The nude/semi-nude girls apparently have one thing to offer and they’re doing it. Really good coffee, though, shouldn’t be expected.
Just the giggle, wink, giggle girls and something hot in a cup.
Sharon O’Hara

Let’s see… didn’t one of the Sun’s previous editors 1) use his position to push a controversial Port project (SEED) 2) take a course in “sustainability” and, then 3) go to work for that very governmental agency he promoted as editor?

I would say that is what an ethical editor should NOT do.

When people gather, they talk. They discuss the latest news or happenings in the area. They talk politics, religion, work, and just about any subject you can come up with and some that would surprise you. The ability to comment on and article or news story is just the latest version of the pot belly stove talks of years ago. The only thing added is some people are afraid of making their opinions known. Something about being afraid of showing yourself a fool, then opening your mouth and proving it makes it easier to show yourself a fool when no one knows it is you.

Commenting, blogging, and following the news or story line on a computer is how the younger generation is learning to live in our society. What needs to change is how we use and interact with the printed newspaper that is also available on line. If the Sun and other print media does not adapt, they will go the way of the old pot belly stove discussions and just be a footnote in history. If you want to keep the story on line on track, then do so. It is your media format and you are the voice. If it is only monitored 2 or 3 times a week or if it seems to be an afterthought and not seriously taken then abuse will occur. Just like in real life when one particular person wants all the attention or that other person who wants be the one to decide where the conversation will flow because they know best.

You may learn many things about your community and the people living here. The trick is to make sure this is not your only source and to search and find the truth yourself and acknowledging that the truth has as many sides as there are people involved.

I have heard the statement, ‘my truth is not your truth’ used to justify a particular point. So, yes, we are our own worst enemy.
Roger Gay
South Kitsap

That being said, there is a level of irresponsibility associated with trolls. However, one man’s troll is another man’s freedom fighter. They may believe that their opinion is valid, relevant, and even warranted… however, the writer, editor, and others may feel differently. No one likes to see their work, their art, criticized or ‘vandalized’… but it is the new reality. Some trolls have agendas, some are bored, others simply enjoy hiding in anonymity and ranting without consequence… the perils of truly free speech.

But then again, we are so rarely free, now, that when given the opportunity at freedom we do not know how to act civilly.

What’s the solution then?
Wow. Do you mean to say the readers of reported stories are freaks…or just the readers who respond to the story are the freaks from a freak show?

Sharon O’Hara