From The New York Shitty Inbox: Dear John

June 17, 2009 by
Filed under: Greenpoint Magic, Williamsburg 

A BIG red flag in New York Shitty inbox is:

  1. Any missive written after midnight
  2. Especially when written by a “professional journalist” under the influence of substances be they legal or otherwise. Or simply too angry, arrogant and/or bereft of spell check to give a shit.

John Doe wrote on June 17, 2009 at 12:48 a.m.:

Heather,

Someone told me about an angry post on your site concerning the graffiti story. I read it and although I can’t speak for the hotel story (WTF???—-  Miss H), which was mentioned, your post did make yet another mention of the graffiti story and what you called an “apology” that I sent you.

That e-mail wasn’t quite an apology, I didn’t do anything wrong, it was more of an explanation. I felt it was my responsibility to share my point of view, not to apoligive for a misdeed…

If that is true, John, please explain this, written May 9, 2009:

It was not my intention to “lift” a story from anyone. I was not aware of the story on the “NYShitty” web site, but since the story has been published in the Post, I have received e-mails brining the “NYShitty” story to my attention. They did an admirable job, I respect their work and it does appear that they had photos posted on their site before the story was brought to my attention, therefore they clearly had the story first….

So I had the story first. This is true. You invited me to “have a beer” via a second party. I was too busy to take up your offer. What’s more, I am an oenophile. Look it up. You might learn something.

You wrote on June 17, 2009:

….I responded to each e-mail I received from your readers and in doing so, I invited each person, including yourself, to contact me directly to discuss this issue. I have not received a single call.

With a response like the following (written by you on May 8, 2009) I wonder why no one responded to your offer?

Dear Sir,

I was unaware of this “New York Shitty” article. Not something I read. I did notice some referance to the grafitti on the web, that is true but and I went to Greenpoint, I photographed the grafittti and I did my job, a bit of research and I, unlike “New York Shitty” or anyone else, was able to find someone to translate it.
I did not see that translation, or information from the police, anywhere else, including “New York Shitty” threfore I would consider the information in teh Post article exclusive. It was not my decision to slap an exclusive tag on the article but I do not dispute it.

So next time New York Shitty, or any other web site that I am not aware of, lifts content of my work from the New York Post, I will be sure to write them a letter acusing them of plagerism.

Thanks for the e-mail.

You wrote on June 17, 2009:

…On Monday night, I attended the meeting of the 94th Precinct Community Council. As a police reporter, in addition to working on stories about graffiti, I visit the occasional council meeting, just about every night of the week. I was hoping I would finally meet you to discuss this issue in person but sadly, I was disappointed.

Disappointed. That’s how I feel when I leave most 94th Precinct Community Council meetings. Hence why I go to them on and off. Nonetheless I’m glad to know you partook of the Orwellian experience that is D.I.Fulton telling us everything is OK when all evidence to contrary says it is not. But would I know? I am only a blogger. Who lives here. You’re the expert.

You wrote on June 17, 2009:

Again, I am going to say, I respect the work you do but I don’t respect the finger pointing and accusations you are making at my expense. If their is something you want to discuss with me, or accuse me of something, please feel free to give me a call. I would be more than happy to discuss any concerns you have. The beers are on me!

You respect my work inasmuch as it give you leads. Stories you can profit on. For free. I am your (and many others) a pro bono tipster. I write about my neighborhood because I give a damn; you play for pay. The same can be said about other blogs the New York Post has ripped off.

If “their” is something you want to discuss with me you can do it via email. I don’t want your beer, John. I want something more costly: your respect.

I deserve it.

Thanks for the e-mail!

Miss Heather

P.S.: It is neither my intent nor desire to ruin your career in journalism, John. You’re doing damned too good job of doing so on your own.

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Comments

7 Comments on From The New York Shitty Inbox: Dear John

  1. AMOJA on Wed, 17th Jun 2009 7:14 am

    2. A BIG red flag in AMOJA’s aggregator is:
    1. Any blog posting written after midnight.

    I hate to say it, but this isn’t the prettiest piece of writing that’s come out of your hands. This is unfortunate since you have such a strong case against the Post. And I can’t help but think that you might have been better off not responding to Mr. Doe’s e-mail, especially in such a public manner. Why keep fighting someone that doesn’t seem to have a clue?

  2. Tony From Kent Street on Wed, 17th Jun 2009 7:54 am

    3. Sounds like Johnnny boy just needs an exclusive Greenpoint ass-whooping.

  3. Rebecca11222 on Wed, 17th Jun 2009 9:09 am

    4. Did you ever watch the HBO series, THE WIRE? If not, you should (now avail on DVD). Amazing writing and story-telling and acting.

    ANYWAY: One of the characters in Season 5 was a reporter who just made shit up to add flavor to his stories. When anyone questioned the accuracy of his reporting or his sources, he’d waive his notebook in the air and say how he took everything that happened down in it when it happened and that should be fact-check enough. We learn that the notebook is completely blank.

  4. rowan on Wed, 17th Jun 2009 1:51 pm

    5. Indeed. Nowhere in John’s rude missive to me was there an invitation for a beer.

  5. missheather on Wed, 17th Jun 2009 2:36 pm

    6. Point taken, AMOJA.The truth of the matter is I was LIVID when I wrote that post. I just wish this clown would leave me alone.

  6. AMOJA on Wed, 17th Jun 2009 2:51 pm

    7. Oh yes, the livid shines on through, and I think that’s why I found it so difficult to read. You’re usually so calm-minded in your presentation, even when posting about the early morning drunks on Green, that this felt awkward…and provoking.

    Something has to be done about Mr. Doe though, both in midnight missives and story stealing. I personally think the best way to teach some journalistic ethics is some broken knees. Wait, what?

  7. missheather on Wed, 17th Jun 2009 3:10 pm

    8. Now, now, AMOJA! 😉

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