the fault of readers' too-short attention spans?

Or is that the fault of newspapers, for finding ways to make the stories they want to tell more engaging?

When newspaper online comment sections degenerate into insults and flame wars, is that the fault of the public for acting poorly?

Or is it the fault of newspaper management, for misinterpreting the law and prohibiting employees from engaging and leading their commenting communities?

When newsrooms lay off reporters, is it the fault of readers for not buying enough newspapers?

Or is it the fault of the newsroom, for not giving readers enough reasons to buy the paper?

When advertisers switch their campaigns from print to the Web, is it the fault of advertisers for seeking a cheaper alternative?

Or is it the fault of newspapers, for selling overpriced advertising for too long?

When readers refuse to pay for news online, is it their fault for not respecting the expense of reporting?

Or is it the news publishers' fault, for not recognizing how little that they offer is truly unique?

So, allow me to ask again: When your newsroom struggles of fails, whom do you blame - your customers or your management?