Butterfly in the Flames

Print news or electronic? Which is best?

The late, brilliant, erudite, William F. Buckley, founder of National Review magazine and of Firing Line television show, said that a magazine “is to be a trusted friend who arrives in the mail.” That should hold true whether a publication arrives in the mail, in your driveway, or in your computer in-box.

The controversy continues as to whether electronic publications, such as capecodtoday.com, will eventually push aside traditional newspapers, or whether both can prosper in the same environment.

View topic - Pope declares war on St. Patrick
The St. Patrick‘s Day Parade down here is traditionally the Sunday … But back on Topic, First my supervisor won’t give me St. Paddy’s off, now the fucking Pope changes it to a day …

St.Patrick‘s Day for Kids & Teachers, kiddyhouse.com
St. Patrick‘s Day resources for kids … The name St. Patrick was given to him later in life by Pope Celestine. … St. Patrick‘s Day Theme for you computer Change your desktop theme

I’m old-fashioned and like the feel of a newspaper in my hands. On the other hand, I like reading all the local (and international) news on my computer in the morning, long before it will appear in traditional print.

St. Patrick‘s Day festivities moved to weekend- mlive.com

Huckaby: A head start on St. Patrick‘s Day SavannahNow.com
… seen the same changes with its own celebration of St. Patrick‘s Day. The March 16 parade celebrates its 25th year this year. Unfortunately, it’s expectted to be the last time Pope …

… Flint’s annual St. Patrick‘s Day … When the pope speaks, we listen," said Mike Zelley, past grand marshal of the Flint St. Patrick‘s Day celebration … The date change is the …

Which is better? It’s not the media that matters as much as whether it is “a trusted friend.” it is integrity that matters.

I’m writing this from Arizona, having just read the Arizona Republic. What I see on the editorial page is what I’ve seen in so many newspapers: three well-written letters to the editor supporting a topic which the editors support, followed by two weaker letters opposing it. The letters published are cherry-picked, making it look as if the paper is giving equal voice to both sides while watering down the impact of the opposition. Sound familiar? This appears to be a growing phenomenon as integrity becomes of less importance than some editor’s personal agenda or ego.

Can this publication be considered “a trusted friend”?

I feel very lucky, being a frequent contributor to what I consider the best of both worlds, paper and electronic, the Providence Journal and capecodtoday.com. Integrity is foremost in both these publications. The editors are not afraid to take on contentious issues and to lay out the facts.

Yes, we have people of questionable sanity writing and/or commenting on Walter’s blogs. That is the nature of the blogosphere. But hopefully we are all intelligent enough to separate those items of real or topical value from those of entertainment value.

Saint Patrick - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Palladius was ordained by Pope Celestine and sent to … March 17 , popularly known as St. Patrick‘s Day , is believed to be … About Wikipedia; Community portal; Recent changes; Contact …

Look for integrity. It is becoming shamefully rare. Make sure you can consider your news source “a trusted friend.”

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