Those of us believing in Karma will argue it is immediate and there is a fair example of this going on in Lakeside. Coast Lake News, because of its habit of actually reporting the news in Lakeside, including actions of the city council, has been the object of great attention by a Lakeside blog. The blog, LakesideInfo, has run a series called ‘Mad as Hell’ taking pot shots at Coast Lake News and its editor, Jessica Lloyd-Rogers. Now, after its preferred mayoral candidate, Rod Schilling, lost his position, the blog has gone even lower and is publishing what appear to be false quotes. This from a long list of “Facts” meant to discredit the newspaper –

Society of Professional Journalists:

• FACT: The Oregon and Southwest Washington Chapter President Laurent Bonczijk told us that the Board of Directors elections are in May, (not September), and all members “are automatically on the board” when they join SPJ. SPJ is free to join and if you belong to the International Society of Weekly Newspaper Editors you are automatically a SPJ member.

The blog is attempting to discredit the editor’s recent election to the board of the Oregon chapter by claiming anyone accepted into the organization is a board member. Bonczijk says he is completely misquoted here and further claims he never spoke with anyone identifying themseleves as LakesideInfo. He does recall being queried by a woman claiming to be a Myrtle Point High School student doing research on journalism but did not supply her the incorrect information above.

According to Bonczijk, “…every chapter member is a voting member for the May elections. When elected to the board of directors you’re automatically a board member unless you run for a specific office such as secretary, treasurer, etc.”

Coast Lake News can stand up for itself and the SPJ will address the blog directly but this is just an example of spite gone awry and it is likely to backfire. Beginning in January a new mayor and fresh council members will take office and Coast Lake News, unlike the outgoing mayor, will still be there.

Hopefully, the new council will embrace transparency and work with the media to fully inform the Lakeside public.