Back in April, I made what should be a low-hanging-fruit type of prediction. Here's exactly what I said: "I envision a time when struggling newspapers cut budgets and reporters, who then unite to start their own rival Web sites."

Later I actually called that a best practice for starting an independent Web site to compete against the newspaper. Well, here's another example of what I predicted actually happening.

Next Monday appears to be the date for former Star Tribune editor and publisher Joel Kramer to reveal his plans for the launch of a professionally edited and reported online newspaper . . . Kramer did confirm what has been known. Namely, that he has hired former Star Tribune deputy managing editor Roger Buoen. He also confirmed he has hired long-time St. Paul Pioneer Press editor Don Effenberger . . .

Kramer's desire to launch a serious news site has been the topic of considerable discussion among the cities' journalists in recent months, many of whom are currently seeking new opportunities, after several rounds of buyouts at both daily papers. Moreover, the frustration with what some regard as the self-limiting ethos of daily newspapers has people hoping Kramer is open to the freer tone and technological possibilities -- podcasts, video, etc. -- of an online news service . . .

By all indications, Kramer will not be offering mortgage-paying wages, at least at the start. But the impression I get is that many current and former newspaper writers regard daily online journalism as an inevitability and like the idea of being part of a pioneering concept enough that they'll work very cheap ... for a while.

You know I can never pass up even the slightest I-told-you-so.