There is a nice write-up about the Monmouth County Republican Blog, and Mr. Purcell's editorial, at Dynamo Buzz.
Dynamo Buzz is "A weblog about New Jersey, politics, sports, computing, web design, hockey, beer. Other stuff, too!!"
Roberto, your host, writes about all of the above subjects, but mainly Jersey politics, with a refreshing conservative point of view.
I would encourage my readers to log on to Dynamo Buzz; it's a great site.
Thanks, Roberto!
32 comments:
That's awesome. Dynamo Buzz is a big-deal Jersey blog.
Wow, I'm a big-deal Jersey blog? Aw shucks, thanks. I'm blushing right now.
I'd be a really big deal if I found out the identity of Honest Abe.
Corley's nonsense about OPRAing Wall's recorded phone message of Kyrillos in Keansburg is bull. I am sure that she did a BS OPRA to cover Wall, but OPRA requests only apply to things required to be kept on record by law, of which, phone messages do not. How did she know about a voice message to Wall in the first place? Not to mention that there's nothing untoward in the message anyhow. Corley and Purcell need to get over their whacked out conspiracy theories (i.e., the DEP, people taking their photos, etc.), and more so, their inflated self-importance. Maybe they want to report on Merla's indictment and impending conviction (who Wall was campaign manager for last year), or how about Ray O'Grady? Interesting how the Courier only goes after those, ie, Kyrillos, Handlin, Carton, Peters, etc., who oppose the Town Center or won't give its publisher a county job--the kind of patronage the Courier now whines about weekly now. I think an article about where the heck Wall's DiMaso tape is called for. How about an article on how Wall violated election law by not including a disclaimer on his robo calls in Holmdel this past election--an offense for which people have been criminally indicted (see Count 20 of Treffinger indictment and law passed last year). But how could that be as significant of a violation a treasurer misplacing a digit on the date on an ELEC report? How scandalous--nothing like taking cash from undercover agents in exchange for a public contract to buy a new Durango.
Anonymous - I have one regret: If we had a dark room, I would not have had to buy a digital camera. C'est la vie, such is life.
I have to say that Roberto does have a 'refreshing' point of view, to borrow your words.
Well "Anonymous"...and a good morning to you, Sunshine.
OK, let's saw this piece of wood...
You said...
"Corley's nonsense about OPRAing Wall's recorded phone message of Kyrillos in Keansburg is bull. I am sure that she did a BS OPRA to cover Wall, but OPRA requests only apply to things required to be kept on record by law, of which, phone messages do not."
I respond: OK, you're wrong...call a lawyer... read the law...do something but don't sound stupid.
Then you said:
"Corley and Purcell need to get over their whacked out conspiracy theories (i.e., the DEP, people taking their photos, etc.), and more so, their inflated self-importance."
Yeah, well, it's only whacked out if it isn't true. Interestingly enough, that would mean that the sickos involved (maybe even you, Sunshine) are trying to have a big old time and play a game. But, they're a lot less bright then the people they replaced and it's more funny when they try something than nefarious because they leave trails everywhere. It's kinda cute, in a "Napoleon Dynamite" way. I don't claim to be important...I'm just right. As for me being wrong about facts, why not do something that has a backbone and actually refute something in a way other than "oh, no it's not" and give me anything like...I don't know...evidence. How about a lawsuit for defamation and libel against me by the "injured parties"? Can't do it, I guess. Truth is rough stuff. And, as for the county job thing. I was suckered into that. Here's an interesting thing, though. As a result of working with the county GOP for some years, I learned long ago never to have a conversation where there's not a third party present (on telephone or in real life) where it involves bums I don't trust (and there's a LONG list of those). The patronage stuff is so full of it, and so is Ms. Handlin about this. Everytime I was on the phone with someone, everytime I spoke with someone (except Rob and Ted, once respectively. Ted because I didn't have to and Rob because I couldn't manage it given the circumstances) there was someone who could state they heard the whole thing. I spoke with Billy, but there's no need to record him, he's got this thing...what's it called...oh yeah, credibility and honor... that Rob and Amy couldn't buy with all the money in Ft. Knox. And, after listening to those talks, it is not possible to make the assertion that anything improper was done on my part. I have witnesses, one of which is Ms. Corley (and this stuff was actually a shock for her at first). Simply, Ms. Handlin is a venomous, distraught and vindictive person, in my opinion, who has (to various degrees) been able to unjustly impact my personal and professional reputation, with the assistance of a weirdo ex-mentor (involved in a newspaper chain that is a virtual hand-puppet for the GOP). There, I guess that covers that. I don't take it too seriously, she didn't hatchet me nearly as bad as she did Ed Stominski or Big Joe.
THEN, you said:
"Interesting how the Courier only goes after those, ie, Kyrillos, Handlin, Carton, Peters, etc., who oppose the Town Center or won't give its publisher a county job--the kind of patronage the Courier now whines about weekly now."
I respond: For all I know, Town Center is dead. The project is this old, dusty campaign issue that long ago ceased being a community decision and is now some lingering case somewhere in an appellate court. So what? I wouldn't even try to play the Town Square card next campaign...no, better yet...do it again. I'm sure everyone thinks it's still going on. By the by, I never had a stake in Town Center. Truth be known, I find it interesting how proponents for Joe K., Carton and the rest somehow think it's disloyal heresy to imply it is wrong they make money off the public using influence (they do). Likewise, I can't possibly wonder why someone might have a problem with politicians using their office to make a living for themselves or why that might be something that's bad. Your point is moronic, as were probably your SAT scores.
Then you said:
"I think an article about where the heck Wall's DiMaso tape is called for."
I responded: We didn't write the story the first time because we heard no tape, so why would we do a follow-up on a story we didn't write. Do you work hard being this dense...I mean practice in the mirror or something?
THEN you said:
"How about an article on how Wall violated election law by not including a disclaimer on his robo calls in Holmdel this past election--an offense for which people have been criminally indicted (see Count 20 of Treffinger indictment and law passed last year)."
My response: There's this thing called...proof. It means you have to be able to substantiate something. I know that's a rough concept because it would mean it actually happened and it would have to be recorded somewhere in some way. Produce it and be right, beleive what you will quietly and it is your right to believe whatever you want, say something stupid in public and just be the entertainment...that's my motto. Right now, that would put you somewhere between Mel Torme and an Elvis tribute act.
THEN you said:
"But how could that be as significant of a violation a treasurer misplacing a digit on the date on an ELEC report?"
I responded: Yeah, why do we need to know the years of money transactions with candidates, or have the months line up with actual dispersements of donations. Of course, I think, in the case of really big deals like Kyrillos and Handlin, as well as Carton (oh, especially Petey boy) that they shouldn't even file ELEC reports. You know what...they should just call in and give us their word they aren't peddling influence or wheeling...that's it. And, we can extend that to anyone they see fit to do it with... because anyone knows they are quite nearly perfect and absolutely uncorruptable at all times. Question: Do zombies have dances and, if so, what do they spike the punch with?
YOU CONCLUDED WITH: "How scandalous--nothing like taking cash from undercover agents in exchange for a public contract to buy a new Durango."
I CONCLUDED WITH: And, if that was true, I am SURE the FBI wouldn't have arrested anyone involved. To tell you the truth, I have no idea what the Hell you are talking about. But, if it's a case of corruption, I think you should be on the blower with either the FBI or the prosecutor's office if you have any knowledge of any wrongdoing and NOT post it casually. That's just my take on it. Not that this hasn't been a slice of heaven, but I HONESTLY think there's eggplant on store sheves brighter than you, "Anonymous." xxxoooo
PS: How'd that train station thing work out for you guys this past November. Good? No, probably not. I suppose everything we said about that was a pack of lies. You would not believe how long it took to forge reams of documentation and first-person interviews. It was a labor.
The OPRA request is dated and on file in Keansburg. Mr. Wall kept the message on his voice mail at the request of members of the council. It was a message about township business that wasn't privileged so I was well within my right to request it.
Yep. It's all conspiracy theories. A woman in Hamilton who started questioning a Jack Morris-project got followed too. But she must be a nut job. I mean, her husband, a Republican, got elected to the township council as a direct result of their fight against the project. Rich guys covering their asses? Nah, it never happens. The train station is only a $750 million project after all.
And it wasn't all that long ago that an official handed me over pictures of a Hazlet woman some schmuck had decided to make it his life's mission to follow around.
You're right. The few worms in you're party really couldn't such self-righteous Nazi's.
Town Center? Last I checked that thing was dead and buried. Mr. A could really care less about who we write about. If I even see him more than once a week, it's notable.
I didn't write the article about the anti-semitism claim out of deference to Ms. DiMaso. Believe, don't believe it -- that ain't my problem. I wasn't going to drag a mother through the mud for no apparent reason. I told Ms. DiMaso I wouldn't write anything until if and when the tapes were produced and she thanked me.
If this was all much to do about nothing, you wouldn't have to go out of your way to defend your masters with such frothing-at-the-mouth vehemence. I mean, running to an unrelated thread on another blog to respond to some post on my blog? C'mon. I've got an e-mail address, for Chrissake. Don't make this thing more complicated than it is.
{I wasn't going to drag a mother through the mud for no apparent reason.}
Last time I checked Amy Handlin was a mother too. You guys are hypocrites. Wonder if that Flynn campaign paid their bill yet?
So according to the publisher and ace reporter of the Courier, the Town Center is dead and Mr. Azzolina does not know or care what they write about. I guess all those weekly Town Center ads are just for fun. I think I remember seeing at least one positive story about the papers owner in the last few months. Purcell's pathetic pandering to the economic demands of his boss is why his paper has no credibility. And his role as a municipal democratic chairman? How does he dare write and control "news" about politics that affect his position. And why does he and his "paper" get so much play on a Republican blog site except for comic relief. Why should we listen to a democrat chairman about who our candidates should be. As Republicans we should look at the source of advice closely. If it is coming from our opponents, we have to simply realize that their "free" advice is worth the price.
It's pretty simple:
The Courier's critiques of Ms. Handlin had to do with her office holding. Last I checked, that newspapers are obligated to cover the actions of office holders.
Until the tape of Ms. DiMaso is produced, if it in fact exists, mere allegations of anti-Semitism should be off the table, in my opinion. All it does is drag her through the mud without reason. If the tapes are produced, it becomes a different story. I made a decision as a journalist, before the story did see print in other venues, not to go there because all such allegations would do was harm her and her family without any factual evidence.
I don't have anything against Ms. DiMaso. I'm just pretty stunned that's she going to cost the Holmdel taxpayers more money because of the apparent issues she has with our reporting on Mr. Kyrillos.
I think you're dead wrong on that. While you may believe that the Courier is a well known paper and has the circulation to warrant the placing of a town legal - it is a long held view that if you want to bury something, the Courier is the best place to be and be legal at the same time.
As for critiquing Ms. Handlin's actions it's becoming increasingly apparent that your magnifying lens is going haywire when you're covering certain individuals- better get it fixed, it's becoming blatantly obvious and affecting your work as a reporter.
Anonymous:
Thanks for being such an avid writer. Regarding the "Democratic chairman" thing. I am glad I helped to re-establish the two-party system in my town. However, I always as saw my role as a chairman as strictly temporary until better candidates came along.
Consequently, Mr. Ken Connors, a former councilman and long-time resident and volunteer, has kindly offered and I accepted him replacing me at the post of chairman. I will remain a Democrat but now have the opportunity to fade and I welcome it. But, I am glad I helped to resurrect the Union Beach Democratic Club and place it in capable hands.
When it comes to the Democratic thing in the first place, I only became a Democrat because the party traveled into a direction that I found wrong and I would not take the ride to keep the letter "R" after my name. In fact, I was one of the hands that helped to support this administration for the county GOP and I have long-stated reasons why it has failed to meet expectations. Niemann destroyed any hope of peace in the GOP and broke long-held trusts among people.
I think the leaders of GOP For Change, whom I knew well, would admit that they were wrong. I'm not talking about the hundred or so trustees the group had. I'm talking about the three or four people involved with the direction of the movement..
As for all the blogging, I only respond to people who say wrong or stupid things about my organization and myself, where and when I want. So, I choose not to do it anonymously, neither does Ms. Corley. I think we can all see why Abe is anonymous. But, youre only being anonymous because you lack the courage of your convictions and are a small, petty creature who does not lead but is led.
And, as for Courier being well known...where's the discussion about our competitors? What was on their front pages this week? Don't know? Me either.
Why are you so preoccupied with what we do, Anonymous, because we absolutely don't matter? Let me guess, you're not a rocket scientist.
Always enjoy Purcell's self-righteous rants. He prides himself on being one - with the leaders of
GOP for Change. Who were those leaders in the Bayshore who he knew best? Merla - Wall - Coughlin - O'Grady. Interesting group of friends. Jim - maybe your not much of a reporter, let alone a rocket scientist.
I must admit that you are uber-swift with your responses if nothing else.
/Thanks for being such an avid writer./
Sure thing, although I believe you've got me beat hands down on that one.
/you lack the courage of your convictions and are a small, petty creature who does not lead but is led./
Hey - I don't like the people in my club anymore so I'll join the other one - where's the conviction in that? It’s smacks of insincerity and lack of core principles.
How about not belonging to any club? How about being an individual or is that prospect a bit too fear provoking?
And yes we are all small petty creatures of this earth. Thank you for reminding us all of our place in this world.
/Why are you so preoccupied with what we do, Anonymous, because we absolutely don't matter?/
To be quite honest (for Abe wouldn’t have it any other way) I don’t really care either way about you or your publication. It seems a tad schizophrenic how you keep declaring that you're not posting anymore and then post anyway, so I think you're a bit more troubled and consumed about what you're reading here than anyone else. I say stop concerning yourself with what we think and start reporting the news. But then you wouldn't know who Honest Abe is and that's the reason for looking in here in the first place isn't it? Your raison d’être perhaps? I hope not. That would speak volumes on what you consider newsworthy.
/Let me guess, you're not a rocket scientist. /
Mais non, I'm a bayshore leper - can't you read?
I have nowhere near the accolades of someone like you.
And strangely enough it’s not a problem for me.
Agree - Devine and Purcell, two of a kind, perfect together.
Anonymous and Leper:
I'm posting because I am going to set things straight and I am sick and tired of being misrepresented by a few jerks.
Anonymous said:
"Always enjoy Purcell's self-righteous rants. He prides himself on being one - with the leaders of
GOP for Change. Who were those leaders in the Bayshore who he knew best? Merla - Wall - Coughlin - O'Grady. Interesting group of friends. Jim - maybe your not much of a reporter, let alone a rocket scientist."
I said:
Merla, Wall and Coughlin were leaders, as was Bob McKenna from Wall Township, as well as John Bennett, John Lane and Bill Dangler.
The whole point was bylaws, regionalization and the like. And, I knew these people and have never claimed to be a motivating force behind this group...John Bennett's the one that held the first meeting. I was just an informed reporter, who happened to be a Repuiblican.
So, where were you? Just because someone has some legal trouble isn't a reflection on the movement or what it tried to accomplish.
Anonymous said:
"Hey - I don't like the people in my club anymore so I'll join the other one - where's the conviction in that? It’s smacks of insincerity and lack of core principles."
I respond:
I was a moderate Republican with a progressive social agenda. There is no more room for that in the GOP, on the county, state or national level. It's becoming a cult of religious fanatics, and I admire the good people trying to fight it back, but it seems a bit overwhelming.
Anonymous said:
"How about not belonging to any club? How about being an individual or is that prospect a bit too fear provoking? "
I said:
No, it's just not productive. Corruption takes place when people sit on their asses and don't stand up for what they believe in the broad light of day...Anonymous.
Anonymous said:
"And yes we are all small petty creatures of this earth. Thank you for reminding us all of our place in this world."
I said:
The spirit of people can be large. I do not try and force my will upon people either financially, like most of your precious GOP professinals, or through weirdo restrictions on personal liberties (buckle up, don't smoke, it's OK to wiretap, etc., etc.). I don't wear religion around me like a cheap suit.
Anonymous said:
"It seems a tad schizophrenic how you keep declaring that you're not posting anymore and then post anyway, so I think you're a bit more troubled and consumed about what you're reading here than anyone else."
I respond:
No, I'm having fun with it. It keeps me from watching the news. And, I do write news...lots of it. This is about opinion as well. Oh yeah, only right wingers who have their hands in the public trough can have those, right Mr. Anonymous?
Anonymous said:
"I say stop concerning yourself with what we think and start reporting the news."
I respond:
I am. I do. And, I'd be the first one to apologize if I were wrong. But, I just keep on being right, along with the fine men and women who work at my publication. It's hard, we work at it and do our homework. That's what it's about. Besides, you're kinda on a Courier thread here, and I think that's kinda the point.
Meanwhile, the "Big Professor" said:
"You are the one who has vilified Mr. James Devine. Mr. Devine is an accomplished journalist and not the «hack» you feebly attempt to paint him as."
I respond:
No, I have not vilifed Jimmy. I do not agree at all times with all things he says. I do not like the race card, or the religion card, in any way. It doesn't mean I throw the baby out with the bath water. Don't be reactionary JUST to be strange, it's not a good presentation. But, not everyone agrees with everything that everyone in the same party does (unless you have some real co-dependency issues) and I certainly didn't vilify Mr. Devine; I just didn't agree with him. You DO read? Right?
The "Big Prof" said:
"Mr. Devine is only attempting to assist in the realization of that goal. I am certain that the Democratic Party of Union County, too, has no «sinister» motives in their contributions to their Monmouth County counterparts. I am certain that their motives, rather, are altruistic; helping bring about progressive change in the benighted Monmouth County."
I respond:
I agree. I think Jimmy has it right a lot of the time with a lot of things. But, I don't condone the attribution of one's religion or race to a public issue. I believe that lacks dignity. And... you think it's OK?
Well, its good to see Mr. Purcell bantering, even if its not with me. You'd probably be more effective Jim if you left out the insults, or were at least a bit more subtle with them.
But cutting through the nonsense, there was one factual question that neither you nor Jackie answered that I think is noteworthy, if not newsworthy:
"How did she know about a voice message to Wall in the first place?"
Will you dodge the substance and go off in tangents once again?
Oh, and you said something about being quick to admit it when you are wrong. I seem to recall on another thread you stating that I was a member of a Township Committee
Mr. Purcell, I think the professor's comment was directed at me. I have been openly critical of both the oompa-loompaesque James Devine and the wheeling from Union County.
"The Big Professor" posted a lengthy rant on Jackie's blog a few months ago, and somehow found his way to mine. He posts every month or so, and is usually arrogant, sanctimonious and about as much fun as swimming in a pool full of candiru.
Abe said:
"...is usually arrogant, sanctimonious and about as much fun as swimming in a pool full of candiru."
http://www.straightdope.com/columns/000519.html
Ouch!
Great line Abe...I'm going to steal it!
Well, Mr. Seward:
The voicemail was found by Jackie. She got it from someone over at the Burg, not terence.
By the by, I suggested a charity event in my area (all joking aside). I posted it on your blog under your photo. Check it out.
I'd like to set something up in the next month if you are amenable.
We can do something positive for some good causes with this play. So, let's do it.
/I'm posting because I am going to set things straight and I am sick and tired of being misrepresented by a few jerks./
Sticks and stones, Jim – sticks and stones.
/So, where were you? Just because someone has some legal trouble isn't a reflection on the movement or what it tried to accomplish./
Where was I? I certainly wasn’t following elected officials around. I’d say being investigated by the FBI doesn’t really fit the description of “some legal trouble. I’d say it is “major legal trouble”. But you say tahmahto, I say tomato.
/I was a moderate Republican with a progressive social agenda. There is no more room for that in the GOP, on the county, state or national level./
So you’re saying you’re the last of a dying breed? Don’t flatter yourself.
/It's becoming a cult of religious fanatics, and I admire the good people trying to fight it back, but it seems a bit overwhelming./
So you’re not the last of a dying breed then? Make up your mind Jim! You admire the people fighting back a cult but you’re such a leader that you leave because it is overwhelming, sniffle. Looks like you’re the one being led here.
/No, it's just not productive. Corruption takes place when people sit on their asses and don't stand up for what they believe in the broad light of day...Anonymous./
So you’re saying the only way to participate in this great democracy of ours is to belong to a club? I guess the undeclareds are not productive people and they are the ones allowing the corruption. You on the other hand have deserted your core principles and joined and equally corrupt club just to get back at who you don’t like. Sounds like an ABC afterschool special to me.
/The spirit of people can be large. I do not try and force my will upon people either financially, like most of your precious GOP professionals, or through weirdo restrictions on personal liberties (buckle up, don't smoke, it's OK to wiretap, etc., etc.). I don't wear religion around me like a cheap suit./
There’s a term for people who believe themselves better than or more “enlightened” as you put it, than their peers. It’s called megalomania.
My GOP professionals? Again, I’m going to have to remind you, I’m a bayshore leper. I belong to no one but myself, but I don’t believe you can ever say that.
And as for cheap suits, you’ve only swapped your ‘republican’ one for a brand spankin’ new ‘democrat’ one. I can’t think of anything cheaper than that. In some countries that is considered tres gauche.
/No, I'm having fun with it. It keeps me from watching the news. And, I do write news...lots of it. This is about opinion as well. Oh yeah, only right wingers who have their hands in the public trough can have those, right Mr. Anonymous?/
I’m sure your new friends have theirs in the trough too, and therein lies the dilemma. You will never have any credibility outside your little club, so it’s just as well that you belong – somewhere.
/But, I just keep on being right,/
So you are. But you’re also dead wrong on many things. Changing suits does not get rid of the underlying problems. Abandoning a cause because it’s overwhelming is downright cowardly. Don’t be so miserly with your investigations when it comes to looking at your new club, and maybe you will win a vote of confidence for being fair minded. Or are you petrified that they may ask you to surrender your suit? Your call. Are you so eager to belong somewhere - anywhere or are you more driven to unveil the corruption and façade of your new club?
Jim said:
JIM_PURCELL said...
Well, Mr. Seward:
The voicemail was found by Jackie. She got it from someone over at the Burg, not terence.
By the by, I suggested a charity event in my area (all joking aside). I posted it on your blog under your photo. Check it out.
I'd like to set something up in the next month if you are amenable.
We can do something positive for some good causes with this play. So, let's do it.
Friday, January 20, 2006 7:58:13 AM
Jim:
I would love to do a charity event with you. I need more than a month but I think we could raise a great deal of money. I've posted more thoughts on this on my blog.
Thanks!
Abe check your counter, you're getting closer to the 10,000 mark.
The Big Professor uses those annoying european quotation marks. Can't you picture him making quote gestures with his fingers in the air, a la Dr. Evil?
Honest Abe said...
The Big Professor uses those annoying european quotation marks. Can't you picture him making quote gestures with his fingers in the air, a la Dr. Evil?
Do Amazon catfish have fingers?
that other trader dave murray, i am sure told corley about the voicemail. still no answer on o'grady, huh? Merla is the one who took cash for a contract so he could buy a new dodge durango--and that's a lot bigger legal problem then your firends from union beach getting DWIs which you or Azzolina would not let Corley report. How about a story on Corley's idol Art Kamin destroying state property and whining about losing his state car? Isn't having a state car having you hand in the till? The Courier has done the car stories regarding people Azzolina doesn't like.
Kamin drove the Red Bank register into the ground.
Note: I posted this comment on bayshoreplanet.blogspot.com
However, I liked it so much I decided to post it here.
Best,
Doug
****
Matt,
I think that web logs are not replacing other forms of written mediums. They are certainly not newspapers. Nor do they claim to be.
They are a different entity all together, resembling, videlicet, the grand pamphlets that swept London in the 17th century. Nevertheless, they are not, nor should they be, under the rubric of the American pamphleteers such as Thomas Paine.
(These "American" pamphleteers of the late 18th century were exclusively seeking political ends. Our blogs are less concerned with political change, and more concerned with ideological change.)
What we saw in 17th century London was an oppressive government that forced censorship upon publishers from time to time. More significantly, political debates in court died as a consequence of revolution, power grabs, and political leaders who were stricken with paranoid dreams of angels bearing the sword of free speech.
Pamphlets grew because they avoided this sphere and went directly to the public. And suddenly, born were the core ideas of "freedom" that Americans embrace today. Aeropagitica, as I have bloged about, was the first European (and Western) argument for a free press as we know it; for all publications to be free of government censorship. The legality of divorce resulted from pamphlet debates. The immorality of slavery became a topic that culminated in Samuel Johnson's quote: "Why is it that the wildest yelps for freedom are heard by the drivers of the Negroes." Within a year, England banned slavery. (In the same quote, Johnson was arguing against the American Revolution.)
My point is that pamphlets were the forums, or chat rooms, if you will, where ideas were expressed and issues discussed. When courts refused to include the public in political and social debates, the public included themselves by simply writing in volume.
This is exactly what our blogs are. They stand in the forefront of our age as the wellspring of marketplace of free ideas.
If our words fall upon the deaf ears of elected officials, we blog. If the NY Times is biased and refuses to listen to our concerns, we blog. If The Courier is biased and refuses to listen to our concerns, we blog. And the power of the blog is that it lives and breaths outside the natural realms of censorship that press down upon our liberties that we believe we are born with.
If we are lucky, the blogosphere will beget the freedoms that future generation will embrace as their own. Perhaps the pillars of future are being build one thread at a time?
Doug, that is a very interesting article; thanks for posting it here. It has great potential as a newspaper article. (But then I don't have a newspaper. I have a blog.)
I will concur with the concept that blogs are not newspapers, and I will point out that there is a certain divide between the two media forms and their readers.
I saw this personally with my own blog. For several months this site languished at less than 100 hits. After Election 2005, readership suddenly skyrocketed. Now, what happened at that time? First, Jackie linked my Rosemarie Peters thread. I'm sure that brought me some of her readers. (Thanks, Jackie:-)) Second, I was linked at about the same time by a reader of the Howell Community Message Board. That brought over the Howell crowd. Hits increased accordingly. I had hoped for an increase when Mr. Purcell's column hit in Courier, but there was nothing major at the time. Then, the Dynamo Buzz linkage brought me quite a spike; I am approaching the 10,000 mark with just over 400 hits daily. (Some of that may yet be from Courier, as the two write-ups were relatively close in time.)
What does this tell us? In my opinion, readers of the print media tend to be comfortable with that form of information; readers of blogs are comfortable on line. In other words, If I'm reading the paper and see an article about a blog, I may read it, say, "Hmmmm, that's interesting", then go on to Gordon Bishop's column. In a blog, with links, I can click on a link and actually see what is being described.
A very unscientific theory, but something to ponder.
Abe, I have to say, the hits on our site are A LOT more than they should be for a site that IS NOT yet "officially" up.
As a direct consequence of YOUR success, Courier is hostng a chatroom on our site. The first special guest will be Assemblyman Steve Corodemus. The second will be, if you want, yourself.
The provisions: You are logged on for a 1-hour time frame that you agree to at least two weeks in advance. Your identity will be ABSOLUTELY confidential and no request for your identity will be made...but we have to know it's you and so we'll have to do everything on your blog in advance. Anyway, you take questions from all comers (except morons) for one hour and then you're off. It's live, it's real and it's entertaining and informing (and Courier is the first one to do it, at least here).
Since Courier did the write up first, I don't think we're out of line to ask for the first spot on your calendar.
Whaddaya think?
PS: For my competitors, love and kisses.
Not quite ready to do that just yet Mr. Purcell, but let's not write it off.
Since Courier was the first print media to cover me and my Blog, I will give you this: If, that is IF I decide to reveal my secret identity, you guys get dibs; Ms. Corley gets the story. I will caution that at this yime I have no intentions of revealing my identity, but if I change my mind she gets the story.
Should this event happen, the interview will take place in person, at the old post office of your choice. There will be ways then of verifying that I am Honest Abe, and not just some crank. So all you would-be Honest Abes just put the thought out of your mind about calling Ms. Corley or Mr. Purcell and saying that you are me.
Till then, I will not reveal my identity even if someone guesses it correctly.
"So all you would-be Honest Abes just put the thought out of your mind about calling Ms. Corley or Mr. Purcell and saying that you are me."
If you insist. :-)
Fair enough Abe.
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