The Margin is a strong believer in the public service role of the print media. An example of this was the recent publication in this newspaper of an article bringing to public attention a document currently doing the rounds. It is a form from Barcelona-based European City Guide, inviting businesses to check their address, as given on the form, before returning the information for inclusion in an Internet and hard-copy guide. Buried in the small print is the information that the fee involved is €717 (£564) per year, for three years.

The Margin checked the website www.europeancity guide.com and, sure enough, there were hundreds of Irish firms, sole traders, community groups, and so on, listed, all of whom have returned the form. Among the companies listed were Belenos Publications, publishers of Business & Finance magazine, Examiner Publications and, er, The Irish Times.