UVA and the alleged frat rape - Rolling Stone backpedals

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alicia_Esteve_Head

 

I believe the Steubenville photo thing has been debunked. She was aware and participating in the "carry" picture.

 

Wait, wasn't Te'o catfished?

 

Do you think high-profile cases like this don't erode the public's confidence in journalism in general and this type of journalism in particular? Do incidents like this make it less likely people are going to believe what they read is true, regardless of the media outlet?

 

We finally have an example!

But, the problem with firing just Erdely is that it was an institutional failure, not hers alone.

Remember when Simmons said that he, and others, had failed young Caleb Hannan? I believed him, and assumed that would mean some would suffer consequences for their failures. But, none did, and they never spoke of it again.

Now, Erdely at least must have had some kind of contract with RS as she's regularly featured there. But, often, these magazine's can't "fire" the writer, as they don't actually work there.

And, maybe Erdely will be fired. Then the question will be who gives her her next job.

Maybe she'll do PR for the Cleveland Police Department. Their hiring standards appear to be low. Does she have her GED?

 

I actually think that journalists are pretty good about calling shenanigans on their own, as compared to other professions. I have friends who are cops and teachers. Their takes on current events are, I'll say, quite predictable.

 

Never speak of it again:

 

Do you have some belief that mass terminations eventually lead to a proper pecking order in society?

 

Yes, but wasn't there a point after the season -- leading up to the championship game -- when he knew what was up but kept the story going?

 

On one hand, I believe it absolutely does erode confidence across the journalistic spectrum. As well it should - it's pretty close to the worst thing you can do as a journalist.

On the other hand, there's very little skepticism toward the ensuing stories written by the Post. Most likely because their stories have been written and edited properly, but also because the Post's reputation didn't take much of a hit from RS's misdeeds.

 

I believe that's right. When people were doing the stories on it in New Orleans, he already knew. A lot of people think it's why he played so bad that game.

 

That is an excellent point. People do tend to believe believable sources.