Tuesday, April 12, 2005
New News Service Old Idea
Faremount. How do you get your news? The paper? Controlled by the advertising dollar? The radio? Controlled by the Republican influenced F.C.C.? The internet? The television? In Faremount, they rely on good old fashion rumor.
Rumour's have perpetuated the news in small towns across America, hell, the world for eons. Some communities have phased out of going by rumours, but not good 'ol Faremount. Because in Faremount, they don't like change. Technology. Even the Centinial newspaper runs their circulation department with a typewriter and an Apple II E computer. The source of most news stories come from rumours called in to the paper.
Sheriff Vlad Gephardt basis most his investigations on rumour. And usually when it's found out to be just that, a rumour, he makes up his own facts and goes ahead with his investigation anyways.
Elmer Academy for troubled youth, likes to cover their tracks with rumours. Usually, it's better to make them about past employees who aren't there anymore to defend themselves.
Big L, formerly L Mart, likes to perpetuate rumours to cover up their mismanagement of store operations and the high turn-around of their employees.
Why do people like rumours? Because their lives are pathetic. Uninteresting. And why not see if we can scare up a little pain and complication in someone elses life. People like to see how far their words can go whether true or not.
This reporter has fallen victum to this "newssource" in this town many times. As well as my girlfriend. Not once but quite a few. It has cost us our jobs, our reputation, and our peace of mind. But it's nice to know that our lives are so interesting that people need to know about them.
Rumour's have perpetuated the news in small towns across America, hell, the world for eons. Some communities have phased out of going by rumours, but not good 'ol Faremount. Because in Faremount, they don't like change. Technology. Even the Centinial newspaper runs their circulation department with a typewriter and an Apple II E computer. The source of most news stories come from rumours called in to the paper.
Sheriff Vlad Gephardt basis most his investigations on rumour. And usually when it's found out to be just that, a rumour, he makes up his own facts and goes ahead with his investigation anyways.
Elmer Academy for troubled youth, likes to cover their tracks with rumours. Usually, it's better to make them about past employees who aren't there anymore to defend themselves.
Big L, formerly L Mart, likes to perpetuate rumours to cover up their mismanagement of store operations and the high turn-around of their employees.
Why do people like rumours? Because their lives are pathetic. Uninteresting. And why not see if we can scare up a little pain and complication in someone elses life. People like to see how far their words can go whether true or not.
This reporter has fallen victum to this "newssource" in this town many times. As well as my girlfriend. Not once but quite a few. It has cost us our jobs, our reputation, and our peace of mind. But it's nice to know that our lives are so interesting that people need to know about them.
