Do you know the definitions of "lede," "nut graf" or "B-roll?" These are common terms used by members of the media. Reporters and editors have their own jargon and their own way of doing things, but it's important to remember that they are also human beings. They value honesty, courtesy and respect. I've said it … Continue reading Dealing with the media
Category: OUTLAW JOURNALIST
Musings about media issues, the old days of journalism, the new days of journalism and other stuff for old hacks to argue about
What would you do?
Many moons ago, when I was an editor at a weekly newspaper, we used to run a section in the paper that was known as the Police Notes. It's a common practice for smaller, local newspapers to run such police blotters, but we used to have a little fun with ours by giving each blurb … Continue reading What would you do?
Maine Satire: The good and the bad
There has been a lot of talk lately about satire in Maine. Much of that discussion was prompted by a recent post on GQ magazine's web site, Maine: Do we really need it? I'm not a regular GQ reader. Hell, I don't even consider myself a "gentleman," so why should I be bothered, irked or … Continue reading Maine Satire: The good and the bad
No Good Deed
They say that no good deed goes unpunished, and if you don't believe that just ask Biddeford City Councilor Robert "Bobby" Quattrone. A couple of weeks ago, Quattrone and other members of the city council received an e-mail from Vicky Edgerly, the city's welfare director. In her e-mail, Edgerly asked if any of the councilors … Continue reading No Good Deed
Take Five
My wife, Governor Paul Lepage, Bill Nemitz, a charity auction and the in-patient psychiatric unit at Maine Medical Center. How did these random things become connected last week, causing a bit of a stir on my Facebook page last night? Let's start at the top. Last week, just days before the election, Governor Paul LePage joked … Continue reading Take Five
Who do you love?
I was saddened this morning to read that the Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram will end their longstanding tradition of offering endorsements of political candidates and races. Although this decision will likely be a popular one among the newspaper's readers, I think it is a terrible mistake. In today's media world, newspapers are struggling to … Continue reading Who do you love?
How not to use social media in a campaign
There is a right way to use social media in a campaign. And there is a wrong way to use social media in a campaign. The following could be forgiven if it came from a political novice, but not when it comes from the governor's re-election team. Here's a game you can play at home. … Continue reading How not to use social media in a campaign
Color me bad
You find the weirdest stuff on Facebook. This morning, I stumbled across a new Facebook page that is dedicated to the idea of reclaiming the color blue for Republicans. At first blush, I thought this was one of the silliest things. But then, I started thinking about it. Why would the GOP want the color … Continue reading Color me bad
Just like a prayer
Biddeford City Councilor Bobby Mills has a lesson for all of us who use social media. It doesn't matter much if the NSA has tapped your phone or if Google is using your online data to create a psychological profile, you have a responsibility to be careful about what you share on social media outlets. … Continue reading Just like a prayer
Goodbye Stranger
While media criticism is important and necessary, a lot of people who blame "the media" have no idea what they are talking about.
