by Mike Miller, Stevensville
When I make a statement in the comments [on the Bitterroot Star website] that I consider to be possibly contested, I like to supply a factual link.
But, when I do that, my comment instantly disappears. I have spoken with Victoria Howell about it, she raised her voice and lectured me “This is MY paper; I make the rules!” However, others certainly are able to do this.
I contacted the owner, Jesse Mullen, about this. His answer included the statement “I don’t have much to do with the day to day.” He then stated Victoria didn’t respond to his first request to talk to him about it. That was months ago, and nothing has changed.
I can’t submit logical, factual statements with or without supporting links, but a comment by Gomez saying “That he bragged about being able to grab women’s [female anatomy crude word] because he’s famous” is acceptable to Victoria’s discretion?
The paper states “Letters MAY OR MAY NOT be edited for length or other considerations at the discretion of the editor. Letters, commentary and editorial cartoons represent the independent views of the authors.”
My question is what kind of “discretion of the editor” censors factual statements with supporting links, but freely publishes sexual vulgarities? Both are true statements, but mine are censored (such as the trapping issue recently – with or without a link. In the not so long ago past, the paper has even boldly allowed public defamation/slander of people in comments. Again, what kind of “discretion of the editor” is this by Victoria Howell that is allowed by the owner, Jesse Mullen?! If you agree with me, I ask you to contact Jesse Mullen, the owner. You can find him on FB; his picture is a guy on a horse.
I doubt this will get printed, so I’m copying it and will take appropriate action if needed.
Gomez says
I would say you should be less concerned about me quoting Trump saying “I can grab them by the pussy” than you should be about approximately half of all voters are being Ok with someone who issued such a crude statement (and then actually acted on it)
That said, I hear you on not being able to post links. Sometimes when I don’t even try to post a link my comments just instantly disappear. I have found no rhyme or reason to it other than it might be a glitch in their program(?)
WMA says
Trapping- and by extension- trappers suck. Factual statement. No link needed. Self-evident truth.
Roger Mitchell says
Opinion. Not fact. A fact can be proven. Your opinion does not need to be validated. You have expressed an opinion, but it may or may not be factual. This is self-evident truth.
Tracy Wood says
so leave out the link. Not a big problem. Further, one link does not make anything factual. 50 years ago in Journalism class we had to have 3 sources. You can always find one link for any argument. Letters to the editor are opinion.