Although the article on WFMY's website says it was "Written by Devetta Blount," the highlighted portions were copied word-for-word from a press release from the N.C. Department of Parks and Recreation.
Mt Mitchell, NC-- A popular NC mountain campground is closing until the end of August because of bears.
Friday, state park officials make the decision because of increased activity by black bears. The family campground at Mount Mitchell State Park will close at least through August 29, according to the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation.
Rangers at the park have recently responded to complaints of bears rummaging for food in the campground area, and similar activity has prompted the U.S. Forest Service to close campgrounds and trails in the adjacent Appalachian Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest.
Bear sightings are often more frequent in late August and September as the animals range farther for food sources in anticipation of winter. Closing the campground will likely encourage bears to abandon the area to seek natural food sources.
The state park, which is on the highest peak in eastern North America, has installed wildlife-proof food storage bins and waste bins, and has developed an improved sign and information system to educate visitors in western parks about safety in areas frequented by bears.
Visitors to all state parks can lessen their chances of bear encounters or encounter bears more safely by following a few simple rules:
-- Put all food into wildlife-proof bins or store food, coolers, cooking and cleaning supplies, stoves, cosmetics and toiletries out of sight in a locked vehicle. Never store these items in vehicle passenger compartments, tents or backpacks.
-- Don't hike alone and make noise as you hike so that you won't surprise a bear.
-- If you encounter a bear, stop, then back away slowly and leave the area. Do not feed the animal, do not surround it, and do not run.
-- If a bear approaches, stand your ground or back away slowly. Do not run. Keep your group together, and make lots of noise and throw non-food items at the bear.
-- Backcountry campers should carry bear-proof canisters, or bags to suspend their food at least 15 feet off the ground and five feet from any tree trunk. Backpacks should be left empty and open outside of tents.
From Encarta:
pla·gia·rism [ pláyjə rìzzəm ] NOUN
1. stealing somebody's work or idea: the process of copying another person's idea or written work and claiming it as original
I'd call it stenography, not plagiarism.
ReplyDeletePress-release writers and the people for whom they work are happy to have their work used verbatim, and doing so is not unusual in some news orgs.
Plagiarism means stealing, and press releases are given with the hope of being repeated. I get yelled at by people who say, "just run the release!"
Which I don't.
Best practice is to use quotes on quoted material, better yet to rewrite (and do additional reporting).
Stenography is no excuse for journalism, but, at least within the trade, regurgitating a press release doesn't seem like plagiarism.
Yes, Ed, your creds as Mr. Wishy Washy are well established. Someone suggested to me that your apologies for WFMY are driven by a fear of endangering friendships and social connections, which I find credible.
ReplyDeleteCalling it as I see it, Roch.
ReplyDeleteI think a smack for stenography is well-earned here, but plagiarism seems to me to be the wrong term.
FWIW, I don't think I know anyone at WFMY, and I've been hard on them when warranted, but crying wolf at every shadow goes to your credibility, no theirs.
Speaking of your credibility...you cite anonymous person who suggests unnamed (and, in fact, non-existent) connections between me and WFMY, rather than just addressing the issue at hand. You stay classy, San Diego.
That the authors of press releases are happy to have them reproduced word-for-word does not ameliorate plagiarism. Plagiarism does not depend on the pleasure of the original author, your distortions not withstanding.
ReplyDeleteStenography is recording something word for word, plagiarism is doing the same then falsely attaching your name as the author. This was plagiarism.
When you stand up to mendacity and mediocrity in our local press without equivocation please be sure to bring it to my attention. I'd be delighted to see it. Stay wimpy.
Upon further consideration, I should not have written that I find rumors about Ed's motives credible.
ReplyDeleteStenography: — n
ReplyDelete1. the act or process of writing in shorthand by hand or machine
2. matter written in shorthand
In the spirit of transparency, this definition was copied from dictionary.com.