I got a story in the last week that would have made me and this blog world famous, we would be a household word by now. But it bothered me, mostly because it would have been capitalizing on the misfortune and misery of someone else and second because that someone else never did me any harm. So I have chosen to bury it even though it was 100% confirmed.
It was the first time doing this blog I had ever been confronted with anything like this. In the end I made the right choice for me.
I just had to get it off my chest
17 Responses
Why I’m Not Rich http://t.co/cw64J9ogWm
Jay Mckenney liked this on Facebook.
Now you’re just teasing us!
Mike,
I have a BA in Comm. Studies. Doesn’t mean much, but I know about writing, proper etiquette etc.
If you have a story this big of a bombshell, you release it. Unless this person is a family member, or is willing to pay you the amount of money that this story would generate, you release it.
Look, this is the world we live in. You gotta do what you gotta do for you first, and then think about others later. Releasing a huge story like this would turn this blog from a C-list blog to an A-list blog if it’s big enough.
Mike, its not about being rich and poor, though we both know being rich is much better than being poor. It’s about being a proper journalist and breaking stories no one else can.
My 2 cents, but I’m just some 20 something kid from California.
You did the right thing !
Burying the story won’t protect them or prevent the misery when someone else capitalizes on it but it will make you kick yourself. If you know it it’s not a secret thus in today’s internet world it’s going to get out.
Long time reader, but never made a comment til now. Glad that you didn’t post that story. Integrity is worth more than what money can buy.
yer prolly right but in the end I just did what felt right to me. which do explain why i will prolly never be rich LOL
#humblebrag
@LurkingReader and @mdxxx
It’s not that you are wrong. But it’s called decency. A story is worth to be told when the teller thinks as such. Maybe someone else will come out with that story, but as today that story wasn’t worth to be published, according to Mike’s ethics. I think journalism is also this.
There is value in the fact that people feel like they can share the stories with you.
@sabrinadeep
Wasn’t encouraging mike to change his mind and prolly wasn’t very clear about kudos for sticking to his personal code at the expense of his wallet. Seems like any kudos I’d give are worth much less than the personal satisfaction to be seen in the mirror.
Nice hashtag 🙂
@LurkingReader
Oh i wasn’t picking on you or anything. I even said that you were right in what you said. Hugs.
@sabrinadeep
Was actually glad you included me so I could clarify. With or without contextual references divergent opinions are stimulating vs critical.
Human curiosity, rules of journalism, decency, integrity, #humblebrag, and a trust description…six aspects that can stand on their own. As a package they emphasize “You did the right thing !” reminding me how many ways we can say ‘Be true to yourself’ 🙂
I’m not sure every household is ready for these animated gif ads. 🙂 There are times when you stand up and are counted, and this was one of those times for you. It seems self-serving to share the story about the story, but sometimes the only thing that keeps you sane when you come to fully realize what you gave up are the pats on the back you’re getting right now. So, on that note, here’s a pat on the back. A “Help Preserve Mike’s Ethicality” PayPal campaign would probably be too trite, but it *sounds* good…..
I’m curious as all fuck but I think that was the right decision! No reason to just go around ruining lives. Good on you.