I know many people are eager to post news about polls and other breaking news items as quickly as possible, but I’ve noticed something. A lot of these posts contain little more than a link to the story being referenced. No analysis is given, no excerpts are provided, no additional information is given, no corroborating data are given. Indeed, all we mostly see in such posts are big areas of white, blank space.
A lot of people need to remember that there are only so many slots in the Recent Stories column on the front page, and that diaries with a single line often push much more substantial posts off the page. Certain diarists/posters have put considerable time and effort into their posts, and it is disappointing to see their work pushed off by one link/one line diaries.
So, I am urging those who wish to post polling data or other very brief observations to at least: A. Give us excerpts from the link being cited. B. Try to find other information which will shed light on what you have posted. C. Give us some sort of analysis of the information being cited. Tell us WHY this matters. Try to explain what this information may tell us about unfolding events.
D. Give us information about where we can take action and do something with the information.
I’m trying not to chastise anyone in particular. But I would like to see greater and more substantial efforts go into diaries. Give us some meat on the bones you have provided us.
Mahalo nui loa! (Thank you very much!)