He said his success is like a drug, and he has had some great high moments when stories he's published have gathered widespread attention. I discovered the determination of Russian reporters to get the facts is not so different from that of American journalists, but not all reporters have access to modern technology tools for research and writing because of insufficient funding. There is little room for quick fixes for financial problems in a complex economy that has not let go of the old rules. Tver's newspapers depend mostly on circulation for revenue. Business doesn't easily accept the idea of paid advertising in a competitive marketplace, since in the past advertising was free and the government supported the newspaper.
Distribution is regulated by a government postal system.
Klimov began selling subscriptions and hired independent delivery drivers to help solve some of his distribution problems. I located a possible supplier for him on the Internet. Klimov said he might try the idea, which would certainly be something entirely new in his city. Distribution from such boxes might be a grabber on the streets of Tver, especially for one of his publications, which is very much like the National Enquirer in content. One of the stories Klimov reported in 1999, and is still following, involves seven men who live alone on a remote island hidden within some inland marshes.