In doing my weekly round up I came across a post on Lehigh Valley Ramblings regarding the Library/Colbert issue. I thought his reference to me along with a reader’s comment created a good opportunity to better explain more about posts I make and don’t make, and why.
The comment read, “The problem with Ross is that he is selective about what he posts. If it is news about a guy on South Street hitting his wife he will link to it. If it is about a former wrestler getting tossed from PSU for drugs he ignores it. Ditto for a FH coach and her husband getting into a row. He is very selectove about what Nazareth news he reports.”
Bernie replied with a comment stating, “I personally think Ross makes more of an effort at objectivity than most of us. I don't even try. I do try to get my facts right, but you will know how I feel.” And also, “Blogging for three years with no editor and no staff can be very demanding. He is trying to perform a public service.”
Thanks Bernie, it is much appreciated, especially coming from someone who understands the time commitment and off-line conversations.
I specifically wanted NOC to be a place where people could share information, to be more informed about what is happening and needed, in order to build a better community. It goes without saying it has to be related to the Nazareth area. I’m fine with people being critical, I don’t want attacks or making things personal. Always a gray area, and I tend to be more cautious than most other bloggers.
Regarding content, I do try to cover as much as I can, but I do miss some items. I can't read everything, so I rely on Google Alerts and readers to bring stories to my attention. I have a good relationship with several organizations/institutions and they send me ideas and links for posts.
Am I selective? Yes. There is no hard line, but when there is something that is 'personal' I typically won't publish it. If your personal gets really out of hand (you lead troopers on a chase, fall out of a bar and hug a tree while your spouse looks for your teeth in the street, get tasered for taking on the police while naked at the 7-11) then I tend to post it.
Define personal? A domestic dispute or a young man who apparently gets addicted to a prescription drug, would fit into the personal category (I don’t recall the South Street incident off-hand).
Darling is being called out by the Express-Times because in HS he was a successful wrestler and thereby in their mind this is news significant enough to include a picture and article as opposed to a listing that most people get if they are charged or convicted in court. And it should be understood, not everyone who is charged or is convicted makes the newspaper or web sites.
I don't personally know the Darling family. I feel bad for them. Tim Darling isn't out trying to be a public figure. He isn't a political official. He doesn't hold a position that is in the public eye. He isn't responsible for our children in any legal capacity. Is his changing a prescription to get more of a product news? For me, this is a personal matter that he is going to have to address. I don’t see the benefit of making it news for my site.
A teacher or coach having a domestic dispute is similar unless the dispute happened while working. Again, these instances are often sad and very difficult for the individuals who are going through them and I don’t see a benefit of posting it as news.
I guess having grown up in an environment where my father was public and my having had a position where I was at times in the spotlight, I'm more sensitive on this issue than others.
For anyone who might have wondered about how I pick what to post and what not to post – that is pretty much it. If you don’t see something that you think is news – shoot me an email editor@newsovercoffee.com – the original intent was to have many authors making posts, not doing it all myself. I have a few folks making posts now and again and it is much appreciated. I also have people who send me links, also appreciated. Can always use more of each!
Have a great week!
Ross
4 comments:
Ross: my guess is most people "get" what type of service you are bringing with NOC. Thank you for your time and what I think is an excellent hometown/community blog. You do an excellent job.I also enjoy Bernie's blog, which is completely different, but he cracks me up and adds some humor to politics which is needed because at times politics drives me bonkers.
Ross,
I agree with JimBob. I really am hilarious.
All kidding aside, Nazareth is very lucky to have Ross covering issues. No other LV community has anything close, except for Chris' Tatamy blog and Mean Joe Greene in Lower Nazareth. And as I mentioned to the Anon who felt Ross is too selective, he could start his own blog to get his stories told. He does not have to go out and buy his own printing press.
Thanks to you both (and Bernie, sorry - meant to send you the link as a heads up since I was referencing your post and forgot!).
I saw this as a good opportunity to let new people know what the deal is and how I approach things.
I started posting by email and these now go direct to the blog, twitter, and facebook, so some people are not as familiar with the site as others.
Reminders are never a bad thing, and maybe I'll get some new contributors out of this!
Ross, You provide a wonderful and needed service to the Nazareth community, and we are very lucky to have you (as Bernie stated). You dedicate a great deal of time to this blog, and it is truly appreciated. Thank you!
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