Are Bloggers a good sample

As someone who has, up until now, only read the blogs posted on MCS, I cant help but add to your posting that my observations are that most of the bloggers are seeking validation for their opinions with a limited audience. There is nothing wrong with seeking support when you express your opinion about something. It bothers me though, when opinions are derogatory or mean without factual backup, seeking to sensationalize the event or story, hoping to draw the other bloggers into a pitchfork and torches mentality. A good example is the recent wrestling hazing story at Fleming Island High School. Without knowing all the facts or even admitting that their opinions are being expressed without a factual basis, they rant about how the blame should focus from the coaches to the principal to the school in general, the Superintendent of Schools and finally the School Board. Just like in the Duke rape case, it is so easy to look at what liitle factual information has been made public and begin pointing fingers at everyone up the perverbial chain until, like so many cases, the entire group is placed into the category of being looked upon as guilty until proven innocent. Rather then letting the system work, the MCS bloggers try to fan the flames with questions that imply wrongdoings by the administration instead of waiting for all of the dust to settle so that the people in charge can make the right decisions. If, when the final decisions and actions are taken and it is determined that someone in the administration has violated a rule or mandate, then the true calling of the blogosphere should kick in and that is to expose the wrongdoing by preponderance of facts. Investigation with data and facts will get the attention of people like me and mobilize citizens to action. I happen to spend a lot of time at FIHS and have gotten to know a lot of the administrators, coaches and teachers. Most of them have nothing but the best interests of the students at heart. Sam Ward and his staff want nothing more than to see every one of their students succeed because of and not in spite of their experience at FIHS. They work their butts off make the school successful. You will always have a few that get all the attention, but dont overlook most of the faculty, coaches and students who are willing to go the extra mile to make it the best academic rated school in Clay County, with tremendous success in things like Band, Chorus, Dance, NJROTC, Math, not to mention the growing success in all the sports programs.

Glad you jumped in USMA72, it's always nice to see the site grow with participants.  I think you have some of the same mix here that exists in real life.  Many people jump the gun, I've even done that but now make an effort not to. 

The bad thing about the dust settling and the truth coming out is that I think what most people are getting is the fact that when the dust settles does the TRUTH really come out or is it someones version of the truth?

I think that's the issue across the board..........the truth doesn't always come out and justice isn't always served. 

I think most people are up front with the fact that they're speculating, I think that is normal, and typical of what exists out there on the street.

I do agree with you though that the people who are going above and beyond the call for students, and for community and goverment are often over shadowed by the senational stuff. 

x-of - somehow your original blog changed in your own original blog from the question of the cross section of bloggers to a tirade on BCC.

Can't speak for the BCC, I would like to think that most are sincerely trying to do a good job and putting themselves in government public service is honorable.  There are exceptions, fortunately the main one is now having her tattoo touched up and not attending BCC meetings.

Regarding bloggers - we have a cross section of society.  We have the socialites, the intellectuals (or think they are), the every man, the UFFL (ultra far left liberal), the hippie, the community activitist, the 'authoratitative figure', the pop-up irritatants, the bloggers who change direction mid-blog (sorry x-of) etc...

Mix it all together, and it is fun and informative reading if you don't let your feelings get hurt and don't take any of it personal.

Marsha:

 I strongly agree that justice isnt always served- just ask Mr. Heins about the 11 years in prison, but the good news is that the truth in his case was uncovered eventually and that is why I think the age of instant media information and communications is so powerful.  When the dust is settled and the powers to be can not refute their positions or decisions because they have been documented, then the power of the bloggers can take over, because there is a paper trail or an electronic signature or electrons floating around out there in cyber space or a witness that can come forward or evidence that can be found by those willing to question the decisions. More people are being held accountable because of the power of people who work together to connect dots that would not otherwise be seen. Powerful people who put themselves above the law or their constituents when they make unilateral decisions now have to live in fear that the truth will come out. I think that is the one thing that has changed over the last several years. Investigative journalism is being done by people sitting at their computers instead of the media.

 I just get upset by those who disguise their opinions by implying that their statements are based on facts without really saying it. My sister used to be married to a journalist for a BIG Florida newspaper who admitted that the truth doesnt sell newspapers, so you have to embellish it just enough to get a reader's attention without opening up the paper to a lawsuit and then you guide the story in a preconceived direction to keep interest up.

I think the best thing about the MCS bloggers is no one here proclaims to be a journalist. We are not selling newspapers or stories, so there is no pressure. It's free to the people who want to blog, and free to the people who want to read them. We don't have to embellish our opinions. Because we all know what they say about opinions, we all have one, and they all stink. We don't have to guide our opinions in some preconceived direction to keep readers of the blogs interested and on the edge of their seat. They can read them or skip them and go on to the next blog. They can even start their own blog. Summed up the blogs are not a newspaper but a good mix of people having conversations blogging style.

As Curmudgeon says, "Mix it all together, and it is fun and informative reading if you don't let your feelings get hurt and don't take any of it personal."

As far as FIHS, where there is smoke there is generally a fire. Lately, FIHS has been causing alot of smoke in Clay County. Hopefully, they will find the fire and put it out but I don't think its the bloggers fanning the flames. I don't think everyone over at FIHS is bad but then it only takes one bad apple to spoil the whole bunch.

With that said, Kudos to MCS and all the bloggers, because I think they are a good sample of the many people who live in our Community.

 I find it very interesting that several comments in my blog and a couple of past blogs have drew no response.

What is it precisely that people are not commenting on?