Q: I've got a dear friend who works as a metro reporter at a mid-sized paper.
The problem is he's got a private blog where he comments about the people he covers, including his blunt opinion on a political race in his city. His name is not on it, but the name of his newspaper is and his articles are frequently linked.
I've warned him to remove the site, because his editors could see it, but he will not listen. He doesn't think his bosses would find out. I don't want to see him fired and I'm afraid he could be if his bosses see it.
Anonymous
A: I checked the blog and share your concern.
It sounds as though your friend isn't listening to sensible advice.
Reporters can and do get fired or wind up quitting for what they post on their blogs.
It has happened in Dover, Del.
It has happened in Houston.
It has happened in St. Louis.
Admire people who take to new technologies, but wonder about those who seem clueless about their responsibilities and the potential damage.
It's one thing to be ready to defend what you say; it's another to imagine that editors won't see what you've posted for the world to read.
