Should the LO work on a curve?

[Ivor Karabatkovic]

Colleen,

and that's how it is.

That's why I've been covering St.Ed's games for the past two seasons, and they even have a photo of mine on sale in their team shop. Lakewood High doesn't have one.

There's no rivalry there with me, personally. I'll be at the St.Ed's game this Saturday....not because someone asked me to be there, but because I want to be there and cover the game. That's the case with every game. It's my call if I cover it or not.

But the history of those two schools cannot be denied, and that's what I'm pointing at. Lakewood and St.Ed's don't play each other anymore in football, but the basketball games are a ton of fun. Within the community, there's still that feeling that you support one side or another, just like in politics. That's why it makes it appropriate to use as a metaphor. I'm not saying that the issue shouldn't have been presented right away or not, I'm just trying to help people see why the subject was used as a metaphor for the political issue.

So the "singing, talking smack, fighting and playing, and rallying teams" was expected from BOTH sides. One side showed up and was eager to engage citizens, and the other didn't submit anything. And you wonder why the Lakewood Observer is accused of being left-leaning? Because the Right rarely submits a story! So how can Republicans accuse the LO for being biased when it's held it's door open year after year, election after election, for any organization in Lakewood to voice their opinions and stories. That's for any political party or agenda.

When I found a Candidate that I wanted to support back in February of 2007, I wrote an article about him. I wrote how he inspired me, a brand new US Citizen and 18 year old voter. I haven't seen that from anyone that supports John McCain or Sarah Palin. Where is this "new energy" that she has brought into the Republican Party? Why haven't I read about it from a fellow Lakewood Resident in the Lakewood Observer?

I guess my point is that if you're going to say you're a supporter, then tell us why we should be supporters too. Tell us YOUR story. This is civic journalism after all. But if no one steps up to the plate, or only one side steps up and the other one doesn't, then the side that didn't lift a finger during the campaign has no right to complain about biased coverage. Their hands could even the scale, or tip it in their favor. So all I'm saying is that if you don't like the way the LO covers elections, and you voice your displeasure every election cycle, maybe you should do something about it. Take some initiative, don't just stand on the sidelines and lose an election, or let others decide it for you.

Personally, I don't care who wins or loses, I'm just trying to figure out a way I can pay for this semester of college.

[Stephen Eisel]

Jim,

I guess the option of submitting articles, getting them printed and in the hands of 17,000 voters along with 3 million+ readers online (I'm sure more now, that was last year's stat) just doesn't cut it for the LRO. Let them use their more effective ways of campaigning here in Ohio for this final week. It's their choice.

it worked in 2004 :lol It did not know that Kool-Aid made a Lakewood Observer flavor

[Ivor Karabatkovic]

And while we're on a side-topic of St. Edward/Lakewood High School, I'd like to add this:

I think it's time that we accept and welcome St. Edward High School as a Lakewood school because when they win state titles and national titles, it says "St. Edward-Lakewood, OH", not just St. Edward. The school brings a lot of positive publicity and news into the community, and they are an active force for faith. The school is filled with a very friendly administration and they run a very well oiled machine with their school programs.


Until LHS starts winning state titles and starts putting the public schools on the map again, we should embrace the tradition and prestige that St. Edward High School brings to this community. We should be thankful for the large crowds that they draw, too.

And, we should also thank them for renting the LHS Football field week after week, too. Because not only do the public schools make money off of that, the Lakewood Athletic Boosters get to keep all profits from concession stands.

They have always made me feel welcome at their events, even when I wear my LHS letterman jacket during the winter season. I'm sure they would make anyone feel welcome at their events regardless of your alma mater.

[Todd Shapiro]

Ivor,

Thank you very much for the kind words in your post. Even though your going to vote for Obama, you'll still a good friend!

The St. Ed's people are only nice to you because they have seen how good your is, then know your going to wealthy one day and they are hoping for a big donation, for the "Ivor Karabatkovic Photography Center" when you mike your first million dollars.

[Jim O'Bryan]

Todd

This was never an attack on anyone. One reason I went with the LHS/St. Edwards topics. this applies to much more than elections and schools.

While you and Ivor have done a great job bringing them into the fold, my conversation with teachers at St. Edwards has not netted the same effect. As the LO is constantly reaching out for the other story, I felt pretty secure using the example and please understand no offense was intended.

Colleen

My comments come with the many conversations I had with Julie, most long distant as she was traveling. Ask her, I was telling her to start a page from the right, that could have played off her blog and radio work.

My point is always, do not give me lame excuses, put it up. If the paper appears liberal, then others have not taking the opportunity to make it oherwise. I have reached out to far more on the right, BEGGING them to write, then I have asked for from the left.

So to have Mr. Salo simple give up and say what he did is foolish, selfish and ridiculous. I would think in a battleground state every vote counts, and if he really believe what he says, than any petty differences would be put behind him in an effort to get the other side out. Perhaps the LRO should look for a leader much like Tex was for so many years.

Colleen, you know I have bent over backwards for you, and the LRO. To say any less is a complete lie. During Ryan Patrick Demro's run for mayor the LO published 6 stories about him, one for Tom George and one for Ed FitzGerald. Yet Ryan, you and others kept telling me how the paper was backing Tom George. During your run for council, what were you cheated out of? When the mudslinging happened, it was me that called you to assure you the BS would never see print. The fact was, the LO early on said elected officials shall be treated like elected officials. In other words, they carry the weight of the majority that voted them in.

In the end, the paper and the Deck is what is presented, end of story. We have always been open to all, if you are willing to take ownership and allow it to be vetted.

IVOR

We do not have 3,000,000 readers, what we have is 14,000 - 17,000 printed copies backed up by the second most traveled site in Lakewood, behind the Lakewood Public Library. 2.4 - 3.5 million hits a month, 800,000 - 1.2 million page views a month, and a pretty steady flow of 45,000 unique IP Addresses. The LO is also the largest, most successful civic journalism project in the past ten years in America.


peace

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[Ryan Salo]

This was never an attack on anyone....So to have Mr. Salo simple give up and say what he did is foolish, selfish and ridiculous. ... Perhaps the LRO should look for a leader much like Tex was for so many years.

no persoanl attacks? Do you read what you type?

Maybe I should call for a less biased, more self controlled, more professional editor for the paper?

I have never stopped anyone from the LRO from writing anything. If any of us felt it would be beneficial I am sure we would have.

Please don't take that persoanlly.

I have never had any problems with the printed version. I don't read it for "news" but it is entertaining. I just had issues with the sign on both floors of the LO space and your personal attacks. I know you will not change so I will not bother anymore.

Just be man enough to really tackle issues rather then playing games like you have on this post.

I know you have a lot of personal anger at me, it is obvious. As Steve Davis says, get over it.

[Colleen Wing]

Jim,

Who is complaining about the articles in the paper being bias? It's not me.

The issue with the sign has nothing to do with the articles in the paper, if that is what you are refering too, it's hard to tell because I have to spend time reading between the lines. Don't be mad at me because others saw what I saw and felt similarly. It was up to you to handle and you did what you thought was right.

I don't write Op Ed for the paper because I don't think that is what should be in the paper, but I am not going to prevent others from doing it if they wish.

Two issues ago my name was on an article.

Bent over backwards? 6 Demro articles? Did you withhold FitzGerald articles? Protecting me from politically motivated attacks?

I have no idea who you have been talking to but deal with them directly.

I had no ill will toward you or the paper, but I am starting to. This is ridiculous.

[Gary Rice]

I learned a LONG time ago that face-to-face discussions were a great deal better than sending someone a memo.

Written memos can be so counter-productive.

Memos leave out vocal inflection, emotive exchange, easily understood nuances...etc...

As for PUBLIC memos? I suppose we would need to look no further than the example of Martin Luther posting his 95 theses on a church door to see what happens next!

And if you put peoples' NAMES in public memos? Trouble, pure and simple.

I think that the "rest of us", whether Republicans or Democrats, are probably getting tired of seeing this type of laundry hanging out on the Lakewood line.

Have an issue with someone? That's why there's the PM (private message) option.

Go private with them.

Leave the rest of us in peace. Honestly, I'm starting to feel like a spectator at the Roman Colleseum.

Too many people have been thrown to the lions already in this world....

Now where was that banjo?

Kumbayah.

[Will Brown]

Thanks for the clarification of the actual subject.

My first impression was that if one organization is very active in writing articles for you, and the other chooses to use other avenues, there is not a problem.

However, you do have a brand name to protect, and if you are perceived as being a house organ for one party, I think that weakens your brand name and would make some potential readers likely to avoid reading you. Worse, if you in fact are printing articles in support of only one party, I think an argument could be made that you are making an unreported campaign contribution to that party. Do you think the Republicans (I didn't realize there were any in Lakewood) could be setting you up for a prosecution?

I think, in the interests of protecting your brand, you made a good decision by avoiding what would have looked like a one sided publication.

sharon kinsella: I explained myself as simply as I could; if you didn't get it, I'm sorry, but there are just some people who just don't get it.

My only problem is a very virulent hemorrhoid; an on-line hemorrhoid, if you get my drift.

[Jim O'Bryan]

Colleen

I have another response I could put, it speaks of frustrations, but let me pose a real question as faux questions get me into trouble.

My wife, places a 11" x 17" Obama sign in the window, and the eyeryone, think the Lakewood Observer is backing Obama.

How would they have felt with a 12 page Barack Obama issue?

Would the paper be judged and how?

Understand the frustration?


Charlie

Ryan and I are fine, we talk, but probably not often enough.

I can be trainable, I now enjoy time with Lt. Ryan Patrick Demro.


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[Jim O'Bryan]

I think, in the interests of protecting your brand, you made a good decision by avoiding what would have looked like a one sided publication.

Will

Come bowling, you will find we all get along pretty well, it is this online thing.

The brand, that is the issue.


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[Stephen Eisel]

The LO Deck Family theme song (clicky)