Who wants to be a political blogger for us?

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Saturday, November 07, 2009

Comment

By DAN ROSS
Register Online Editor

Political coverage

November 12th, 2009

Monez on Luciana and land use

American Canyon officials balk at budget questionnaire, want more data

November 5th, 2009

Reading through the election results

Who wants to be a political blogger for us?

October 31st, 2009

Whitman in Napa: "Put jobs first"

Talking Points

November 5th, 2009

Who wants to be a political blogger for us?

October 8th, 2009

Is your account here about to be deleted?

August 28th, 2009

Ready to use your real name yet?

August 25th, 2009

Who do you want to replace Wiggins as state senator?

August 20th, 2009

Should marijuana be legalized?

We started with two, went down to one and now we are out of political bloggers at NapaValleyRegister.com. Are you going to be the next to join our highly-unpaid staff?

Matt Pope and Michael Haley entertained readers with their thoughts on local, state and national politics, with additional locally-based issues mixed in.

Matt's Newspeak blog was suspended when he ran unsuccessfully for American Canyon City Council. His appointment to the county planning commission left his blog on hold.

Michael Haley recently announced his candidacy for county supervisor, thus his Napablogger blog is also suspended.

Now we are looking for a pair of voices, one each from the right and left sides of the politicial forum, so the debates can go on.

The rules are simple ... keep it locally relevant, keep away from name-calling and personal attacks, be able to take the inevitable criticism that comes with taking public stances on issues and be able to provide new material once every two weeks.

One regular contributor to the story comments section here suggested this idea.

"My new idea is to have a debate in which two regular writers from different political perspectives give their impressions of a book-of-the-month (usually political, but not necessarily), with discussion to follow, in which both writers respond to peoples’ comments. I’d be willing to be the writer on the left side of the spectrum."

I like this idea and can see it working as a regular part of the blogs for each writer. This person is going to be considered for one of the two spots ... now who else is interested?

Send me a note explaining your interest at dross@napanews.com and we will go from there.

83 comment(s)

vocal-de-local wrote on Nov 5, 2009 3:51 PM:

" Can we vote?

One person that comes to mind is dellasumbrella. This blogger appears to have a broad view on many different subject matters. Even when confronted, this blogger remains diplomatic.

For the more conservative side, how about Steph? This blogger never resorts to political name calling and has a strong knowledge of local issues in particular, but is also knowledgeable about subject matters outside of our community.

Both of these bloggers seem very connected to our community. They actually care.

If you want to ruffle a few feathers, I vote for Kevin and Raven! "

Raven wrote on Nov 5, 2009 5:40 PM:

" lol...thanks for the vote vocal but I would tend to go along with della and steph as possible candidates... "

Hear Ye wrote on Nov 5, 2009 8:38 PM:

" Off the top of my mind Dellas, Raven, Alu, Bill, Steph, Sandra, and Mr4 come to mind as interesting enough for the job. "

steph wrote on Nov 5, 2009 8:51 PM:

" *blush*
Wow, I'm flattered, but honestly, I really know very little about local politics. I really feel at times like I only sleep here. I'm raising my children here, thankfully, but I didn't grow up here and I don't work here.

vocal--you're locally connected....

Paddy is another interesting fellow. He seems to be fairly conservative, and anti-growth. "

vocal-de-local wrote on Nov 5, 2009 10:10 PM:

" I'm too close to center, politically, to ruffle very many feathers. Not good for generating readers. I have familiarity with local, not world politics. And some of my ideas are too far out there in "no man's land". I'm afraid people would not know how to respond.

Steph, I'm not kidding. I think you should consider it. You're Libertarian right? I think it would be an opportunity to express some of that philosophy in your bloggings.

And if anyone needs ideas for blogging, they can email me. I have plenty of them. "

kevin wrote on Nov 5, 2009 10:14 PM:

" della and steph? Who would represent the Conservative side?

I second Mr4.

Lose the "book club" idea... "

vocal-de-local wrote on Nov 5, 2009 10:17 PM:

" Funny thing is, I always assumed that Paddy was female! "

vocal-de-local wrote on Nov 6, 2009 1:36 AM:

" Another idea would be to create a subject for the two bloggers, for example, their opinion on whether it was impulsive for Dodd to bring what he viewed as a Brown's Act violation to the public's attention prior to consulting with County legal advisers about the situation.

The two bloggers could offer their views on the SAME subject created by a third party. Or, they could trade off creating their own topics every other week and having the other blogger responding to their opinion. Or even better, have the NVR posters ask the questions!

The tug of war tension might be kind of interesting? Geeze, did I just admit that I actually enjoy that aspect of blogging? However, there will be times where they might actually agree with eachother.

Btw, if steph isn't interested in being an official NVR blogger, I do think that Mr4 would be an excellent choice. He's truly a conservative and he maintains diplomacy. "

Jane Eyrehead wrote on Nov 6, 2009 6:07 AM:

" A book club is a terrific idea. We all should read more history. "

steph wrote on Nov 6, 2009 7:40 AM:

" Ow, kevin!

:) "

steph wrote on Nov 6, 2009 7:40 AM:

" freeport does put a lot of thought into his posts, too. "

funnyme wrote on Nov 6, 2009 9:23 AM:

" I suggest someone from 'the inside', any local government representative who is willing 'to share' with the rest of us what is really going on and answer all of our questions and address our concerns. Just like you have a Realtor talking about real estate, lawyers talking about legal issues, etc.

Isn't Journalism supposed to be the people's 'source of information' of daily happenings?

Dan, I believe you also would have to be VERY SPECIFIC as to what does "name calling" mean for you and NVR, or perhaps allow the English language to be used at its fully extent. For a lot of us if someone stole something, the individual is a thief; if someone has committed a sex crime, the individual is a pervert; if someone lied, the individual is a liar. You seem to differ.

I would like to see someone who will bring controversy -on both sides- and new 'commentators' not more of the same ol' same ol'...it gets boring sometimes.

I agree with kevin, lose the 'book club' idea! "

dellasumbrella wrote on Nov 6, 2009 9:45 AM:

" Thanks, vocal-de-local, Raven and Hear Ye for your vote of confidence.

The idea of topics from readers would work, as well as books. The nice thing about books is there's a jump-off point, and, as Jane Eyrehead says, I (at least) should read more. History and otherwise. Or at least I should finish some of the many books I start. "

vocal-de-local wrote on Nov 6, 2009 11:05 AM:

" Maybe we could have a once a month book club response open to everyone, not directed at selected bloggers? That would be kind of fun.

And then we could still have a couple of yin and yang bloggers. It's probably more effective, allowing them to develop their own subjects though, because they will probably be more persuasive in their argument - a kind of "ownership" thing. "

NVR-Dan Ross wrote on Nov 6, 2009 11:44 AM:

" funnyme:
we have gone back and forth with you and your family dozens of times on name-calling. You have received very detailed e-mails about this subject. When any commenter refers to someone as stupid, ignorant, pervert, Demoncrat, Rethuglican and/or hundreds of other derogatory phrases, the comment is deleted, plain and simple. We try to give as much line as possible to commenters, but those who abuse it receive letters asking them to clean it up. Those who have refused have been banned, and yes, we have banned quite a few.

Those who would be given the opportunity to blog for us would be given the same very clear explanations.
Whether you agree is not an issue, there are clear rules for everyone. Play by the rules or don't play the game. "

bornin74 wrote on Nov 6, 2009 12:24 PM:

" i don't often chine in, unless a topic peaks my interest....most often i like to read the back and forth....i am a 3rd generartion napan....usually the local topics are the ones I enjoy reading.....
But an ONLINE BOOK CLUB??????
What are we now...Oprah Winfrey?....going ONLINE to read a discussion about a book I am supposed to read about HIstory.......SNOOZE....SNOOZE....this may work for some....but this is all about RATINGS...or "hits" Page Visits.... you will lose alot of Page Visits if you make this a book club....put that in the arts & entertainment section "

Raven wrote on Nov 6, 2009 2:08 PM:

" not too hot about the book club idea...but what the heck, never saw a book I didn't get something from....even Mao....;-) "

dellasumbrella wrote on Nov 6, 2009 2:33 PM:

" The drawback I see for R/L bloggers developing their own subjects is it might be duplicative of the Rant sections. It almost seems better if someone else presents a topic for discussion. Part of what I like about books being the topic is bringing in something fresh, preventing same ol' same ol, he said/she said, ain't it awful kind of entropy. Of course having to read a book a month is a challenge for me, because I usually read 1/8 to 1/3 of about 5 books a month. And it would lose those who gag at the thought of reading and discussing a book (I don't generally like to discuss books verbally, like in a group, but sort of enjoy doing it in writing). Like Raven, I never saw a book I didn't get something from. And there are some books that have universal appeal yet could be relevant regionally, as well. "

PlasticPinkFlamingo wrote on Nov 6, 2009 3:38 PM:

" "The drawback I see for R/L bloggers developing their own subjects is it might be duplicative of the Rant sections."

By R/L are you saying Right/Left or Republican/Libertarian? If it is the latter I have an issue to pick with that statement. Come to think of it, I have an issue to pick with that either way.

NVR, if you're going to have a conservative blogger, please have a real conservative next time. Not all Republicans are conservatives, and not all conservatives are Republican.

And I would have to vote no to the book club, except maybe as an occasional sideline. I read my history and other books cover to cover and it would be interesting to discuss a book, but not as the centerpiece of regular political discussion. I don't often read books from extremists on either side. There's more howling in them than there is from the coyotes up in the Mayacamas at night. "

alucawanza wrote on Nov 6, 2009 5:23 PM:

" My vote goes to Della and Steph too.
I really enjoy the depth of Della's thinking and Steph's clarity. Steph is really able to read "between the lines" of posts. Both are accomplished writers who stay on subject. Go for it ladies!!
I love the idea of a political book club.
Looking forward to this. "

freeport56 wrote on Nov 6, 2009 6:51 PM:

" Anyone know a good Constitutional Lawyer that would regale us all the History of this great nation and the lessons learned along the way? "

diehard4ever wrote on Nov 6, 2009 7:25 PM:

" Dan-
Explain to me how a rapist isn't a pervert. PLease.

I vote for Mr4, ADARK1 or the GreatPinkOne. "

dellasumbrella wrote on Nov 6, 2009 9:25 PM:

" Wow, thanks Alucawanza.

PPF, I was using R/L generically as right/left in my comment. The difference between right/left is highly exaggerated, because it hinges on assuming intransigent positions on certain issues that appear to be irreconcilable. If the heart and soul of these blogs is to solidify the differences, discussing a book or a newspaper article wouldn't make much difference. Maybe the challenge would be for people from "opposite" sides of the political spectrum to find a common ground in a discussion. Just one. And then, who's really left & who's right? Who's Republican & who's libertarian? How do we label ourselves and how do we label others, and how accurate is either? What are opposites? What is a common denominator? Ahh, the profundity of it all. It must be near bedtime. "

diehard4ever wrote on Nov 7, 2009 7:52 AM:

" fp56-
James Madison, Father Of The Constitution? "

dellasumbrella wrote on Nov 7, 2009 8:49 AM:

" I think if I were to take this on (and I'm up to taking it on, at least at 8:39 a.m. Nov. 7, which is a day before my deceased father's birthday and he would have loved for me to take it on, being an amateur, unpublished political commentator himself), I'd be willing to discuss even just a sign. One sign, the one at Michelle Bachman's "Whites of Their Eyes" rally in Washington, D.C.: "Spay and Neuter All Liberals". Yes, the SNAL sign. I would prefer it had said Spay and Neuter All Raving Liberals, because then it would be a SNARL sign. Or maybe Spay and Neuter All Intransigent Liberals. There. I've discussed it. I do have a lot more to say about it, however, some of it political, some of it personal, and some of it socio-cultural.

I guess it doesn't take much to get me started, but it also doesn't take much to send me to irreverant and ironical. So Dan and others, if you're up for that...consider me considering and considered. "

freeport56 wrote on Nov 7, 2009 9:08 AM:

" I too would give a thumbs up to Mr4 and Steph. "

alucawanza wrote on Nov 7, 2009 11:07 AM:

" Angelina
Regarding your question about rape and perverts. Rape is all about power and rage. It is never consenting. It isn't about sexual attraction. It is about violence.
Perversion is usually consensual. It can be sado-masochism, domination, all sorts of forms that are not within the boundaries of normal sexual behavior. It isn't about rape.
The real difference is the consent issue. When one party says no then the issue becomes one of rape. "

vocal-de-local wrote on Nov 7, 2009 1:10 PM:

" Go for it Della. It's up to you to contact the NVR to notify them of your interest. I think you have the support of most bloggers here.

I do not think we should limit our discussions solely to political issues, though. Of course, most controversial issues are politically connected on some level or another so maybe there's no escaping it! Try not allowing yourself to slip into being "owned" by one political party or one philosophy (you haven't done this so far). Just because the NVR WANTS to have someone representing the left does not mean you aren't allowed any flexibility in traveling toward center if your common sense tells you to go there.

For starters, here's a topic I would like to see addressed: "Should our local "land use" representatives be held legally accountable for joining organizations such as the Sierra Club or the Napa Valley Land Stewards Alliance?" "

random name here wrote on Nov 7, 2009 9:02 PM:

" Whomever gets the job, if you ain't gettin paid, you should be able to say whatever you want.

The NVR can't get it for free AND control the content. Just isn't fair. "

Raven wrote on Nov 7, 2009 10:29 PM:

" and why cant they? it is it's own web site "

pharper wrote on Nov 7, 2009 10:48 PM:

" I think a book club, as someone suggested, is a great idea, because then we really do have a lot of new ideas being presented. I love commenting on the NVR, but we do go around in circles a lot. Every time the gay marriage thing comes up, the same people say the same things. When abortion comes up, the same people say the same things (and I'm not excluding myself form that). What we need are outside sources presenting new ideas and things for us to think about - political or not. It's a little more thought-provoking that way.

And I think we should start by reading The Last Days of Judas Iscariot. ;) "

diehard4ever wrote on Nov 8, 2009 7:29 AM:

" alu-
Everything you said describes what I would consider a pervert... so why was I "suspended" for a week for calling a rapist a perv? It doesn't make sense...

Has anyone else noticed that since the Kindergarten Rules were introduced that comments went down to practically nothing? I wonder... "

random name here wrote on Nov 8, 2009 9:03 AM:

" Raven, you're a great person, I bet if I asked you nicely you'd mow my lawn. It's a tiny lawn, smaller than a swimming pool. I'll start the mower and pour you a lemonade. Take you all of 4 minutes of your time.

But wait... You have to move the hose and sprinkler. And I want it mowed so that it has that fancy checkerboard look like a baseball field. That bush is overgrown and in the way, you'll have to trim it to get at the grass. If you're mowing I want it edged, and all I have is one of those hand trimmers, so you'll need to crawl around the border. There's some fertilizer in the garage, only use 2 cups so it doesn't burn the lawn. Always water a lawn right after you mow it. You moved the hose and sprinkler, I want them back in the same place.

I really appreciate it! Thanks for your contribution! It's MY lawn, if you're going to mow it you should do it my way. "

Raven wrote on Nov 8, 2009 9:36 AM:

" read the dictionary definitions diehard....and reread alu's post....rape is a crime that has nothing to do with any definition of perversion. Your suspension may have had a simpler reason - simply that name-calling is a violation of the guidelines. Didn't you receive an e-mail explaining why you were suspended?

and a quick glance says the topic is what determines how many comments are made, not the guidelines... "

dellasumbrella wrote on Nov 8, 2009 10:06 AM:

" I think the comments have improved. Less noise, more poise. (Sorry)

I like content, not contrariness for its own sake.

I prefer debate to deprecation.

What interests me is ideas , not insults. (And fresh ideas are even better, as pharper says).

So no, I haven't noticed that substantive comments have gone down to practically nothing. I've noticed there are far fewer comments that I try to skip over because they are little more than gratuitous attacks.

There's a reason people have sometimes referred to these comments sections as reflecting a playground mentality. That's because children sometimes easily resort to insulting each other, not being adequately regulated by the "executive function" of their brains. Maturity is supposed to endow adults with the ability to communicate without sounding like their engaging in a schoolyard brawl. It doesn't always work that way, but some of us are determined to do the best we can in representing a mature perspective. "

dellasumbrella wrote on Nov 8, 2009 10:22 AM:

" Vocal-de-local, I think your question, "Should our local "land use" representatives be held legally accountable for joining organizations such as the Sierra Club or the Napa Valley Land Stewards Alliance?" would be a good topic. But my answer would be pretty simplistic: If our elected representatives receive money from industries for their campaigns, and belong to organizations like The Family, AARP, the NRA, a certain religious group, and other lobbying and influence groups, then there should be no "legal" ramifications for local elected officials belonging to the Land Stewards or the Sierra Club. In my mind it's not much different from belonging to a political party -- we know where they're likely to stand on issues. That's why we vote for them. Anyway, I know you didn't intend for it to be discussed here. But I had to respond, because it's on my mind too. It would make a worthy topic. "

dellasumbrella wrote on Nov 8, 2009 10:24 AM:

" "The Last Days of Judas Iscariot" would suit me fine, from what I've read about it. "

dellasumbrella wrote on Nov 8, 2009 12:32 PM:

" I didn't really mean "a certain religious group" in my comment to v-d-l, as in any particular religious group, but rather any religious groups insofar as they might influence a vote on an issue. Which is generally accepted in our political climate. At least we give lip service to that acceptance.

Anyway...I spelled "they're" wrong in the comment above that, using the possessive instead of the contraction.

Okay, my conscience is clear. I can get on with my life now. "

vocal-de-local wrote on Nov 8, 2009 4:08 PM:

" Thank you Della. My question was a test!

Just kidding!

But you do offer a perspective which I hadn't yet thought about. Aren't campaign contributors the equivalent of clubs or organizations in that they both have the capacity to influence our representatives? If a political representative can be sued for belonging to the Siera Club, what's next? Lawsuit based on association with certain "friends"?

Well, I don't want to get off topic here, so no need to respond. It'll have to wait for another day.

Another question I have (to be answered in the future?) is "how do we, as a civilized people, address the problem of women bringing children into this world who cannot be cared for because the parents have little or no income, and also lack an innate ability to nurture? Too often, these are the unsupervised youth walking down the streets at midnight and searching for trouble. A big, big problem most everyone wants to avoid dealing with because it's not PC!

Like I said, a question to be answered on another day. "

NVR-Dan Ross wrote on Nov 8, 2009 9:31 PM:

" diehard4ever:
Your account was suspended for a week for repeatedly using name-calling, despite having received a warning that if you persisted your account would be suspended.

This was stated very clearly multiple times.

Your account has been reactivated, and if more name-calling takes place, your account shall be banned.

This is what happens in this moderated forum. People receive warnings about violating comment guidelines. Then there is a suspension, then the account is banned, should people refust to follow the simple stated guidelines. "

NVR-Dan Ross wrote on Nov 8, 2009 9:35 PM:

" diehard4ever:
rape is not a sexual act, is is a very violent act. Your uninformed statement is unfortunate, and absolutely consists of name-calling.
As previously stated, if you cannot make a comment about an issue without resorting to derogatory comments about individuals, your account is going to be banned, no matter what you personally think of the guidelines. "

NVR-Dan Ross wrote on Nov 8, 2009 9:40 PM:

" random name here:
A person's opinion is just that, their opinion, and that is going to be the basis for their blog.
They shall work to make sure the content is locally relevant, that it is not defamatory or libelous and that is addresses topics of a political nature.

I aboslutely do control the content here, and the bloggers who write now, those who previously did so, and those who shall follow have very clear guidelines. Blogs that fail to meet guidelines shall not publish. "

random name here wrote on Nov 8, 2009 11:46 PM:

" Thank you for clearing that up, Dan Ross. You've left very minor chance to misinterpret your intentions.

If the new "political blogger" has an opinion that is locally irrelevant, defamitory, or potentially libelous, then you will NOT publish it. It is, therefore, a "controlled" opinion, which is almost an oxymoron.

Sounds like you need more of a secretary to dictate your own agenda than a person with an individual opinion based on free political thought.

Politics are always about control. "

Kevin Eggers wrote on Nov 9, 2009 7:19 AM:

" Mr. Ross,

What about from the Libertarian perspective? The right and left are clueless in this country. "

dellasumbrella wrote on Nov 9, 2009 9:58 AM:

" random comment -- "It is, therefore, a "controlled" opinion, which is almost an oxymoron."

That's like saying the person who writes an education blog and the person who writes about parenting are being "controlled" if they're expected to stay on topic.

Just because a newspaper has its own standards regarding content, quality and ethical guidelines -- doesn't make it "controlling". As a matter of fact, the NVR has always been pretty open about its "local" agenda. But there has, especially in the last several years, been a good deal of attention paid, in print as well as on-line commentary, to national and international issues. I don't believe they're all mutually exclusive.

It's up to a reader, if they don't like the content, quality or ethics of a newspaper, to decide if they want to keep reading it or not. And I suppose it's up to a writer to determine whether they are willing to write within the topical and stylistic constraints presented. I don't know of any class, test or job in which I wasn't expected to do that.

btw, imho, there is very little in the way of human, environmental and world events that doesn't somehow become political. So I don't see the limitation presumably inherent in the "political" focus. "

random name here wrote on Nov 9, 2009 11:07 AM:

" dellasumbrella, every point you make is correct. But I believe you may have missed my point.

In the very first paragraph of Dan's article he makes it clear that the "political blogger" position is one without monetary compensation. He is asking for a volunteer commentator. He wants a person to give away their time and services to a large, profitable corporation. He wants it free, yet he receives a salary from this same corporation for his own time and services.

That's fine, he has every right to ask for free services. My point is I believe that it is NOT FAIR if he demands control over this free and volunteered service. If he wants to publish content that only caters to his (and his corporation's) agenda then I feel that they should pay for it. Give them something, anything besides a few square inches of a website.

In every class, test, or job where you were expected to follow the constraints, you did so because you were expecting a grade, score, or wages in return. You also received education and experience. You got a fair trade by conforming to their rules.

If someone asks me to do something for free, then they should expect that I will do a good job through my own methods and standards. If you are OKay with volunteering your hard work to a profitable corporation, then by all means knock yourself out.

I sincerely wish the new commentator the best of luck. "

post-it wrote on Nov 9, 2009 12:55 PM:

" random -
how would being a non paid blogger be any different than being an intern. Maybe the blogger has an interest in getting paid in the future (or political aspirations!), but needs a forum to gain the experience needed... "

dellasumbrella wrote on Nov 9, 2009 1:02 PM:

" That all makes sense, Random. But hypothetically speaking, what if one or more of us offers ourselves up for the "sacrifice" because just the act of writing our opinions and initiating an exchange of ideas with others is reward enough? What if we've done the work for grades, or do the work for money, and find it just hasn't quite scratched the itch? What if the intrinsic reward of meeting a challenge, organizing our thoughts, doing our research, and presenting something that reflects who we are, and what we believe, and then taking on the further challenge of responding to others' reactions to that, is a worthwhile endeavor at this point? And what if our way of presenting that something that reflects who we are manages to fit into the (not really narrow) constraints of focused, relevant and, preferably, cogent writing? A task without monetary remuneration, but so is sitting on the board of a nonprofit, pounding the pavement for a political candidate, helping out at a charitable event, writing letters to the editor, or volunteering for the Red Cross. And for those who are used to working for substandard compensation anyway, there might be some freedom in knowing it's for the sheer pleasure of self-expression, and not for money. Someone profits every time I go shopping. Nothing I've bought at any store gives me the pleasure that writing gives me. Wow. I just learned something about myself. Better stop now. "

Raven wrote on Nov 9, 2009 1:16 PM:

" "My point is I believe that it is NOT FAIR if he demands control over this free and volunteered service.."

Do you know of any place that gives a volunteer free and unfettered access, to do the job by their own standards and not the organization's standards? Any place I know of that accepts volunteers has controls over what volunteers can do and what they can't..why do you expect the NVR to be different? Do you know of a place that lets you disregard the organization's own standars and policies?"

"I will do a good job through my own methods and standards"

If you volunteered for any outfit I know of with that attitude, I think most would respond with "thanks but no thanks" "

Hear Ye wrote on Nov 9, 2009 2:01 PM:

" You're too nice Dellas, 'cause I don't think it makes any sense. "

reader wrote on Nov 9, 2009 2:38 PM:

" I like the R/L blogger idea and but not throw in I/L, to include the Independent and Libertarians. This brings us closer to the full spectrum of ideas.

No, on the book idea. I don't read the Register for in-depth knowledge and discussion, other sites are much better for that.

Thank you, NVR, for your monitorings of appropriate language. For those who want to name-call, swear, attack, or otherwise be rude go to at least a million other sites, SFgate, for example. "

reader wrote on Nov 9, 2009 3:15 PM:

" Correction ... on my last post, my first line should have read, "I like the R/L blogger idea and but why not throw in..." "

NVR-Dan Ross wrote on Nov 9, 2009 3:29 PM:

" random:
Nice attempt to twist my words into something different.
There is no agenda, but a very simple set of rules to follow, the same rules that commenters follow.
For example, if a blogger wanted to state an opinion that a witness of a crime was lying because the blogger did not believe the story, the blog would not print, as there is no basis in fact for the claim. That would also be killed if sent in as a comment, as it lacks verification of truth.

There is no pay for the position as there is no budget for the position. Should no person be interested, then there shall be no blog, simple as that. "

NVR-Dan Ross wrote on Nov 9, 2009 3:33 PM:

" random:
One other point, the fact you believe the blogger should be allowed to set his/her own standards is a fascinating one. We are the site owners, we set the standards and expect the blogger to maintain standards of no name-calling, no unsubstantiated allegations, making the topics locally-relevant and under 500 words when possible.
What about those standards are not realistic?
--Dan "

NVR-Dan Ross wrote on Nov 9, 2009 3:34 PM:

" Kevin:
Individuals well versed in local politics are welcome to offer their opinions and try for one of the positions. What we are looking for is people to offer differing perspectives so no one side of the aisle feels their voice is not heard. "

random name here wrote on Nov 9, 2009 7:46 PM:

" I'll give answer to each question in order. Not saying that I'm right, just that I'll give an answer.

How is a non-paid blogger different than an intern? A blogger would most likely be writing in spare time, an intern is likely to be pursuing a career. Blogger: hobby. Intern: living.

What if writing is reward enough? Awesome! Writing is an excellent creative outlet. It's one of my favorite things to do. I post comments when I feel like it, and feel like following the rules. If I was expected to meet a deadline then some of my writing would be forced, especially when I didn't feel like following the rules. Writing when I have to, and not when I feel like it, is work. While it's rewarding to pursue a hobby, it's also fair to be paid for work.

Do I know of any place that allows volunteers to do a job by their own methods and standards? Yes, I do, and my "attitude" has never caused me to be turned away.

Why do I expect the NVR to be different? Because they are a profitable corporation looking for an unpaid journalist to follow their rules and deadlines. "

random name here wrote on Nov 9, 2009 8:07 PM:

" Dan Ross, I apologise if you felt I attempted to twist your words. Your readers are a fairly intelligent bunch, they know when I'm twisting. lol*wink*

Dan, there is nothing unrealistic about the standards you present. They are intelligent, thoughtful, and intended to create a presentable format. You do your job well.

You must know that if you find the correct person for the position of political blogger then you will not NEED to enforce any guidelines. That person will have their own integrity to present a fair, non-biased, encouraging perspective that creates an inviting atmosphere. I just think it's fair that they get a lollipop for being well-behaved.

I'll quote you, Dan, "I absolutely do control the content here." and leave your readers with your own, untwisted words. "

NVR-Dan Ross wrote on Nov 9, 2009 8:12 PM:

" random:
Let's try it this way. The persons offered this opportunity shall not be employees of Napa Valley Publishing. They shall be individuals offered a place for their opinions to be read, just like all persons who post story comments, and they shall abide by the same guidelines every person does who sends in story comments.

We are not hiring any journalists, nor should anyone make the mistake of believing any person who is offered space for a blog here should be considered a journalist working for the Register.

I buy coffee out of my own pocket from time to time, that's all that could be considered pay for a person's written opinion. No lollipops, I'm on a candy-free diet ... for now! "

random name here wrote on Nov 9, 2009 8:45 PM:

" That sounds good to me, Dan.

Just remember, (I'm LOLing here!) if you don't hire 'em, you can't fire 'em! "

Raven wrote on Nov 9, 2009 8:48 PM:

" Do I know of any place that allows volunteers to do a job by their own methods and standards? Yes, I do, and my "attitude" has never caused me to be turned away....

so name one of these organizations that has no standards or guidelines or policies you as a volunteer must adhere to? "

random name here wrote on Nov 9, 2009 10:08 PM:

" Raven, I don't believe that your intentions are anything more than to challenge me, you likely have absolutely no interest in volunteering your services. But giving you the benefit of the doubt, I suggest you have a look at Serve.gov, an organization that provides toolkits so that people may volunteer in any manner that they see fit.

If you want to challenge me then don't waste my time, look up other organizations for yourself. "

Mr4 wrote on Nov 9, 2009 11:24 PM:

" Della,

I enjoyed your last comment - but I had to read it a couple times to get it.

Since NVR is providing the forum, they are entitled to write some rules. As long as they are not prohibiting substantive content I have no complaint. And anyone who participates should contribute only if they find it in their self-interest to do so. Sacrifice has nothing to do with it.

My suggestion is to allow for more than one contributor from each side. It would provide a more complete spectrum from each side and it would ease the commitment. For instance, I like to write about economics, constitutional law and health care but I don't give a hoot about guns, criminal punishment or abortion (except in the constitutional sense). Having a complimentary contributor would make the program more interesting.

Steph? "

Raven wrote on Nov 10, 2009 5:34 AM:

" actually I am a volunteer with the National Park Service, in the GGNRA ... so I know a thing or two about volunteering, having done it in one form or another over the past 56 years...and if you go to serve.com and volunteer, you will still find that each organization you can volunteer for, each has policies and standards that volunteers have to adhere. For many is it a simple legal necessity to protect the organization as well as a menas to achieve the organizations goals and objectives. No challenge but I believe are you mistaken when you say there are no restrictions or guidelines that volunteers must meet. "

dellasumbrella wrote on Nov 10, 2009 10:19 AM:

" Mr. 4 -- Thanks; and I agree entirely with your comment. My use of the word "sacrifice" was in response to random's comment, which seemed to imply the writer would be somehow subjecting him/herself to NVR control. I'm inclined to see the writer's involvement more as you've characterized it.

I think my point there was, if I get involved as a writer, it's in my self-interest to do so.

And I like the idea of spreading it around, as well. We each have our area of expertise (even though some of us have opinions on virtually everything). (emoticon) "

alucawanza wrote on Nov 10, 2009 7:33 PM:

" Posting here is about giving an opinion, sharing information, and challenging others, isn't it? "

Raven wrote on Nov 11, 2009 9:55 AM:

" I hope so "

NVR-Dan Ross wrote on Nov 17, 2009 12:22 PM:

" Thanks for your comments, everyone. At this point only one person has contacted me directly about having any interest in this.

My idea at this point is to contact a few of you who expressed interest via the comments section and see if you might be interested in offering commentaries on a rotating basis, where no one person would have a commentary more than once every 6-8 weeks.

The other idea is that I am going in to the county's political arena and will offer invitations to people on the right and left side of the aisle to see if there may be two individuals interested in offering regular commentaries.

Thanks
--Dan "

diehard4ever wrote on Nov 17, 2009 6:29 PM:

" O/U-
I was one for a while... google "Angelina Gervasio". Anything linked to NVR is my work. Eventually, though, the PreK rules were announced and Dan required that my blogs followed the guidelines (YAWN) and be more or less PC. I do have a good "War" one that I typed up a while ago, though. I never submitted it knowing it would not be approved.

Thank You, though. "

O/U now wrote on Nov 18, 2009 11:59 AM:

" Pharper... sorry for my out dated opinions but it's OK in my book for a girl to be a lib/ feminest but not a guy. I understand how a woman will think with a more compassion to the point of being in excess. But I find it whimpish in a man. I enjoy both you and diehard because it presents two extreams in todays youth. I hope both of you continue with your comments because I wish to see where maturity takes your ideals. "

pharper wrote on Nov 18, 2009 12:17 PM:

" If it's wimpy for a guy, it's wimpy for a girl. Okay, fine, men and women are different, but women are compassionate in excess? Excuse me, but I think there's no such thing as excessive kindness, and your implication is that compassion overshadows our ability to think. I'm sure you're WELL aware that such a thing is not the case. Right? Women are every bit as capable of being hardcore conservatives as men, and as a matter of fact I have a heck of a lot more respect for guys who are capable of being compassionate and kind and don't feel a need to be stereotypical "real men" all the time.

I hope that wasn't too compassionate for you. "

O/u now wrote on Nov 18, 2009 1:43 PM:

" pharper.. I said i was sorry for my outdated ideas. I did not mean all women were overly compassionate,only that I could understand a woman being that way. And being a hard core conservative does not mean that you cannot also be compassionate. And a man MUST show compassion to be a real man. But to be liberal to excess or a neo-con will block ones ability to see the whole picture of both sides. We all cannot think alike, so we must look at understand somewhat how the other thinks. No one side is 100% right all the time, neo-lib or neo-con. and yes I have seen compassion to excess. they drive themselves crazy. "

funnyme wrote on Nov 22, 2009 4:02 PM:

" O/u now,
I don't believe your ideas are outdated at all...It's pretty hard to figure commentators here based on their screen name.

I have to admit, I thought 'farper' was a sissified college boy as well, and if diehard was not my kid, I would probably think of her as a high school rebel boy...

Surprise!...Surprise! "

Hear Ye wrote on Nov 22, 2009 5:24 PM:

" Of course you don't think it's outdated if you think like that too. Saying someone is an effeminate boy because they are articulate, educated and liberal is absurd and certainly dates you. It's the equivalent of someone saying they thought diehard was backwoods trailer living redneck boy. It seems kind of naive to assume gender roles determine ones ideology. "

funnyme wrote on Nov 22, 2009 6:59 PM:

" You are so predictable Hear Ye. I like you! "

random name here wrote on Nov 22, 2009 8:04 PM:

" Politics are SO exciting!

All of you are correct and know the best for our country.

All of you are wrong and will only ruin this country.

Maybe all of you are 50/50 correct and wrong.

Maybe it's just a good reason to disagree with everyone else who has a different idea.

*yawn*... Oh look, the grass is growing. "

OU now wrote on Nov 23, 2009 6:10 AM:

" Hear ye.... I did not say "effeminate" I said sissyfide, There is a difference. I used the term "overly compassionate" too. What did I mean? I feel that a man should be able to shoot his favroite horse or dog if they are suffering, and cry his eyes out later. That is a man,s compassion. I would not expect a woman to do this, But would expect her to understand. Pharper once said that she thought about being a vet. Could she kill out of compassion, somebody's cat? I really don't think she could. A woman is different from a man. A sissyfide boy could not, but a effeminate boy might be able to have the courage to do right by his pet. Why would a MAN do this instead of have a vet do it? A real man takes responsibilty for his horse or dog in it's lifetime. He should not let a stranger take his responsibilty in death. My daughter once asked how I could think this way. I gave her the book "of mice and men". She loved the book, hated the sorrow, but understands her father more. Yes I am out dated, I break my own mustangs,shoot all the meat I eat, raise crops. and I cry when I loose a horse or dog. I'm just a man, old, outdated and a dying breed. what are you hear-ye, male or female? I can't tell by your post's. "

pharper wrote on Nov 23, 2009 8:35 AM:

" I honestly could, OU now, and that was one of the reasons I thought I could be a vet; unfortunately I couldn't cut it in math and science. I'm better with language than I am with calculations. Putting an animal to sleep doesn't bother me when I know it's the right thing, even though it's sad. I held my old horse's head in my lap when the vet injected him with the barbiturate, and fed my dog cookies just a few weeks ago when the vet put him down. If I'd had to administer the injection, I could have. Of course, that's even more difficult to judge - if I were a vet, I'd be putting down animals i don't have any longstanding emotional attachment to - not my own animals. I'd be a good vet, I think - I just don't have the mathematical mind it requires to get through med school.

And I guess it just does not make any sense to me why one is more "manly" than the other. Going to the vet, who you know can do a kinder, gentler, and more compassionate job of putting the animal down is "sissyfide?" Not everyone can be a down home country boy, I'm afraid, and not because they're "sissyfide," but because the world doesn't work that way.

Btw, Of Mice and Men is a great book, but that doesn't make it a parable on how life should be lived. I wouldn't shoot my mentally-challenged best friend if he killed someone. I'm a little more civilized that way. "

Raven wrote on Nov 23, 2009 9:40 AM:

" well sissyfide is so much better a term than effeminate.....shaking my head "

freeport56 wrote on Nov 23, 2009 10:43 AM:

" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qlNrWLo4wEw

great YouTube video skit from SNL. "

alucawanza wrote on Nov 24, 2009 11:04 AM:

" OUnow
Hearye doesn't have to respond to your question. Sounds like you're baiting him/her. "

steph wrote on Nov 24, 2009 5:59 PM:

" DUCK, O/u now!

Cause...that is patently ridiculous--the example you gave, of male veterinarians being more capable of euthanasia than female vets. Guess which sex pretty much RULES the vet schools now? Guess what sex your vet is likely to be when you take your cat or dog to the vet for end-of-life care?

I agree that women are different from men, on the whole, with a lot of cross-over.

But the example you gave just doesn't hold up.

Oh...and there are many very masculine gay men in our military, who are bravely and capably serving our country, much to my gratitude. I'd be pretty scared to go to war in a foreign country.

...but if you hurt one of my kids.... Ever seen an angry mama bear? "

steph wrote on Nov 24, 2009 8:29 PM:

" In my house, guess who's taking the cat and/or dog to the vet when either of them needs a vet to end her life?

It'll be me. The human girl of the family. "

pharper wrote on Nov 24, 2009 9:08 PM:

" Interestingly, steph, the vet who put down all of our pets (except my poor old horse) was a woman. :) Pretty much my hero when I was a kid. I still wish I had the mind for vet work. "

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