Otterblog

crossroads.jpg

I don’t do much reporting these days. I do meet a lot of people and I speak with them about coverage, both general and specific. But as far as attending news events and writing up stories, that happens rarely. But every once in a while I like to go an event and watch it myself, rather than absorb it through the discussion with reporters and editors and the stories that ensue.
Last night, I went to the public forum where the four candidates for police chief were interviewed by members of the community.
Our story is here.
I purposely didn’t sit with our reporters and editors who were there, but instead took a seat in the back to sort of watch the whole thing as a member of the public, rather than a journalist. It was a messy democratic process, but a democratic process of sorts nonetheless. The nice thing about going to an event that you’re not covering is that you don’t have to take notes. You can just absorb it all and not obsess about the exact quote a person said.
One of the things that impressed me this morning when I read our story was how spot on the coverage was. I occasionally hear comments and complaints from readers that our version of a meeting or event was as if the reporter was at another function. But we got this one right. If I had been telling a friend about the hearing and I had 20 inches to do it, what they wrote and what we read is what I would have said.

Two other things:
First, have a safe and happy Memorial Day. In between the burgers and the pain at the pump, remember what it is all about.

Second, I’ve attached a photo taken a few weeks ago that I found somewhat amusing. I call it crossroads, and you will see why.