ByWillAtkinson.com

Slashdot | A Recipe for Newspaper Survival in the Internet Age

Robin Miller from Slashdot is running an interesting article on newspapers in the Internet age.

He says newspapers are not doing these things as well as they could be:
1) Print-them-yourself coupons.
2) Online ad circulars, similar to the paper ones that pack print newspapers on Sundays and holidays.
3) Selling sponsorships for community calendars and other “public interest” sections
4) Sponsored, “free to individuals and small businesses,” local classifieds.

I wrote a feature story for the Veterans History Project. A manuscript, CD and research materials for this story are available at Winthrop Archives.

Audio of the interview:
[audio:HenryClark.mp3]

His friends call him upbeat, one of the nicest people you will ever meet, a finicky eater. He doesn’t like to have big parties in his apartment. The only things he’s ever won are a case of bohemian beer and a paper Halloween decoration.

Henry Clark is 89 years old. He is a World War II veteran.

“I was an aviation cadet at Maxwell Field in Alabama,” Clark said. “I became a lieutenant colonel.”

Clark lives in Rock Hill at Park Pointe Village retirement community. He’s been there four years and says he enjoys it. His gravelly, direct voice belies a jocular manner peppered with chuckles and jokes.

“He’s the most unlike fella who’d be an Air Force colonel,” said friend David Keglay. “He’s always got a smile and a punch line for you.”

Clark voluntarily enlisted in the Air Force. After the 1941 Pearl Harbor attack, he saw an opportunity to serve his country and enlisted in the army air corps for pilot training.

He trained in Maxwell Field, Ga. Before leaving for training, one of his girlfriends, “Cookie,” wanted to come along. She was only supposed to be saying goodbye but she showed up with a suitcase.

“I told you that this is no time for kisses nor wishes!!” a frustrated Clark exclaimed.

After many tears, she eventually left.

His training took him from Mississippi to Yale University to Colorado. Glen Miller and his band even performed for the trainees.

Upon completing his courses, Clark and other soldiers made the trip to the Pacific war theater in a gasoline-powered ship. It was extremely vulnerable to enemy attack and the last of its kind.
One night, an announcement blared, “Man your battle stations. We are in mine-infested waters.”

The Enola Gay took off near Henry Clark’s Pacific post.

Clark was frightened for his life but the ship survived and the rest of the trip went smoothly.
He was stationed with the 20th Air Force division on the island of Saipan in the Marianas Islands. The Enola Gay, the B-29 plane that dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima, took off several miles from his post.

He stayed in touch with family and friends through the military V-mail system. V-mail (the V stands for Victory) letters were microfilm pictures of actual letters. The system was designed to speed up delivery.

One of Clark’s most indelible memories was after the battle for Iwo Jima. The island was infested by rats and covered in volcano dust. Some soldiers had constructed makeshift markers to commemorate two Marines who fell in battle.

There were two “crude but impressive” inscriptions. One read, “He died that we might live” and the other, “God is love.”

“[The inscriptions] show the love for God, country and comrade,” Clark said.

After the war, Clark joined the active reserve. He attended graduate school at Rutgers University, studying economics.

Clark recommends an Air Force career to anyone.

“I enjoyed wearing the uniform each day,” Clark said. “[The Air Force] has benefited my life more than any other venture.”

His military career has had its perks. Clark receives a generous retirement pension that will continue until he passes away.

Sometimes, he even receives special treatment.

On one occasion, he and his trainee friends were rushing to Columbus, Ga., when his car “blew a rod.” He coasted to a Chevrolet dealership and told the dealer they had dates and were running late.

“He got people to do whatever they had to do immediately,” Clark said. “He charged me $8.75 because we were in uniform.”

Clark was in the Air Force active reserve until his retirement in 1976 because “when your wife tells you to quit, you just say, ‘yes ma’am!’”

His friends appreciate his company.

“Henry has a great rapport with men and women,” said friend Charles Nesbit. “He has a great memory of his military life and understanding of duty, honor and God.”

Others agree.

“Mr. Henry and I have been good friends. He’s one of the finest men you would ever want to meet,” said friend Linda Sheppard, whom Clark calls “a country bumpkin dynamo.”

Henry enjoys his present life.

“I’m glad I’m an old man,” Clark said. “I’m majoring in survival.”

“Walk the Line” depicts Johnny Cash in his tumultuous 20s – the women, wine, music, pills, success and failure. Those searching for a recap of the born again and late-90s comeback years will have to look elsewhere. This movie portrays the events that formed Johnny Cash’s unique mix of rock, country and blues.

Following the footsteps of 1980’s “Coal Miner’s Daughter” (the story of Loretta Lynn), 1985’s “Sweet Dreams” (Patsy Cline), and 1989’s “Great Balls of Fire” (Jerry Lee Lewis), “Walk the Line” includes itself in the country music film sub-genre. The aforementioned movies did little to light up the box office yet “Walk the Line” has been doing steady business ($55 million at press). Industry analysts attribute the success to the recent popularity of Cash’s Nine Inch Nail’s “Hurt” remake.

Biopics flatter actors. Sissy Spacek snagged an Oscar for her gritty portrayal of Loretta Lynn in “Coal Miner’s Daughter.” Jamie Foxx picked up an Academy Award for his striking depiction of Ray Charles in “Ray.” As expected, Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon are generating loads of Oscar buzz for their A-grade performances.

“Ray” and “Walk the Line” bear a number of similarities. Both artists grow up in the South, have a disturbing childhood experience, earn success, acquire drug habits, get in legal trouble due to habits, rehabilitate painfully and are redeemed emotionally and commercially. The music is what sets the two movies apart.

Phoenix (Johnny Cash) and Witherspoon (June Carter) sing the familiar tunes in the movies, an attraction vaunted by the film’s producers. Their voices are surprisingly effective but the whole exercise smacks of Hollywood gimmickry. Was it necessary to hear Phoenix belt out “Ring of Fire” when Cash’s voice would more than suffice? Foxx lip-synched in “Ray” all the way to his Oscar acceptance speech.

“Walk the Line” begins during Cash’s childhood on an Arkansas farm. He lived an honest life – working on a farm, listening to country music. Cash’s hard-drinking father left searing memories on young Johnny, even blaming him for his older brother’s accidental death. Cash moves on to the Air Force, gets married but still searches for his voice. He auditions at Sun Records and is signed after being challenged to perform an original song instead of a languid gospel rehash.

What ensues is Cash’s wild Sun Record’s tour with Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis and June Carter. Cash becomes infatuated with Carter after an incident where she entangles herself on Cash’s guitar backstage. Both Cash and Carter are married, which presents an obstacle for Cash.

Cash dives into a pill habit, partly fueled by his obsession with June Carter, and destroys his marriage. Carter provides his redemption by eventually agreeing to marry him. Carter’s family even chases off Cash’s drug pusher in one comical scene.

One complaint: the characters don’t age. Cash looks identical when he leaves for the Air Force in the 50s and when he plays the infamous 1968 Folsom Prison gig. If “Mr. Holland’s Opus” could do it in 1995, there’s no excuse to forego aging makeup in 2005.

“Walk the Line” is worth the price of admission. There’s great acting (albeit, with some clichés), good cinematography and an above-par script. However, the movie does suffer from biopic clichés but does not transcend them as “Ray” did. “Walk the Line” is good, not great.

Famous Plagiarists.com has some fascinating information on some reprehensible steps some journalists have taken to meet deadlines.

Excerpts:
Fox Butterfield “[c]opied portions of an article by Anthony Flint and Muriel Cohen while writing up a story on the plagiarized commencement address of Boston University’s H. Joachim Maitre.”

Molly Ivins lifted “unique phrases from other authors without attribution such as Clive James’ description of Arnold Schwarzenegger as ‘a condom stuffed with walnuts.’”

U. of Central Florida journalism student Mike Riegel was “discovered to have lifted an article on the topic of cell phone directories from the Baltimore Sun. He made a few changes, including possibly fabricated quotations, and tried to pass off the article as his own.”

On a related note, Regret the Error details errors in newspapers around the world.

When Ralph Waldo Emerson addressed the Phi Beta Kappa society in Cambridge, Massachusetts, he gave a fire and brimstone sermon on the languid nature of American academia. He assailed the reliance on England, the non-rebelliousness of thought, the notion of a scholar, and the excuses made by academics.

So what if America is a burgeoning fresh economy, thought Emerson. America has a beautiful, immense “howling wilderness” waiting to be mined for thought and stories. Faulkner would later expound upon Emerson’s idea by declaring there is no past since it is evidenced in the present. Emerson believed American scholars need to stop the petulant bemoaning of England’s enviously rich history and background.

Emerson attacked the strict, rigid life an academic was perceived to lead. He urged academics to get out! It was his belief that one cannot write about the world without being in it.

He went on to attack the academic worship of books, the bibliophiles. Books contain excellent ideas that were once revolutionary but are tools, he said.

Emerson also called for American scholars to be self-reliant. Some have incorrectly interpreted this as contradictory to his urge to scholars to be part of the world. In actuality, Emerson is urging academics not to rely on the ideas of others, to be original in thought. Every age is revolutionary and it serves no purpose to rest upon the dusty laurels of yesteryear, thought Emerson.

Flinging aside my Emersonian self-reliance, Emerson’s advice can be applied to modern academia, albeit with several caveats. It would always serve academic life to initiate revolutionary new truth. This seems self-evident. With the extreme compartmentalization of the technological era, it would be supremely beneficial for academics to be versed in a variety of disciplines. This was originally the aim of a liberal arts education. With CLEP tests, high school AP credit, and other means of receiving college credit, this “Renaissance Man” aim has been highly diluted. Even doctors and physicians might discover something by being more worldly.

Although college students are coddled more than ever, a regrettable capitalistic tinge has crept into American education. We don’t learn for learning’s sake but for salaries that will bring future university endowments and Thoreau to turn in his grave. Higher education has become rigid and shallow. Emerson would cry for revolution.

I prepared these remarks before the racial issues forum last Thursday but didn’t have a chance to deliver them.

###

I’m going to give you a number. 2,559,466.

That is the number of soldiers who have fallen for this country since its founding. They died for American ideals. They fought for these words:

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

Perhaps you know it, the first amendment.

The Johnsonian is protected by the first amendment and that includes Byington’s free expression. Period. No ifs, ands or buts. No matter how much you detest her opinion and viewpoint, she has the right to express herself.

I would like to commend the Roddey-McMillan Record for the restraint exercised in their coverage of this incident. I was ready for the worst and it turns out, I didn’t need to be.

However, the editorial contained within the November 9, 2005 edition contains several points to which I take great offense.

First off, the editorial asserts that the Johnsonian made a scapegoat out of Byington to veil some insidious racial plot. This is pure conjecture and disingenuous journalism.

The piece also declares my editor-in-chief Rebekah Woodson to be an outrageous person for having the audaciousness to print a controversial opinion column. I quote: “What bothers us is…she would run the same piece again. How can you say that when such literature generated this amount of tension and has seemingly created a racial divide further separating blacks and whites?”

I’m going to use Aristotle’s time tested argumentative method, reductio ad absurdum. If journalists are to follow this proposed modus operandi of avoiding tension, Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward would be coming to a Burger King near you. A minor event known as Watergate created significant amounts of tension for the Nixon administration.

It must be noted that the civil rights movement was protected by the first amendment. Journalists covered freedom rides, bus boycotts, and marches with bravery and balance. The pictures of African-Americans being beaten just for sitting at a whites-only lunch counter created inestimable amounts of racial tension. Would it have been better to ignore these events and keep everyone feeling safe and tension-free?

Now some of you will make the logical fallacy that I have tried to equate Byington’s column with the valiant 1950s and 60s civil rights struggles. This is unequivocally incorrect. I am merely citing precedent to bolster an argument that I regret having to make in the first place: free speech is intrinsic to this great country. It was founded upon it.

Just because someone’s thoughts cause controversy does not mean they should be marginalized. It is a fundamental principle of the American republic that the rights of a minority, which in this case is free speech, be protected from the tyranny of the majority. Ben Franklin said that.

Admittedly, race issues are extremely tenacious and volatile, especially in this region. According to the Southern Poverty Law Center, there are 47 active hate groups in South Carolina, more than any other state. Obvious inequalities exist among different groups. America will only be greater when every citizen can compete economically on a level playing field.

Still, it saddens me that this column prompted vitriol and anger rather than a measured discussion. If anywhere should be a safe haven for the marketplace of ideas, it should be a university. I think it’s embarrassing to the college that a reasoned debate did not occur. Rather, headlines splashed ‘uproar’ and ‘anger.’

As reprehensible as some speech might be, it must still be protected. Because you disagree with an idea does not mean it should be quelled. Such an opinion is totalitarian and tantamount to book burning.

I urge students not make assumptions about an organization’s motives. Byington’s column was not an organized attack on African-American students. Rather, Christine Byington elected to express her views in our paper. Any student is allowed to act as she did. It is her right.

I had no knowledge of the content contained within Christine’s writing prior to publication. To purport that I did is both folly and a logical fallacy. You do yourself a disservice by not weighing the issue more carefully.

The Johnsonian exists as a forum for all students. We invite all viewpoints from across the political spectrum. If you feel differently from Christine, I challenge you to prove her wrong. We are always looking for writers and would love to ideas from across the ideological board. I believe it’s healthy for a campus to discuss issues that many people hide under the blanket or shy away from.

Finally, if you have problems with our coverage, tell us. I had not received any negative letters yet after Christine’s column some students termed my hard work shoddy and lacking in journalistic integrity. Yes, that is an affront to me but I am always looking to improve myself as a person and a journalist. The Johnsonian is open to all students, all viewpoints, and all people, regardless of race, color, or creed. I invite you to transform our publication if you believe it needs to.

Big South beware, Winthrop is ready to rumble. After last year’s unprecedented 15-1 conference record, the men’s basketball team is back with all five of last year’s starters. The addition of three freshmen will only make matters worse for the Eagles’ opponents.

Since last season’s hard fought defeat to Gonzaga, there has been nothing but positive news.

The Winthrop men’s basketball team is the first in history to be unanimously picked to win the Big South championship. Torrell Martin has been named the Preseason Men’s Basketball Player of the Year by the Big South coaches, athletic directors and sports media. Martin is also one of only 25 players that were named to the prestigious preseason Mid-Major All-American team.

“I’m anxious to see how well we’ll perform,” Torrell Martin said. “The schedule looks tough and we’ve got a lot of prove. We gotta step up and show we can compete with the best of them. ”

Martin said he’s watched the Gonzaga tape at least 16 times. He thinks this year’s team has “one of our better chances” to get to the tournament and advance.

Since last year’s success, Head Coach Marshall told Martin not to be satisfied. Martin listened and over the summer, he dedicated himself to working out and improving his game. He gained 10 pounds during the off-season and says he’s improved various aspects of his basketball skills.

There are some new faces on the team.

“Being a freshman coming into this kind of program, I’m very excited,” guard De’Andre Adams said. The freshman Adams said his game will bring excitement and energy to Winthrop basketball.

Freshman forward Jonathon Rice said he read every newspaper article about Winthrop last season. He said he wants to bring wins and championships to Winthrop and expects the team to go farther into the tournament this year.

The Eagle veterans are prepared for this year’s challenges.

“Everyone’s out to get us,” Craig Bradshaw said. “Our goal is to make it to the tournament and advance.”

Bradshaw spent the off-season playing with his native New Zealand’s basketball team. He said the experience of playing in China and Australia helped to improve his game.

Forward Otis Daniels is also ready to play.

“I watched the Gonzaga tape like there’s no tomorrow,” senior Daniels said. “Last year wasn’t just given to us. We have a chance this year to really make our name early and get some national recognition.”

This was no lazy summer for Daniels. His trainer put him on a high-protein diet and expanded his conditioning regimen. Daniels’ increased strength and focused summer training will help to boost his physical style of play.

Gregg Marshall refuses to watch the second half of the Gonzaga game. He is eager to move on.

“We’re ready to get going,” Coach Marshall said. “We’re looking to build upon the success of last season.”

Marshall said this year’s schedule is the toughest in his seven years as Winthrop’s head coach. Before he even deals with the prospect, he said his team has to get to the NCAA tournament first.

It’s been a good off-season for Marshall.

In July, his 10-year contract with Winthrop went into effect. His $200,000 annual salary makes him the highest paid university employee but if he chooses to leave as head coach before 2015, he will be fined $100,000.

Marshall is enthusiastic about the 2005-2006 Eagles.

“We want to bring positive reflection to a wonderful university by what we do on the court, in the community and on campus,” Marshall said. “We wear Winthrop proudly on our chest in many venues with a lot of people watching.”

He urged fans to come early to games. He said a formidable Portland team is coming to Winthrop on Nov. 26 and it’s guaranteed to be a competitive game.

Many Winthrop fans can’t wait for the season to start.

“This year, we will be undefeated. We’ll make it to the tournament and win our first game,” said sophomore history major Hunter Ballenger. “I’m going to every single game, even Alabama and Auburn.”

Others agree.

“We’re going to take the Big South Conference by storm,” said sophomore mass communication major Adam LaRoche. “The new players look good.”

LaRoche, who is president of the WU Crew basketball fan club, said the crew will be at every home game and at the South Carolina game.

Winthrop has some big shoes to fill this season. Anything inferior to last year’s performance will be seen as a disappointment.

The Eagles’ season kicks off Nov. 18 in Milwaukee for the Blue and Gold Pepsi Classic tournament. Winthrop’s first home game will be on Saturday, Nov. 26 against Portland, who gave the Eagles 1 of only 5 regular season defeats.

Junior psychology major Christine Byington has quit both the Johnsonian and Winthrop University after her controversial column caused uproar. She handed in her ID card Tuesday.

The Herald and Observer (free reg, etc.) report.

Christine Byington’s racially charged column has prompted uproar. The issues she raised and the manner in which she raised them are having a chilling divisive effect on Winthrop University’s campus.

The following news services picked up the story:
Editor and Publisher
WRHI News-Talk Radio: South Carolina
WLTX-TV CBS Columbia
Rock Hill Herald
Dateline Alabama
WIS-TV NBC Columbia
PHXnews.com
Myrtle Beach Sun News
Hilton Head Island Packet
S.C. State newspaper
Augusta Chronicle

There will be a forum on the opinion piece at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 10 in the Dinkins Auditorium. The event is associated with the Winthrop Multicultural Student Life office.

The Herald - front

The Johnsonian makes the front page!