News-Record.com

I can understand very well why medicine is lagging behind in career choices for the future.

I've done some thinking about forks in the challenging road lately. A lot of it ties into the N&R's journalistic choices over the years. I have posted those thoughts on my nascent blog.

burned citizen journalism

I remember well what it felt like to be young and believe in something. I hope those great, fantastic, wonderful young people coming out do not get their hopes dashed and their souls crushed in the way I did.

Dr. Johnson, it is ridiculous that you have not picked yourself up after eight years. Quit playing the martyr and get on with your fantastic life.

Mark this day down in history: I agree with FS.

John posted a wonderful tribute and Mary morphed it into her own hackneyed issue. C'mon, Mary! Try one positive comment instead of warning these magnificent young 'uns about having their "hopes dashed" and their "souls crushed." Jeez, these kids feed the hungry, help the elderly, care for animals, tutor children, and like life. Every single one of them is going to make a positive mark on our world. They are to be celebrated.

YES Sue, they ARE to be celebrated (I believe I indicated that with the "great, fantastic, wonderful" tag, but it looks like you missed that).

Fecund, with due respect, the point kind of "IS" that these young ones (particularly in medicine) are coming out into a world that has eaten very good people for lunch. Those of us who have the teeth marks have the obligation to make the path for those who come after easier (at least that's what my Daddy told me). Bad laws are protecting bad medicine - and I do not want to see another young, idealistic soul who "likes life" go through what I did. It IS "ridiculous", that after eight years, the law has not worked (and the press has not applied the heat to make it work). Bad laws do not get fixed/changed unless somebody raises H.

Sue, you were passing out small scholarships and that's great. I got them too. And the taxpaper paid bigtime for the biggest one. All of that money got poured down the drain because the government that passed out the money, passed it and ran. The federal program that I participated in has recently been whitewashed and re-worked by state and private interests (the NC Medical Society and BCBSNC), but as far as I can tell, has not incorportated any better protections for participating physicians than I had eight years ago. The definition of insanity is to keep doing the same things over and over again and expecting different results. When you get right down to it, FEMA didn't work after Hurricane Katrina for the same reasons a DHHS program did not work for doctors in Asheboro, North Carolina.

If you want to talk about "ethics and accountability" in government (and apparently lately people do), getting yourself a "non-profit" moniker has essentially become a license to steal and stuff one's pockets. I'm no martyr, I'm just fed up with the hypocrisy. And that's why I'm in the blogosphere.

John's tributes to the young ones (particularly the future doctors) ring hollow if he does not use his power to help STOP business and legal practices that might harm them. He hasn't written that story - it's not "locally relevant". And (kind of the point of the link) if this is the only place I can call him on it, so be it.

Sue, we find much in common when closing ranks against a real whackjob.

JR, bless you for attempting to put up with us.

Fecund, let's at least play like grown-ups (instead of bullies on the playground). Once again, the "whack job" crack is the oldest and dirtiest trick in the book (as was pointed out in the three-thread duel-fest with Ed Cone last week), and so not worthy of you (from what little I understand of you).

What exactly about any of what I have said here (or on the linked post) is "wacky"? The scholarships are nice, but making the world a better place for the young ones coming out does not mean that you just throw more money at them and wave bye-bye (although that does seem to have been the solution of the state and federal government for years). It means you DO something to make their journey easier than yours.

These kids, I know, believe in all of the things I believed in ten years ago. I made choices based on those things and got burned. I've fought the good fight when even the rules could not be counted on. It's not martydom, it's stating a fact.

JR said he tried not to think back on his own choices. The point is, to do these kids (and his readers) a better service, perhaps he should.

Fec, You have been batting a several people the last few weeks; is more sick than just you blog? You are a generally a decent compassionate person. The pot shots are worrisome to those who like you. Dr. Mary is trying to work thru a horrible experience in the best way she knows how and that is to try to keep the same thing from happening to someone else. Sincerely

Mea culpa. Let us not sully this fine blog further. You know where to find me.

Hearty chuckle. Fine blog? You mean . . . self-serving, "let's look progressive while trying to keep the local blogosphere under our kingly thumb, and (most importantly) figure out how to make money from this enterprise" . . . blog?

Dr. J, I'll humor you 'cause you're a newbie. I took a few shots at JR early on, too. But, in the last year all I have really seen is a paper waging a valiant effort to embrace this brave new world, while suffering baseless accusations such as yours.

Fortunatley, we do not have a local paper like most: completely without a clue.

One large clarification to your sarcasm, Mary.

"Sue, you were passing out small scholarships..."

No, I was not. The News & Record was awarding significant scholarships. To some recipients, it could mean attending or not attending college.

Sue, please. Again, I have in NO WAY demeaned the scholarships - or the young people who got them.

It was an observation. You were chosen (from blogger royalty) as one of the N&R's judges . . . you helped make the decisions and therefore, YES YOU WERE passing the N&R's money out. There's nothing remotely inaccuate about the statement. And it's FANTASTIC that you were - the kids deserve a boost - especially anyone contemplating medicine these days (FYI, a few thousand dollars, while always welcomed by starving medical students, is not going to make a big dent in that bill - the reason so many kids turn to the federal/state indentured servitude thing once they're out). I'm sorry my post wizzed in your cornflakes.

As for my "sarcasm", I was speaking to a larger responsibility. Where journalism plays into that responsibility speaks to the link I originally posted on this thread. About nine years ago, the Greensboro News & Record came down to Randolpoh County & Asheboro and made a lot of promises it did not keep (its muck-raking journalism destroying a man in the process). We were a "local" revenue stream then. I guess not now.

Almost a decade later, in "embracing" the new medium, JR & company originally made a lot of promises about "citizen journalism" and moving "local" stories forward that might not otherwise get attention. I was THERE - online in my Father's office the day after he died (without ever seeing "justice" for his daughter). And, like a sucker I bought it. Over a year later, I sooooooo don't see it happening. And how many times have we had JR put up a post to ask readers what they think about coverage of this or that (the cartoons, David Wray, Homestead), get feedback they didn't want (or expect) and then go on the defensive?

On April One (appropriately, Fool's Day), JR's post, "More Ideas for the Future", was ALL about figuring out how to turn the web/blogging into a revenue source - either directly or indirectly.

When I attended the first blogging seminar in Greensboro last year, N&R favorite Ed Cone stood up and talked about how one could ask for "donations" (using credit cards) to help sponsor a blog. It struck me as odd (because that's not why I was there), but I held my peace and completed the lesson.

Last week, Doug Clark declared JR "King" and Ed Cone "High Priest" of triad blogging. "Self-depreciating humor" aside, there's no inherent arrogance in that?

Fecund, several of you have freely opinied about my motivations - even my sanity - as I've tried to use this medium to open legal and journalistic doors that have been slammed in my face - doors that should be wide open (if the N&R walks what it talks) instead of jammed on their hinges. I'm simply feeling free to return the favor. My "accusations" are observations and far from "baseless". I'm not the only one making them. And if JR wants any long-term credibility in this medium he "rules", he needs to start thinking about that.

Dr. J, I agree with some of issues you have with the paper. But, I was responding to your statement, "let's look progressive while trying to keep the local blogosphere under our kingly thumb, and (most importantly) figure out how to make money from this enterprise."

Where did that come from? I don't agree with the kingly thumb bit, and we're all trying to figure out how to make money blogging.

As to Doug Clark's characterization of JR as King, he us just another of the denizens of Blogsboro, like you and I. He doesn't go to meetups and wields no unusual power.

And the N&R is being progressive in the sense that it recognizes the power of blogging and its nascent ability to transform journalism.

Finally, I don't know what to make of the broken promises and muck-raking of nine years ago. It is the launching of such unexplained absurdities that cause people like me to persist in calling you a whackjob.

And there you go again, Fecund. Unexplained absurdities? Did you actually READ the link to the post on my blog before you launched? If you'd like part of that story in book form, please give Jerry Bledsoe a call. You might get a signed copy.

In his original post, JR commented on the fact that he wasn’t seeing as many doctor-wannabes in his scholarship finalists this year. My post was a way of saying, “Hello JR. Mary Johnson, one of your regulars here. I’m a doctor . . . born, bred & educated in and within an hour’s radius of Greensboro. And I can give you a really good example of why young people are choosing other roads.”

The N&R is not interested in that story - even as JR hands out small piles of cash to the potential newbies in my field. The philosophy seems to be, "Knowing what we know, let's just throw more fresh meat to the sharks and see how well they fare". It's irresponsibe. As for the usual excuses of why certain things don't get investigated or printed, JR’s not really worried about anything I’m saying BEING “libel” – for if he were, every one of my posts here would be deleted. A couple of years ago, I even offered to BUY add space in the N&R - to try and get some attention cast on the cauldron of good-ole-boy, mill-town politics that my case is drowning in. No go. So there has to be MORE to the story of why the N&R won't cover this story.

My point, as a "local" but apparently not local, is that the N&R talks a good game about the power of blogging, but (in the year I've been drifting in and out of this "train-of-thought") I have NOT seen it really use the power it has as a newspaper to "transform" anything - even and especially the way it looks at the world. Nothing has really "evolved". It's the same old same old in different wrap. Giving out scholarships is a tried and true PR move. But what is the N&R doing to protect and serve those who are getting those scholarships - to make sure that what happened to me does not happen to these fine young people? Zip. Nothing. Nadda.

Here's a thought for Sue: As my first post on my blog last year indicates, I liked you when I met you. But I’ve got to ask, what did you-all expect to happen when you recruited new people to the blogosphere? Since we’re marking moments, MARK this one. I’m fairly certain that I speak for others here when I say that you are NOT my “Blogger Mommy”. JR is not my “king” and I don’t worship at Ed Cone’s altar. The “transparency” of the blogosphere that JR often speaks of is just that – transparent. More and more “locals” are going to see beyond the smoke and mirrors act (that currently so impresses the NYT), if JR & company don't descend the throne and do more walking of the talking. And we’re going to call him on it. If that makes me a "whack-job", then so be it. I'm in good company.

And Fecund, referencing an earlier post, both daily newspapers that “cover” Asheboro certainly have demonstrated their cluelessness – albeit on different ends of the spectrum. I understand you work in Asheboro. Then you will know that they caught that pesky rooster.

Dr. J, I regret not having exercised due diligence by reading your most recent rant which mentions the unfortunate RTC incident. I remember when it happened. But, I am no fan of Bledsoe and I can't find it within me to assist in your rebuke of the paper for something which happened so long ago.

I am a native of Randolph County and now live in GSO. My Wife worked for the N&R for nearly ten years before leaving to start her own business. I have intimate knowledge of the machinations in the very difficult enterprise which is a large paper.

Because of this, I am a fan of the News & Record. Sure they get it wrong sometimes and maybe they aren't as proactive in certain areas as you and I might like. But, they shine in comparison to others such as those clowns at the Courier Tribune.

Tilt at windmills if you like. However, from my perspective the only real effect you are having is detriment to yourself. In the last twenty years I have also been abused, fired and sued. Rather than become a victim, I like to believe I achieved wisdom and strength from each incident.

Find yourself a good therapist.

Fecund, Sue says (on her blog) that the "right to rant" should be in the U.S. Constitution. I gotta ask, do we or don't we? Or is this just about stepping on the toes of those who might as well have secret decoder rings?

You did not even read "the rant" but you felt free to hop right on board and call me a "whack-job"? Nice.

Were you sued for "libel"? Because I'm here to tell you, there's NOTHING like it . . . especially after catching the people who sued you red-handed LYING. CEO's have lost their jobs for lying on their resumes. So where does LYING UNDER OATH fit in?

Fec, I'm still practicing Pediatrics - albeit not at home WHERE I SHOULD BE. I've met people and learned things on the road that I never would have if I had stayed with that hospital. But it doesn't make what happened right. And if, by calling loads of attention on what happened to me, I can prevent it from happening to someone else, I am so THERE.

My best "therapy" to date . . . after YEARS of silence and shame . . . playing by the rules when no on else bothered . . . is HERE . . . on the website and in the blogosphere . . . tweaking JR's conscience and nipping at his heels . . . when his newspaper seeks accolades (that's what the original blog post was really about) for the quick & easy PR move, rather than look at the bigger picture.

Dr. J, I did not mean to impugn your right to rant. After reading it, I still think you're a whackjob. But then, many would say it takes one to know one. And I must confess that I was only threatened with suit and he was a renowned snake. So no, I have never been sued for libel and it does sound harrowing.

Here's the problem using a blog as your primary therapy. Instead of encountering skilled professionals, you will find idiots like me. Call Barbara Faran today and get yourself an appointment. She will give you tools to understand your role in life and relationships.

Dr. Faran notwithstanding, psychology is a hobby and I ded spend six months with her. My diagnosis is PTSD. Get some help.

OK, guys. Thanks for the discussion, but how about taking this one offline. It's getting a bit more personal than is necessary for this forum. Thanks.

John, honestly, you could have jumped in a few posts back - at the first "whack-job" comment.

By the way, as an observation (by someone who does have some small training in psychology), your "Judge" Sue did chime in - and did not say to Fec, "Back off dude, you went too far".

Fec, the "skilled professionals" I need and am looking for are not in the medical field. I'm looking for lawyers, District Attorneys, Hospital Board Members, politicians and reporters who will do their job. Haven't found them yet. This lovely exchange is a great example of why this blogosphere experiment is going to go nowhere. Same old same old. Different wrapping. Different day.

Dr. Johnson, please give it a rest. You complain about the newspaper, you complain about their blogs, you complain about Robinson and when he tries to calm the discussion down, you complain even then. Please. Take your own advice, give up on the blogosphere that isn't going anywhere and give all of us a break.

I think, after over a year of giving this medium a chance to make that difference John promised, your advice is well taken.

As a final set of observations, I have learned a lot from the media coverage of the Duke Lacrosse scandal:

1. The newspaper, in its zeal to sell papers (or appease advertisers) . . . only listening to one side of the story and without looking at the actual evidence . . . always gets it right.

2. District Attorneys always have truth and justice as their primary focus - there is never an agenda or underlying motive to the decisions they make (be it giving 50 press interviews before the DNA comes in, or ignoring a case and not returning correspondence).

3. Race never plays a factor in the way the newspapers cover a story - or if a story gets covered at all.

4. The blogosphere and "citizen journalism" makes a difference in 1, 2, and 3 above.

Don't guess I/we have anything to complain about. With that, unless someone else with a decoder ring would like to call me a "whack-job", I think I'll end this stent as a "commentator". Your mission is accomplished.

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