That's why it takes me so long to write a column. I always fear that what I am writing about is not correct, so I research it. One mistake undermines credibility. You learned it as a journalist, I as an experimental psychologist and professor.
Jack is reminding me of my personal “ommm”— the mantra journalists and reporters from yesteryear learned — and used constantly — to ensure accuracy. It came from the city editor of my hometown newspaper where I worked summer breaks in college: “If your mother says she loves you, check on it.”
Probably the biggest resaon I follow sources like you is I know I can trust that you've done your homework, and I know you won't be fabricating "facts" to make your point. Thanks for what you do, Jack.
I have PTSD from a mistake I made as a reporter back in 1993 or so. I used the wrong first name for a crime victim and caught serious hell. I never ever ever ever made that mistake again. Slow down, get it right. Thank you for reminding us that facts really do matter in this fact-averse world.
Jamie Reno often accused me of playing fast and loose with the facts. I never do. But I have from time to time trusted sources that I should have verified. In one case Jamie was mad because I had given him some background on shipboard contamination from Vietnam herbicides. His Navy veteran source contradicted me. Since I was not Navy I was wrong. In fact I was correct, and the Navy veteran had never been involved in the supply and distillation of the water on the ships, but my Navy veteran friend had. We are all going over the cliff of climate change because of unethical and untruthful "climate deniers" with big titles and advanced degrees. Life in the post fact world.
How this note encourages me ... you with the news, and me with a sermon ... all my life, I've tried to be "sure" of what I was saying ... attributing in footnotes any and all ideas derived, directly, or indirectly, from others. Your piece reads like a "confession of faith" - The Apostles' Creed or something like that - essential to all other ideas and practices. And hats off to Bill Shay. Without these kinds of commitments, there is no journalism, only FAUX News. In my mind's eye, a sort of noir image: a guy with a porkpie hat and a rumbled Columbo trench coat digging through the trash bin behind city hall ... to get the story ... first, and first to get it right. Thanks Jack!
aaaah the good old days of reporting. Remember, The Blade’s morgue had an employee who would look up info from the clips if you reporting from field and needed to call in a story??
Thanks for the compliment about my intelligence,Professor.(Not to appear braggadocious,but at 72-73 five weeks from today-and five years after a mild stroke gave me a noticeable limp,I'm said to resemble a handsome cowboy when I wear Western duds.)
I know (but forgot) that Michigan Secretaries Of State are elected,not appointed (many Michiganders believed long-time Michigan SOS Richard Austin,perhaps the Mitten's most popular politician,had a chance to be Michigan's first black Governor had he run.Sorry for not remembering that fact.
My point was that Gov. Whitmer's appointments all seem to be white women like herself,with few or no POC of either sex chosen for the top jobs.
That's why it takes me so long to write a column. I always fear that what I am writing about is not correct, so I research it. One mistake undermines credibility. You learned it as a journalist, I as an experimental psychologist and professor.
Jack is reminding me of my personal “ommm”— the mantra journalists and reporters from yesteryear learned — and used constantly — to ensure accuracy. It came from the city editor of my hometown newspaper where I worked summer breaks in college: “If your mother says she loves you, check on it.”
Always great to hear from you!
Probably the biggest resaon I follow sources like you is I know I can trust that you've done your homework, and I know you won't be fabricating "facts" to make your point. Thanks for what you do, Jack.
Sir, that means the world to me.
I have PTSD from a mistake I made as a reporter back in 1993 or so. I used the wrong first name for a crime victim and caught serious hell. I never ever ever ever made that mistake again. Slow down, get it right. Thank you for reminding us that facts really do matter in this fact-averse world.
We've all done something like that at some point , and are mortified!
I know,Professor,and I'll strive for accuracy when I post an opinion.
we all make mistakes sometimes, Brady
Jamie Reno often accused me of playing fast and loose with the facts. I never do. But I have from time to time trusted sources that I should have verified. In one case Jamie was mad because I had given him some background on shipboard contamination from Vietnam herbicides. His Navy veteran source contradicted me. Since I was not Navy I was wrong. In fact I was correct, and the Navy veteran had never been involved in the supply and distillation of the water on the ships, but my Navy veteran friend had. We are all going over the cliff of climate change because of unethical and untruthful "climate deniers" with big titles and advanced degrees. Life in the post fact world.
this is happening everywhere. Thank you
How this note encourages me ... you with the news, and me with a sermon ... all my life, I've tried to be "sure" of what I was saying ... attributing in footnotes any and all ideas derived, directly, or indirectly, from others. Your piece reads like a "confession of faith" - The Apostles' Creed or something like that - essential to all other ideas and practices. And hats off to Bill Shay. Without these kinds of commitments, there is no journalism, only FAUX News. In my mind's eye, a sort of noir image: a guy with a porkpie hat and a rumbled Columbo trench coat digging through the trash bin behind city hall ... to get the story ... first, and first to get it right. Thanks Jack!
Actually, I was looking for half a donut I threw away by mistake....
No doubt a donut from Tim Horton's!!!
your spies are vigilant!
Also,Professor,I don't at all believe Ms. Benson is a bigot.
aaaah the good old days of reporting. Remember, The Blade’s morgue had an employee who would look up info from the clips if you reporting from field and needed to call in a story??
In the 1970s they had THREE full -time librarians!
Thanks for the compliment about my intelligence,Professor.(Not to appear braggadocious,but at 72-73 five weeks from today-and five years after a mild stroke gave me a noticeable limp,I'm said to resemble a handsome cowboy when I wear Western duds.)
I know (but forgot) that Michigan Secretaries Of State are elected,not appointed (many Michiganders believed long-time Michigan SOS Richard Austin,perhaps the Mitten's most popular politician,had a chance to be Michigan's first black Governor had he run.Sorry for not remembering that fact.
My point was that Gov. Whitmer's appointments all seem to be white women like herself,with few or no POC of either sex chosen for the top jobs.
I understand that.... and that's legitimate, which is why you gotta make sure your facts are right!
How about we apply the same standard to politicians. What a fantasy.
Shocking ! How dare you!