A Somewhat Unfortunate Ad in the Beacon’s RSS Feed

When this article from the Cincinnati Beacon discussing the Enquirer’s reporting on suicide appeared in my RSS feeds, I was somewhat amused by the google ad appearing below the story.

Speaking of the story, I’d like to point out that it’s not helpful to anyone when bloggers write with a clearly false sense of naivety:

Prior to reading today’s Enquirer piece, I never would have thought that someone could go to Target World, rent a gun for six bucks, and then blow her head off right there in public[.]

This sarcasm isn’t helping anyone here.  Also, the sense of outrage over the Enquirer’s reporting of the story might be slightly misplaced

The Dean points out that the WHO says newspapers shouldn’t report on suicides.  It seems like he needs to re-read this report–that’s not at all what it says.  In fact, here’s a direct quote that’s highlighted by a text box in the guidelines:

Reporting of suicides in an appropriate, accurate and potentially helpful manner by enlightened media can prevent tragic loss of lives by suicide.

A little bit different than “Basically, coverage should be avoided—as it tends to give people destructive ideas, increasing copycat suicides,” yes?

Now, don’t get me wrong–I’m not saying that The Cincinnati Enquirer is following these guidelines with the most recent story concerning the suicide at Target World.  Specifically, they got a little bit too deep into the method and specifics as to how she killed herself, and it’s clear that if they’d been allowed to get information on her “15 page suicide note,” that they’d have printed that.  So, yeah, they’re failing–and if you’re going to criticize the Enquirer for reporting this, that’s the correct approach to take.

But it seems like the Beacon’s approach here might be a little bit crooked and oversimplified.  Just about every single newspaper reports on suicide, and my guess is that the great majority of them don’t meet the standards that the World Health Organization sets out.

So why all the angry?

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Hey, Look! The Enquirer’s Reporting Not-News Again!

The Enquirer is reporting this appropriated press release as top-line news:

One of these things is not like the others…

I’ve said it before, and unfortunately, I’ll probably say this again: on what planet is this news?  Delta adding another rewards level *might* be worthy of the back end of the business section, but “Latest News?” Not so much.

Best Bar in Cincinnati: Round 3, Part 3

This third round 3 matchup pits a couple Northern Kentucky juggernauts against one another.  The Newport staple and #3 seed Crazy Fox Saloon goes toe-to-toe against the diamond in the middle of Bellevue, the #11 seed, The B-List.  Vote early, vote often: polls close Sunday afternoon.

[POLLIN 28]

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Best Bar in Cincinnati: Round 3, Part 4

This final round 3 matchup pits a hipster joint against a look at foreign tradition.  Punk rock against Celtic pride.  The #2 seed Northside Tavern against the #10 Hap’s Irish Pub.  Voting ends noon Sunday, and you can vote as many times as you want.  I have my guesses as to who’s going to make it into the finals.  Who are yours?

[POLLIN 29]

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Best Bar in Cincinnati: Round 3, Part 2

This second matchup should be a close one: the #4 seed claims to have the best burgers in the area–Terry’s Turf Club.  This round pits them against the #5 seed and oldest bar in Cincinnati, Arnold’s Bar & Grill.  Poll’s below.  Vote like freaking crazy–and vote often.  You know, since that’s allowed and all.

[POLLIN 27]

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Best Bar in Cincinnati: Round 3, Part 1

This 3rd round matchup pits our so-far leading vote getter and first seed, Mainstrasse Village Pub, from Covington, against a strong 8 seed in Fries Cafe, from the UC area.  Remember, you can vote as many times as you want–and who knows, your favorite bar might need the help.

[POLLIN 26]

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