[meteorite-list] NYT Story

From: Darryl Pitt <darryl_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Thu, 7 Apr 2011 00:03:23 -0400
Message-ID: <0A644785-141B-41D2-B18D-B8A7ABA30480_at_dof3.com>

Hi....

> Why would the NYT even use quote marks if what they print is inaccurate?
> I can see them taking these responses out of context but changing what somebody
> said and placing quote marks around it is nothing short of liable.


While I agree with some of what you've written, the aforementioned is factually inaccurate. What you're referring to has nothing in and of itself to do with libel. Zilch.

For those who are interested, The New York Times Manual of Style will explain all stylistic choices employed by the paper

While the writer of the piece obviously did a hack job, it should be noted he won the Pulitzer Prize, twice, and is considered by many to a dean of science writers.

Overseas list members, if you have the opportunity, please peruse the International Herald Tribune to see if they picked up the story and run it in its entirety.

Thanks and all the best / d,




On Apr 6, 2011, at 10:30 PM, Adam Hupe wrote:

>
>
> It seems some disagree with this statement I made earlier.
>
>
> <I have a hard time believing that any form of media would liable themselves by
> putting quotes
>
> around something that was completely made up.>
>
> I am not defending the NYT and think the article is poor.
>
> It used to be when quote marks were printed that this was the exact statement
> made. Why would the NYT even use quote marks if what they print is inaccurate?
> I can see them taking these responses out of context but changing what somebody
> said and placing quote marks around it is nothing short of liable.
>
>
> If this reporter knows nothing about meteorites and was a blank slat start with,
> then somebody had to put these thoughts into his head. It looks to me that Dr.
> Harvey might have set the tone for this article. Perhaps, he was quoted out of
> context but if so, it his responsibility to clarify it since he granted them the
> interview. If you want to be in the limelight, then you have to take
> responsibility for any negative fallout. After all, he was acting as a
> spokesperson for the rest of us by granting this public interview.
>
>
> Everybody else quoted in this article has stepped up to the plate, took
> responsibility for what was said and explained what they meant to say. I
> applaud this action and believe most mentioned in this article were completely
> caught off guard.
>
> I do not cherish the thought of somebody else speaking on my behalf publicly,
> especially when they were not elected to do so. What is printed or plastered on
> TV affects all of us. Remember this when an interview with the media seems to
> be getting out of hand. You can always stop the interview and move on. Most
> media outlets thrive on negative entertainment and it works. One just has to
> look at the negative political campaigns to see this. If it did not work, then
> politicians would not use this tactic. It takes ten positive articles to offset
> one negative one.
>
>
> This ratings over responsibility attitude can be devastating. Just ask any
> former treasure hunter.
>
> Best Regards,
>
> Adam
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Received on Thu 07 Apr 2011 12:03:23 AM PDT