A reader makes an excellent point that illustrates a fact that I don't think readers always believe me about: The people who write stories rarely write their own headlines. And yes, that can sometimes lead to miscommunication and even errors.
Referring to the lead story on Monday's FYI section cover, my emailer wrote:
I've spoken to multiple callers today who expressed annoyance that the paper doesn't make mention of Columbus Day, except for a reference in one letter to the editor.
One caller explained why it's important:
"Even if you don't think about honoring the day as a holiday, what about people like me, who didn't realize the post offices are closed? I wasted a trip, when my Star should have told me."
A very good point from an emailer, which I'll just let stand on its own:
The following fact claimed in a letter to the editor is false: "Remember, too, that McClanahan’s tea party friends routinely portray the president with a Hitler mustache and swastika."
Would (The Star) print a letter that said, "Diuguid's Black Panther friends routinely show up at polling places with billy clubs and shout racial slurs at white people?"
I've spoken to and gotten email this morning from many readers who are extremely upset with Steve Kraske's analysis of last night's presidential debate. And when I say "extremely upset," I'm not exaggerating. One caller just now, her voice trembling with anger, told me she was canceling because the front page didn't say boldly that Romney had won the debate. She then slammed the phone down in my ear.
I've been asked a similar question several times lately: When I write about a reader's opinion on something in The Star, am I saying I agree with that point of view?
Absolutely not. I put out a long weekly internal note to The Star's publisher, vice presidents and newsroom where I summarize everything I hear, apart from the press releases and numerous misdirected calls I get. But I also pick out the best or most interesting points for public consumption here or in my column in the print edition.
UPDATE: As a commenter below points out, Mediaite's Noah Rothman reports that White House Communications Director Dan Pfeiffer's original account was disputed by the British Embassy. Dan Pfeiffer subsequently apologized for the misinformation, which I had originally linked to below, having missed the updated blog post.
An interesting question from an anonymous voicemail I received:
"Why does your website have to have all this news about IKEA coming to town so big? Is it all just a free ad for them?"
That's an issue I've often wondered about myself, and one that readers bring up every once in a while.
To be more specific, I've long thought the media play a role in blurring the lines between actual news about technology and product announcements.
I know that the folks who contact me are much more likely than the average person to consider themselves newshounds. My callers and emailers don't usually want to address the topics one sees in the list of "most popular" stories that runs on KansasCity.com, in other words.
I have some avid E-Star readers who have shown remarkable patience with an issue that's been going on for quite a while. And unfortunately, I can't say for certain when it will be fixed.
