Grand Rapids murders terrorize, but Jennifer Granholm tweeting about her new Chevy Volt
UPDATE: At 10:06 p.m., Granholm posted a Facebook message with a link to a story about the killings. She said: "Wow -- just got home and saw this. Pray for the families ..."
Call it a crystal clear example of the instant perils of tweeting without looking.
Former Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm — seemingly oblivious to the terror gripping Grand Rapids as police hunt for a man suspected of killing seven people in a horrific rampage this afternoon — is tweeting away tonight. And not about the murders.
Former Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm sent out this tweet about three hours after Grand Rapids news media started reporting news of seven suspected murders.
Normally, that would be typical political fare. Nothing wrong with that.
But right now, it just feels so inappropriate as families grieve and the community copes with this astonishing tragedy.
To be sure, the Grand Rapids media reported at 4:51 p.m. that seven people had been killed. Granholm's four tweets were posted at 6:36, 6:56, 7:55 and 8:04, long after the killings started to dominate news broadcasts, web reports and social media accounts.
It's a basic lesson in the importance of, at least, scanning Twitter and Facebook — instead of just posting your own updates without knowing what's going on. This is especially true for political figures.
Politicians need to treat posting a tweet or Facebook update like sending out a press release. Except, in Granholm's case, the post is immediately delivered to the feeds of 19,312 followers instead of a few dozen reporters.
Whenever possible, know what's going on in the world before jumping into the fray with your own potentially irrelevant statements.
Think I'm being petty? Imagine if this were your community.
UPDATE 10:35 p.m. On the flip side, of course, saying nothing is equally unsettling. Gov. Rick Snyder, who succeeded Granholm in January, was totally silent on Twitter and Facebook as of 10:35. He has not released a statement about the murders, either. UPDATE 12:04 a.m.: Snyder released a statement on Facebook: "My sincere condolences and sympathies go out to the families who lost loved ones in a senseless wave of violence. I commend the brave law enforcement officers, first responders and emergency personnel who worked to protect the community and bring an end to this tragedy. The entire state stands with Grand Rapids and remains committed to helping the victims, families, and community through this tragic situation."
Here are the four tweets Granholm has sent out in the hours since news about the murders started to sweep Michigan.
Granholm sent out this tweet at 7:55 p.m., about three hours after the reports hit the web.
Granholm sent out this tweet at 6:56.
Granholm sent out this tweet at 6:36.
Contact AnnArbor.com's Nathan Bomey at (734) 623-2587 or nathanbomey@annarbor.com. You can also follow him on Twitter or subscribe to AnnArbor.com's newsletters.
Comments
John B.
Tue, Jul 12, 2011 : 11:05 p.m.
I guess Nathan is still in hiding at this point? That doesn't seem like a particularly adult way to handle this situation, Tony.
John B.
Mon, Jul 18, 2011 : 3:26 a.m.
But unfortunately, you aren't man enough, JBK.
John B. Knot
Wed, Jul 13, 2011 : 12:38 a.m.
Well, at least when Nathan posts an opinion he is "man" enough to attach his real name to it, which is a particularly adult way of expressing one's opinion.
John B.
Mon, Jul 11, 2011 : 3:45 p.m.
Any updates on this situation? Where is Nathan at this point?
She who shall not be named
Sun, Jul 10, 2011 : 2:16 p.m.
You didn't read about the Grand Rapids tragedy on aa.com, because it didn't happen in Washtenaw County. Just like you didn't read about the three missing boys from Morenci. Do you think aa.com should have written about the missing boys? I do. Some news stories should be printed, even if they fall outside of the county lines...
NoSUVforMe
Sat, Jul 9, 2011 : 11:17 p.m.
It appears to be unanimous. This is a stupid post - irrelevant, inane, and grossly unfair. Can't you just apologize for your idiocy? Only a fool won't say he's sorry when he has acted stupid.
Rachel
Sat, Jul 9, 2011 : 5:36 p.m.
I do not care about former governor Granholm tweeting. This has to be one of the worst annarbor.com articles I have ever seen. It is completely tactless to those who lost loved ones in this tragedy, and it is beyond stupid. Is this the downfall of the press or what? Do some real reporting next time.
bedrog
Sat, Jul 9, 2011 : 2:40 p.m.
This whole issue and its prominence in your site reeks of the current British tabloid scandal ( Rupert Murdoch style) in which a "news" organization grossly invaded the privacy of thousands of private citizens private communications. Who cares what granholm ( who---newsflash!!-- is no longer a public official) says or does not say about a news event about which she evidently was unaware at the time of her "heinous" tweet .
Mike D.
Sat, Jul 9, 2011 : 11 a.m.
This "column" belies a profound lack of judgment, training, and moral compass. If this guy is a news director, we truly are headed toward Idiocracy.
NoSUVforMe
Sat, Jul 9, 2011 : 8:58 a.m.
I'm sure your boss is tweeting his boss about "the last straw."
Leonel
Sat, Jul 9, 2011 : 5:12 a.m.
I thought about tweeting a link to this article and decided against it. Didn't want to stoop to the level of someone deciding to use a tragedy to experiment with a commentary on social media.
Joni Golden
Sat, Jul 9, 2011 : 3:15 a.m.
Latching on to a horrific tragedy to take a political pot shot at someone you just don't like is one of the most sickening things I've ever seen a journalist do.
John B.
Sat, Jul 9, 2011 : 6:34 p.m.
Thanks again, Nathan's Mom! (with props. to CBG)
NickEaster
Sat, Jul 9, 2011 : 4:09 a.m.
Talk about taking a pot shot. You're blasting a kid, for writing one article that you disagree with. It's not like this journalist has written 20 articles in the past year blasting the former gov. You have to admit, even if this article had poor timing, which I admit the timing wasn't the greatest, that crucifying someone for one article seems just as out of place as the article itself.
NickEaster
Sat, Jul 9, 2011 : 2:16 a.m.
I think this is a great article. As a teacher, I would be extremely angry if my former principal who retired two years ago would be tweeting nonsense crap on her twitter account hours after 7 students in my school were shot to death. Nathan, don't worry about the heavy left wingers of Ann Arbor who would step in front of a bus for their democrat politicians even if it was a 2011 Chevy Volt driven by a former gov. You are a great journalist, Ann Arbor is lucky to have you.
Charlie Brown's Ghost
Sat, Jul 9, 2011 : 2:54 p.m.
Thanks, Nathan's mom.
Craig Lounsbury
Sat, Jul 9, 2011 : 11:07 a.m.
NickEaster, I understand from your profile that you just signed up here the other day. I will give you the benefit of the doubt that you have not regularly observed the commentary section. But the mix of folks in here in near unanimous agreement come from both political extremes and everything in between. What concerns me is that you, as a teacher (allegedly) would make assumptions like that void of real information.
Leonel
Sat, Jul 9, 2011 : 5:02 a.m.
You know, I might, just might, agree with this comment if the former governor would've been residing in the Grand Rapids area. Is it me, or is the comparison like comparing apples to oranges grown in different countries? Also, is there a subtle, but hasty generalization about heavy left wingers? Perhaps some of the critics commenting are middle of the road or *yikes* conservative?
Joni Golden
Sat, Jul 9, 2011 : 3:16 a.m.
And what if that former principal was unaware of the tragedy, as was the case here? Would you have any compassion for him at all?
Camp Comments
Sat, Jul 9, 2011 : 12:58 a.m.
Nathan - weren't you promoted into Paula Gardner's former position? I would think you would want to maintain (or establish) some credibility as a serious journalist in your new role. How can any business person in this town - your future sources - take you seriously when this type of story is your priority in the face of a breaking tragedy? Viewers here may understand that the site's low staffing level will sometimes require that staff reporters cover breaking stories outside their stated assignments - but when that happens it should be about hard news. Even Ms. Alfs seems to have moved on from "mystery safes" to local business events. Why are you writing about a retired politician's tweets? Paula Gardner - are you listening - keep your young staff focused. The spring layoffs were reported to reflect a reshaping of the staff to reflect what viewers say they want - hard news. Surely this can't be what you had in mind for your business reporters.
NoSUVforMe
Sat, Jul 9, 2011 : 12:20 a.m.
Really? She's not addicted to Nancy Grace? Shameful.
MyOpinion
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 8:11 p.m.
Nate, Here are some suggestions for a follow-up story: If you are aware of the Texas Ranger's fan that fell to his death last night, you might want to pick on all the Detroit Tiger's Twitter users who blithely tweeted without mentioning this event. Or, follow up with @DhaniJones. He sure was off topic in his twitterview, never once commenting on the Grand Rapids tragedy or the Texas Ranger fan. What was he thinking?
Alan Goldsmith
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 7:36 p.m.
"But right now, it just feels so inappropriate as families grieve and the community copes with this astonishing tragedy." But perfectly appropriate while the body were still on the ground to take a cheap, political shot at someone who lives in California and teaches there who apparently was not up to the minute on a breaking Michigan story three thousand miles away. This reporter should resign or, if not, be fired. Pathetic.
Alan Goldsmith
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 7:27 p.m.
You're kidding? THIS is journalism? Wow. Did you learn reporting as an intern at The Onion or Saturday Night Live? Lol.
Jeremy Peters
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 5:50 p.m.
Nathan, you do understand that she's not the Governor of Michigan any more, right? Can you get off your conservative bully-pulpit about the former Governor and perhaps turn a focus on Ann Arbor's own Rick Snyder and how he's Ricking over the schools and seniors in the state? Oh, and how he's making it harder to for small business owners to find middle class workers as he keeps intending to raise taxes on them to hand out breaks to mega-corporations instead of the upstart entrepreneurs driving the new economy?
Ben
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 5:09 p.m.
This is ridiculous. Holders of public office - even after they've left office - are expected to comment on breaking news? I propose that they are human beings with their own lives to live and comment on, like any other individual. Where do you draw the line? I mean, where was John Engler during all this? Jim Blanchard? Should we check up on former legislators as well?
BenWoodruff
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 4:20 p.m.
Call it a crystal clear example of writing without thinking...
FloydThursby
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 3:29 p.m.
This is journalistic incompetence of the highest order. Nathan, grow up. Take your job seriously while you still have it. I will be calling circulation to cancel my print subscription. No sense paying good money for this kind of drivel.
Tom Teague
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 3:27 p.m.
Okay, I slept on it, had a good breakfast, and took a break from work to re-read the column and the many comments. I now think that the updates and explanations make this even worse. What's more, I find myself in complete agreement on this with commenters with whom I typically disagree on other issues which leads me to think that this column fails to meet basic standards of fairness, timing and good taste that transcend politics. In the future, please take a lesson from the annarbor.com rulebook and avoid using recent tragedy to make obscure points about politics or popular culture.
1bit
Sat, Jul 9, 2011 : 5:35 p.m.
Agree completely - I've never seen over 180 posts of commenters in unanimity. Cheers to the living and the apparitions on this site!
Craig Lounsbury
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 5:19 p.m.
I'll drink to that......then I'll sing kumbayah
Charlie Brown's Ghost
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 4:57 p.m.
I'd prefer a hearty round of something fermented or distilled.
Craig Lounsbury
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 4:52 p.m.
Indeed CBG, this rare near unanimous agreement calls for a hearty round of kumbayah a one, a two, a one two three.....
Charlie Brown's Ghost
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 3:52 p.m.
I agree on the agreeing. Never have so many of us "usual suspects" (no, ERMG, I'm not bothered by that moniker) met on common ground in our reaction to an article on this blog. It says a lot. Good Night and Good Grief
Craig Lounsbury
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 3:40 p.m.
well said
RxDx
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 2:18 p.m.
Take two totally unrelated things, add a dash of indignation, fold them together, half bake the ideas, and voila you have a newsworthy condemnation of somebody who is a little left of center. Dude, you're ready for some fair and balanced reporting.
Craig Lounsbury
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 1:27 p.m.
I'm not much of a tweeter guy but I just signed up to follow Nathan I'm wondering where his tweets are on the miserable jobs report and the future's plummeting as the market is about to open.
willywonka
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 1:18 p.m.
As long as we're going to get our knickers in a knot, what did John Engler have to say? Jim Blanchard? Bill Milliken? All alive and engaged in the greater world, last we knew. Or is our "reporting" only limited to what can viewed on a computer screen?
Craig Lounsbury
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 12:57 p.m.
When I was a snot nosed kid my dad occasionally had to asked me the rhetorical question "what were you thinking?" Of course the rhetorical answer .... "I wasn't" As a father I occasionally asked the same rhetorical question to each of my daughters, with the same rhetorical answer.
jcj
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 12:49 p.m.
I pledge here and now to never click on an advertiser on this site. Just copy and paste for your next post. Any others willing to make the pledge? Lets start an online petition to shut down Nathan!
Leonel
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 12:43 p.m.
Let me first preface my comment on I am no Michigan resident and I heard of this from a good friend on Facebook. Reading the headline and then the article, followed by the comments, my thoughts in order were: 1. Oh my god about the gruesome muders. 2. Who the hell is Jennifer Granholm? 3. WT*, Mr. Borney? Respectfully, Mr. Bomey, look at the mirror before making this mistake again. And "informing" after writing your article what the current political leaders are doing/not doing doesn't make you look any better. Try again next time.
Charlie Brown's Ghost
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 12:42 p.m.
Just stopped by to see if AnnArbor.com can respect itself in the morning. Apparently not - this article is still here. Good Night and Good Grief
Chaz H
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 12:33 p.m.
Ridiculous. There were thousands of non-murder related items posted by Michiganders to the Facebook and Twitter (and probably one or two on the MySpace), during the time of the standoff. What a silly topic on which to write an article.
Brad
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : noon
What a bizarre piece. You've got to be kidding. Ed V - we miss you and the other competent ex-AA.com staffers. Now we're left with only the junior varsity for our news.
Steve Krause
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 11:58 a.m.
I wonder if this is a *News of the World* moment for annarbor.com....
A2comments
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 11:18 a.m.
This is responsible journalism? LOL
Craig Lounsbury
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 11:01 a.m.
I'd like to thank Nathan this morning for providing the fodder for the most entertaining comment section I've ever read here at A2.com. The only thing that seems to be missing is the part where one of his peeps comes in to explain how we misinterpreted the whole thing.
Linda Peck
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 4:37 p.m.
Love it, so tongue in cheek, thanks for the laugh!!!
Macabre Sunset
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 7 a.m.
It's nice that our former governor is paid shill for Chevy, but what does that have to do with the shooting in Grand Rapids? I don't see the point here.
P.Calado
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 6:53 a.m.
This article is right out of the right wing play book. Nathan next time try not to make it look so obvious.
jcj
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 1 p.m.
Your post is almost as ridiculous as Nathan's! What good does a post like this do ANYONE?
treetowncartel
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 5:12 a.m.
This is the last Nathan Bomey areticle I will read unless he apologizes
sbc1944
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 5:09 a.m.
I cannot believe that this was actually approved for publication. I understand the point that is being made by Nathan, but let's have a little class and focus more on the Grand Rapids community, who has been devastated, rather than making political mockery of their situation. Add insult to injury, by AnnArbor.com approving this for publication, it is blatantly dishonest by simply jumping the gun. This article may have been accepted later on, rather than hours after having happened, but also including Republican hiccups on similar blips.
jcj
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 4:56 a.m.
Nathan You are !!! I say it. To complain at a time like this that the Governor had not adressed this situation a few hours after it happened is ludicrous at best!
Kozmund
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 4:24 a.m.
Granholm must use annarbor.com for her news, which is why she had no idea at all that anything had happened.
Marc Williams
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 4:14 a.m.
Having watched (and recorded with screenshots) the conversation this evening in response to Mr. Bomey's article and seeing which comments have been removed, it must be asked how AnnArbor.com can recover its credibility when the very article is a violation of of the conversation guidelines because it "involves using... death to make a political point." By the way Mr. Bomey, I am imagining if this had been my community. My community, our community, deserves better than your style of "journalism."
Stephen Landes
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 4:11 a.m.
I had to go all the way to the Wall Street Journal to get a real article on this incident. See it at: <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303365804576432503995181660.html?mod=WSJ_hp_MIDDLENexttoWhatsNewsSecond" rel='nofollow'>http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303365804576432503995181660.html?mod=WSJ_hp_MIDDLENexttoWhatsNewsSecond</a> There is apparently nothing else about the Grand Rapids murders on A2.com except Mr. Bomey's opinion piece. Maybe that is the real tragedy of A2 journalism -- no real reporting on the incident. Had there been a real article with Mr. Bomey's piece as a sidebar the contrast between our local source and a global source would not have been so stark.
treetowncartel
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 5:08 a.m.
Maybe? You better roll away the dew! <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uL8bRRZL-s8" rel='nofollow'>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uL8bRRZL-s8</a>
Charlie Brown's Ghost
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 4:22 a.m.
Citizens, you may resume Tweeting now.
Stephen Landes
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 4:13 a.m.
UPDATE: The suspect is dead by his own hand. <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303365804576432503995181660.html?mod=WSJ_hp_MIDDLENexttoWhatsNewsSecond" rel='nofollow'>http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303365804576432503995181660.html?mod=WSJ_hp_MIDDLENexttoWhatsNewsSecond</a>
bunnyabbot
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 4:11 a.m.
why do we expect the Governer to make a statement (and one via twitter?) when what is going on isn't even over yet? How about he wait and make an official statement tomorrow? Why would we accept a twitter postings as a legit government statement? and really, granholm is a private citizen now isn't she, can't she tweet about something without first checking the news to see if there is anything going on in the world that may make her tweet sound inappropriate to some a2.com writer sitting listening to a police scanner all night. ANOTHER stupid column. I have a wonderful idea, write a column, wait a week and reread it, if it still sounds stupid don't publish it.
Peter
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 4:03 a.m.
Yellow journalism is clearly alive and well.
Maxwell
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 4:03 a.m.
Seriously - you owe the victims and their families an apology for trying turn this horrific event into some weird politico Greek tragedy.
Mr. Ed
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 4:02 a.m.
How about we keep politics out of this tragedy. Do we really care what the current Governor or former Governor has to say about this horrible crime. May the victim's fine peace, go with God.
treetowncartel
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 4 a.m.
I think Mr Bomey's article makes all deleted post on topic and not worthy of deletion.Remember, that Weiner from NJ guy tried to get rid of his posts concerning twitter and it was seen as a paroblem. Gain some credibility A2.fail and allow the posts about this horrible particle to stand. Otherwise, just reinfoece the notion that you are pandering to somebody other than the people who score your web hits for advertisers. Call Tony and see if he supports the removal of this post. Good morning vieeeeetnam! I'm just dying to click on that best greens in washtenaw county link from your paid sponsor.
Audion Man
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 3:59 a.m.
This needs to be handled the way Murdoch handled The News of the World.
Charlie Brown's Ghost
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 3:58 a.m.
Unfortunately, what we have all unwittingly done is entered "yes" votes for more articles like this one, as well as boosting Nathan's next performance review. His job - like everyone at AnnArbor.com - is to maximize the display of advertisements to users of the Web site. What Nathan just discovered is one extremely effective way to do that, and that means we will get more of it. Good Night and Good Grief
Charlie Brown's Ghost
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 12:40 p.m.
You don't click on them, I don't even see them. Give AdBlock Plus add-on for Firefox a try, along with the the AdBlock Element Hiding Helper. It's makes this thing actually readable. Well, as far as layout is concerned, that is. The readability of the content can't be helped.
bunnyabbot
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 4:33 a.m.
I would agree with you except I don't click on advertisements. As a business owner I don't advertise with a2.com. Also recently an advertising rep with a2.com appologized for the horrible writing on the site. BTW, since the inception of a2.com there has been a high turnover of ad reps. Guess that says something about how well that is going for them.
treetowncartel
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 4:01 a.m.
Just don't click outside of the box and if my 12:00 am post exists at 12:00 pm tomorrow i might change my tune on that
alan
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 3:40 a.m.
You should be ashamed. Journalism was once a noble profession.
jcj
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 12:44 p.m.
I not only have NEVER clicked on an advertisement on this or almost any site. I rarely even notice them. I could not tell you the name of a single advertiser on this site without looking. Anyone that is in need of something can find what they what with the touch of the keys without wading through useless ads.
Phil Dokas
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 3:28 a.m.
Bravo on criticizing Granholm for writing inanities on the internet by writing an inanity on the internet. Nailed it!
Audion Man
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 3:20 a.m.
If Nathan Bomey has a job tomorrow, it will speak volumes about Ann Arbor.com. Sadly, he may find himself named Publisher, instead.
John B.
Mon, Jul 18, 2011 : 3:21 a.m.
Ten days later, he's still there. Big surprise - NOT.
Mr. Incredible
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 3:19 a.m.
<a href="http://www.theonion.com/articles/tireless-hardworking-reporter-has-already-won-grea,20863/?utm_source=recentnews" rel='nofollow'>http://www.theonion.com/articles/tireless-hardworking-reporter-has-already-won-grea,20863/?utm_source=recentnews</a> An article about a truly dedicated reporter. Check it out.
Cosmo
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 3:18 a.m.
Please don't make this Right Vs. Left. I'm extremely conservative. This "news article" is a waste of time and cyberspace. I actually feel ashamed for reading it. I'm like a gawker at a car wreck.
Charlie Brown's Ghost
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 3:11 a.m.
NEWS FLASH! James Blanchard insensitively Tweets about his grandson's soccer game tonight without first checking whether anything was going on in Escanaba, Michigan! Good Night and Good Grief
treetowncartel
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 3:20 a.m.
Blanchard has grandkids, man am I getting old.
Mr. Incredible
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 3:10 a.m.
Nathan, Man up and post your editor's contact info. I guess the bigger question is, do you have an editor that you deliver your articles to before you post them? Is annarbor.com an authentic news source, or just another righty blog, with no oversight? My feeling is you just write it up and post. Shed some light on how it works at annarbor.com. Who do we direct our complaints to, regarding completely unprofessional reporting?
Charlie Brown's Ghost
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 3:16 a.m.
Dude, it's not even about left or right. He even said, "Normally, that would be typical political fare. Nothing wrong with that." He's not addressing anything about her political statements. He's just trying to say her timing is insensitive, as thought she should really have been Tweeting some gushing statement about what was going on in Grand Rapids, as though Jennifer Granholm has some tie or obligation to Grand Rapids. My point is this isn't political, it's just insane. Good Night and Good Grief
treetowncartel
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 3:08 a.m.
I will not click on another advertisers link on this website until an offical policy to the Granholm is issued and Mr. Bomey's resignation is accepted.
treetowncartel
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 3:03 a.m.
Where is Ed Vielmetti when you need him?
treetowncartel
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 3:08 a.m.
Hey, I'm holding the football, we are a team.
Charlie Brown's Ghost
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 3:05 a.m.
#1 post tonight. Even better than mine.
Kyle Mulka
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 3 a.m.
New headline: "Grand Rapids murders terrorize, but Nathan Bomey reporting instead about former governor's tweets"
Kyle Mulka
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 2:57 a.m.
Wow... give her a break! Does a person really have to look at what's happening in the news before they tweet anything? Even if she did know what was going on, the story is still unfolding.
David Briegel
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 2:55 a.m.
Nathan, Thank you ever so much for your "Fair and Balanced" "Update" at 10:35. I'm certain that we will all sleep better now.
Not from around here
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 4:15 p.m.
David, you should beware of calling people biased or drunks. Really insulting.
David Briegel
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 1:53 p.m.
I think he may have had too much scotch!
treetowncartel
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 3:48 a.m.
I doubt Nathan wil sleep better tonight, he is probably going to pull an all nighter studying twitter ethics for his rebuttal. I wll take the time to point out that being social is nothing new to digital media, being social has been going on for eons. Social media ethics is a misnomer,. If you are not listening to me one on one in a conversation face to face it is no different than if you are listening to me on the phone, in e-mail, or when I message you by smoke signal. Ms. Granholm, as she should be referred to now, was not haing a conversation, or tweet encounter, with anybody abouth the GR situation. It should be taken into account that while Mr. Bomey may think GR is the center of the universe, he probably can't find a single supporter for that position in California. I rarely rwrite more than a 2 sentence post on A2.fail, but this post is a tragedy in so many ways that I almost want to offer my services, for pay, to produce a far superior product than us trolls are being delivered today. Mr. Bomey, have a scotch tonight and think about what you did, in fact, make it a doubleB
Marc Williams
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 2:55 a.m.
This story is the last straw. AnnArbor.com has no value as a news source.
mohomed
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 2:52 a.m.
Kill 7 people, who cares. Talk bad about the only liberal governor to have a state lose population the last 10 years and your the worst scum on the face the world. Ann Arbor, Pure Michigan.
David Briegel
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 2:58 a.m.
No one has used the word "scum" before you. There could be a dozen rebounding and appropraite replies but THEY would be deleted by the blind censors! Enjoy your evening kind and thoughtful sir.
Jay
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 2:52 a.m.
Nathan, WHO CARES? Seriously? You're taking a tragedy and using it as a means to bash an EX Governor? Seriously? Real professional....
Mr. Incredible
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 2:50 a.m.
Nathan, Can you post your work experience? Perhaps a bio to give your loyal readers some context? Who are you? Where did you come from? Who hired you? WHY? WHY? WHY? Is this some kind of fanatical right wing rite of passage? Scribble an article that slams a former governor, even though they have nothing to do with a horrible tragedy affecting our state? Seriously, this is like something from the Onion, except you are not trying to be funny or satirical. Can you be funny or satirical? Murdoch does seem to have a spot open. Rove would be proud. Blood sport. Nicely done, Hannity. Actually, you look a lot like Alan Colmes. Wait a second, when was Colmes fired?
eom
Sat, Jul 9, 2011 : 6:11 p.m.
It's not important to have the resume of every READER of the site, but it would mean something to have an idea about who is actually writing for the site. Mr. Incredible is right on the money...we see a face next to his name and title, but we know nothing about his experiences. The piece of writing we are discussing isn't exactly going to "woo" me into thinking he's a great journalist. Where are the real stories? As much as "tweeting" is becoming popular, I assure you, anyone over 30, doesn't really give a rip and they would rather HOLD a paper and read something worth reading.
Not from around here
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 4:13 p.m.
Maybe you could start with posting yours?
imsteved
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 2:46 a.m.
Seriously?!? Shame on your blog, Nate, for attempting to apply a political slant to a truly horrific event. And how does this apply to your beat as the 'business' director? Or is it that you're the only staff on duty tonight? Shame!
Susie Q
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 2:45 a.m.
Please don't make me cancel my subscription. I am vacationing at my cottage up north and have been following the devastating news out of Grand Rapids since about 5:30, albeit w/o a lot of updates. I cannot believe this fool wants to worry about what ex-governor Granholm is tweeting about. Find a real journalist, not just the cheapest hire around.
eom
Sat, Jul 9, 2011 : 6:08 p.m.
Cancel. It's not worth actually paying money for a "paper" two days a week.
Cosmo
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 2:41 a.m.
She left the state when her term was up (for a job). To me, that speaks volumes. It's really unbelievable. Now she tweets that she bought a Chevy to show she supports Michigan. Very lame. That's the real story. BTW, when did reading tweets become journalism?
sh1
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 11:07 a.m.
Engler also left the state for a job when his term was up.
Charlie Brown's Ghost
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 2:39 a.m.
I'm no Granholm fan, but this is the most ridiculous, bogus, frivolous, sensational, mindless thing ever published on this rag-blog, and that's saying something. It's a complete waste of space, which is hard to do, considering it would occupy only about ten square nanometers on my flash drive. Granholm is a private citizen who now has a job in California and is probably not even in Michigan, and you think she should stop using Twitter because there's a crime spree in Grand Rapids, a town with which she has no connection? Are you completely out of your mind? And everybody stop asking, "Where's Rick?" Why should we look to a Governor to step into it? It has nothing to do with his job. Let's just leave the grieving people alone. Anyhow, you know it will be the same, cookie-cutter statement as it always is from any politician in any such situation: "I am saddened by this horrible event. The families of the victims are in our thoughts and prayers. We hope those who committed these terrible crimes will be swiftly brought to justice." So just consider it said. Good Night and Good Grief
treetowncartel
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 3:23 a.m.
No ploitician needs to respond to this story. It would be nice to hear from the Grand Rapids chief of Police, and if the Mayor of GR wants to chime in so be it. BTW, Chevy has to be loving the free hits on google. If we are looking for a business angle, that might be it.
Nathan Bomey
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 2:38 a.m.
In recognition of your comments, I've added a line to the end of the column to reflect Gov. Rick Snyder's total silence on the issue tonight: >>UPDATE 10:35 p.m. On the flip side, of course, saying nothing is equally unsettling. Gov. Rick Snyder, who succeeded Granholm in January, was totally silent on Twitter and Facebook as of 10:35. He has not released a statement about the murders, either.
Alan Goldsmith
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 7:40 p.m.
Pathetic.
Alan Goldsmith
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 7:39 p.m.
Pathetic. Not surprising from a Washington Times trained intern.
jcj
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 12:38 p.m.
Quote Nathan "I'll just add that this is not about politics. It's about social media." I don't think you or any of us know what this was about when it comes to your rant! The fact that posters on ALL sides of the political spectrum think you have gone off the edge says volumes about this slop. And to do it on the apron strings of a tragedy is disgusting.
Tom Smith
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 4:34 a.m.
... Some people know when to stop digging.
bunnyabbot
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 4:26 a.m.
nathan, you're not getting it, your writing is worse than putting your foot in your mouth. It's time to stop typing everything that comes into your head. (which is exactly what rushing to tweet something would be, btw). The tragedy is not over, Snyder doesn't owe it to anyone to issue a statement as of 10:35pm. Step away from the twitter maybe you will be less upset.
Stephen Landes
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 4:02 a.m.
I know the chattering class is just thrilled with things like Twitter, but all the "instant reaction" does little to improve our society, console victims, or catch perpetrators. Now, if someone tweets the location of the gunman and that achieves a prompt arrest I am all for it. Otherwise I prefer to have my government officials be a little more circumspect about their public comments.
Craig Lounsbury
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 3:28 a.m.
"Really not quite getting it are you??" Jay, that just might be the single post I have ever read.
Jay
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 2:56 a.m.
Really not quite getting it are you??
Charlie Brown's Ghost
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 2:47 a.m.
Are you serious? You just compounded your mistake. Cut your losses, delete this story and apologize for this ridiculous mess before your reputation, and what's left of AnnArbor.com's is completely gone. Good Night and Good Grief
Marc Williams
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 2:33 a.m.
The only way this could be called a legitimate news story is if it was preceded by the word "Fox." Mr. Bomey and AnnArbor.com should apologize immediately for their poor judgement and lack of taste.
treetowncartel
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 2:32 a.m.
Rick Snyder's unoffical campaign cite never ceases to amaze me. What di John Engler tweeet today? Mike Cox? Please, lets get the low down on all of them.
treetowncartel
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 5:12 p.m.
I've been voting Libertarian for years, what is your point?
Not from around here
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 4:12 p.m.
Do I have to repeate the I'm sorry's again for you-or would a big hug do it?
Audion Man
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 2:32 a.m.
It would appear that Ann Arbor.com, in a bid to achieve some sort of relevance, is going to fashion itself like so many radio stations... a dispensary of ranting right-wing provocation. I went shopping, and then out to dinner tonight. I guess that too is insensitive. I had no idea that we have to gnash our teeth and emote, in accordance with the "news cycle". Although now your ceaseless one-dimensional cheerleading for the business community now make a lot more sense.
Not from around here
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 4:11 p.m.
Once again, for the rest of us. I'm sorry your former gov was an adject falure. I'm sorry your Gov Canadate was laughably incompetent. I'm sorry Rick personally offended you by wining. I'm sorry that A2 is reporting news instead of following the Lib party line. Do you feel better?
antikvetch
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 2:30 a.m.
Mr. Bomey, what fundamentally struck me as inexcusable was that rather than providing news about the developing story, you chose to write what seemed like another generational self-absorbed story on social media. This might be an interesting angle in a week or so, but for those of us who simply wanted to find out about the developing Grand Rapids story, your column seemed so shallow. Perhaps it would be better to admit a temporary lapse of judgment and just move on -
Tom Teague
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 2:28 a.m.
Actually, Nathan, that's a very unconvincing explanation. You chose to make an issue of a former governor's tweets before the hostage situation is resolved. Were you actually unaware that your article would be seen as an ill-timed political piece?
KarenH
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 2:27 a.m.
Are you KIDDING?! I can excuse someone not being aware of the news of the hour and tweeting about another issue that affects us, but THIS HEADLINE, YOUR HEADLINE, is TRIVIALIZING this tragedy a THOUSAND times more than a tweet from an ex-governor!! SHAME on you for this. This is a disgrace.
YouWhine
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 2:23 a.m.
Also, grownups don't put that much importance in Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, etc.
Not from around here
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 4:09 p.m.
Actually, if you want to be sucessful in business today you better know Twitter, Facebook and especially linked in.
treetowncartel
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 3:55 p.m.
@ Craig Lounsbury, here is the piece you were missing, another staff member trying to right the ship
alan
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 3:34 p.m.
@kyle Beer pong and jello shots are popular too. What credibility does this lend to the endeavor? There seems to be a lapse in critical thinking skills among young people and it appears to have now permeated our media. A course in logic might be appropriate for future journalists.
bunnyabbot
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 2:57 p.m.
fastest growing, that doesn't mean by numbers that means by percentage. Starting from zero. That also doesn't say how they are using twitter. I doubt there is a larger percentage of 44 year olds following the Kardashians and Snooki than 22 year olds.
Kyle Feldscher
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 1:55 p.m.
Interestingly enough, this article from last month reports that some of the fastest growing demographics among Twitter users are 18-34 year olds and 35-44 year olds. <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/13-of-adults-use-twitter-is-your-business-reaching-them-2011-6" rel='nofollow'>http://www.businessinsider.com/13-of-adults-use-twitter-is-your-business-reaching-them-2011-6</a>
Tom Teague
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 2:10 a.m.
Nathan - did you attempt to contact the former governor to get her side of this? There might have been an explanation such as that she didn't know about the tragedy in Grand Rapids when she tweeted or that some technical issue delayed the postings. Including a comment from her might have elevated this to a level that could be called news and including that balance could have even elevated this to the level of informed commentary. Otherwise, it's a strained attempt to make a political statement on the heels of a horrible tragedy and would violate annarbor.com's commenting policy if someone had posted it in this forum.
Nathan Bomey
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 2:08 a.m.
Thanks again for all the feedback, everyone. Even the critical comments. I'll just add that this is not about politics. It's about social media. The power of social media to instantly broadcast messages to massive groups of people carries with it an entirely new set of rules for major public figures. They have to be particularly careful about what they say, so as to avoid offending or causing controversy. Don't underestimate the power of social media to influence. For many young people, in particular, it's the primary means of communication. Earlier this week, President Obama held a town hall event through Twitter — because it's a great vehicle for delivering messages straight to the people. Did Granholm commit the unpardonable sin here? Of course not. But these tweets seem to show that she's not interested in reading tweets — only sending them out. In the emerging social media ethic, that invites criticism.
Leonel
Sat, Jul 9, 2011 : 5:16 p.m.
"But these tweets seem to show that she's not interested in reading tweets — only sending them out. In the emerging social media ethic, that invites criticism." I would argue the same regarding this whole tragedy. Just substitute "tweets" with "news articles." The biggest problem I have is with the observation that there appears to have been little news on thee murders. Write about the murders, encourage a community to take action and create change, and then you might redeem yourself. People here have commented on the lack of attention in the underlying issue itself: the lack of news on the tragedy. You know, even as an outsider this whole situation is really, really bothering me. I'm not even sure why I'm giving this author any energy anymore, it doesn't seem to be worth it.
MyOpinion
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 5:42 p.m.
Nathan, I'm not certain you have a grasp of Twitter. I have a Twitter feed but I am not going to get Grand Rapids, MI news unless the folks I follow tweet it. I have my "Trends" location as United States, not Detroit so again this would not be on my radar. I happen to have stumbled across the news stories when I looked at Google News, which I have set to "Michigan." And, I don't follow Google News every hour on the hour. I have a job to do. Otherwise, I am someone who is quite engaged with Twitter, but I follow a specialized topic and the Grand Rapids tragedy did not hit the radar.
Not from around here
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 4:08 p.m.
Nathen, don't listen to them. You do a great job. There just mad you wouldn't drink the same Kool Aid A2 been trying to feed us since the 60's.
jcj
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 12:32 p.m.
If its about social media you picked the WRONG story to feed on! It has NO place on what should be a NEWS page!
treetowncartel
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 5:03 a.m.
I love this qoute "They have to be particularly careful about what they say, so as to avoid offending or causing controversy"
treetowncartel
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 2:37 a.m.
Speak for yourself, social media ethic, too funny. If you had any ethics you would have covered more ex michigan politiciaans. What is Dick Devos doing, or Posthmeus, how about Carl Levin. WL(hand at the forehead)
KarenH
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 2:29 a.m.
The headline makes it about the governor, and an insult to a great person, and an insult to the families of the people who DIED today. It's ridiculous to pretend that this is really just a comment on social media. And if it is, then shame on you for taking THIS SUBJECT to use for your little experiment.
mohomed
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 2:18 a.m.
You know this going to go through one liberal ear and out the other don't you. If I were you I wouldn't waste your wisdom on them. They're to entrenched in their own comfortable Ivory tower paradigm.
Mr. Incredible
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 2:17 a.m.
Even the critical comments? You seem to have one supporter....Darth Vader. This is not about politics? Is it about Business News? How does this tie in to business. Twitter has a public offering coming up? AnnArbor.com does not represent Ann Arbor. You certainly do not represent Ann Arbor because you are so biased. Why don't you listen to NPR for three days straight and tell us all how many critical statements you hear from journalists, and I mean "journalists," regarding the right. There is no hate mongering. It doesn't equate in any way to Fox. Seriously, check it out and report back, Business News Director.
tom swift jr.
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 2:07 a.m.
Really, aa.com published this.. what a senseless response...
John B.
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 2:04 a.m.
Apparently, the deadline for aa.com to show a profit or go out of business is fast approaching, so anything that generates page hits goes (along with the near-porno. advertising). I am not surprised by a load of shilling like this from Nathan, but to get Juliana to post the nonsense that she has lately, it has to be getting pretty desperate. I am sad for you young employees that are selling out like this. Some day, you will look back on this period of time, and regret your actions, mark my words.
Ben
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 1:50 a.m.
I can usually bite my tongue when it comes to your offal, but this wouldn't be suitable as toilet paper for the News of the World. Your own Twitter feed makes no mention of this "astonishing tragedy" until mere minutes before you posted this article. I'm sure the victims, their families, and the city of Grand Rapids feel safe knowing that you're listening to the sheriff on the scanner, maybe you can blow them kisses too. While it would be kinder to lead this article out into the field to put it down, perhaps it would be better to paint it on the side of the office wall as a warning to those that think editors aren't necessary.
Mr. Incredible
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 1:46 a.m.
Business news director? Stick to your discipline. Hack. It's okay, you are among so many friends who see nothing wrong with this. And that's who you listen to. Ditto head.
Not from around here
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 4:07 p.m.
Nasty Nasty, I'm sorry it's not still 1968 buddy!
Craig Lounsbury
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 1:44 a.m.
I'm stunned that A2.com has reached this new low.
bunnyabbot
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 4:16 a.m.
this new low? ha!
Marshall Applewhite
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 2:50 a.m.
Indeed. There are three articles currently on the front page that are absolute head scratchers.
Mr. Incredible
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 1:42 a.m.
Oh, Nathan. Sensational journalism. And I mean, sensational. Hack. Have some respect for the dead.
godsbreath64
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 6:12 a.m.
Nathen needs to respect Nathen first, at least successfully. This article screams intervention. Most have for quite awhile, now. Get some help and then see if your analysis deserves AP running this stunning article as from "Ann Arbor News". Think how many have bit the bullet to forge Ann Arbor News' rich journalistic heritage, only to be stained by taxation without representation parroting.
David Briegel
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 1:36 a.m.
Do you even know where the governerd might be vacationing??
Not from around here
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 5:04 p.m.
I believe he's working today-You must be thinking of our Vacationer in Chief Obama?
David Briegel
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 1:35 a.m.
Nathan, YOU should apologize. NOW! Shame On You! AnnArbor.com should remove this nonsense. NOW! Shame On You! Since this is really SlickRick.com, what does the Slickster have to say about these current events in HIS state? Anything?? MEOW!!
Not from around here
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 4:06 p.m.
No DB, you should be ashamed! and you should remove all of your nasty name calling from the comments section-sorry, Dem's lost! Maybe next time they wouldn't but all of the petty name calling and whining makes me want to vote republican just to hear it some more.
Tom Joad
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 1:29 a.m.
She's former gov..better change her twitter name...
Roadman
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 1:27 a.m.
I see nothing wrong with the tweeting. I remember on September 11th, 2001, after the World Trade Center attacks, a blog covering automotive issues had a decrease in posts that day, to be sure, but many continued to post about mundane car maintenace matters. Some expressed concern for auto afficianados in NYC. The world continues to go on, despite the tragedy in Grand Rapids.
NickEaster
Sat, Jul 9, 2011 : 2:21 a.m.
@Roadman, yeah your right about the Sept. 11th posts, but something tells me those posts weren't coming from Obama tweeting about his newly found love for basketball. Regular people posting crap is one thing, but politicians who claim to care about the people they represent or used to represent need to be more careful everyone else.
Peter
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 1:26 a.m.
You're such a wonderful little shill. I'm sure your college republican buddies are proud of you!
John B.
Tue, Jul 12, 2011 : 10:54 p.m.
53-to-one, so far...
Not from around here
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 4:04 p.m.
Boy its amazing. All the Ann Arbor Dem's are still smarting! I am just amazed at all the nastiness. Maybe next time we should just let the people of A2 decide on all of our elected officals, Hmm?
Mr. Incredible
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 1:37 a.m.
Slow FoxNews night here on FoxMLive.com. Stir up the constituents against a FORMER governor. Business as usual. Good luck at the midterms.
spm
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 1:23 a.m.
I gotta say...so what. Does she live in Grand Rapids? Does she live in Michigan anymore? She's a private citizen now and the murders are Synder's problems nowadays. I didn't even see the murders posted on AnnArbor.com and knew nothing about it until I read your article, so unless she lives in Grand Rapids why is her tweeting a big deal? I'm sure she didn't know about the murders anymore than I did.
Cathleen Carrigan
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 1:22 a.m.
Dude, this is happening in my community, and you are being petty. Seriously Nathan, I love your work, but this is just stupid. BTW, where is Rick Snyder's statement? He's the governor now. Where is his response? How about a story on that? As a resident of Grand Rapids, I expect a statement from him. It's almost 9:30 and nothing yet...
Daveguy
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 1:21 a.m.
If I offer feedback, it'd be a request to post the real news story with real information prior to what appears to be a diatribe against a former government official. Keep in mind, at the time of my comment, this was the first and only story related to these events. (and may still be)
Nathan Bomey
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 1:16 a.m.
I would encourage you to consider joining me in listening to the Kent County sheriff scanner feed online: <a href="http://www.scanmichigan.com/scanner/" rel='nofollow'>http://www.scanmichigan.com/scanner/</a> Following the Grand Rapids Press' coverage on MLive.com: <a href="http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2011/07/live_coverage_police_report_mu.html" rel='nofollow'>http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2011/07/live_coverage_police_report_mu.html</a> And watching the live video feed from WZZM-TV in Grand Rapids: <a href="http://www.freep.com/article/20110707/NEWS06/110707048/With-live-video-7-dead-Grand-Rapids-shootings-police-say?odyssey=tab" rel='nofollow'>http://www.freep.com/article/20110707/NEWS06/110707048/With-live-video-7-dead-Grand-Rapids-shootings-police-say?odyssey=tab</a>|topnews|text|FRONTPAGE
Camp Comments
Sat, Jul 9, 2011 : 12:40 a.m.
But if we do our own reporting, why do we need you or this site?
jcj
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 12:26 p.m.
Too late for real news!
treetowncartel
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 2:39 a.m.
I thought this was about social media, not the actual facts of the matter?
Nathan Bomey
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 1:14 a.m.
@Daveguy, Thanks for the feedback. However, I'd submit to you the very opposite: I am vastly more interested in the swift and peaceful resolution of this situation than I am in a major political figure's tweets. But when those tweets — which should always be taken seriously when coming from an influential official — are extremely distracting during a moment of distress for our state, that's notable.
Cash
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 10:33 a.m.
One more ridiculous article. One more reason to leave this site. What a shame we cannot get a real news venue in Washtenaw County. This is a disgrace.
jcj
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 4:54 a.m.
Gotta agree with Charlie on this one Nathan. Your childish remarks about being distracted by tweets has a simple solution. I have never and will never receive or send a tweet. A real journalist would not spend their time being distracted by them. You might as well go to work for a tabloid! Geez!
alan
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 3:55 a.m.
"But when those tweets — which should always be taken seriously when coming from an influential official — are extremely distracting during a moment of distress for our state, that's notable". You are joking, right?
Charlie Brown's Ghost
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 3:21 a.m.
Here's some advice: get away from the silly world of Twittering. You'll be much less distracted.
YouWhine
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 2:13 a.m.
If you are "distracted" by tweets from a former governor, you have serious issues. Maybe you should have a bigger issue with the fact that the 'media outlet' you work for hasn't bothered covering this very serious story yet. This is beyond petty. If you need me to explain the many reasons why, you clearly would not understand anyhow.
JAC
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 1:13 a.m.
Shouldn't the writers of AnnArbor.com follow the same rules as commenters? --> Our commenting community is a lively forum for local debate. We allow respectful, constructive comments. No attacks, please. Also, doesn't she live in California now?
Daveguy
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 1:07 a.m.
And I find out about gruesome murders by a guy more interested in what a former governor was doing on Twitter. At least there was a link to a news story.
antikvetch
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 1:06 a.m.
A petty column about petty tweets. How......... extraordinary.