[Paddlewise] "The Media"

Hi!

As you can guess from my e-mail address, I'm with "the media."  We also have
other media people on this list and at the Downtown Boathouse.  Not one of
our group has exploited our contact with Kennedy before the tragedy or
after, as far as I know.

I disagree with Ralph's narrow definition of "acquaintance."  If I were
reporting the story, I might well have used that word.  To me an
acquaintance is a person who has made personal contact with another, without
any definable relationship yet resulting.  "Friend" would have been
misleading, or even "friendly acquaintance."  But the noun as used wasn't
wrong. 

It reminds me of people who have spouses in every conceivable way, but fear
the "label!"  BTW Ralph, to me, in print or otherwise, you're a friend.  Is
that okay?  : ) 

As for using these letters...  Was it explicitly said in the article that
comments were made in this forum?  If so, then there was no ethical
violation. But the sourcing should be made clear.  It's uncomfortable, and
could put a chill on a few timid souls to speak less freely, but we know
that this isn't a "private" place.  To suppose otherwise is naive.

Think of it -- Can you name each person on the list?  No?  Then you've sent
a letter into a public space.  And even if you could, each recipient has the
right to cite your letter.  I have always known that, but don't shy away
from speaking my mind.

If you want to keep your thoughts private, shout them on the down-side of an
Eskimo roll!  : )

Erik



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