We welcome the scrutiny. After all, if I make a factual mistake on FR, there are dozens of people more than eager to point out my mistake, many of whom will throw in a pithy insult for free.
We're used to instantaneous correction and feedback. I doubt, O'Shea, that you are smart enough or skilled enough with withstand the same. But I still invite you to come here and try your hand.
I reported on a FReep of Kerry when he came to Cocoa Beach for a "townhall" meeting. I reported second-hand information that Kerry flipped off one of the SBVfT that was at our little welcome reception. I was very quickly corrected in the discussion that lack of proof equaled lack of occurrence. I took umbrage at the correction but in retrospect, it was a valuable lesson to this cub reporter. My mistake was to take it personal and when I expressed that, I received the tender benefit of instant correction. :)
Perhaps this is the exception that proves the rule. The Internet is the premier caveat emptor zone and the information can sometimes be worth the price you pay (that's zero to the folks in Rio Linda or the MSM). But the Internet sites now have a track record just as does the MSM. The advantage the Internet holds over the MSM is that the thought process is laid out right in front of you and agendas are easy to spot and discount. You can judge the editorial slant of Free Republic very easily. Our founder makes no bones about it in his wonderful mission statement. The problem is that the Main Stream Media is not so open and honest about their mission statement - and it shows.
BTTT