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Everyone’s got an opinion
Published Wednesday, May 27, 2009
I start my mornings pretty much the same way every day — grab a cup of coffee and hit The Star-News Web site. I like starting my day reading the opinions of others about the happenings in our county.
First, I have to say that some of you folks are just flat out funny. On the flip side, some of you are flat out strange.
And the user names ... well, that’s a whole column unto itself.
Sometimes as I write, I can almost visualize the comments that we’re going to get on a specific story even before we put it up on the Web. Most of the time, the predictable stories — like a hard crime or a drug story — garner the usual “what a piece of slime,” or “put ‘em in jail” vernacular.
Just like the “hearts, flowers and feel good” stories get us the traditional accolades — the “good job” or “keep at it” kind of comments.
But for the last few months, and maybe even a little longer, I’ve been outright flabbergasted with some of the things that have been put into writing for Covington County to read.
We’ve had folks confessing to affairs with their in-laws, allegations of drug use by this person or that, slurs on law enforcement, people taking up the keyboard to defend their loved one’s honor, congratulations and good goings all around. It’s been amazing to watch the human process of discussion unfold — although in some cases it could be accusations unfold.
Don’t forget, the newspaper itself — and its writers — are not immune to those comments. I think my most favorite thus far was one about myself when someone said I should have my “writer’s license” taken away because they didn’t like my opinion of the day.
And that’s the beauty of the whole thing, in my opinion.
I know that many will disagree, but our Web site is an open forum for discussion for our readers. It’s a place to give one’s respective opinion on the topic du jour — whether it’s electronic bingo, the murder of a Dozier man, why you think our county is broke or whether or not you think I should keep my opinion to myself.
With that said, I have three tips that will help you get the most out of your commenting experience on www.andalusiastarnews.com.
• First and foremost, use common sense when posting. If you get an uneasy feeling in the pit of your stomach before you hit send, odds are that comment probably doesn’t need to be up on the Web.
• Secondly, you may not realize this but the “www” at the front of andalusiastarnews.com means World Wide Web. WORLD WIDE Web, people, which means the stuff you put up here goes out for the entire world to see.
• Lastly, spell-check it before you go. There is nothing more frustrating to read than a person who has a passionate response — be it heated and directed at another user or passion-filled because they connect with what was written — and it is filled with misspellings or grammatical errors.
And keep those comments coming ... I can almost see them now.
Comments
Posted by justice (anonymous) on May 27, 2009 at 6:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
and then there are the stories that do not get on the paper to keep readers from commenting on right stephanie like the pending lawsuit against the city of andalusia from charles t.smith because he does not want to pay his share of city taxes as a drug store owner,why was that not important to publish.i belive the citizens of andalusia have a right to know things of that nature .Just my opinion like you said we all have one and something else.lol good day,
Posted by laplowgirl (anonymous) on May 27, 2009 at 11:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree with Stephanie that it is good to have opinions and a forum to voice them. I regularly read comments from others on this website and also from other sites. Generally, I keep my opinion to myself, whether I agree or disagree with the poster. Freedom of speech is a great right of ours as long as it is not vulgar or totally false. I am referring to justice's comment regarding Charles T. Smith. His lawsuit is not about NOT PAYING CITY TAXES. Mr. Smith has paid his city taxes. I challenge justice and anyone else who has a problem about the lawsuit and what it entails to get both sides of the story. Mr. Smith would be more than happy to explain that the lawsuit is about his profession - Pharmacist - being treated different than other professionals (i.e.-doctors, lawyers, etc.). Pharmacists (especially those who own small independent pharmacies) have many obstacles to face today and the good they do will go away if they are taxed outrageously, insurance reimbursements continue to be cut back (this is almost a daily occurrence), and don't forget to count the many thousands of dollars in accreditation fees, upgrades, paperwork required by the government, just so they can continue to service their customers and the community. I have know Charles Smith for many years and know that he is about helping his customers and making the community better.
Posted by outlaw11 (anonymous) on May 27, 2009 at 12:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Finally, some positive comments on Steph's column...I knew they would happen sooner or later...the matter of Mr Smith is not up to the public, but, to the powers that be, best of luck, Mr Smith. And, once again, it goes from fact to humor...way to go, Steph.
Posted by moondrop (anonymous) on May 27, 2009 at 12:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It is a wonderful thing to be American, where we CAN all have an opinion, voice it, and not be punished for it. I am very grateful to all our military men and women, present and past, for protecting this freedom. As far as making our opinions public, it is always better to know all sides of a story before making public statements. Unfortunately, people too often express knee-jerk reactions without knowing the facts. Of course, this is just my opinion.
Posted by fairness (anonymous) on May 27, 2009 at 1:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Well Justice, I will share with you the story that you said Stephanie did not comment on. From what I hear, Charles T. Smith has already paid his share of city taxes as you call it being a drug store owner. I understand he paid over $16,000 this year in business license taxes while other professionals in the City of Andalusia,such as doctors, paid a flat rate of $475.00. The Andalusia Hospital Pharmacy paid a flat rate of $300.00. Now, what is fair about that! As Paul Harvey use to say, before you comment, know the rest of the story!
If you name is justice, then let's give him and every other professional like him justice. I'd rather call it fairness myself!
Fairness is treating other folks as you would want to be treated. God tells us to "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." Laws are not always fair, and that is what I believe Mr. Smith is trying to do, get fairness.
Justice, don't you have more things in your life to worry about than Charles T. Smith. Each and everyone of us has our own issues, our own yards to cleanup. How about it Justice?
Before you judge Charles T. Smith, look at your character, just like I have to look at mine. We are none perfect, God says, no not one! Freedom of speech is our right, but we do not have the right to hurt others or want to see others hurt. Are you using your freedom of speech to make yourself look good and to put others down?
The opinion column, I believe, was placed on the website so you could share an educated opinion about a subject, not sling mud or use personal judgement against someone!!
Posted by Estragon (anonymous) on May 27, 2009 at 6:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Good article, and excellent advice, Stephanie. I would add that people should not only spell check but fact check. One way a person can do this is by consulting www.snopes.com or www.factcheck.org. I am amazed at how often people in south Alabama think uncritically, accepting as true even the most incredulous of stories.
Posted by live4today (anonymous) on May 27, 2009 at 8:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Everyone has an opinion....and access to computers has opened the door for everyone to express theirs.
I too cannot stand misspelled words....but Stephanie....you say it frustrates you ....but frequently I find many spelling and grammatical errors in the newspaper...maybe you should encourage the staff at the Star News to also use spell check....and then read their own column for themselves.
Posted by Shamrock (anonymous) on May 27, 2009 at 10:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Estragon: WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN KEEPING YOURSELF?
Posted by lookeyhere (anonymous) on May 28, 2009 at 6:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Jest cuz eye kant spale,donte meen eyem aye baad pursun.
Posted by canon09 (anonymous) on May 28, 2009 at 10:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Lookeyhere, You are toooo funny!!(LOL!!!) To make it so bad, I understood every word you typed! (Ahhahahahahaha!) However, we are all entitled to our opinions. It's not so much in what we say but "how" we say it; especially on the internet. "Tone" accounts for a great deal. Good job Stephanie and yes, keep up the good work.
Posted by justwingit (anonymous) on May 28, 2009 at 6:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
lookeyhere, That is funny!!! Me too, canon09, I even put and accent to it when I read it, LOL2!!!!!
Posted by biscuitsandhoovergravy (anonymous) on May 29, 2009 at 8:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Comments are fine...expressing opinions...differing view points etc. But...mentioning names and making accusations behind a ficticious name is not cool.
Posted by outlaw11 (anonymous) on May 29, 2009 at 8:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
bis'q'gravy: I agree, this comment section is to voice an opinion, not belittle or name names; we can all offer different views with facts or without, call out someone else's opinion, disagree, and in general be on the other side, but, don't get personal. This has happened frequently in this /other sections and we should all be in touch with our/others beliefs. Argue w/o names...your right...and I am glad that our paper has offered this service to us, just enjoy it. Did you hear the one about...?
Posted by southernboy (anonymous) on June 28, 2009 at 10:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Our paper is a small, typical community newsletter, very nice in it's own way.
No criticisms here, just suggestions.
Please don't get all fired and riled and personal.
Be open.
It seems clear to me there is a veritable plethora of stories never mentioned in the paper that would be of great interest and educational value.
The types of things you find in many community papers across the nation.
There is a growing community of educated and artistic people moving to the area. Why Not focus on their stories at times?
Why are they here? What drew them etc?
What awareness do they bring to accentuate our awareness of earth, the environment and spirituality?
Or perhaps an article about these other beautiful ethnic cultures joining us and how their foods, beliefs and work ethics enrich or our own community?
Do we welcome them or make fun of them?
What about environmental awareness?
What we learn from what is around us?
What about having other writers contribute their art and stories on occassion?
Our paper needs a fresh view, an open view, and a different perspective as all newspapers.
There are many published authors in town, why not call on one of them for a weekly column on astrology? Plants etc?
A friend who was born and raised here made the comment the other day that we are waiting for the sixties to arrive, perhaps it is time to open the door and let in new ideas without fear.
Posted by lcellison1 (anonymous) on July 17, 2009 at 7:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What is the latest concerning Bobby Wayne Copeland, Florala, who killed his wife, Dorothy, on July 3rd? He is in the Covington Co. Jail under $500,000 bond. Many in Dothan have known this couple for years and don't want to call her daughter concerning this. You had several articles when it first happened with no follow up.
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