May 18, 2003

More quotes from readers

Earl J. Wilcox of Rock Hill, S.C.: "I have noticed important mistakes in stories over the years and occasionally called an editor or sent an e-mail. However, most of the time I do not contact the newspaper because I assume someone else will or they'll figure out their mistake and correct it. This attitude has proven correct in almost all situations. However, I now believe I should not simply assume errors will be corrected and should go immediately to the newspaper's Web site and point out the error. Most of the time I and others don't contact the newspaper about errors because we feel the editors are a bit defensive about their problems. This perception is shared by a majority of readers of both local, small-town papers and large metropolitan papers."

Russ Horne of Hampstead, Md.: "I have noticed in the past when the [newspaper] may make a minor mistake in factual detail, they are quick to correct such a mistake, usually in the next edition."

James Hyland of Edgemoor, S.C. said he does not contact a newspaper about a significant mistake "because I didn't want to take the time to find the right person to complain to."

Joan A. Breen of Hampstead, Md. said she has contacted her newspaper about a correction and was satisfied with the results but adds: "Somehow they seem to justify the mistake or error to their favor. We all have opinions, and sometimes the newspaper pushes their opinions on you."

Donald Clegg of Spokane, Wash.: "I think the issue of media credibility revolves more around what is not reported than what is."

Matthew M. Testa of Westminster, Md.: "The credibility of the media has been suspect for a good while and this [New York Times] story only confirms what I thought. The loss of locally owned and managed papers is partly to blame. The lack of competing newspapers and other media channels hurts. There is no check or balance in the single paper town, in the broadcast spectrum, and to some extent in the manufactured 'left and right' of the cable/satellite spectrum."

Readers quoted were contacted by phone to confirm e-mail comments.

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