What is the world coming to?

[Dorsetmike]

Two reports in todays local paper bring me to ask this;

http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/new...dlers_at_risk/

http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/new...lers__habitat/

I sometimes wonder though if reports of this type put ideas into the heads of the low lifes, I know the heath fires are becoming more frequent and severe; nowhere near as bad as the bush fires in other parts of the world, but most of the ones here are started by yobs who have no thought for the consequences, often they start fires within yards of housing so it is not just the wildlife that suffers.

[teddy]

Mike
There is only one answer for scum like this and you and I know what it is.

teddy

[dll927]

The whole question of how much news reporting puts ideas into garbled minds has been around for a long time. I've seen that question debated over any number of incidents.

There's an old saying that it's no news when a dog bites a man -- only when a man bites a dog. It seems that journalism thrives on the negative or on the what went wrong. Why this should be true would have to be explained by the newsnoses. Is there something about their whole training that eliminates the positive or the bright side of things?

Anyone who has ever watched a televised presidential "news conference" has to wonder why, other than some kind of obligation, anyone would put themselves in the role of Daniel in the lions' den. No wonder most presidents schedule them only rarely.

Even Helen Thomas learned her lesson not long ago. Of course, in her case, it was about time.

[Montefalco]

I can't imagine what drives someone to do such a thing.

[teddy]

I can't imagine what drives someone to do such a thing.

They probably steal a car.

teddy

[Montefalco]

lol @ teddy

[rojo]

It seems that journalism thrives on the negative or on the what went wrong. Why this should be true would have to be explained by the newsnoses. Is there something about their whole training that eliminates the positive or the bright side of things?

It doesn't just seem that way, it is that way. That is what sells, that is what people choose to listen to, watch and read. It's human nature. A similar phenomenon to all those who slow down traffic because they wish to observe an accident. Might be better off asking psychologists about this than news peeps. I guess folks need something to complain about? Or perhaps it makes them feel better about their own lives? I once read that humans have a need to complain, it's part of having a healthy attitude. Maybe it fills that role. There's a reason why TMZ and other tabloid-like shows, papers and websites are popular. It spills into supposedly reputable publications as well, because they have to compete to exist. The word for it is medialoid.

[Montefalco]

The incident with the barbed wire brings to mind another similar incident in Australia where a child was pricked with a used syringe while playing in a MacDonalds playground. While she and her family worry about her catching life-threatening diseases, the worst punishment the perpetrator can face is a fine for aggravated littering.

[Lusaka_Guitarist]

Not only does bad news travel fast, it sells!

Lovemore Nanjaya.

[teddy]

A few years ago someone started a newspaper that contained only good news, nothing negative. It last approximately three months before folding.

teddy

[teddy]

Todays newspaper carries the story of a robbery at a mtorcycle showroom. Three bikes worth £20,000 were stolen by three men who rode them away. The police were instructed not to give chase as the riders were not wearing crash helmets, and might have been injured if they fell off. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So there you are. If you want to commit a crime , escape on a motorbike, without wearing a helmet, and they will let you get away. Wonderful message for all the budding criminals.

teddy

[Lusaka_Guitarist]

Todays newspaper carries the story of a robbery at a mtorcycle showroom. Three bikes worth £20,000 were stolen by three men who rode them away. The police were instructed not to give chase as the riders were not wearing crash helmets, and might have been injured if they fell off.

Now that's crazy.

Lovemore Nanjaya.