BLOG.CUCLISPR.COM: Recent Comments

Comment on Sonoma newspaper gives up on pay wall

2011-02-02T16:49:58Z

Hi Gina,
I was told yesterday by the woman who answered the phone at the I-T that the Sonoma Index-Tribune is not only killing their comment function but will (or have) remove access to past comments. About mid-December I called with the same question and they told me they were "upgrading" the website.

But unfortunately, they have engaged in taking down articles that attracted negative comments rather than just removing the comments. Their was no explanation. That article was about the former President of Sonoma Valley Bank being hired by Rabobank to work at a new branch in Sonoma.

In spite of the fact that the I-T has run interference for former bank management and directors I still defended them against the scourge, in my opinion, of AOL/Patch's corporate "local" news arrival.

http://www.sonomanews.com/opinion/letters/article_3d993e28-146d-11e0-8958-001cc4c03286.html

Myself and others criticism of the newspaper's curious lack of investigative interest in the bank's failure has caused me to be banned from their facebook page (since they have no more comment function).

I find that a little thankless since my letter about the insidious nature of AOL's gameplan and defends local newspapers, was seen by most of the Patch sites, and other newspapers including the comment area in the NY Times on a story about AOL. It got lots of eyeballs. The NY TImes then followed with a story about the Patch a few weeks later where a Mr. Bill Lynch was quoted. Coincidental? Maybe. He indicated he wasn't worried about the Patch because of strong local support.

I'm sorry for the topic mashup but it is all related because if Lynch would decide to not filter the news for the people of Sonoma Valley, especially about the bank's failure, we could whole-heartedly support his paper.

Meanwhile, the Sun is free and has a comment function but for whatever reason is afraid to take on
difficult local stories even though the Press Democrat has broken them first.

Is it any wonder that Julian Assange is ascending and trending?
Cheers
Dennis Hipps

Comment on Coverage of a death invades privacy

2011-01-20T17:00:53Z

It did bother me a bit...although I appreciated that they didn't put the method until the END of the article instead of the headline...but why even mention it at all?!?

Comment on Coverage of a death invades privacy

2011-01-20T02:45:41Z

I think the premise that this is unfortunate turn of events being all about Shirlee Zane is disingenuous. It is a terrible tragedy*. (*with ramifications)

He was the CFO (if not in title, in function) of Ursuline High School. Married to a County Supervisor, and regularly opening his home to the wheelers & dealers & political power brokers of the area. You bet this is an issue that deserves coverage*. (*careful, sensitive and deliberate coverage)

Time will heal the wounds. Careful & accurate reporting will also respect the community as well as the tragedy.

~jake

Comment on Media Interview Transition Technique - The Flag

2011-01-10T02:40:44Z

That is a really good writing technique to use across the board, not just for PR.

Comment on Sonoma newspaper gives up on pay wall

2011-01-03T16:16:23Z

As a long time subscriber to the Sonoma Index Tribune I felt really good about going "green" by reading the local news online so I'm frustrated by the removal of this service. I hope it comes back but won't hold my breath.

Comment on I "Liked" Your Facebook Page, so Why Don't I Hear From You?

2010-10-30T23:41:18Z

You're welcome. Give yourself a pat on the back Eris. You are one of the few FB page owners, excluding political candidates, who sends me message updates.

Comment on I "Liked" Your Facebook Page, so Why Don't I Hear From You?

2010-10-30T18:40:02Z

Nice piece, thanks for the reminder (I don't update frequently enough myself). And thanks for including a screenshot of MY update!

Comment on I "Liked" Your Facebook Page, so Why Don't I Hear From You?

2010-10-29T23:36:24Z

Yes, my point exactly. Thanks for your thoughtful description. For most companies, social media is still very new. We're all trying to figure out how to incorporate it into our busy schedules.

Comment on I "Liked" Your Facebook Page, so Why Don't I Hear From You?

2010-10-29T23:15:46Z

This is a great reminder that we need to nurture our online relationships just as we do with friends, family, colleagues and customers in real life. If we're not heard from or seen we're invisible!

Comment on Anonymous Comments Are No Better than Spam

2010-10-14T05:14:15Z

Excellent point you make about how newspapers require you to provide your name for a letter to an editor and in the case mentioned here they don't for the website. I linked this post to my Facebook profile and had several people express their agreement.