Sunday, February 05, 2006

Tribune Tribulations

Congratulations, John. You get it.

The Tribune's publisher, John Tucker, has taken on the role of ombudsman (or public editor) by speaking directly to readers about the ever-evolving local newspaper. In today's editions, Tucker issues a mea maxima culpa to readers and to one reader in particular.

Careful readers will recall a letter to the editor from a "Liz Murphy" a few months ago. This blogger was stunned to see his friend Liz stepping out with a slap at The Tribune and a dig at the Scribner Place project.

Although the Scribner Place debate was over, "Liz Murphy" took a gratuitous swipe at The Tribune for supposedly focusing attention on the downtown redevelopment project at the expense of matters of importance to Greater Floyd County.

Seeing Liz's signature at the end of the letter was a shocker. As I made further inquiries, it made even less sense, as Liz and husband Chuck had been strong supporters of the project. The real Liz, a teacher in the public school system and a friend to and patron of my own establishment, set the record straight in a subsequent edition by way of a published letter to the editor.

In no uncertain terms, Liz assured us she remained a supporter of Scribner. Furthermore, she denied any great dissatisfaction with The Tribune.

You know what? I know and like Liz. But I'll bet you I know the fake "Liz," too.

"Liz" is a cowardly assassin, hiding under a hood and firing shots at anyone seeking to make New Albany a better place for all. Climb back into your hole and get out of our way. Unless you're willing to claim your opinions, you're not entitled to express them. Now, go take your meds.

And you know what else? "Liz" just read these words and is even now plotting anonymous revenge. Either that, or "Liz's" little brain just exploded.

And John? Good job today. You just made a whole bunch of enemies. These "free speechers" who hide from sight are a virulent plague, but in the end, harmless. They do not mold opinion. No one seeks out their counsel. Some are tools of other cowards. Some are thrashing in confusion. But as you might guess, the only way they read the paper is to steal it off their neighbor's porch.

Can't wait to see a "signed" opposing view of today's column.

6 Comments:

Blogger The New Albanian said...

Now it all makes sense.

Erik "Liz" is transgendered.

Sunday, February 05, 2006 11:48:00 AM  
Blogger Ann said...

I thought The Tribune always called to confirm the author of a letter to the editor before publishing it. I guess this could have slipped thru the cracks, but if they still follow the policy of only accepting letters for publication that include a name, address and telephone number, I don't understand why the letter was printed in the first place.

Sunday, February 05, 2006 12:43:00 PM  
Blogger The New Albanian said...

Excellent point, NAA.

Sunday, February 05, 2006 3:23:00 PM  
Blogger Iamhoosier said...

It is things such as this that make the Tribune a joke. Approx. a week ago saw a headline about the student newspaper in Columbus, IN that was totally opposite of what the story was. I believe it was an AP story, not sure but I believe the local paper writes the headlines.

About 2 years ago during a voir doir an attorney asked who read the NA Tribune. Not one of the twelve raised their hand. He asked again. No hands. "Nobody reads the 'Bune?" he boomed. It was Stephen Beardsly(sp). What a great voice. Sadly, there was also a great deal of laughter.

Monday, February 06, 2006 10:52:00 AM  
Blogger All4Word said...

Obviously, I chose not to use this moment to address my disappointment with The Tribune's makeover. But it does seem to stir interest, doesn't it?

I'm still holding my fire, but as I told someone the other day, it's about time to "B the B" and hold them to account.

Bashin' the 'Bune decided it was too easy a target, but the time is coming when this blogger will end the cease-fire that currently exists.

In the meantime, commenters are free to fire away.

Monday, February 06, 2006 11:30:00 AM  
Blogger The New Albanian said...

Mr. Tucker was at the city council meeting tonight.

Monday, February 06, 2006 11:26:00 PM  

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