When I launched The Community Journal, I promised transparency. Whether it is good or bad, that is what I am going to give you. Allow me to address some of the comments being directed toward the Journal and myself today regarding last night’s game in Cordova.
First, a painful decision was made very early on that our footprint for now will not go outside the borders of Walker County. I love Corner, Meek, Lynn and Winston County – all schools that I have covered for years. However, we simply do not have the manpower to cover that large of a footprint.
The story last night was reflective of writing for an audience to which we cover. Corner, I promise, I want to include you in our regular coverage, we just can’t right now.
Secondly, there has been some questioning about wording in the story. Specifically the word “pressure.” In writing that story, I praised Cody Headrick for the gutsy performance he displayed throughout that game. On the last play, the defense rushed the quarterback and pressured him, forcing a fumble. So, to clarify, saying pressure got to him is literally saying defensive pressure.
There are a lot of reasons I was not at the top of my game for that story, but I will not make excuses. One commenter said “Do better Community Journal.” You have my commitment that we will
You have my commitment that I will.
I started to just edit the story, but I do not want to create the impression that I will hide our mistakes. Instead, I will own it and learn from it.
Thank you for your feedback, as always. We can never get better if we don’t know where we mess up.
In a 47 year newspaper career, which started in sports, there were few stories (if any) receiving 100% approval of reader/fans. I had a lady from Elaine, Arkansas call me. She was mad, very mad about the headline and the lede on the story stating Elaine High had been “Stomped” by the Friday night opposition. She was certain I had hurt the feelings of every player on the team. That included her son. I told the mama I was sorry if I had done so but I had been covering Elaine for the last three years and it was difficult to find a good adjective for their 53rd straight loss. She ended the conversation abruptly.