The Observation Deck

So Valerie, have you complained to the Plain Dealer, WKYC, Channel 19, or Newsnet5, all of which posted conflicting stories online on their websites, on their Facebook pages, and on Twitter.

I contacted Evan McDonald at the PD yesterday because he reported the officer was taken to Lakewood Hospital. Within seconds he replied that he got that information from the Cleveland Police Department press release.

Very early this morning, I again asked for an update as other sources continue to say he was taken to Metro. So, was he taken to Lakewood, Metro, or possibly Lakewood THEN Metro?

As of just now, he has not yet responded although he updated his article online, leaving out any info on the hospital.

My point is that stories "develop" and acting like Jim or the LO are "irresponsible" for reporting what they were told is saying ALL media is irresponsible (which you might argue.)

He updates the story as it comes in, just like the PD and the TV stations do

Valerie Molinski wrote: I am sorry you dont share my opinion on the lack of sensitivity and timing or the repercussions of bad information. I did not expect you to. Not a hater, though. I have nothing for or against you personally. I felt motivated to reiterate mine and others' issues with what was posted and how it was presented. I am not one to let other's slide on stuff or be an apologist, much to the detriment of my own time and sanity. I've said my peace about it, so thanks for this forum to do so.

Valerie

Again, I went with what I was being told. Not sitting on a hill making stuff up. I was between two other accidents, and everyone was talking about everything.

I wanted people to feel the pain and the loss of someone not coming home.
After 30 minutes, talking with first responders about it, I thought it was the best way to make the loss more than a sentence, and brief mention.

As always, thank you for your views, thoughts and observations.

They are appreciated, by me.

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Jim O'Bryan's reporting accomplished several things:
* It let us know first of the most significant news story in Lakewood this week. This was followed by news of the other two accidents.
* It respected the tragedy of the State Trooper with all due sensitivity relative to the time constraints.
* It conveyed the grief that all involved felt on the scene and afterward.
* The disturbing images served a purpose beyond a timely reporting of the news: they were an effective reminder to all of us to slow down when we encounter police or other emergency personnel on the road.
* And some others have raised the question of how to better protect police when they have to exit their cars on the interstate.

Taken together, Jim deserves all the credit I know he'll be hesitant to accept.

Dan

I am doing nothing different than many, we just try to organize it differently, and give latitude to all.

Dan, you are adding your talents as a writer, to bring a whole new feel to this project, in many aspects.

The entire project was based on volunteers adding what they can when they want. If we each add what we do, maybe together we get a clearer picture. I take pictures, and have time.

It is what I add, while trying to gather information and find others to add what they saw or heard.

"Southern Cafe" is a perfect example. I go to a place take photos, post my story, left address out, Stan jumps in adds his two cents, and on and on and on.


Val Molinski, Judy Csia Szentkirályi, Patrick Wadden

Thank you for your notes and views, which I respect. I am glad you shared. I have deleted the troubling images.

Discussion works.

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