re: Timely hitting, defense lift Tigers over UVA

quote:

---

Thanks. I appreciate what you say. I just know from 25-plus years of doing it, there is no substitute for being there. That's what journalism is. That's why governments and organizations try to restrict access. Someone else here said it best: It's about being your eyes and ears at the game, at practice, in the hotel lobby, at places where you see and hear. It's why I fought so vigorously when I worked for an editor who handcuffed reporters by having them stay in the office much of the time. I've never written a story about what happens in the office. You go where the story is. It is a basic tenet of journalism, Web or otherwise.

That being said, yes, I bring experience and perspective to my stories about this team. I just think it's essential to be honest and ethical about not trying to pretend I'm there when I'm not.

---

Carl, I respect your opinion, and I believe your experience is invaluable.

We certainly want you to be honest and ethical. Also, we want you to cut through some of the filtered BS that comes from “governments and organizations,” including LSU.

Many of us who have moved away from traditional media question what journalism really is. Also, we believe that the organizations that “restrict” because they are stuck in the past may become weakened organizations and, possibly, relics of the past. If LSU filters and controls too much of the information, then fans will go somewhere else for the coverage.

I don’t have expectations that Chicken or other internet site owners could ever provide the “eyes and ears” of everything about LSU, other than through the posters. Besides the entertainment value, I come to TD.com for breaking news and commentary on LSU Sports. Much of this is from posters, not professional reporters.

Professional writers can’t be everywhere. In fact, when the event is very popular (e.g., CWS, BCS, etc.) your best place to report maybe in front of a computer and an HDTV, watching plays and replays from various angles, using your DVR, getting stats on the internet, reading fan comments, etc.

Carl, don’t get me wrong. I hope Chicken continues to engage you and other professionals. Also, I hope he could give some thoughtful and accomplished posters the opportunity to be more widely read on the TD site.


Enough about the new wave of journalism for now. I will continue to celebrate the CWS win for one more day.