News

A letter to the readers of Phoenixvillenews.com

Published: Tuesday, November 18, 2008

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Democracy, and by extension free speech, is sometimes messy.

Yes, we want to know what you think about almost any issue. What we don’t want is for people to take the forum that we’ve given them and use it in inappropriate ways. I’m not really going to go into the specifics of what happened that forced us to shut down the posting of comments on all stories related to the PASD and KES site.

I will say that it was a cowardly display, one unworthy of a self-respecting American. It in essence violated the personal privacy and expectations of safety of a public official and his family, and that is unacceptable.

If the post under discussion had only called into question this particular person’s performance as an employee of the state, then that would have been fair game. The post that has forced us to put an end to comments on these stories went far beyond the pale of what is acceptable in public discourse. Most of you have obeyed the rules of the posts and kept a civil tongue, and we thank you for that. Unfortunately, some of you have shown incapable of handling the responsibility that comes with participating in a free forum. For this reason, we are disabling comments on these stories for the foreseeable future.

Comments

The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of phoenixvillenews.com.

Archie Cox wrote on Nov 18, 2008 10:18 PM:

" Might I suggest the use of "[post deleted]" where for items about which you feel so strongly. Or did the local powers that be yet again find a way to express keep those without money, family and connections from speaking out. "

Former Friend wrote on Nov 19, 2008 6:17 AM:

" Amazing how the Phoenix can't retract the horrible words they put in print a couple of months ago that may have led to the suicide of a young woman.

The Phoenix talks about American? Sure, you are not innocent until proven guilty in the Phoenix. They drag you through the mud whether deserving or not.

The advertisers of this paper are going away as should some of the staff.

It is obvious the lawyer for the board can influence the Phoenix. "

pa transplant wrote on Nov 19, 2008 6:54 AM:

" I live in Delaware now and if you think your posts are bad, you should take a look at our newspaper postings. They do however, automatically remove strong language. Just for the heck of it sometime, go to delawareonline.com. I'll bet yours is sugar compared to our comments. "

Peter Brown wrote on Nov 19, 2008 7:00 AM:

" The opportunity to post comments on a story is a good feature and has value in our community. I would like to respectfully recommend that you create the ability to delete posted comments that are simply inappropriate. C'mon! You can do it! "

Remember the Delete Button wrote on Nov 19, 2008 7:13 AM:

" As someone who follows certain issues through the national press and often ends up reading "local to the issue" newspapers all over the country, I have to say:

"Learn to use your Delete button on specific posts that violate your posted rules."

When you have a hot issue, all sorts of posts will come out and it's usually more healthy to allow the community to make their voices heard that not.

Post your rules for posts, and when a post does not follow your rules, simply delete it with a notation that the post was deleted for not following the posted rules.

Newspapers, even those smaller than The Phoenix, have implemented this stragety for years. While it may be new to The Phoenix, it is not new throughout the country. Educate yourselves so that this community can continue to educate each other. "

I agree with the other posters wrote on Nov 19, 2008 8:51 AM:

" What not just delete the comments that go over the line (what ever that is) instead of closing down all of the comments? To be honest, most of the time I get much better information from your posters then from your paid staff.

This sounds like Frees, Noyes, or some other connected people complained so you did them a favor and shut down one of the primary outlets for the public to speak out about this issue. Yet another reason why the newspaper business is a dieing industry. Once you learn to filter out the nutcases; blogs, message boards and independent online sources seem to give a much better and truthful account of the news the the traditional papers! "

SB wrote on Nov 19, 2008 8:57 AM:

" In a Democracy, freedom of speech is a two edged sword. You must take the good with the bad. Punishing all for the indiscretions of one is still censorship. It is a shame that a newspaper does not understand this concept. Delete the offensive comment and move on. "

Former Friend is right on wrote on Nov 19, 2008 9:07 AM:

" I too have seen the Phoenix make petty crimes and accusations front page news only to have the whole case dropped a month later. The Phoenix rarely prints and retractions or apologizes to the offended parties and if they do, it is buried on page four. This is simply a case of lazy journalism. It is much easier for guys like Dennis Wright to find a cheap headline by hanging out at the local court house, eating donuts and kissing up to the local cops then it would be to investigate a real story (like this KES issue). I guess that is why he and people like him (Skip) are at the Phoenix.

The Phoenix would be much better off firing all of these guys and hiring a bunch of young, hungry, recent college grads. Kids that are looking to make a name for themselves and have higher ambitions then writing "shout outs" to their buddies and long winded nonsense to benefit their friends in local office. Maybe then we could get some real news from the Phoenix but until then, the posters and bloggers will remain a better source of information as they do more research and are better informed then the so call "professionals". "

Draconian Journalism wrote on Nov 19, 2008 9:11 AM:

" Blogging and posting is new territory for the Phoenix and other transforming news outlets, however a knee-jerk reaction to cease all discussion smacks of pure collusion.

If not the Phoenix then who will be the voice of the people? The CDC held a special meeting last night which has got to be news in the light of this issue and others... the Phoenix advertised that the meeting would be held but did they cover it? Sadly, no. "

Effort wrote on Nov 19, 2008 9:27 AM:

" If the paper had the investigative journalist (if there is one) work as diligent as , let's say Barry T, then we may not be in this mess.

Simply have Barry T tell the reporters how to get around. he has been doing it successfully for over 30 years. Barry S ain't too bad either. "

The Phoenix is the the pocket of the CDC wrote on Nov 19, 2008 9:35 AM:

" As is the majority of Borough Counsel. They give the head of the CDC free space to print his propagnada (and then allow censorship of the comments people make to it), never question anything that he says, and refuse to investigate the fishy financial situation going on with them.

Forget about getting any real news regarding the CDC outside adverising "First Fridays". There motto is just pay your 14 percent tax increase (largely to cover the CDC contract) and shut up! Ad by the way, don't complain about the huge school tax increase that is pending or the increase in trash, water, and sewer that is coming down the pike as well. You should be happy we have so many great bars downtown! "

Phed up in Phoenixville wrote on Nov 19, 2008 9:49 AM:

" Talk is cheap -- blogs are easy. Go to the School Board Meeting tomorrow night at 7:00 at the High School. Get off your couch and speak your mind. And don't let them shut/shout you down like they are doing here. The board meeting is the place to "discuss" the KES issues. You the taxpayers MUST do this to be heard. Bring your legitimate concerns, questions, and ideas tomorrow night. If you are unsure about speaking in public, then ask someone elso to speak on your behalf. Judging from all the comments on the blogs this week, there are certainly many folks out there who'd like to be heard. "

Amen Phed up wrote on Nov 19, 2008 10:02 AM:

" The people need a show of force both at the school board and at the next Borough Counsel meeting where they are going to try to pass a 14 percent tax increase in order to give their buddies at the CDC a big no bid contract. If enough people show up, they will have no choice but to listen. I suggest calling the TV news stations as well. They may not want to bother with it but it's worth a try. Maybe if we embarass these people enough they will either quit or be forced into doing the right thing?

FYI - In the past few days I have read in other papers that Limerick Township is not raising taxes, nor is West Chester. How can they do it but we can't? "

Alternative Blog wrote on Nov 19, 2008 10:04 AM:

" This blog was offered on a story about kes. Maybe it's an alternative with the others being shut down?

http://onesmallpxvvoice.blogspot.com/ "

Riles wrote on Nov 19, 2008 10:42 AM:

" I would like to see the Phoenix ask Casaday and crew if they would hold a press conference.

There are other papers from around the state that would show up for sure. No one wants this happening in their town. "

Sick of The Phoenix wrote on Nov 19, 2008 10:56 AM:

" I am truly sick of The Phoenix! Everyday I pick up the paper I do not see much news about Phoenixville it is always another town. We are from Phoenixville and want to read ALL that goes on in Phoenixville bad or good. Many things have happened in Phoenixville that should have been news worthy and where was The Phoenix? In Norristown or Royersford covering unworthy news. Fifty cents is a disgrace for this paper. For what you reportis should be a free news service to us. As to these postings spend some of that money that is made on this news and have someone tracking each blog to check for vulgorness, language content and other issues as well. Do not hurt everyone else for one persons intentions .I do belive that this person who did threaten should be punished by the extent of the law. Everyone should comeout to the School Board meeting on Thursday night and voice there opinion. I do know that all the major networks news stations are planning to be there as well. Let the PASB know we are not going to take this and we want ALL the people involved prosecuted! "

Mike P. wrote on Nov 19, 2008 11:26 AM:

" I think a 24 hour delay could be used before posts are placed up on the website. This 24 hr delay can give a staff member time to review and approve or delete the posts. I am sorry there are people out there bent on destroying people but I think the check and balance system I just mentioned will work. I like your newspaper , keep up the good work. "

24 hour delay equals censorship wrote on Nov 19, 2008 11:32 AM:

" Why doesn't the online versions of the Daily Local or Mercury have these issues? Hmm....perhaps they have a more professional staff? "

cccccccccc wrote on Nov 19, 2008 11:36 AM:

" cccccccccc "

Little Beef in the Phoenixville Newz wrote on Nov 19, 2008 11:51 AM:

" I agree with the posting last week that asked about where the beef was in the Phoenixville news. So many important stories and meeting are not covered, and now you are censoring our comments. Change is needed at the Phoenix as well. Institute the delete button and provide some intelligent coverage of more of the important local issues in our community, and perhaps you'll see the rise in income that you so drastically need! "

JeffSenley wrote on Nov 24, 2008 5:32 AM:

" While unfortunate that people cannot exercise decorum in their comments, as a local blog administrator I respect the decision of The Phoenix in this area.

In some cases, commentary on blogs degenerates to "electronic graffiti" level without moderation.

My only hope is that you exercise "moderation" instead of "censorship" as such. "

thecasualposter wrote on Nov 24, 2008 6:31 PM:

" Well, it looks like mission accomplished for the Phoenix. They managed to basically stop comments. Take a look at the comment total since they started asking people to complete a full page interview just to comment.

Notice that the Daily Local and Mercury didn't have to resort to this and the Local especially has much more serious issues with the coverage of Coatesville and West Chester.

Shame on the Phoenix! "

Bendover wrote on Nov 25, 2008 8:12 AM:

" Dopes! "

karlub wrote on Nov 25, 2008 1:13 PM:

" There is non real reason to disable comments. Enable moderation, sure. Don't post the problematical ones.

But to disallow comments entirely on a particular issue? Awful, and embarassing. "

karlub wrote on Nov 25, 2008 1:16 PM:

" See? The comment moderation avenue does not even seem to have been attempted. I post, it appears.

I guess now is the time to start a fake rumor about a public official and his/her immoderate desire to consume live crickets while listening to old Paul Anka records amidst old glamor shots of Loretta Switt. "

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