Comments on: Online publishers can't afford to remain politically neutral

By: James Short

James Short — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 07:45:57 +0000

Engagement with your audience is very important. People appreciate an opinion. It just has to be done for right reasons. If your political stance puts off your readers then it’s not going to help you in the long run.

By: 121.204.229.73

121.204.229.73 — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 23:48:14 +0000

don’t ever be afraid of losing credibility by engaging

By: Wendy Norris

Wendy Norris — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 17:11:02 +0000

Bravo, Robert.

Many, many thanks for broaching an issue that causes an outbreak of hives in too many editors and publishers.

May I also suggest that independent news entrepreneurs consider partnering with local professional trade groups.

Advocating for First Amendment protections and Sunshine Laws provide a very natural common cause for print, broadcast and online outlets. Joining watchdog lawsuits is a powerful way to win industry friends and build credibility when you’re dismissed as an Internet interloper.

The Colorado Press Association and SPJ Colorado Pro Chapter have been invaluable allies in my solo lobbying efforts when more entrenched news industry interests actively worked with state lawmakers to marginalize online competitors.

Thanks again for a thought-provoking piece.

Wendy Norris
Publisher/Editor
WesternCitizen.com

By: 24.17.11.42

24.17.11.42 — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 09:38:59 +0000

I disagree with the suggestion that “new media” follow in “old media” footsteps of editorializing on community issues. I personally don’t think old media should have done that either. We do not take editorial positions. We knock ourselves out providing the community with information they need to decide – and THEIR discussion is what matters. We follow that discussion in comments and in our forum and when there is a call for more information, we do our best to find and provide it – although our collaborator/readers do a great job of that too. This is separate from the first part of your story, in which what you discuss is more industry advocacy than political side-taking. That, I believe as a business owner you certainly can get involved with, but that’s not the same thing as writing an editorial that you believe X is the best candidate for the job, even while you’re running a series on all the candidates.

-Tracy Record, editor/co-publisher, West Seattle Blog (and 30-year old-media journalist)