Real Name: Chris Cobler Address: 311 E. Constitution St. Victoria, TX 77901 Gender: male Member Since: September 16, 2007 Last Signed In: September 04, 2008 Profile Views: 2077 Blog Views: 12300 Your guide to Gustav and football debuts today How do you know when to say goodbye? What are you doing at 10 a.m.? We've reserved a seat for you at our morning planning meetings What headline would you put on the Ratcliff story? Will newspapers be the last mass medium? Ethics board discusses how we handle tough photographs, stories Are you wild about the Texas Zoo? I'd say the future is in good hands What comments do you have for next ethics board meeting? September 07 October 07 November 07 December 07 January 08 February 08 March 08 April 08 May 08 June 08 July 08 August 08 September 08 
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What story deserves the front page and why?
When we place a story on the front page, we are not advocating for it.
Rather, we make our news decisions based primarily on how interested and important our readers might be on any given article. In the case of Monday's story on the first gay-pride event in the Crossroads region, we thought many readers would find it interesting. We figured some readers would object to the event while others would celebrate it, based on their individual political and religious backgrounds. We were looking at the story, however, only through the filter of what is news. Of course, any definition is subjective, but most journalism textbooks cite these characteristics: timeliness, impact, proximity, controversy, prominence, currency and oddity. By this standard, you can see why the first gay-pride event in the Crossroads region would fit the definition of news. Every day, we weigh the local menu of stories and see what's best to serve up on the front page. If you would like to see this process in action, I encourage you to e-mail or call me at 361-574-1271 to arrange a visit to our afternoon news meeting. After Monday's story appeared, I called a Yoakum reader who had canceled his subscription. He shared that he thought Americans were losing their rights and didn't think a conservative community wanted to endorse such an event. I told him I agreed with him about the importance of our individual liberties. My bias, based on my line of work, is that a locally owned newspaper, such as the Advocate, provides the foundation for those rights in a democratic society. The First Amendment protects not only the freedom of the press, but freedom of religion, freedom of speech, the right to peaceably assemble and the right to petition the government. I encouraged him to exercise his rights by voicing his opinion about this event and any other news. We ended our call on a positive note, and I told him I hoped I'd see him at the Yoakum Lions Club meeting on May 20. I just learned today I've been invited to speak to this group. He said to tell the Lions I'd talked to "a grumpy old man." I hung up with a smile on my face. Even when we disagree, I am heartened when we can do so agreeably. 32 comments from 16 users
posted by
maryann
on May 12, 2008 at 06:16 PM
I was disappointed that the Advocate chose to put this story as a main headline. Homosexual acts are offensive to many, and I'm not surprised that someone from Yoakum cancelled the subscription. I haven't left the paper around today for the kids to glance at the front page, and they will not find it either. IMO, homosexual sex doesn't need to be explained to a kid because he saw it on the front page of the "hometown" newspaper. There will be another time to discuss this, but the discussion won't be generated by this newsource which in my opinion, is practicing in-your-face tactics with this headline. I think that's part of the intention, and as a reader, I don't appreciate it. I realize that opinions differ on this issue. I'm glad that I can voice mine here. posted by
SugarMagnolia
on May 12, 2008 at 08:10 PM
Chris - you know that sometimes I can be a critic of the Advocate, because I know that in every case I feel I must speak up and voice my displeasure; the roots of this lie in my love for this area and, yes, for the Advocate. I sometimes criticize simply because I KNOW yall can do better, and I hold the VicAd to a high standard. In this case, the VicAd did the right thing by announcing the gay-pride event. You have made me proud, and I appreciate that others might be offended by it. I understand their position, and am glad Mary Ann voiced her opinion, as did the gentleman from Yoakum. Maybe you can take heart in that lost subscription by the one I have recently begun, thanks to your and Hamp's help. Like it or not, there ARE gay, bisexual, and transgender people among us, even right here in our neck of the woods. I grew up in Houston, where events like this are just part of normal life, and it is no big deal. It's not for everybody, and those who oppose it are free to voice their opposition and even protest peacefully. I have seen both sides of the issue, and am so glad to be an American where we all have a voice. I think it was totally appropriate for the VicAd to do a small write-up on this event that involves some of its citizens. It is a step toward enlightenment for this community, I hope. I do forget that so many things that were part of everyday life in a large urban area, things I grew up around and was exposed to and always took for granted to be part of EVERYBODY'S life, are not necessarily so in a smaller community. I learned that lesson when I moved down here. It was an adjustment for sure, and not necessarily a bad thing. There are many things I love about this area, or else I would not stay. Having said that, I believe you are taking bold and necessary steps with this inclusion in the paper. After all, agree or not, they are part of this community as much as you or I. Thank you, VicAd, for being progressive and inclusionary. posted by
ErnieCash
on May 12, 2008 at 09:17 PM
Wasn't going to comment on this article, either here or on the thread that's developed (raging?) as a result of the article but.... Well, I like to hear myself rattle I reckon. :-) The article met the criteria for news, IMO. Front page or not... [shrug]... but it is news. But what got me going is MaryAnn's comment. Don't know what age her kids are therefore will defer to her parental judgement on the issue. At some point though, MaryAnn, your kids will need to become aware of this segment of the population that dwells among us. We don't have to agree with any given scenario or lifestyle but just as with the atrocities of war (which are also distasteful to many) being depicted on the TV screen - or the front page - better our kids receive an explanation from caring parents than to have such issues explained to them on any street corner or back room by someone who, as often or not, has an agenda to push. Besides, it sure got the natives stirred up.... again. Talk about beating a dead horse (it beats trying to milk one, dead OR alive.).... Ernie posted by
victorianbybirth
on May 12, 2008 at 09:30 PM
Just something that struck me as funny....you state that when you place an article on the front page you are not advocating it. But in a sense you are as the name of the paper is the Advocate. Sorry had to pass that on.
posted by
CG23Sailor
on May 13, 2008 at 12:20 AM
Ernie, I'm never going to live that "milking a dead horse" comment down am I? even if it was on a different thread than the gay pride march. (It was on the Fatal Funnel) LOL posted by
bighorn
on May 13, 2008 at 12:35 AM
Chris: I was much more offended by the rehashing of the illegals death on US59/77, than I am by the announcement of any current event. I call it a lack of taste to cover 5 year old news, obviously your paper and other feel differently. Like your subcriber in Yoakum, I have considered canceling my subscription over the series, not the "gay" headline. Of course, as several old, wise newspaper/publisher have told me "articles just hold the ads together". VBB: Interesting thought. Perhaps a back story would have been more apporpriate for the "gay pride" event. Chris, please report on the attendance (or I suspect lack there of) with equal weight. posted by
urfullofit
on May 13, 2008 at 01:09 AM
Chris,you can't make everyone happy.. It's always going to be one thing or another when it comes to what and where an article should be placed in the advocate...... If a front page article doesn't interest someone then they should just move on to another story because there are one's whom appreciate the articles that are put on the front page and some have been deeply affected by them..... Thank You VA for keeping us informed and my best advice to the one's that are complaining over little stuff,move on to another paper if you don't like this one..........Gzzz
posted by
losthighway
on May 13, 2008 at 02:55 AM
I find it amusing that in a world full of war, hatred, and death, some feel the things we need to shield children from are people who like the same sex. How hard can it be to tell a child "Some boys like boys and some girls like girls" as opposed to "Well, many people died a few years ago and now we sent soldiers over to this place and some of them are now dying..." etc. Get my point? It's rather appalling that some would consider this fact of life a bigger dilemma to discuss with a child than the prospect of violent death and the cruel ways of man.
If they can run a homicide article on the front page, where is the logic in burying an article about a gay pride event? I see no sense in this. Is being gay a worse thing for a child to grasp than the idea that some people violently MURDER other people for stupid reasons, or that you can get hit by a car on the side of the highway at night and the driver won't even bother to stop? Do you also hide the paper when these stories are on the front page? Use some common sense, people. If you can let your children read about these atrocities yet hide the paper when there's a gay pride article, I regret to say your logic is pretty far gone. Yes, homosexuality is now worse than death! Oh, dear... posted by
maryann
on May 13, 2008 at 08:00 AM
Ernie, My older kids have been informed about this "segment of the population" by me long before the Advocate splashed it on the front page. I tend to be pro-active, rather than reactive on social issues with my children. They do know what's out there, and at an age appropriate time. I'd much rather explain things myself before the get the back-alley information. You're right, we don't have to agree with any particular lifestyle. posted by
maryann
on May 13, 2008 at 08:14 AM
Losthighway, I don't feel the need to further expose my chidren to examples of unnatural homoseuxal sex right now. Let's just say they're young. They know that some men like men, etc. because I told them. When they get older I will tell them more about the unnaturalness and the health problems of homosexual sex, because, you're right, I don't want to shield them from the difficult issues of the world. For example, men who have had homosexual sex with other men are banned since 1977 from donating blood because of the risk of AIDS/HIV, Hepatitus B, and "other infections." Male homosexual sex is not safe, at least according to policies of the FDA when collecting blood. From the FDA report: " This is a governent policy that I do want my children to know about at the appropriate time, as it is part of the real world. You can read about the FDA policy here: http://www.fda.gov/Cber/faq... posted by
CF
on May 13, 2008 at 09:52 AM
Sugar Magnolia's comment is the most eloquent, thoughtful, intelligent, and well-written one thus far on this issue. I was going to type something along those same lines, but how do you improve on perfection? :-) I just wish I could be down at Magnolia Beach this weekend to support the Crossroads GLBT community.Oh, and just a side note: my brother, who is gay, and I come from an extremely close-knit family; my 10-year-old and 2-year-old sons both adore their uncle. My brother prefers long-term, committed relationships (as most of the general population does, of course); his boyfriend is considered family to us. When they hold hands or give each other a kiss, it's treated no differently then if my husband and I do it. In fact, they are taking my 10-year-old to see Iron Man tonight for his birthday. In other words, my sons have been "exposed" to gay relationships for many years now, and trust me when I assure that they are no worse for wear, LOL. I know that every family is different, and the heartbreaking truth is that some gay men and women can't even come out of the closet for fear of disownment and rejection from their own family. Knowing this solidifies my comfort in seeing that my own sons are growing up with open minds and open hearts. posted by
thewaywardwind
on May 13, 2008 at 01:11 PM
I am always amazed at people like the man from Yoakum who was concerned that people are losing their rights but doesn't think an event like the gay pride day events should be endorsed by a conservative community. A conservative community should endorse the fact that people from all walks of life are celebrating their lives, lifestyles and citizenship. To my way of thinking, bringing the whole community together and celebrate their rights under the Constitution should be a very conservative thing to do. There is nothing radical in exercising freedom of speech and the right to assemble. To all you who will say that this celebration shouldn't be allowed because God says homosexual practices are an abomination, I would remind you that activities in THIS nation must pass muster under the Constitution, NOT the Bible.
posted by
VietnamVet
on May 13, 2008 at 03:56 PM
I'm not surprised this article received more attention than the flag draped coffin of the local soldier who was recently killed in Iraq. Makes me kind of wonder where people's priorities are.
posted by
LittleBlueBook
on May 13, 2008 at 05:07 PM
I'm not even going to pick a side on the gay rights issue. My issue with this story being on the front page is this: Where was the article about Mental Health month? Page B3, the day of the event. Sonny said he was doing advance work on it, but it received virtually no coverage. Where are the stories about other, positive things that are happening in this area? BEFORE they happen--so folks can attend? And how about after the fact, so all those organizations can enjoy seeing the fruits of their labors?Many things in this town receive very little coverage in the paper, or on KAVU for that matter. And, while I'm on a roll here, what is with the Advocate publishing the 'news' stories about who is appearing at Schroeder Hall? I don't understand the free publicity for the FOR PROFIT business when you now charge for obituaries. And at Classified rates yet! I think EVERY business in Victoria and the surrounding area should demand the same coverage. I'd kind of like to know that Sears was expecting a new shipment of mowers next week--might want to plan on going on over to check them out. Or maybe that Walmart is planning to roll back the price on those big screen tvs on Tuesday. I could use a heads up on that! I only hope my children are saving their money because my obit is likely to read: LBB died. Period. Amen. What makes the front page is what the VA thinks will stir everyone up. Kind of the "if it bleeds, it leads" attitude. The forum is probably why a lot of folks even bother with the online paper--it is pretty much my only reason. And the more controversial the editors think a story is--the better chance it has to make the top of the fold. posted by
scorpio
on May 13, 2008 at 07:07 PM
Maryann, One day you may have a child of yours come up to you and tell you that they are gay. Then I want to to search your soul and try to find a reason to hate the child your bore and raised with love. Believe me you will wish you never said such hateful things because some where and some time in life you come across homosexuality be it family, friend, or co worker. People that gay bash and use the bible to justify it are doing exactly what the bible tell us not to do. It is not your place to judge or pass judgement you are not god. I am not gay but my son is. He was raised in a christian home with both a mother and father. Believe me he was never exposed to that kind of life style. The shock of it rocked our entire family but in the end he was still my son, the little boy I raised and loved. I know that the life I dreamed he would lead is now gone but he is leading the life he dreamed of leading and that is the way it should be. I wish that we lived in a perfect society and that everyone was perfect but we dont and I accept that and leave it in gods hands.
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