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Posted by: NDReporter Aug 31 2010, 07:36 PM

I want to know what stories you want to read. I'm always looking for story ideas that will get you interested and tell you something you didn't know before.

So what is going on in La Porte County that needs to be in the paper? Along with that -- What are we already covering that you like, and what aren't we covering that you'd like to see?

Thanks for your input! Alicia Ebaugh

Posted by: Bellah Aug 31 2010, 09:50 PM

I really appreciate the chance to answer this question. I have "lurked" on this forum for some time, and never joined or felt need to reply, until now... hopefully, it is worth it..

Stories I would like to read about:
Well in reading the many comments on the ND online page, sometimes important topics come out of the discussions on there. I suggest that ND staff review what is being said on there and determine if a story can come out of the discussion... Granted, a lot of it is opinion and plan venting, but every now and then, something good gets discussed. It would be nice to see it taken further into a full fledged story.

Other topics I have had interest in learning more about..

New business that open up in town, what brought the business to MC, why did they see an opportunity here, and what they hope to gain from or bring to MC?

What are the children of our town doing to better our town? or do they even want to? High school or Middle school kids, do they see them selves in MC in the future? working or raising a family of their own? If not, why?

What are the struggles that people in our town face? Unemployment, lack of education, crime, poverty, homelessness? What does MC do to offer help? is it enough? What lead to these situations for these people? Does our city work for its people, or only for the "rich people from IL, that live on the lake." (note: this is not my opinion, rather, a definition I have heard many times by many people in this town).

More stories on positive things in the community, church events, clubs (boy/girl scouts, etc.) What are the people in LP county doing to better the community? It doesn't take a lot to find out.. stopping by a local library, or church, or club event will often lead you to what people who have a sense of community, are doing in our community.

I know that most of these ideas are more "human interest" stories, and need the right individual to be willing to give you a glimpse into their life to write. However, I also feel that these stories can spark something in the reader to feel a connection to others.. After all, isn't that what life is about? Finding a common ground?

Thanks for offering this option, Alicia. I hope to read about one of these idea's in the future in my subscription to the ND.

~Bellah

Posted by: southsiderMMX Aug 31 2010, 10:34 PM

I cross-posted this on the facebook page for you A!



Welcome to the site, excellent first post!

Posted by: ZAS Sep 1 2010, 08:54 AM

A couple of ideas from the perspective of a person that only reads the online version:

1) a series that takes a personal view of how everyday people contribute to the fabric of LP county. Many interesting people out there that make LP interesting and might have a very interesting viewpoint- Might not even need to be in print format, but as a blog;

2) incorporate Twitter and a blog on the website (Michael Gresham talked about how this could be incorporated on WIMS, and as a listener from Chicago, I complete/strongly agree);

3) interesting businesses in LP county;

4) consolidate the Herald-Argus and News Dispatch;

5) Political analysis; doesn't have to be partisan, but you can analyze why candidates are campaigning a certain way. See Ward Room on NBC Chicago .com for an example;

6) Incorporate video from events and related to stories for use in conjunction with online stories- even create a YouTube page.

7) Create a working relationship with a radio station and video/news to share stories and increase readership: i.e. Sun-Times is aligned with NBC and Tribune is WGN.

Posted by: Homey Sep 1 2010, 09:06 AM

good ideas Zas

Posted by: taxthedeer Sep 1 2010, 11:48 AM

I'd like for the N-D's website to have a place where readers can upload their own photos and video like several other news sites.

That's what I really appriecaite about this site because you could do all of that either here or on the facebook page. Even though this forum don't have that large of a membership and most accounts are inactive, it generates tons of traffic, especially when breaking local news happen (ie. peak of 160 unique hits when the ISP break occured).

I know that I've already complained about this in the past but they need to put the print edition job ads online. Linking to Yahoo HotJobs is absurd.

Maybe I'd like to see more investigative reporting. Such as, What's being done to control the county's exploding mule deer population? What's being done to stop roadside littering? When and Why did Marquette change it's name from St. Mary's? Has Marquette ever considered resurrecting it's football program? Why are there so many vacant business properties in Michigan City compared to other nearby Northwest Indiana communities? Why don't Michigan City High school hire their own graduates to coach Michigan City High School teams like Merrillville does? Who was the idiot that thought that Michigan City was ever going to have a population of over 100,000? What were those people that boarded the Eastland thinking, what did they do with all the food when they didn't show up for the picnic?

I enjoy Parkhouse's Home Cookin' on Sunday and Drew White's Unwritten No More on Monday.

Posted by: Ang Sep 1 2010, 12:07 PM

Tax, in the upper right corner of the N-D website is 4 links, one is local jobs. Don't go through the classifieds sections cause that's takes you to yahoo

Posted by: Ang Sep 1 2010, 12:22 PM

I like the idea of the political analysis also. Mike does an OUTSTANDING job with candidate forums here, but the N-D should include some type of coverage for that also.

I'd like to see a section about what's going on. For example, the Parks & Rec dept should have a weekly update on local P&R events, not just special events, but a list of everything that's going on--like the weekly softball games, who's playing who, what time and what field. etc. Same with the MCAS, Sr. Center, etc. Give Pop Warner a spot, too for their games. Sometimes people aren't directly involved with a program but like to attend as a spectator. For example, I do not have a child in Pop Warner, but I would love to go the LP/MC game and have no idea when or where it is.

I realize that the paper does give event info, but not the little stuff. That should be included as well.

Posted by: MC Born & Raised Sep 1 2010, 12:47 PM

Posted by: NDReporter Sep 1 2010, 01:45 PM

I really appreciate everyone's feedback, even business ideas that I can pass on to my editors (especially adding more event and sports calendars, etc). I'm seeing a few things I can do already.

I'm specifically looking for story ideas that I or other reporters can do in a relatively short period of time (like feature stories on particular people, groups, businesses etc., or stories on an issue that has arisen in the schools or about town). It's fine to say you'd like to see more human interest stories, but without guidance I don't know where to go to find them. I have little time to search for ideas myself, so any specific ideas are always welcome. I also love investigative reporting, but I don't have a lot of time to do it, so those story ideas have to be really unique or important.

On a level of 1-10, how interested would you be in, say, a story about the food service at Michigan City High School. They have such a huge selection of food, it's crazy. And apparently they've won awards for it, too? What if I combined that with info on a study that found kids who eat lunch at school are more likely to become overweight? What about how the schools try to create healthy meals on a budget, and whether you can pack a healthy lunch for your kids for the same amount of money per student?

Although I'm being very unscientific, I'm just trying to gauge where people's interest lies.

Posted by: taxthedeer Sep 1 2010, 02:06 PM

Thanks for the tip on the jobs link, I still got Yahoo HotJobs, when I find out if any LP/MC Pop Warner games are to be played I'll be sure to you know, the team that I followed did not play La Porte last season because they were in opposite divisions, same with Merrillville, I was a little disappointed with that.

Posted by: Bellah Sep 1 2010, 06:50 PM

@ taxthedeer: regarding the local print job ads online. if you select classifieds then use the drop down menu in the middle of the page to select employment it should take you to the local print ones. I check it often on the HA site as I work with people in both communities that are "job searching"

@Alicia: how about something about the recent influx of heroin use and abuse in this county? I had a client tell me that it is easier to get heroin, and cheaper than the get marijuana in this area, as well as the lack of treatment for this addiction in this area. I am sending client's to SB or Ft. Wayne for quality treatment. Or, does the general population of the area, not feel this is something that need's attention and why?

or... business's I have noticed that have popped up lately.. Santoyas (sp?) the mexican buffet, the small place out on 212(looks like a hotdog place or something), the new purse store on Barker. Im sure there are tons more.

MCAS does a small article every now and then on a graduate from the school system and what they are doing in the community now. I imagine something like that could be expanded to a whole article.

I promise I have tons of more ideas. Just need to think about it for a day or two.

Lastly, when reading the articles that are interesting in the paper, they seem to be too "quick". Im not asking for a book, and I clearly understand the space restrictions, but it seems like just as the article gets going, its over.

~Bellah

Posted by: taxthedeer Sep 1 2010, 10:07 PM

If the schools are trying to battle the teen obesity problem, how come their ticket stubs to athletic events come in the form of a McDonald's coupon for a buy one get one free Big Mac or Quarter pounder?

Posted by: Ang Sep 2 2010, 08:12 AM

Tax, those tickets are donated by whom ever the coupon is for. Since the MCAS is trying to cut costs, it uses those coupon tickets vs. having to buy tickets outright. People don't typically consider it, but buying tickets can become a little pricey--especially when is team is doing well and spectator attendance goes up.

The regional/sectional basketball tickets alone cost upwards of $500--or more. So, if the school can use tickets donated from some organization, who cares if they have a fast-food coupon on them?

Posted by: Ang Sep 2 2010, 08:17 AM

Alicia, I've heard several different rumors about how ISP came to be in Michigan City. Most often, I've heard that the guy who originally owned the land wanted to donate it to the City for the high school, but he was spurned by the powers that be and out of spite, he donated it to the state for the prison instead.

Can you do a story on the history of the prison and how it came to be here? That would be cool.

Posted by: southsiderMMX Sep 2 2010, 08:35 AM

That is actually a cool pathway to go down. Some historical stuff would be awesome. I remember the ND used to have an older guy who did some pretty awesome writing about City's history. A whole generation is coming up without that kind of stuff. Places like Pullman Standard and Barker Haskell mean nothing to kids here today.

Posted by: lovethiscity Sep 2 2010, 06:31 PM

I would like to see just a little investigative journalism. Writing about only what is being told by public officials can be very miss-leading at times. For example:
1. The paper was told an outside lawyer was retained to investigate the resulting safety issues at MCSD as a result of the IOSHA scandal. This same lawyer testified to the city council the the scope of his contract with the MCSD was to look at Ron Meer only, nothing else
2. When the residence status of former zoning board member Nolah Nasser came up several times. Jason Miller was told and put in the paper that she lived on Cleveland Ave. at the same address as Tim Bietry. While in fact she owned no property in the State of Indiana. (Jason realized the misinformation almost immediately but failed to report it.)
In other words why does the paper believe everything it hears? Ask a question once in a while.

(Mrs Nasser was quietly dismissed months later and replaced by some goof. A story on the goof that took her place on the Zoning board would make for fun reading)

Posted by: edgeywood Sep 2 2010, 06:46 PM

Investigative reporting and follow-up on previous stories. Seems like memories are bit short around here.

Posted by: edgeywood Sep 3 2010, 07:26 AM

I spoke a bit too soon...today's story on the continuing issues in the Pines is a great example a follow-up on an investigative report!

Posted by: taxthedeer Sep 4 2010, 09:52 PM

I used to work with this guy who believed that things like this was some kind of foreign plot to make americans fat and lazy and kill us all off through our diet and take over the country.

Posted by: Ang Sep 7 2010, 08:21 AM

I heard a comedian once say that Americans are so fat because we have ALL the food. He said walk into any convenience store on any corner in the USA and you will find more food than a third world country.

Posted by: Milldew37 Sep 7 2010, 08:33 AM

Sweet. I haven't been ripped publicly for my work at the N-D in years. It's like old home week.

Posted by: indianamaniac Sep 7 2010, 10:45 AM

Who says you can't go home again, J?

Posted by: Milldew37 Sep 7 2010, 12:48 PM

It warms one's heart.

Posted by: Ang Sep 8 2010, 07:52 AM

I guess it's safe to assume who Milldew37 is.

Posted by: Milldew37 Sep 8 2010, 10:25 AM

Dang. My cover is blown.

Posted by: Tim Sep 8 2010, 04:22 PM

So what's up with the Anvil Chorus in the online edition? Hasn't been updated since 8/26.

Posted by: edgeywood Sep 8 2010, 08:18 PM

No AC in the print edition today...not sure when I last saw it in print...

What happened to Dave Hawk?

Posted by: southsiderMMX Sep 8 2010, 09:03 PM

The rumor is... he gawn.

Posted by: edgeywood Sep 9 2010, 07:54 AM

That's too bad. I'm pretty tired of the syndicated editorials. At least the AC was back in print today.

Posted by: Ang Sep 9 2010, 08:02 AM

Dave's been gone for at least a year IIRC. Not sure why, tho. I kinda miss him.

Posted by: southsiderMMX Sep 9 2010, 08:05 AM

Its been way less than that. Less than a month as I understand it.

Posted by: Milldew37 Sep 9 2010, 10:22 AM

Dave was let go less than a month ago.

Posted by: Ang Sep 9 2010, 01:35 PM

Well, then maybe I'm thinking someone else took over as editor more than a year ago?
Or has my clock slowed down that much?

Posted by: lighter Sep 9 2010, 01:39 PM

the editor of the crappy laportepaper took over a few years ago. Mr. hawk was not even gievn a farewell blurb in the ppaper after working their for decades. So, who wants 2 b captain of a sinking ship ?

Posted by: southsiderMMX Sep 9 2010, 01:46 PM

Hasn't Richards been gone about a year? Maybe that is it?

Posted by: Dave Sep 9 2010, 05:19 PM

One story I'd love to see would be a "family tree" of the folks at city hall showing who's related to who.

Posted by: edgeywood Sep 10 2010, 07:06 AM

Scot Squires (formerly of the Herald Argus) wrote an article about that, complete with a great graphic of the "family tree".

Here's a copy of the text....wish I had an electronic copy of the graphic! It's from 2007, probably needs an update!


Attached File(s)
 12_18_HA.PDF ( 134.08k ) Number of downloads: 134

Posted by: Ang Sep 10 2010, 08:01 AM

I'll bet that's it. Thanks. I was thinking my CRS was getting really really bad.

Posted by: southsiderMMX Sep 10 2010, 08:15 AM

So I supposed a "where are they now" of people who have left the News Dispatch is out of the question?

Anyways, how about some follow ups of some of the biggest stories of the last few years? I'd be curious to hear how somethings turned out, such as the kid from LP who was captured in Iraq for example

Posted by: Ang Sep 10 2010, 08:19 AM

Or the woman who jumped off the back of the lighthouse to commit suicide? And the police officers who tried to save her? Was her body ever recovered? What about her orphaned children?

Posted by: lighter Sep 13 2010, 07:28 AM

Here's 1. Why is Dave Hawk no longer with The News-Dispatch? I think everyone wants to know -- and should know -- why. Maybe Chris Scable can answer that.

Posted by: NDReporter Sep 13 2010, 12:51 PM

I will have to remain silent on that issue. For obvious reasons.

Posted by: lighter Sep 13 2010, 01:46 PM

theirs rumors going round. if an editor who's been at a newpaper for 20+ years leafs, theirs a lil storhy about him/his acccompishments. not saying you need 2 answre, NDrepotrer, but if Mr. Hawk was let go or fired, it is somthing people want 2 know about. Even need 2 know about, since Mr. hawk was a memmber of the communnity for sooooo long.

rumors re things got bad and stupid over their in TheNd9spatch & mr. hawk shoud still have his job. heard this 2 weeks ago @lighthouse resterraant and last week at the football game; heard it from my buddy, whose kid may or may not have workd their, whilst I was working overnite.

Posted by: Homey Sep 14 2010, 07:08 AM

I will miss Dave.

I have recently subscribed to the Post Tribune and read the local comments that don't require names and addresses. Some are funny, some are REALLY stupid, but it's fun to see what people are talking or complaining about in their community.

Posted by: Ang Sep 14 2010, 08:05 AM

Rumor has it that Dave was terminated for insubordination because he wouldn't agree to forcing restaurants featured in some article to buy advertising space in the paper in order to be featured in said article. He said that was unethical and so his boss said he was insubordinate.

And I did NOT hear this from anyone working at the N-D--nor did I hear it from Dave himself, just FYI, but from a source close to the situation.

If this is true, my thoughts on this situation are:

1. The corruption in MC has definitely reached the paper--no wonder the news items tend to be so biased.

2. The restuarants in Michigan City don't need to be in the News-Dispatch to get recognition. We here at CBTL do our own ratings of them-we are becoming more popular than the N-D and have scooped them on many many occasions--so we are a good source for restaurant stories.

3. Everyone should go to a locally owned restaurant this weekend and come back here and tell us about your experience. Dig through the rants/raves in City Living and see where we've been already, pick something new, or try an old one for a new experience. Do NOT pick a "big box" place, pick something that is owned by a resident of LaPorte Co.

4. To Dave Hawk, I know you lurk here from time to time so I want to say good luck to ya. I'm sure you'll move on to bigger and better things. You will be/and are missed!

Posted by: edgeywood Sep 14 2010, 09:34 AM

Me too! Good luck, Dave...sad to see you go!

Posted by: MC Born & Raised Sep 14 2010, 11:31 AM

I know of a good one!

Posted by: The Saint Sep 14 2010, 07:18 PM

Why don't you follow up on your own stories? You wrote that article about Tom Moss and his projected road into Moon Valley, but not a word afterwards.

Posted by: Tim Oct 9 2010, 03:37 PM

Hey ND Reporter - I always appreciate your insight regarding the ND, a lifelong staple of my hometown experience. Here's a question - do you know who posts the pictures in the ND? They always like like this in the obits, and it's so pathetic. Just asking -

T


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Posted by: NDReporter Oct 10 2010, 11:46 AM

Hi Tim, I remember talking about this before...I'm not sure anyone who posts the pictures has been able to figure out how to stop making the small headshots get all pixellated when they are uploaded. Our loading software isn't the friendliest...

Posted by: Tim Oct 10 2010, 06:30 PM

Couldn't they just post it at its original size?

Did I ask you about this before? Very old now - grant pity.

Posted by: southsiderMMX Oct 10 2010, 06:48 PM

How old is Deb and how much pity do you give her?

Posted by: Tim Oct 10 2010, 10:53 PM

No idea, and none.

Cool, huh?

Posted by: edgeywood Oct 14 2010, 11:15 AM

Adding to NDReporters thread....According to today's (10/14/10) paper, the News-Dispatch is soliciting people for a focus group. Call 874-7211 if you are interested.

Posted by: Ang Oct 14 2010, 01:06 PM

What are they focusing on? What people want to read in the paper?

Posted by: edgeywood Oct 14 2010, 02:21 PM

"The News-Dispatch is inviting readers to participate[ate in a focus group. If you're interested in sharing your thoughts on your hometown newspaper, call the News-Disaptch today, 219-874-7211."

Posted by: Ang Oct 14 2010, 02:42 PM

Hm....

Posted by: southsiderMMX Oct 14 2010, 02:59 PM

Any idea who is leading the focus group?

Posted by: NDReporter Oct 14 2010, 04:37 PM

We have also been including surveys for readers to include their input in the paper.

I don't know where the higher-ups got the idea to gather reader input, but IMHO, it's long overdue.

I have tried to keep all of your suggestions in mind and have put some story ideas on my list of things to do. Some of the other ideas, like an events calendar, seem like a no-brainer. I'm passing those on, and maybe some of this will come up in the focus groups. Please sign up if you want to improve the quality of your newspaper! I want to write about what the community cares about.

Posted by: Milldew37 Oct 15 2010, 07:32 AM

We used to hate doing it and when we did it it was every Monday.
But I think one reporter per week should be tasked with finding a really cool and interesting feature among the cool stuff and people in the county. As you scour the county for interesting stuff, you'll be amazed at how much amazing information you get that usually leads to pretty good news stories.
But readers love cool features.

Posted by: NDReporter Oct 16 2010, 08:20 PM

I love cool features, too! I just hardly ever have time to "scour" anything except what I've already got on my plate. That's why I encourage everyone to send me the ideas they have for great stories and features! If it's solid, just because it doesn't get done right away doesn't mean that it won't get done. I promise.

Posted by: edgeywood Dec 31 2010, 09:11 PM

What's happened to the Anvil Chorus? It seems that very few letters are printed lately.

I was glad to see a local editorial about the County Ethics Ordinance. It would be nice to see local editorials and the Anvil Chorus regularly.

Posted by: Tim Jan 3 2011, 09:21 PM

I'd like to read stories that don't include gaffes like this one -

MICHIGAN CITY — Locals sometimes view Michigan Boulevard, commonly referred to as “The Boulevard,” as a trafficky thoroughfare that, depending on the season and/or road repair, and yes, politics or temperament, can divide the city.

Now, however, a statewide steering committee has asked the Indiana Department of Transportation to name The Boulevard a state byway and use it to help unite the state.

According to dictionary.com -

by·way
   /ˈbaɪˌweɪ/ Show Spelled[bahy-wey] Show IPA
–noun
1.
a secluded, private, or obscure road.
2.
a subsidiary or obscure field of research, endeavor, etc.

Seriously, this is just sad.

Posted by: indianamaniac Jan 3 2011, 09:28 PM

http://www.historicmichiganroad.org/

Considering the N-D is just reporting on a movement by another organization, maybe you want to call them out instead...

http://www.historicmichiganroad.org/

Also, you can take it up with the South Bend Tribune...

http://www.southbendtribune.com/article/20101230/News01/12300324/1130

Posted by: southyards Jan 3 2011, 10:38 PM

Seriously, it should possibly and more properly be called the Historic Michigan Road Byway, as suggested by the steering committee made up of members from the fifteen counties along the route, as noted in the article from the Chicago Tribune News, dated January 2, 2011. Excerpt follows:
"Heritage tourism is becoming more popular as a lot of people are taking shorter trips, especially with the economy nowadays," Kurt Garner of Plymouth, co-organizer of the Historic Michigan Road Byway steering committee, told the South Bend Tribune. "They're taking day trips to historic sites, routes and scenic byways."
The 270-mile route was built in the 1830s, connecting Madison on the Ohio River to Michigan City along Lake Michigan via Indianapolis, which was then the new state capital. It generally follows U.S. 421 from Madison to near Frankfort, then what are now state highways through Logansport, Rochester and Plymouth on its way to South Bend, then U.S. 20 to Michigan City.
If approved by the state, the Historic Michigan Road Byway would be recognized on state maps, along with signs and marketing materials. The steering committee, made up of members from the 15 counties on the route, said it would also help commemorate the state's bicentennial in 2016.”

Posted by: Tim Jan 4 2011, 03:14 AM

Nice pic too!


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Posted by: Tim Jan 4 2011, 03:17 AM

Hmmm - no quotes.

However, had the author used the title Historic Michigan Road Byway that would have at least made sense. As written, if you consider the noted meaning of the word, it pretty much doesn't.

Another chance to excel - missed.

Posted by: indianamaniac Jan 4 2011, 10:33 AM

http://www.byways.org

Why don't you do yourself a favor and learn a little bit more about byways from the organization responsible for designating national byways. While you're on the site, you can send them an e-mail and tell them how they are full of **** because the Las Vegas Strip doesn't fit the definition of a byway.

It's obvious you're going to continue to find stupid reasons to rip Deb Sederberg and the N-D. Maybe if you get a dose of your own medicine, you'll realize that your perception of mediocrity just masks your own ignorance.

Another chance to bash The News-Dispatch for no reason - captured.

Posted by: MC Born & Raised Jan 4 2011, 02:43 PM

As usual, Tim just saw the byline and looked for something to pick on. No one should be surprised. It's what he does. How awful it must be to live life like that. Pity.

Posted by: Tim Jan 4 2011, 04:00 PM

Live like what?

Thanks for today's laugh.

Posted by: Tim Jan 4 2011, 05:50 PM

My on-going rift with the ND is well known. Perhaps too well known. I have said I accept the ND as it is and will continue to not only enjoy it but appreciate it for what it is. I read the paper every day while home last month, and I still read it online. The good far outweighs the bad. As a proud native of Michigan City, though, sometimes the idiocy compels comment. Look at the rest of that article - grammatically, it's a mess. An ND staffer was recently fired over a small typo, yet known dumbbell Sederberg continues to stink up the joint with her ... journalism.

My comment was in the general term. I'd like to read a paper run my someone who keeps good people and fires morons. I stand by that.

Posted by: Ang Jan 5 2011, 12:27 PM

And while some people take offense at your rantings, there are others of us who find humor in it and look forward to your prattle.

Posted by: ikuryakin Jan 5 2011, 05:27 PM

I think News dispatch is a sad newspaper. Picture takes up most of front page? Why? Too lazy to write a story? And most stories come from Internet. And D. Sederburg writes like short stories, not news. Should write, WHO WHAT WHEN WHERE, not short story. Sad excuse for newspaper. And I have seen many newspapers in my years, I assure you, from small towns in Russia. Why such bad newspaper here in America? I am confused.

Posted by: edgeywood Jan 5 2011, 06:38 PM

Illya Kuryakin takes on the local newspaper in the News-Dispatch Affair. How the mighty have fallen......;-)

Posted by: Tim Jan 5 2011, 08:26 PM

Nice.

Posted by: Tim Jan 8 2011, 02:11 AM

Today -

"Two judges, a crash mark sad day in Superior Court"

Maybe English is not Sederberg's native language.

Posted by: NDReporter Jan 8 2011, 07:13 PM

In her defense, I don't think she wrote that headline. That's all!

Posted by: southsiderMMX Jan 10 2011, 05:14 PM

Ok, this is going to come off conspiratorialist (if that is even a word), but why are the only Anvil Chorus letters getting put on up on the website the "good" ones about Friedman and Milsap. There are currently 5 letters posted on the website, going back to December 28th, and 4 of them are pro-Milsap/Friedman. I don't get the daily, but there couldn't have been only those five letters over the past two weeks in the newspaper, right? Why did just those letters get published on-line? It looks really bad as far as the News Dispatch's perceived neutrality politically.

Posted by: southsiderMMX Jan 11 2011, 07:49 PM

I take it I got my "answer" by seeing the page on-line tonight.

Posted by: NDReporter Jan 12 2011, 01:05 AM

Posted by: Tim Jan 28 2011, 10:10 PM

Does the ND really have to keep using this stupid picture every time there's an article about Michigan Blvd.?


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Posted by: lighter Feb 2 2011, 04:52 PM

the other newsappapers and TV stations have 24 hour coverage of the blizzzard of 2011.

And The News-Dispatch, well, here's what they posted in their ONE story online. Ten paragraphs ... with several of them stupid parapgaphs telling you to shovel.

http://www.thenewsdispatch.com/articles/2011/02/02/news/local/doc4d498732dcede428604550.txt

Last paragrah: News-Dispatch subscribers please note that Wednesday's edition will be delivered with Thursday's edition.

so even if you get the physical paper for "current" news, it won't be current.

Good job, executivive editor. Way to keep your fellow citizens in mind during historic and dangerous weather. Hope it heelps your f$#^@$ing advertisers.

Posted by: Grammy515 Feb 3 2011, 07:35 AM

YET SOMEONE CLAIMS NO ONE COVERS MC NEWS BETTER THAN THE NEWS DISPATCH!!!!! HAHAHA
ISN'T THAT LAUGHABLE?????

Posted by: MichiganCityDDS Feb 3 2011, 08:50 AM

Snow happens; the stories resulting from the snow might be news. Just as an exercise, Gentle Reader, read the about grouse BEFORE going to the link and reading the article.

Posted by: NDReporter Feb 3 2011, 11:22 AM

Look, I do the best work I can every day to bring you news about what's happening in city. Like you would be if someone constantly complained about your work product, I'm getting a little fed up with hearing nonsense like this. I know most of your complaints are things I have no control over, but still.

If you think it's crappy now, wait until there isn't a newspaper anymore and you don't know anything about what's happening in your community. The radio stations read the news from our paper, and I warned one radio station for reading my story verbatim before. Most of the time, they don't go to those meetings we cover, and they certainly don't do any investigating. At least right now you have people like me who still care, even when I hear someone call us the "News-Disgrace" at least once a week.

Whatever newspaper I've worked on, people always have a snarky, stupid nickname for it and make fun of it. But I have NEVER in all my life felt so insulted as I do by the people of Michigan City. We get no support, and non-subscribers are half the reason things are the way they are with the paper. It makes me wonder why I try, day in and day out, to look into the things the community wants to know about if they don't want us around.

Posted by: NDReporter Feb 3 2011, 11:26 AM

FYI, The NWI Times also didn't get delivered to homes Wednesday morning. There was kind of an impassable roads situation going on.

Posted by: kharris Feb 3 2011, 11:46 AM

I am sure this was not an easy response for Alicia to make. I have to say that though many times I too agree with many of the issues brought to light here regarding what we see or do not see in our local paper, I think that most reasonable people would agree that with limited staff, the paper does not do too badly of a job. Certainly I would like to see more local stories, but knowing that there are not enough reporters to cover everything that is going on I for one am willing to accept what we do have for original local news. I believe kudos are in order for Alica and Matt and the others who are trying to make the best out of what can only be categorized as a difficult situation.

Posted by: Ang Feb 3 2011, 11:58 AM

On that note....

The paper has been dubbed The News-Disgrace for as long as I can remember, and since I am 44 years old, that is a long time. I know how disheartening and difficult it is for Alicia, Adam, and others to have their livelihood insulted on a regular basis, and I have sympathy for you all.

But, I think most of us here realize there is not much to be done to improve since the paper was sold to a company that is not even located in our state, much less our county. We know that it's not the fault of the reporters, or the editors, or anyone else who works here locally to give us the news. We know that it's from the powers that be who own the paper and really don't care about us folks here in Indiana.

Alicia, just be glad you're not Deb, who seems to get ripped to shreds on a personal level more often than not.

Oh, and BTW, the Herald-Argus was delivered yesterday afternoon. Not a jab at the N-D, but I am curious why LP got their paper and MC did not--when both are owned by the same MI folks.

Posted by: NDReporter Feb 3 2011, 12:21 PM

Thank you, Ang. I hope you know, too, that I am only insulted by the people here who keep insulting us. Not you

About the H-D, I don't know why that would be. It would seem like we should have had delivery at the same time. Hm.

Posted by: Grammy515 Feb 3 2011, 12:39 PM

I apologize if I insulted you....definately not my intention. I use this forum to voice my opinion just like the other members. If you're gonna take everything that's posted about the ND personally, even though you KNOW you are not responsible, then you will continue to be insulted.

Posted by: lighter Feb 3 2011, 12:45 PM

Ms. Ebaugh,

The complaints of mine about the NDispatch have nothing to do with you or your reporting. indeed, i should of complimentted you for your reporting on The Pines landfill mess, since that's where I live and news I care about. for your series about that, I thik you deserve an award and lots of kudos.

I am old enuff to remember regional papers like The Hammond Times, The Gary Post, Vidette~Messager. Through my five+ decades, i've seen them change. Good management has always careed about our nwi communities first. They've existed or gone extinct because of that, and how tehy have adapted to techknolegy of the day.

The "boy wander" in charge of our La Porte county papers seems to have not a clue what it is his doing. while it is not fair to blame or otheres who care about yur newspaper, i think it is fair to say that, in the last decade, the NDispatch has fallen off the deepest of ends; and from what i've been told through a friend who knows someone at the paper, the spiral has quickened since the paxton people took over and put boy wander in chrage of both the Hargus and NDispatch.

as of having your newsspaper called "crappy" from the members of our community ... i think it goes back to a mix of people wanting to be jerks for fun. the messageboards for the SBTrib and TImes also have people who make fun of their papers and writers as well. Unlike the NDispatch, those critisisms actually get posted online...those pappers don't seem to have editors with self essteem problems.


as of about the fact The NWI Times didn't get it's papers out, they actally posted someone on there website the day befor saying they were putting an "e-edition" online for free for the week to everyone. i looked at it. Every page of the paper is on the website as a "pdf"(?) for viewing. and both them and the post-trib and the sbtrib had reporters adding stories all blizzard long. i think its frankly, insulting, to go to the NDispatch site to be told my Wednesday edition would be togetter with my Thursday edition.

It all goes back to your bossses dont seem too interested in the community. i imagine the guys in charge are like those airline exeecutives in the new Southwest airline commmercials. The boy wander would be the bald guy saying "they care about customers. we care about cash." before long, you lose both.

Thannks for all you do, Ms. Ebaugh. i hope the new publisher has a good idea how to save the NDispatch. we need a good media in our community. but if the newspaper keeps at it's current spiral, some other media or blogg will start picking up the slack. The SBTrib and Times and Post all do some reporting. it woulndn't suprrise me to see one or more of them bring in a new La Porte county edition. if that happens ... when that happens ... it'll bee the end of the NDispatch. i do hope you find a good job at a good paper. good jouranalists are imporntant to our Democracy.

Posted by: MichiganCityDDS Feb 3 2011, 01:32 PM

http://www.thenewsdispatch.com/articles/2011/02/03/news/local/doc4d48801644881658205142.txt

Posted by: Tim Feb 3 2011, 02:08 PM

Um - what?

Posted by: Tim Feb 3 2011, 02:13 PM

Why? We all know you're doing good work. But the fact remains the News Dispatch is a sad shadow of its former self. That condition is something, I think, you neither caused or had any control over.

My advice to you would be this: if you're going to work for an entity that has made itself insult-worthy you should perhaps realize the insults have nothing to do with you personally. I, for one, appreciate your hard work. I think we all do - here at CBTL anyway.

My 2 yen.

Posted by: MichiganCityDDS Feb 3 2011, 02:48 PM

I think I will look up a couple past issues to see to what extent this might be the case. Just at random, I will look up November 5, 1963m abd December 31, 1975.

Posted by: Tim Feb 3 2011, 03:52 PM

Um - what?

Posted by: Ang Feb 3 2011, 03:58 PM

I think Ol' Doc's been hittin the sweet air.

Posted by: Tim Feb 3 2011, 04:14 PM

If so pass the tube!

Posted by: southsiderMMX Feb 3 2011, 05:30 PM

I'm news paper business illiterate, but what does a publisher do exactly?

Posted by: southsiderMMX Feb 3 2011, 05:35 PM

I don't think I have heard anyone say they didn't want you guys around, more like they want better quality in their newspaper. Like I have said a million times before your bosses have done an awful, nearly negligent, job of marketing you guys and your work. There are sooooo many things that could be done to highlight the work that is done by the people left up there. I still feel like, while other places report on Michigan City stuff, no one does it better than the News Dispatch. The sad thing is that I really think the end could be near for the ND if things don't turn around soon.

Posted by: NDReporter Feb 4 2011, 12:04 AM

They are first and foremost in charge of financial operations like advertising and circulation, although they are the ultimate authority at the paper over all editors and managers. To a lesser, but (I think) more important, extent, they're supposed to be the "face" of the paper, making contacts, getting on boards in the community and generating "good feelings" about the newspaper.

I'm hoping Mr. Hackney continues with the community forums and other things on which our last publisher started the ball rolling. He seems like a very friendly, smart guy.

Posted by: Tim Feb 4 2011, 12:35 AM

I respectfully invite you to answer the question in my post.

Posted by: southsiderMMX Feb 4 2011, 08:23 AM

Well best of luck to them. You guys need it!

Posted by: NDReporter Feb 4 2011, 10:28 AM

I'm sorry, I looked back but couldn't find your question. What was it?

Posted by: Tim Feb 4 2011, 04:38 PM

It's in my last post to you. Pretty easy to spot.

Posted by: NDReporter Feb 4 2011, 05:52 PM

Oh, why I felt I was insulted? It's not just the post I replied to. It's not just other posts I see on here. It's not just the people I encounter who think it's hilarious that we even call ourselves a newspaper, as though the News-Dispatch SHOULD be the Times or the Tribune. I get worn down by negative attitudes, and it's continuous. That was just the straw that broke the camel's back, but I got over it. I'm sure you all feel like that sometimes. I shouldn't have even said anything. But now that I did, what I said is true. When people don't pay for the news in their community, you end up with decimated reporting staffs and fewer local stories. Then fewer people want to subscribe. It's a vicious cycle that ends, eventually, with no newspaper. And in a place like this, where TV stations hardly cover, that means a news vacuum, unless radio stations or someone else steps up to the plate.

I appreciate many of you on here who want to have a great newspaper and will help to us to that end by sharing great stories with us. Believe me, I pay attention, and I follow up when I can. I even appreciate the criticism, when it keeps us honest.

Posted by: Tim Feb 4 2011, 07:15 PM

So - kind of a pride in the home team thing? Remember the things that bring negative criticism to the ND are neither your fault or under your control. We don't know each other or anything, but if I could offer my advice I'd say don't take personally criticism that's not directed at you but the company you work for.

Fight that good fight.

Posted by: greatgrand Feb 20 2011, 02:22 PM

According to the 2011 Indiana Election Calender- Friday, February 18, 2011 DEADLINE, by noon, for a major political party candidate to file a declaration of candidacy for the primary.
It would have been nice to see a complete listing of the candidates that filed for local offices in today's (February 20th)News Dispatch, and even nicer if it had been in Saturday's edition.

Posted by: JHeath Feb 20 2011, 03:07 PM

I look for this to be printed in an early week edition. It takes time for the County Clerk's office to get that much info together when requested.

Posted by: southsiderMMX Feb 20 2011, 03:28 PM

Thanks for mentioning this. I got the list a couple of days ago and this reminded me to translate it to the website.

http://www.citybythelake.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=3651

Posted by: greatgrand Feb 20 2011, 04:40 PM

Thank you Southsider. I would think that the News Dispatch would want to obtain this list as soon as it was available and print it in the next edition. If they want to do a story that could come later.

Posted by: NDReporter Feb 20 2011, 04:59 PM

It makes sense! I would have liked to see one too, as I did them last year for county elections.

Posted by: taxthedeer Mar 14 2011, 04:24 PM

Now this is exactly what I want to read about in the News-Dispatch:

http://thenewsdispatch.com/articles/2011/03/14/news/local/doc4d7c40a2dcd51286613949.txt

Posted by: MichiganCityDDS Mar 14 2011, 11:59 PM

Amen.

Posted by: Tim Mar 15 2011, 01:44 AM

I want to thank Alicia for a great interview and article.

I wish with everything in me there was no need for this - but there was and I was happy to help. Between the threat of more quakes and the growing nuclear problem it's still quite scary to be here. But this is where our life is, so we move forward with caution.

Thanks again, Alicia - great talking to you!

TRM

Posted by: Ang Mar 15 2011, 10:26 AM

That was an awesome story Alicia! Thank you both for it!

Tim, I'm glad that all is well with you and Hiromi.

Posted by: taxthedeer Jun 20 2011, 05:22 AM

This is what we should be reading about whenever we unfold a News-Dispatch:

Posted by: taxthedeer Nov 10 2011, 06:06 AM

This past Sunday's page B2 is what I want to read about when I open up a News-Dispatch. I will even forgive the individual who incorrectly spelled a couple of the boys names.

I don't want to read any more articles about starting the season out with a thud, this being Hearbreak City and sparse crowds.