It would make my life a lot easier if everyone would understand that I'm not knowingly going to allow anyone to post that Mr. X or Ms. Y is having one or more sexual flings with anybody. Unless it clearly matters to a story, it's irrelevant. And unless I know it's true, it's not going to get posted. So if you know something that you think is important about some kind of sexual escapade, please give me the evidence and the rationale for why it matters. I'll listen.
Once in New York, I wrote a story about a state Senate candidate whose cell phone calls to various girlfriends wound up on a tape that someone mailed me. (One of them said she "almost died for you" to the candidate because he insisted she wear high heels on a waterbed.) It ultimately reached print, with darn few of the juicy details, because the candidate himself called a press conference to accuse his opponent of making the tapes.
But let's cease the endless comments, posted anonymously, accusing candidates and officials of having secret affairs with one another and others. I have no way to know if any of the accusations are true. And I don't usually see why it would be relevant anyway.
I also apologize for the couple of times something has slipped through. I delete them as soon as somebody points it out.
PS: Slightly veiled references such as Person Q will meet a lover at Bar Z for drinks and more won't make the cut either.
*******
Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
17 comments:
In bristol what does it matter. Everybody sees whats going on. WALK AROUND CITY HALL FOR A DAY AND KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN.
So much in city hall it doesnt make a difference. remember JAKES was in the open.
COME TO OUR CITY ON A FRIDAY NIGHT AND WATCH. YOU WONT BELEIVE WHAT YOU SEE.
Well, so much for the First Amendment, eh, Mr. Collins? This is a truly surprising reaction coming from a "journalist." Did someone threatened you with a lawsuit or did your Publisher exerted some pressure on you? Maybe both?
Unfortunately, you've just identified one more reason to add to the countless others for a mass exodus from Bristol, never to look back, except to lament over not leaving sooner.
Now, the $60,000 question: do you censor this too?
The First Amendment gives you the right to have a blog, not for you to comment however you like on mine.
I've had no pressure exerted. I'm just sick and tired of the constant comments about people supposedly slipping off to motels with each other. I have better things to do than to spend my time deleting that nonsense.
Justice Byron Wright wrote in 1972 (pre-internet/blogging days, of course) the following:
“Freedom of the press is a ‘fundamental personal right’ which ‘is not confined to newspapers and periodicals. It necessarily embraces pamphlets and leaflets. … The press in its historic connotation comprehends every sort of publication which affords a vehicle of information and opinion.’”
Blogs are in every possible definition of the term "vehicle of information" and comments published on them become a part of the information gathering and sharing process.
Undoubtedly, and unfortunately, there are elements to be found in the blogosphere that can be referred to as "blog-mob mentality," and must be discouraged. I think that may be somewhat excusable in terms of censorship, but...
Anyway, here's the point: major breaking stories are being revealed on blogs just like this one every day. And every time you take it upon yourself to play the almighty, powerful, my-way-or-the-highway censor, you (and others like you) chip away at the core essence of what the First Amendment means and represents.
It's hard to deny that blogging is writing. And the First Amendment clearly protects that no matter where it takes place. Your decision to censor comments on this blog is questionable at the least, and a form of fascism at the worst. Look around the internet blogosphere and you'll see that more blogs allow REAL freedom of speech than do not. You may want to re-think what you are doing.
Neither Justice Wright nor any other judge has ever said, or would ever say, that your freedom of speech means I have to give you a platform to speak. It only means you are free to have your own soapbox, newspaper, blog, book, whatever.
From what I've seen, most reputable organizations censor comments that cross the line. The alternative is such total chaos that good people cease to read any of it.
I guess these old biddies need to gossip about other people's lives because they have no life of their own. How sad!
@ FREEDOM LOVAH
First Amendment rights are obviously important, but there have been instances where the courts have limited those rights. I think Steve is doing the right thing in this situation.
It's interesting that you quote Justice White's opinion in "Branzburg v. Hayes," as that was a case where the Supreme Court actually denied a First Amendment claim by a journalist. The case itself proves that there are limits to the privileges of the First Amendment.
There are definitely core First Amendment rights that should be protected, and a free and open press (whether it be in print or blog form) is important to those rights. However, there are limits, and the line gets blurry when (where as here) people are trying to post these types of allegations.
Well done Steve.
sigh....
The first amendment protects you against the GOVERNMENT! The last I checked Steve's blog wasn't an extension of the government. Nor was Steve a government employee. Though from the bitching on this blog the pay is certainly better.
Excellent points,
AnonymousWestconnStudent and cseguin.
Thank you both.
Regardless - unsubstantiated rumors can cause hurt to many innocent people.
"everybody" sees what is going on - well I haven't - but then again I guess I miss the hundreds of drug dealers and prostitutes everybody says plagues the city.
Maybe I am just to focused on the positive and the really good things that are happening - and I try to be a part of that.
FAMOUS SAYING ON FRIDAY NIGHT I NEVER DID THIS BEFORE. MONDAY MORNING CITY HALL WAS BUZZING.
Steve for Mayor!...no seriously.
Freedom of speech does not mean freedom to lie . That happens a lot on here!
5:45 AM: There it is!
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