A note on journalistic etiquette
Now don’t laugh. It does exist—journalistic etiquette, that is—although it apparently is in short supply in Oshkosh.
Here’s how it works: When The Washington Post gets scooped by The New York Times and has to chase the story a day later, it will include in its account a reference to the fact that the news item was “first reported” in the Times. The same goes vice versa. And all of the other major papers do it, too, giving credit where credit is due even if the credit goes to ... (hold your nose) ... a Web site.
It’s just a classy tip of the hat that shows self-confidence, generosity of spirit and a willingness to acknowledge that in news—as in most other aspects of life—competition is a good thing.
What am I talking about? This and this.
The Northwestern refers to the Oshkosh News story as "highly politicized revelations." What in the world does that mean? Anyone reading the story can see that the main sources for the story were the Internet and developer Ben Ganther.
It's true that we asked for comments from all sitting members of the Council and all of the current candidates and that we posted everything that we received. That just seems like sound news-gathering to me. We also asked for comment from the city manager, the director of community development and the city assessor. Only the city assessor got back in touch, confirming what was already posted on the Web about the collections process.
For the record, Oshkosh News is brought to you by the Oshkosh Community News Network, an independent, nonpartisan organization made up of local citizens. Everyone is invited to join and to have a say in how we cover the news.
Here’s how it works: When The Washington Post gets scooped by The New York Times and has to chase the story a day later, it will include in its account a reference to the fact that the news item was “first reported” in the Times. The same goes vice versa. And all of the other major papers do it, too, giving credit where credit is due even if the credit goes to ... (hold your nose) ... a Web site.
It’s just a classy tip of the hat that shows self-confidence, generosity of spirit and a willingness to acknowledge that in news—as in most other aspects of life—competition is a good thing.
What am I talking about? This and this.
The Northwestern refers to the Oshkosh News story as "highly politicized revelations." What in the world does that mean? Anyone reading the story can see that the main sources for the story were the Internet and developer Ben Ganther.
It's true that we asked for comments from all sitting members of the Council and all of the current candidates and that we posted everything that we received. That just seems like sound news-gathering to me. We also asked for comment from the city manager, the director of community development and the city assessor. Only the city assessor got back in touch, confirming what was already posted on the Web about the collections process.
For the record, Oshkosh News is brought to you by the Oshkosh Community News Network, an independent, nonpartisan organization made up of local citizens. Everyone is invited to join and to have a say in how we cover the news.
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