Open Road - Info

Thanks for the feedback on the original fiction e-mail available e-zines. I'll read them for a couple/three issues and run a string of reviews and recommendations.

As well, I'd like to make a pitch for The Sideroad, the e-zine that you read this column in. It's all volunteer driven (hosted, designed and contained by mediacollision) and delivers some great current and past reading on a wide variety of topics. Take a wander around.

This week I'll cover off FAIR-L (Fairness and Accuracy In Reporting), an excellent and erudite e-newsletter (gotta love alliteration). As well, another short at the end.

Subscription Instructions:
Send a e-mail to:
Address: listserv@american.edu
E-mail Body: subscribe fair-l (your full name here)

WWW location:
http://www.fair.org/

Contact Information:

FAIR
Fairness & Accuracy In Reporting
130 W. 25th Street
New York, NY 10001

Tel: 212-633-6700
Fax: 212-727-7668

E-mail: fair@fair.org

Cost: Quite Free.

Review

Content - 5
The content in each issue (or notice) varies quite widely. Some may be simple notices of new radio/TV shows and books that are considered to of interest to the organization of the subscribers. Others may be directed press releases, site updates or grass-roots mobilization requests (my words not theirs). Others cover media issues in more depth (via transcripts/content from their CounterSpin radio show), usually directing you to the FAIR site for more information.

A recent piece (October 30, 1998) did a good comparison between words, phrases and slant involving coverage of the sniper murder of Dr. Slepian in Buffalo, NY and the arson attack on a Vail, CO ski resort. It then goes on to question the legitimacy of a "noted" eco-terrorist expert. Quite an interesting read.

Writing Quality/Style - 5
Clear and very professional. I'd guess that a group criticizing media would/should hold itself to at least as high a standard of language and style and the people and media outlets they look at critically.

Regularity - 5
This is not a scheduled mailer, it is sent out when there is a need. I give it a 5 because the information sent is very timely.

Extras - 5
Good standard inside e-mail bits like sign-off instructions, good Web links, contact information and the FAIR-L name in the subject of every e-mail message sent. The site contains another big whack of information on all aspects of FAIR and, again, is very professionally laid out and easy to use.

Overall - 5
FAIR covers and makes note of reporting concepts, language, inaccuracies, mis-judgements, stupidities and the subsequent influence in the community at large. Pretty tall order.

FAIR-L is a good use of e-mail to further the goals of an organization. I don't have the opportunity to read it every time it shows up in my box, but I generally go back to my archive to catch-up on the goings on, facts and opinions. Like I've said many times before in this same space - I may not always agree with what they write, but any well presented, articulate opinion is worth listening to if you have the time or inclination. FAIR-L delivers a nice dose of what you don't much get in the local newspaper: dissent. I thank them for their efforts.

Subscription Instructions: Visit http://www.coppersky.com/ongir/news/

WWW location:
http://www.coppersky.com/ongir/

Contact Information:
e-mail: calumet@mindspring.com

Cost: Absolutely Free, Though the book is available at Amazon and other fine on-line bookstores.