VALDOSTA —
Some businesses and agencies haven’t come to the realization that it’s a different world. For example, when The Times arrived at Olive Garden for a photograph, the management refused media access for any interior photographs. However, Facebook had interior photographs posted within an hour of the restaurant’s Valdosta opening.
It’s almost comical in this day and age to see a corporate representative or some official become red in the face attempting to block traditional media from entering a location while everyone else simply walks through the door with a camera in their smart phone and instant access to a social website.
There’s no humor in officials not recognizing that their old efforts of withholding information have little effect in this day and age.
For example, this past weekend, Lowndes County officials would not release the name or confirm the identity of the DJ shot to death in front of the radio station where he worked. A simple scan of Facebook disclosed both his radio name and his real name within hours after his passing. Family and friends were receiving and posting messages offering condolences for his loss.
The Times and other media outlets had access to his name because we, like many other Americans, have access to Facebook and smart phones and any number of other modern devices.
It is time for businesses and agencies to realize the rules have changed. Reporters are no longer the only people with the means to make images and information public.
Their customers and constituents have the tools and access to provide immediate information, often without the journalistic practice of confirming data. However, when officials will not provide important information, even the established media will turn to social networking to find and confirm pertinent details.
Granted, we understand that an investigation does not work at the speed of the Internet, but authorities and businesses need to realize that the information world has changed, and it’s changing fast.
What We Think
Social media changing the rules
- What We Think
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Congratulations, VSU Softball!
This weekend, Valdosta State University Blazers Softball became the latest team to add to Valdosta’s TitleTown legacy.
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School’s out so watch out!
Summer is a time of rest, vacations and trips. It is a time when school is out, when people take time off from work, when people may stay out a little later. It is a time of swimming, trying new things, and seeking adventure.
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Qualifiers are next leaders
While the national media focuses attention on the presidential election, it should be remembered that we will also choose our local leaders this year.
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Thumbs up
THUMBS UP: To the 2011-12 arts season. Theatre Guild Valdosta’s rollicking comedy, “Caught in the Net,” officially brings to a close a magnificent schedule of shows ranging from theatre to opera to concerts to art exhibits and more from a variety of area venues. Theatre Guild will also open the 2012-13 season this summer with the musical “Into the Woods.” Until then, arts lovers can soon enjoy a new series of exhibits from the year-round Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts and three musicals starting in two weeks from Peach State Summer Theatre.
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Events that get things done
Finding something that repeatedly attracts the public is difficult enough, but finding an event that accomplishes that feat while also promoting your organization and helping others … well, in many places, that’s a rarity.
Not so for the Valdosta area. -
Furloughs: They beat the alternative
As summer break nears, many area education boards have spent the final school days preparing faculty and staff for furloughs for the 2012-13 calendar.
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Getting a jump on hurricane season
Come June 1, the 2012 hurricane season begins and lasts through Nov. 30.
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A few thoughts for new graduates
Graduation ceremonies reflect how life marches on. For the students receiving their diplomas and degrees, graduation is a culmination of the majority of their lives’ work.
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Video helps veterans
During Thursday night’s Military Officers Association of America meeting, the local chapter shared a video presentation regarding the Community Blueprint program, which is also known as Valdosta Veterans First.
For those unfamiliar with Community Blueprint, Valdosta is one of three cities across the nation selected as a pilot city for the program. -
Happy Mother's Day!
Mother. Mama. Mommy. Ma. Mom. She fed us when we were too small to feed ourselves. She nurtured us, clothed us, cleaned us, protected us.
She helped us form our first words. - More What We Think Headlines
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Congratulations, VSU Softball!
