December 11, 2007
The Star's infamy grows
Word is spreading throughout the blogosphere about the Ventura County Star's cowardice when it comes to readers who leave critical comments. Check it out.
Posted by Mike Lief at December 11, 2007 08:14 AM
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Dear Mr. Lief: I was off yesterday and was unaware the comments had been taken down. I have seen to it that they have been restored, and I have written an apology. I don't know why they were taken down, but we are doing what we can to make sure this doesn't happen again.
Sincerely,
Joe R. Howry
Editor
Ventura County Star
P.S. In the interest of accuracy, please note the correct spelling of my name.
Posted by: Joe Howry at December 11, 2007 10:03 AM
Thanks for surfacing such an important issue. I am exec director and president elect of Crime Stoppers of Ventura County. I also patrol as a Volunteer in Policing with VPD when I'm not at my consulting job.
I had posted some pro law enforcement positions in contradiction to Star editorials for which I was summarily banned. I could see my posts, but others could not. Those who agreed with me experienced the same on-line fate. I talked with electronics media folks who were very disturbed that I had dared to criticize the paper's editorial policy. Eventually, I could once again post. I have been posting under the pseudonym TimeArrow but plan to revert to using my real name. The reason is, though there is some risk, I want to use the site as needed for Crime Stoppers issues.
Star advertising has graciously supported Crime Stoppers with our Most Wanted of Ventura County this year with space on page A3 each Tuesday and in Mi Estrella with Los Mas Buscados del Condado de Ventura each Saturday. This year the effort has paid off. We've contributed to over 70 arrests through Most Wanted, as well as some through spontaneous tips and our scholastic program. Some of our tips have led to solving some front page crimes. Several ongoing investigations which were launched from anonymous tips are now bearing fruit. Thus, my beef is with editorial policy, not the Star.
I was born and raised in Ventura and, even during a 22 year Navy career, raised my kids here. I'm now semi-retired. My wife, an immigrant, taught middle-school for over 25 years in Ventura.
I can be contacted on my trusty BlackBerry at (805)512-6996.
Posted by: Robert Worthley at December 11, 2007 10:55 AM