I have a hard time understanding the mindset of the Joplin Globe when it comes to news stories that concern the newspaper itself.
When Edgar Simpson stepped down as the newspaper's editor after eight years, the story was buried on the business page. I'm not saying that people do not read the business page, but this was a story that clearly was more important than an average business story and the Globe runs many important business stories on its front page or at least in its A section.
Information about who will make the editorial decisions at the region's largest news outlet is major news and it was treated as if it were typical news release fodder.
The same philosophy was followed when Carol Stark was named to replace Simpson Wednesday. The story was placed in the business section. While I cannot argue with the Globe's selection of page one stories Wednesday, there had to have been a way to put the Stark appointment on page one, even if it were just put in a promo referring the readers to the business section.
The Globe's penchant for underplaying stories about itself is a misguided approach. Carol Stark just stepped in to one of the most important jobs in this corner of southwest Missouri. It was a page one story.
8 comments:
I guess it would be, because, unlike bloggers, real journalists go out of their way not to pat themselves on the back or create the news.
If the Globe would have ran those stories on Page 1, there is no doubt this post would have bashed them for being "high and mighty."
Getting tired of your little temper tantrum yet? News flash. We are.
No temper tantrum is involved here. I am not angered that the Globe did not put the article in a prominent position. I am saying that it did merit the placement. That is not a matter of the Globe patting itself on the back; it is simply recognizing the value of the information.
I have been consistent with this position. In the past, I have criticized the newspaper several times when it did not recognize the awards earned by its reporters. Those would not belong on page one of the newspaper, but they do deserve prominent placement. (And The Globe gave such recognition to its winners in last year's Missouri Press Association Better Newspaper Contest.
As for the comment about real journalists not patting themselves on the back,that's ont only a cheap shot, but it's inaccurate. You're entitled to your opinion about whether bloggers are journalists,but please don't tell me that journalists "go out of their way not to pat themselves on the back." That flies in the face of reality.
As for creating the news, again, you're entitled to your opinion, but you do keep coming back for more.
I agree with the Globe not making a big issue of the change. I have always thought that reporters (i.e. newspapers) shouldn't make news, just report it.
Few things are more offensive to readers than having a photo of a reporter in the newspaper as he/she is covering an event. One reporter at the NEOSHO paper does it frequently and it offends the public...hope he realizes that one day.
Don't "fall in love with those you cover" and don't insert yourself (opinions/photos, etc.) in the stories you cover....long-standing and important rules of standards.
I have to agree with Randy on this one. The news of Ed Simpson leaving and Carol Stark replacing him merited the bottom of page one, or at worst on page 3A. The reason? The editor of the Globe, in my opinion, is on the same level as the police chief or perhaps even the city manager. He/she is an opinion leader with tremendous impact on the city of Joplin.
The placement of the story was another example of the Globe’s unhealthy practices of flagellation and self-denial. The cult belittles the self-worth of its members to ensure their slavish devotion to the leader’s mind control aka they make needless rules, withhold recognition of individual accomplishments and destroy morale to keep wages low. Enjoy toiling in obscurity wretched serfs.
To Randy:
"ont" is that a new word you made up? Since you love to try and make other people look unintelligent when they make a typo.....just thought I would point that out.
I suggest you check more thoroughly before you make such a sweeping comment. In fact, I made one mention of a typo...only after that person had made a big deal of how intelligent he is. I make mistakes, everyone makes mistakes, but I very rarely comment about any typoes in the comments to this blog.
Post a Comment