So, I have managed to get from January to now without a single negative comment about my work. This does not mean there has been no constructive criticism and I do have one pretty solid detractor that will have to be dealt with soon.
Those don't really count. Telling me something that will improve my writing and job performance is welcome. Someone out to get me without knowing me is inexcusable and needs to be stopped. Praying about that one.
At any rate, a story I wrote hit this guy's radar. He does not know how stories are categorized and therefore took exception to my not telling two sides of the story.
Let's be clear. Freedom of the press is for the people who own and write to do what needs done by their own standards, not everyone else's.
Does that mean I think it is right to be biased in an article? Not at all.
Feature writing, like story-telling, covers one side of the story. Tells of events that are happening. Shines a spotlight on one thing.
News coverage should tell both sides, all sides, as many sides as possible. It should tell only what happened. Anything else added is another article.
Easy way to differentiate them - call news an article and all else falls easily into stories and columns.
To say I am upset about one biased man assuming I told a STORY in a biased fashion is a gross understatement. I don't know how to answer him, other than to stay silent and let the story speak for itself. I could attempt to answer him, in a sense get into a pissing contest with him. But what would be the point? I doubt he would concede my point. I certainly will not concede his.
So other than here, I will stay silent. Let my editor deal with it. (Man is it nice to say that!! Sorry, Ben!)
I will continue to write unbiased articles and interesting stories and columns. And I will pray for the people in this town who are being torn and, in my opinion, forced to chose sides.
One other point. People who come in to disturb, to stir things up in the name of Christianity should be sure they are on the right side. I am not sure we are called to cause problems, but to tell the truth, be gentle and harmless as doves; to move people out from under the law and into the solid, welcoming arms of grace.
Pastors who do not preach grace in action and in the pulpit need to examine their motives. Pastors who weep with the understanding that they, too, are being taught through their sermons should be listened to, their sincerity examined and emulated.
I give my upset spirit to God and pray for us all to see and hear Him clearly.
