Out of Austin comes news that makes my heart soar like a hawk.
American-Statesman editor Fred Zipp has restarted the editors blog, throwing open a means for readers to learn about what the paper does and why.
The saints teach that no prayer, however trivial, is wasted. As a former ombudsman for the Star-Telegram, I say no dialogue with readers, however trivial, is wasted. Dialogue forges bonds. And don't we need bonds with readers and transparency in the worst way?
Somehow, journalism must regain its lost credibility and stature (not that there was ever that much of either, but that was before the meltdown a few years ago when journalism). That can't happen without dialogue. Zipp and managing editor Debbie Hiott will make that possible. I wish all U.S. newspapers would follow their lead.
Got a question or concern about the American-Statesman or journalism in general? Carry it to the editors' blog. Don't worry about coming off as trivial or shallow. A small question is like a spark. Flammable stuff. The blog's there to handle big fires. Flame the heck out of 'em. Zipp and Hiott are seasoned editors and perfectly capable of withstanding the heat. Not only that, you know going in that the care about what you think and want to hear from you.
In re-launching the blog, Zipp noted that he and former editor Rich Oppel (now retired) had hoped for "robust discussion, and we got the occasional squabble" so the blog was folded.
But I want to encourage him and Hiott. Keep that blog going, darlin's. Endure the little issues, and the big issues will come. Just please do not give up on readers. Beware of that effete intellectual crap. Don't ignore them. That's one reason we're in the mess we face.
Like one reader, Rachel Turnbow, wrote to the blog: "Thanks for starting this blog ... . It can be a great tool to inform your readers about journalism in America today!"
Comments