Saint Johns president article
Tue, 11/27/2007 - 4:54pm
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We got e-mails at work about Kyle DeFur getting the new job, and I think that some of the article and the e-mail are word for word. Isn't that plagerism(sp?)? 
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Yep.
On a side note, I can't imagine a better person to run the hospital. Kyle is a personal friend of mine and one of the most outstanding people I have ever met. He approaches life and his work with a humble and serving nature. He is a blessed man.
Well said Dan. I don't know him that well, but have been impressed every time I have been able to deal with him. I also like Tom VanOsdol. He is also a good person and will be a good temporary or permanent replacement.
The HB doesn't write many stories. They are well known in professional circles for taking a press release and publishing it word for word with maybe an observation added, so they can attach a by-line.
Giggity
A lot of newspapers do that. I was once called out for 'stealing one of the articles from The Star Press - which was a press release. I try to source it as a press release on the bottom if I run one at AFP or MFP.
But is it right?
My short stint in radio, I never read a press release. That is turning your investigative powers, into a glorified community calander. That is what the bulletin board at payless is for.
Giggity
Well, seeing the resources I have at the moment, I do think it's a good idea (especially if I'm transparent about where the info is coming from...) I know of at least two instances where one of my 'press releases' had info missing or downplayed in an HB story.
Rest assured as I'm able, I plan to hire 'trained' reporters and to help train reporters.
I agree that there are different levels of 'news,' but sometimes passing on the 'community calendar' type info can be useful as well.
Bingo
Transparency.
You're not doing what the HB does, and add a paragraph you wrote, so you can attach your by-line to it.
In the efforts of profit and money making, there is less effort and money put in to true reporting. Which is easier, using the press release as a lead to make your interviews, and put together a story about the grant accepted by the Anderson Airport, or using your press release to fill in the standard economic development story bolierplate?
Giggity
The thing is, starting with nothing and trying to build something, you have to do things differently a little. If I had the resources, though, (ie a staff) I definitely agree with you. As it stands now, I split my time between this site, MFP, my blogs and other ventures, and freelancing so that I can pay the bills and keep going a couple more months. When you have little time or resources it's hard to do things 100% sometimes.
I think we're on the same page, though.
It sounds like it. Besides, the HB isn't starting with nothing, and isn't strapped for staff.
Maybe just a misplaced longing for utopia?
Giggity
...the good old days of newspapering...