Maven's Mailbox

A READER ASKS: Just what qualifies you to be a critic of local media?

THE MAVEN RESPONDS: The same thing that qualifies you. The Maven uses the media just as you do. Additionally, the First Amendment guarantees the right of free speech. You and I may not agree, but we are both guaranteed the opportunity to express ourselves. The Maven is more than a little troubled, thought, when media outlets attempt to stifle criticism and/or attempt to intimidate critics. And don’t think they don’t try. That’s the arrogance of media that the Maven often notes in blog posts.

A READER ASKS: What's the f*ing issue about typos. Aren't you being just a little anal? 

THE MAVEN RESPONDS: The media like to position themselves as experts on everything and often think of themselves as somehow intellectually and morally superior to the poor, uneducated bastards who read, hear and view their product. Casual errors make media look foolish. Is it too much to ask for someone to spell check?

A READER ASKS: Why do you make such a big deal when a radio station reprints a press release on their website? You make it sound like they're criminals.

THE MAVEN RESPONDS: There is nothing wrong with publishing or presenting a press release as long as it’s identified as such. But a few news outlets feel there is nothing wrong with presenting someone else’s work as their own. A local TV station has taken a significant amount of heat for cutting and pasting (STEALING) from local blog sites, and passing off the words, thoughts and reporting as their own. The TV station’s solution? Ban the Blogger. WOWO News used to be the biggest offender, but has now begun to identify and attribute press releases to the authority issuing them. Cut and Paste Journalism is deceptive, dishonest, and lazy.

A READER ASKS: How come you hate WOWO so much? Did they fire you?

THE MAVEN RESPONDS: The Maven has never worked for WOWO, but was employed by their current owner 40 years ago. WOWO has made some bad management decisions. The firing and subsequent rehiring of Pat Miller is just an example. Then there are names like Gregg Henson and Dave Wheaton who damaged WOWO’s credibility by their inability to understand Fort Wayne tastes, habits and institutions. Listeners are still suffering from their inept actions. WOWO’s current news director lacks both the qualifications and knowledge to even read a newscast, let alone sit in a journalistic position of authority. There is no excuse for mispronouncing the names of streets, towns, and the names of prominent people and politicians. A pro tip for WOWO: The Indiana Legislature has never had a representative named Phyllis POUND, from New Haven. Once is a mistake, three consecutive broadcasts, that's an embarrassment and credibility-killer. Other than those few points, the Maven is OK with WOWO.

A READER ASKS: Why do you hide behind a pseudonym? Why don’t you use your real name? What are you afraid of?

THE MAVEN RESPONDS: For the same reason that most of the people you hear on the radio, and to a certain extent, see on TV “hide behind a pseudonym. They don't use their real names. The Maven enjoys the freedom to express himself without embarrassing his family and because the FW Media Maven name is more memorable. Maven also has other business interests that are not compatible with media criticism.