What excuse could there be?

Big media has no excuse for not specifying their sources, especially in their online publications. If a blogger, for instance, were to say something along the lines of "8 out of 10 cat owners are a bit dull" or "the public supports a ban on big media using the words The public" other bloggers would expect (nay, demand) that proof be shown, cat owners referenced and the public poll presented in all its misleading glory.

Why should it be any different for big media?

Let's take today's little propeller rant by the Guardian's Polly Toynbee. If you manage to make it through the first few paragraphs before your eyes droop too far or you are swept away by a cataclysmic weather related phenomenon you will come across the following statement regarding wind farms and wind turbines:

Campaigners call the turbines an eyesore, but polls show public opinion strongly favours them - and they like them better the closer they live to them.

Polls show.....but which polls? Where? When? What questions were asked? She may be right, she may be wrong but that's just it isn't it? All she has to do is provide a link to her poll, any poll, and we will have something to go on.

It's frustrating.

Someone requires an ablution and I know just the man.

Posted by John at August 13, 2004 12:29 PM | TrackBack