One thing I have learned in the world of community journalism is that almost everything you see and hear has merit.
There may not be a use for it now, but it can be saved for another day.
That conversation you had with an interesting person could lead to a column, or maybe even a full feature.
You just never know.
Another thing I am absolutely sure of is that anonymous tips and letters have no use.
After reading recent issues of The Marlow Review, you understand that the Bray-Doyle school system is fraught with turmoil.
It is not my opinion. It is simple fact.
From the possibility of missing funds to the general state of morale of the employees, Bray-Doyle has been an unfortunate topic of this area.
Despite accusations, I do not take personal pleasure in bringing you this news, nor does anyone else on The Review staff.
If we were able to bring you the happy and joyous stories of this area on a weekly basis, we would.
That is not always possible.
Bray-Doyle was the toughest nut to crack in relation to building rapport and sources. It took me nearly four years.
I wasn’t surprised.
After all, my mother’s entire family comes from Bray.
The simple fact is you are from Bray or you’re not. You don’t just move to Bray and become a Donkey overnight.
A lifer in Marlow, I understood that dynamic long before I took this position at the paper.
So, as the lone reporter attending the bulk of school board meetings, and having the ability to talk to people involved in the multitude of situations in the community and school, I have taken my lumps in public perception.
Again, nothing unexpected.
But, in the past couple of weeks, one or more persons have decided that I am not doing a sufficient job.
They, or he or she, has taken it upon themselves to point that out in a couple of anonymous letters.
The letters spell out what is believed by this person, or persons, is the actual events that are happening, or are going to happen.
I read the letters. You never know when an anonymous letter might lead to something. Unfortunately, that has NEVER happened.
You see, in a word, anonymous letters are USELESS.
It provides nothing that can be utilized now, or at a later date.
In my job, there is a simple rule that keeps me out of trouble.
Stick to the facts.
If I stick to the facts that I know, or have been provided and have verified, then trouble rarely finds me.
Anonymous letters may have fact, yet none can be verified.
Sure, some points can lead to questions, but few of those questions lead to answers.
Do you know – or in many cases think you know – something about a situation?
Tell me who you are.
Quit being afraid.
There are ways to work around identities if you actually know something.
The pair of anonymous letters on the Bray-Doyle situation have uncovered nothing new. I have heard it all before, yet no one, and I mean not one living soul, is ready to back up your claims.
I have collected the Internet research. It does not bear a story until it is warranted.
I know when that is.
In simple terms, anonymous is synonymous with useless.
Until next time, I will see you on the fields of play.