Compare and Contrast

The Commercial Appeal has this week decided to go after developer Rusty Hyneman. The problem with their stories is that they don't actually demonstrate any connections between Hyneman's actions, the benificiaries of his actions and subsequent actions by those beneficiaries. Lots of circumstantial evidence -- very circumstantial -- but no proof or demonstrable connections. And they also mention others in those stories who are actually, demonstrably doing what Hyneman is accused of, but let them pass. A strange way of producing news.

Compare that with this Tennessean story about corruption in the Tennessee State Highway Patrol. They have a lot of connections, not just anecdotes, lists of things unrelated to their contention, and lots of accusations. They demonstrate what they set out to tell you.

Also, look at the sidebars on the web version of the story. Lots of links to related stories, supporting documents, and people you can contact to get action taken or express opinion. It's a good use of the possibilities of the web in telling stories.

Lessons the local paper could use.