Published October 13, 2009 07:31 pm - Way back during ancient times, I'm talking about a long time ago — in fact — I'm talking about 1993 or so, a local guy named David Bucci and myself helped set up a system by which people could read Star Beacon summaries online.
A week’s worth of positive newspaper A ROBERT LEBZELTER column
Star Beacon
Way back during ancient times, I'm talking about a long time ago — in fact — I'm talking about 1993 or so, a local guy named David Bucci and myself helped set up a system by which people could read Star Beacon summaries online.
There was an Internet back then, but unless you were one of the few with advanced software and an unlimited long-distance telephone budget, you didn't have it.
But there was a system of local computer enthusiasts who set up computer bulletin boards that people could log into, maybe one, two or three at a time, to get local information, play games, exchange messages or e-mail.
Bucci hosted one of these boards, called Happy Hacker. Among the extras he offered was Star Beacon headlines.
Of course, about 1995 the Internet became available to all and Dave moved his board onto the Internet. Recently, a discussion started there about the weak points of the Star Beacon. Some comments I might agree with. Others I didn't think were fair.
The Beacon is out there in the community. It is an easy mark for criticism. One familiar comment that was made is the newspaper ignores positive news to emphasize the negative.
Well, in a way news gathering automatically is drawn to the negative, because that's where the news is. It's what is out of the ordinary.
For instance, if the county had no economic problems, we wouldn't be running finance stories all of the time. There is no news value.
It is the bus full of students driving down the highway that crashed and people are killed that makes the news, not the bus that successfully gets to its destination.
I decided to spend a bit of time each day and record the positive news the newspaper published each day during the week of Oct. 4. Nobody in the office knew I was doing it so there was no attempt to artificially build up the positive. So here are my entries for that week:
SUNDAY
Corn Hole, a game played with bean bags, becomes a popular sport in the area.
GaREAT sports complex and Geneva Recreation Department collaborate and it proves to be a slam dunk.
Ashtabula Senior Center plans an October of fun.
A Conneaut sailor, Charles Giganti, a hull technician, receives a Surface Warfare Badge.
Tools Top & Bottom box full of mechanics tools, impacts, air ratchets, grinder, sander, board file etc. If interested bring 4 ...>MORE
WANTED TO BUY Immediate Cash for unwanted items. Call for details 440-319-4274...>MORE
SEASONED FIREWOOD FOR SALE Mixed Hardwoods. Cut & split approx 16” $225.00 cord (+) or Slab wood, cut $150.00 cord(+). Delivered within 15 miles of...>MORE
MACHINERY & TOOLS SAFES- Large & small, Forklifts, extra forks, Pallet Jacks, air compressors, (1-20HP), complete torch sets, welding gass...>MORE
"WE NEED LAND!" Paying top prices for farms or acreage in OH, W. Virginia and PA. Call Bruner Land Co. at (740) 685-8138....>MORE
House for Rent Conneaut 3-4BR Conn. $650/mo, all appl incl. C/A. Call (330)273-1622...>MORE
2BR Townhouse All appl., Buckeye, all electric $550+sec. 440-221-4865...>MORE
House for Rent Geneva Geneva: Short or long term 4BR 2BA, all furn., appl., linens & kitchenware, EC $790/mo You pay heat & elect. (I pay inte...>MORE
Unfurnished Apartments in Ashtabula Ash 2BR up, appl, heat incl, $450+sec. Also Ash lg 2BR up, appl incl. E.6th $400+sec (440)224-2368...>MORE
Apartment for Rent Ash; Lg 1BR dn, Sec 8 ok. W/D hkup. $375/mo+ sec.+util. Sewer/ trash pd. No pets. 964-7872...>MORE
Ash Apt. 2BR apartments close to town. Sec. 8 ok Call after 3. 964-8059...>MORE
Remodeled Apartment in Ashtabula Ash. Remodeled 2BR/1.5bath laundry $350 +dep. Some utils.pd. OPEN: 1-4 Fri./Sat. 519 W. 38th or call for an appt. (440)...>MORE
Conneaut House for Rent Conn: 2 or 3BR 1.5 BA $425+ dep.+util. No pets. 440-256-8300...>MORE
Unfurnished Apartments Two bdrm 1st flr apt. $525/mo incl ALL UTILITIES, quiet park setting - NO DOGS. 440-466-7885....>MORE
Apartments & House for Rent 1BR Apt., 2BR Apt. & 3BR House Call Bill K. (440)813-4200...>MORE
Print this story
Post to del.icio.us
