Interesting PJ Star Editorial

[tornado]

The Journal Star's main editorial today seems to conflict severely with several of the op-ed articles
submitted by the sports writers in the PJ Star on the topic of the Bradley campus expansion and the new facilities.

As you might recall, some columns really blasted Bradley and alledged secretiveness, shenanigans, and unfairness.

http://www.bradleyfans.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=3186

Now the main editorial page has an opinion to the contrary saying,
"Bradley is not the bogeyman"

IN which it details that indeed Bradley did NOT keep its plans secret and seemed to actually treat the folks it dealt with quite fairly.
It corrects what Kirk Wessler tried to convey about Bradley being secretive in its dealings...
"it's hyperbole to call what transpired "a battle," or to claim that BU refused to disclose its plans,
which were known as early as spring 2005. Those who sold their homes for as much as
$500,000 didn't exactly wave garlic to ward off Bradley."

http://www.pjstar.com/stories/030907/EDI_BCJ7N9T9.059.php

[BU fan]

Maybe now that readership is down, and the PJS is for sale and they are laying off editorial writers, they feel they have to make up for some of the wild and unjustifiable positions they have taken with prior editorials.
They think this softening might endear them to more of us common folk.

[Dallas Brave]

Well, they could stand to clean up the sports section. KW writes another article today where he once again mistakingly believes that, "he is the news." It's a little sad when you think about it.

Is there not a more news-worthy topic then him on a tricycle? You have to think of a newspaper as real estate - it is essentially valuable, limited space tht needs to be developed wisely. To waste space on such tripe shows very bad real estate management on the PJS' part. No wonder readership is down.

[chitownBUB]

You mean all those rants back in the fall about how BU was doing dirty dealings behind the scenes were false reports.
Now the paper is admitting that Bradley was above board and had openly revealed their plans over a year earlier, just as
several on this board had tried in vain to point out to the PJS staff?

[Biff]

Well, they could stand to clean up the sports section. KW writes another article today where he once again mistakingly believes that, "he is the news." It's a little sad when you think about it.

Is there not a more news-worthy topic then him on a tricycle? You have to think of a newspaper as real estate - it is essentially valuable, limited space tht needs to be developed wisely. To waste space on such tripe shows very bad real estate management on the PJS' part. No wonder readership is down.

That's what happens when you are given 3 columns a week to write whether you have anything to say or not.

[braves12]

I hope KW has learned his lesson from this board and is at least wearing red when he writes these articles. For a writer who has "nothing to say" it seems that some on this board pay very close attention to everything he writes and wears.

[tornado]

But Braves 12, this is the second time in recent memory that someone has pointed out how the regular editorial has essentially conflicted with what the sports page editorial says and pretty much pointed out how they actually are in error.

You seem to come to KW's defense, so is it not a fair argument that maybe their point of view is incorrect?

Need I point you to the editorial from Feb of 2006 saying this was as much as we can take and that Les should go?

Or the one from March of 2005 essentially calling for the end of the Jim Les era and calling Bradley basketball "bad basketball".

Or the editorial from April of 2003 that all but labelled the Jim Les supporters as racists and ignorant for not wanting WM?

On the BU expansion thing.......
Come on now, did BU do this secretly or did they not?
It appears they did not, and now your own editor is saying so, but...
but someone on the sports page appears to have been left out of the process and took BU to task for not being invited to the informational sessions. Even this board contained the very info about expansion and a tip where to go to see it, even when the sports editor was still railing against BU for keeping their plans secret.
What more did he need.....a letter sent by special delivery?
Why didn't he do a little legwork and find the easily obtainable answer that was right there for the asking but instead he ripped BU for not letting him know what he wanted to know?
And if those Maplewood people were as ticked off as the sports page editorial claims they were, then why did we never see too many words ever in print from them, and many of them sold their houses for a whole lot of money, right?

Maybe you know these guys....let's hear their response to being exposed by their own editors?

[Biff]

I hope KW has learned his lesson from this board and is at least wearing red when he writes these articles. For a writer who has "nothing to say" it seems that some on this board pay very close attention to everything he writes and wears.

I don't see anything here about the color of his shirt. What is that about?

[tornado]

Biff...I think Braves 12 is saying he thinks the posters on this board are demanding KW write only pro BU stuff and that by wearing red he would symbolically be a BU fan.

Nobody here, 12, has ever asked anyone to be a BU fan, but we do ask fairness, and accuracy.
When I post publicly I accept someone might disagree or correct me, so why do sports writers then expect to be immune to the same?

[braves12]

tornado,

Yes, I know some of the staff of the PJS sports page. Do I think they are always correct in what they write...no. I disagree with them plenty. Do I expect them to be correct all of the time...no. What DR writes is more about the facts of the game and less opinion, so it is less often that anyone can challenge the facts. DR is a good writer who understands the Valley well (even though he picked BU way below 4th this year). But DR is not the writer that some on this board have a problem with, it is KW. My opinion is that KW has a significantly different role at the PJS than DR. He stirs the pot, and many on this board do not like it! Most of what he writes is simply opinion on his part. I think that it accomplishes what the PJS must want it to, because everything he writes seems to be analyzed by some if not many with a magnifying glass for any mistakes. I have no problem if KW or any other writer "questions" BU about different things. I actually think it is healthy. I am quite sure if KW crosses the line, that he will be put in his place by the PJS, BU and this board. Somebody on this board before said that the PJS should be writing positive articles about BU, I agree...but I also think that there is a time to question things. I won't look up what ever he wrote before, because it is not that important. But if he questioned the job Coach Les was doing before things turned around, I am sure that others in Peoria were doing the same thing. KW is not that smart that he can figure something out before everybody else can, even with his BU education. As far as the Maplewood situation, to be honest with you I paid no attention to it then and I am not paying any attention to it now. I have no idea if he was right or wrong. If he was wrong, I would hope he writes an article and either apologizes or states why he wrote what he did. I am sure you have figured out that I jump on these KW threads not because I know KW and I am acting as his apologist, but because I think what he writes is taken WAY to seriously by many on this board and I like to get those who think they are the KEEPERS for everything good at BU a little worked up. I think it works and I know KW is laughing everytime it happens. Again, my opinion is that what he writes is only an opinion, nothing more and nothing less. I respect your love for BU, Coach Les and the program, because I am a huge fan also. But IF you think that there is never anything that they need to be questioned on, then I respectfully disagree. Go Braves!

[BUBraves2006]

This is not a comment supporting or condemning Kirk Wessler's writing. Everyone is entitled to their opinions about his writing, as I've read things by him I've liked and disliked.

But can we PLEASE give it a rest about what he wears? First of all, the unwritten "code" of true journalists is that you don't wear the colors of the team you're covering at the game. It gives an impression of being biased, which is the complete opposite of how a journalist should be.

But even if you don't care about how the ins and outs of journalism work, who really cares what he wears? Just as some people would consider him biased if he wore read, he's also bashed when he doesn't (as it somehow appears he's biased AGAINST Bradley).

I've met Kirk multiple times and he's a good guy. If you need specific examples, feel free to PM me. Go ahead and bash his writing but give the clothing a rest.

[tornado]

And I have "stirred the pot" a few times myself, so I guess I can accept that.
I suspect KW feels he needs to "press the envelop" and "stir the pot", and I guess he feels it is his job, so maybe I will accept that and lay off.


GO BU

[braves12]

Don't ruin his fun...... Remember, he just wrote an article about tricycle races for Godsake. He must need some humor in his life.

I am going to watch MR play tonight against Richwoods. I will be the guy wearing red!!!!!!!!!!!!

Go Braves!

[Dallas Brave]

I hope KW has learned his lesson from this board and is at least wearing red when he writes these articles. For a writer who has "nothing to say" it seems that some on this board pay very close attention to everything he writes and wears.

hope springs eternal that the next article might have something worthwhile. Being a Cubs fan has prepared me for these "hope-dissappointment-hope" cycles

[braves12]

He will be happy to know that you are "hoping" for him.

As far as the other situation you mention...I am sure a managerial change and $300M+ should get the job done! Should a guy who can hit 40 home runs be leading off?????????