Reasons why newspapers are like dinosaurs: a continuing series (updated twice)

Check this out. Read it where this guy says I claimed my web site would become “dominant.”

Problem: I didn’t say that. I was linking to the CBC’s web site, which has no paywall. Here’s the original posting.

(I love his snotty use of “sic,” too. Nice fellow. UPDATE: he’s removed the “sic,” but he still hasn’t admitted his error.)

Who made this error, which is a pretty big one? The Editor-in-Chief of the Hamilton Spectator, that’s who. The entirety of his column is defeated by his rookie error, in fact.

I therefore amend my original thesis: it isn’t just paywalls that will kill off many newspapers.

Sloppiness will, as well.

Oh, and Mr. Editor-in-Chief guy? It’s a web site, not a “blog.”

You got that wrong, too.

(Post script: I’ve emailed him seeking a correction. Anyone think it’ll never happen? That, too, is a trait of most newspapers.)

UPDATED AGAIN: A generous apology, accepted:

Correction in progress. Forgive me. Also, “sic” was inserted by a copy editor and removed when I saw it. Unfortunately, I did not understand my error until I saw your post now.

Paul Berton
Editor in Chief
The Hamilton Spectator / thespec.com
905.526.3482
Pberton@thespec.com


A real polling firm on Trudeau/Libs

Ipsos is real polling company.  Not one of these sleazy shops that pollute too much of our public affairs, these days.

And here’s what they are saying:

“The nationwide survey by Ipsos Reid conducted exclusively for Postmedia News and Global TV also revealed that a majority of Canadians still believe the Liberals, out of power since 2006, will one day return to govern the country.

The poll found that 69 per cent of Canadians feel Trudeau will win the Liberal leadership contest, as compared to 19 per cent who felt astronaut-turned-MP Marc Garneau would eventually prevail…Moreover, while Trudeau has found himself at the centre of controversy after criticizing the long-gun registry last month and for comments he made about Alberta in 2010, 62 per cent of respondents said he has the best chance of leading the Liberals to victory in the next election.”

Those are real numbers, and suggest that – if Trudeau wins – Angry Tom Mulcair’s stay at Stornoway is not going to be a long one.

 


NHL: who cares?

I mean, seriously: does anyone care? The players, the owners: they’re a bunch of greedy men playing a kid’s game.  They’re a joke.

I get more than enough hockey during the week, with my kids.  I won’t miss the NHL/NHLPA for one moment.


OLP convention to bar bloggers?

This is beyond stupid.

As one of the guys who fought to get Stephen Taylor into last year’s LPC convention, I serve notice that I will do so again for Scott et al. I plan to raise Hell if this isn’t fixed, up to and including a one-man picket.

Get with the new paradigm, folks. Jesus.


Automated “poll” about OLP leadership race (updated)

Many people are getting called tonight.  The caller doesn’t identify who paid for the “poll,” who is behind it, none of that. But it asks lots of questions about first and second choices, and whether the called are delegates.

Among other things, that sort of “poll” violates several ethical rules of the relevant professional association.

Here’s the poll/robocall, which you can call BogusPoll.

UPDATE: A comment from Ty, speaking for quite a few of us:

I say this as a proud and involved Liberal:

All these campaign calls need to stop. It’s gotten absolutely ridiculous. I’ve been on vacation the last two weeks, and have received two a day that I’ve had to pay roaming charges to receive because they’re GTA numbers.

E-mail me all you want. Allow each campaign one call.

But really, enough is enough.