"We should have counted to 10 (or 10 million) before hitting publish."
Saratogian online editor Emily Donohue has posted an uncommonly open account of how and why the paper incorrectly published reports that Joe Paterno had died on Saturday. (The former Penn State coach had been in grave condition, but didn't pass away until Sunday.) There are bits in her account that are worth noting for anyone who has publishing power -- which is now pretty much everyone.
Hi there. Comments have been closed for this item. Still have something to say? Contact us.
Comments
Thanks for bringing this to people's attention, AOA. I hope folks will appreciate the honesty. It was a tough night, but we all learned from it.
Emily
p.s. Do me a favor? My last name is Donohue (no A)... thanks :)
Editors: (facepalm) -- name corrected. Sorry about that. Thanks for the heads-up.
... said Emily Donohue on Jan 23, 2012 at 2:08 PM | link
I might have changed the line, "we made a grave error," but interesting nonetheless.
... said Rob on Jan 23, 2012 at 2:29 PM | link
I applaud the upfront honesty and all, but shouldn't it be a news outlet's responsibility to always dig to find the actual source? Anyone can go to Twitter and find half baked truths (like the Saratogian clearly did), the reason people still follow proper news outlets is to filter out the cruft and misinformation.
... said matt on Jan 23, 2012 at 3:14 PM | link
Rob:
Wow, that was unintentional and a terrible choice of words. I just changed it.
Thanks for the heads up.
Emily
... said Emily Donohue on Jan 23, 2012 at 3:32 PM | link
Joe Paterno has been dead to me since November.
... said Ron on Jan 24, 2012 at 3:33 PM | link
You should read Saratoga Today and not the Saratogian. Seriously!
... said Bk on Jan 25, 2012 at 9:30 AM | link