Consumers beware...

In the past seven weeks I have attended or taught at forums and workshops related to journalism, news literacy and the art of literature.

I have met United States poet laureates and school teachers from Iowa.

During conversations, a common thread has emerged -- writing, not just journalism, is not what it used to be.  And there seems to be a common thread -- people, especially high school and college students, tend to be in such a hurry that they don't appreciate good writing or want to know the whole story.

Far fetched?  Hardly.  Everyone is in a hurry to disseminate information and present his or her side before someone else beats them to it.  It's not just the little guy or gal, either.

CNN reported that the Supreme Court overturned Obamacare.  Oops, we're bad, we meant to say upheld.  But at least we got it first.  

The New York Times, yes The New York Times reported that Cong. Gabrielle Giffords was killed by a gunman in Arizona.  Oops, we're bad, we meant to say critically injured.  But at least we got it first.

How does this happen?

You're using the culprit right now -- A computer. A smart phone. A tablet.  The Internet.

News consumers today are also news reporters.  The trouble is, many don't known what they're doing.  Hey, it's OK to pass this "breaking news" I just got in my email.  It's kind of like playing that old game, Post Office.  Start a statement and watch how it gets twisted.

So along with the instant dissemination of unverified and unaccountable information, comes the reaction. The comment. After almost every article or every post.  Comment, click and post. 

It is becoming the vain of many newsrooms and online services and it is slowly beginning to change.

Traditional media outlets are exploring ways of curtailing the venom spread online.  Some are beginning to verify each person who posts -- which is a laborious task - -while others are merely hiding posts of people who precipitate online rancor.  One editor I spoke with said his media company was considering a system that limits annoying or blatantly disrespectful  posters type a post and enter it -- but only lets the poster see it.  The general public would never see it in print or online.

Some outlets are exploring the possibility of people who want to post to sign in with a social media registration so their real name automatically appears.

The bottom line is many media outlets are tired of the he-said, she-said routine that proves to be nothing more than an incessant rant filled with acrid name calling.

Facts?  You're kidding, right? 

Daniel Patrick Moynihan noted that "every one is entitled to his own opinion, but not to his own facts."

Darn, there goes all the fun.  It's so much more fun to throw darts and watch people respond, many of whom want to do so anonymously.

I suspect that some media outlets, such as AOL's Patch, lets things run so the bean counters can brag about the number of hits Patch sites are getting.  Advertisers, especially potential advertisers love numbers.

Patch has an open door policy -- you want to blog? Come on in -- it's good for our communities.

It's not good for verifiable and accountable information.  People who spew venom and misinformation get to stand on their soap box, but the end result becomes just as, if not more, annoying.

As I noted above, it becomes a cat-and-mouse game of he-said, she-said and if you don't like my opinion, then bully on you.

The joys of new traditions.  The last time I heard about a new tradition it was the Dallas Greene-lead Chicago Cubs under the field management of Lee Elia.

So much for new traditions.

It is interesting, however, how traditional media outlets, yes, newspapers have gotten themselves between a rock and a hard place.  They verify letters to the editors and other opinions, but let the comments to stories run rampant.

So what's a media outlet to do? Charge for posting and comments -- could be.  Limit the length of posting and comments?  Why not? Many print media already limit the number of words in letters to the editors.

Ask people to be civil, courteous and respectful?  

Nah, that will never work.  

An old adage in the news business is "sex sells".  And that is, in many ways, what is happening in media today.  Traditional media are becoming concerned and beginning to crack down. 

Many upstart media outlets, like AOL's Patch, see it as a money maker.  Which is too bad.  Because when dollar signs usurp credible information and respectful interactions, it's the bona fide news consumer who suffers because all he/she gets in the end is someone's dirty laundry.

I know -- but at least they're getting it first.

A round of applause puts things in proper perspective

The joys, or perhaps annoyances, of technology is that it’s very easy to keep up with what’s happening on the home front.

The recent exchange of comments on the soapbox better known as AOL Patch has been, well, interesting.  It’s bothersome that the story about the July 9^th board meeting ran week after the meeting, which, coverage aside, did little more than open up the flood gates once again.

I was thinking about while plucked down in a lounge at JFK while waiting for a flight home after an intensive two-week seminar.

What helped me return to the reality is an airport announcement in the JetBlue terminal.  “Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome home members of our armed forces who are wounded warriors.”

And then, above the drone of two TVs and the hustle and bustle of JFK Airport, I heard it.

Applause.

A Hispanic woman sitting near me went flying to join in.  I followed.

It was down the concourse, but everyone was watching and applauding the returning troops.

And there won’t be an online comment about it.  Odds are no one will voice a comment about it at City Council or Village Board meeting.

They just applauded and said thanks.

We’ve become wrapped up in inconsequential issues and many people have entered in a game of she said—so I want to say.  It’s certainly their right.

The total consumption is mind boggling.  I do not post anonymous comments --- if you want to know what I think, look no further than this blog.

Should I blog about every time Lisa Stone appears at a Village Board meeting or every time she posts an inane comment?  Probably not. After three plus years, Lisa Stone is Lisa Stone.  We know her he obsession with topics (I hesitate to call them issue) and her less than gentle remarks about village board members and those who dare to criticize her.  It’s nothing new. 

What is “new” are some the tangents she seems to be going on, which rattle up those who comment in response.  Stone doesn’t like it, but it seems to be a case of “you live by the sword, you die by the sword.”

The Patch’s inane policy of “teasing” to online comments on its home page is insane.  More and more media outlets are looking at ways of curtailing rants in their online editions.  But not AOL.

That’s one of the “joys” of technology.  Interesting, isn’t it – you submit a letter to a major newspaper for publication and they verify it.  You want throw daggers at your fellow residents, and that’s OK.

For some outlets, especially those exclusively online, they regale in those comments because it builds numbers, which can transform into big bucks – even if it means running “old news.”

So once again issues of little consequence and a continued helping of refried beans dominate.

Maybe it has become such an obsession that some people can’t see the forest through the trees.

Or hear the applause for those who truly deserve the attention.

A major administrative appointment

Even though his campaign is in the early stages, congressional candidate Chicken Little has announced the appointment of his chief of staff.

Chicken Little

He told me exclusively that while he didn’t want his campaign to go the dogs, this was a chance he could not pass up. “I’m not going let this one flee the coop,” C.L. said, “which is why I am pleased to announce that Fido has joined my organization.

But really, I asked, a candidate with only one name?  “Hey, it’s worked for Cher, Prince and Pink, right?”  I can’t argue.  I found Fido to be, like C.L., a pleasant and down-to-earth candidate.  “I don’t have a specific agenda, which is why Chick and I get along and work together so well,” Fido said.

Fido

I was curious why he kept one name.   “Well, I have thought about adding a second name, but us canine’s like to keep things simple, you know like Lassie, Goofy, Pluto.  But unlike them, my name actually means something.”

No way, I thought.  At first I thought this canine had spent too much time at the fire hydrant, until he explained.  “It actually stands for Forget It, Drive On.”

Really?  How interesting.  “It’s not only a cool name, it represents my own personal point of view.”  I asked him how.  “There are some fights worth fighting, but after a while when the evidence proves that you’re wrong, or you have an invalid argument, it’s time to “drive on.”

Drive on?  “Yes,” he said, “drive your efforts on to another project or initiative that may be more productive.”

Little beamed.  “This is why I want him as my chief of staff.  We want to represent all of the people and not belittle a point over and over again.  By having Fido on staff and using his name as my campaign promise and method of operation, I am excited about the prospects of serving the people of the 10^th district.”

Little and Fido have the potential to make a great team.  Little realizes that the sky is not falling and Fido, following his own good name, realizes the importance of serving all of the people all of the time.

I asked Little if there were any revelations that the media or citizen groups might latch on to.

“Like what?,” he asked.  Well supposed word gets out that he really is a son of a #$$% “Don’t go there,” bellowed Little.  I don’t want the public to get the wrong message.  But you’re right, he really is, but we’re being very open and transparent about it.”

“Yeah, I hear that all the time,” Fido said. “But the important thing is the message, not the name.”

Fido – Forget it, drive on.

Sounds like a plan to me.

But officer....

A look at a mix of calls to the Buffalo Grove Police Department during June…

Talk about a pairing…

Loss prevention official reported that a theft of four bottles of Tequila and two frozen dinners was recorded on video.

Better safe than sorry…

Resident reported that there were subjects that were smoking something from a device.  Officer located the subjects who stated that they were burning a cherry flavored resin in a hookah pipe. They did not have any tobacco or marijuana. The subjects agreed to stop their activity.

Huh?

Resident stated that her husband pushed a vehicle, which was parked behind his car, out of the driveway so that he could leave. The husband caused damage to the front of the car, which is a rental car, and stated that he would not pay for the repairs. Officer spoke with the husband who stated that he would take care of the damage. 

Let bygones be bygones….

Resident stated that she received a voicemail from a subject that had been married to a man that the resident had an abusive relationship with thirty years ago. The message stated that the subject was concerned for the resident’s well being because the man had mentioned the resident’s name numerous times and kept her name in his wallet. Officer discussed safety measures with the resident and placed an extra watch on the home. 

Talk about a subtle hint…

Resident stated that when he returned home, he found his wife had moved out and took the bed and television with her. The resident understands that this is a civil matter and he will contact his attorney. 

Cool….

June 7:  Though it was not a quiet twenty four hours, there are no reportable incidents and crimes at this time. 

Huh?  Part 2

Resident stated that when she returned home she found a bed frame and black duffle bag on the driveway next to the garage. The bag contained a pre lit Christmas tree complete with instruction manual and extra cords. 

That’s why it’s an ex..

Resident stated that she had a disagreement with an ex friend, and that ex friend continues to call and send text messages. Officer spoke with the ex friend and advised her that her communications are unwanted. 

Seriously…

Resident reported that a neighbor’s grass was too long and needs to be cut. Officer checked and did find the grass too long. The babysitter stated that he would let the homeowner know of the violation.(Note – Buffalo Grove has strict guidelines about unkept lawns…check with Village Hall of the village’s web site, www.vbg.org, for details.) 

Seriously, Part 2

Resident stated that he filled out an on line application to be a secret shopper and received a check for $1,850.00. He was also sent instructions to send $1,400.00 back via Western Union to a Buffalo NY Western Union and for him to keep the remainder for his pay. The resident called the credit union that issued the check and he was advised that the check is fake. (Internet scams are becoming more rampant.  If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is…)

Also…

Resident filled out an on line application to be a secret shopper. She then received a check for $970.00 with instructions to cash the check, shop a WalMart, and return $657.36 via Western Union. The resident’s bank then informed her that the check she cashed was stolen and she is the victim of a scam

A little guidance would help…

Store official reported that someone posted a house for sale sign over the drive up speaker, hindering communication. The sign was removed and the following day it was posted again. Officer went to the house for sale and the resident stated that he hired a kid to post the signs and would tell him not to do.

Wait, if this is the big easy…

Resident reported that while in New Orleans, a subject used the resident’s Motorola Droid Atrix cell phone to take the resident’s picture. When the resident turned around the subject ran off with the phone. 

A good neighbor…

Resident reported being concerned for the well being of her upstairs neighbor because the shower has been running for an hour. Officers checked with the upstairs neighbor who stated that her daughter had taken a shower and may not have turned it completely off. 

Power ball?

Customer stated that he gave the clerk a winning lottery ticket and was told by the clerk that it was not a winner. The customer feels the clerk kept the winning ticket and returned a non winner to him. Officer reviewed the security video and did not come to that conclusion. 

What’s wrong with this picture??

Resident reported that the husband of the woman he is seeing rang his doorbell. The husband gained access to the building and was banging and knocking on the resident’s door. The husband left when the resident stated that he was going to call the police. Officer contacted the husband who stated that he wanted to speak with his wife, and that he understands he is not to return. 

Huh?  Part 3

Resident stated that he observed a female subject, in her twenties, get out of a black four door foreign vehicle, and take a post and mailbox off of the hood of the car. The vehicle then drove off. No license plate information was available. 

It never hurts to check…

Resident reported a solicitor without a permit. Officer located the subject who was soliciting for Ultimate Unity and selling magazines. The subject did not have a permit and stopped. (This from the BGPD -- SUSPICIOUS? Never hesitate to call the Buffalo Grove Police Department’s Crime Prevention Unit at 847-459-2560, or if someone is at your door call 911 immediately for an officer to respond.)

By the way..Some readers wonder why I highlight various from the police reports.  Quite simply, some of them bewilder me while others highlight the good nature of some people.  These items are from the public police reports provided by the Buffalo Grove Police Department and are presented as they are reported.  Addresses and the names of businesses are removed…