I was reading some of the comments regarding our Editors’ Note about no longer mentioning the killer on the site and want to clarify some things.
First and foremost, we appreciate all of your feedback and encourage it regardless of your stance on any topic we write about.
Second, our decision does not mean that newsworthy information concerning this situation will not get coverage. We just don’t believe that kowtowing to a killer by reprinting his rants and publishing his photos does much for our readership besides pour salt into the wound. We are Planet Blacksburg. We are Hokies. Our responsibility is to our community. If you want to see the contents of the NBC package, do so. You will just have to look elsewhere.
Third, please don’t forget that we are a 100% volunteer STUDENT organization. 33 lives were lost on Monday. We lost friends in the violence. We lost professors. One of our writers lost a roommate. This is not easy for any of us. Putting our already depleted resources and energy into covering the killer is unhealthy for us physically and emotionally. Leave the investigating to the authorities; leave the personality profiling to the psychologists. If they turn up something interesting, we’ll let you know.
Also, there is plenty of newsworthy activity in our town that we need to get back to covering. The biggest complaint about media is how they overdo it and never report enough good news. Hopefully, we can change that. “Invent the Future”
- Neal Turnage
Neal,
I’ve been following this horrible story since it happened and found this wonderful paper that you guys put to together. I haven’t said anything to anyone on any message board. Though I have lost a few close friends and relatives, I have no idea what something like what you guys are going through feels like. You guys have heard so many “so sorrys” and so many have sent their condolences, and I do the same. But more than anything, I hope that the healing process starts and though you will never move on, I hope that each and everyone of you begin to move on in your own ways.
Also, I wanted to comment on your blog. I understand how you at Plant Blackburgs feel. I would hate seeing those pictures thrown around the media if I was in the same boat. But I think, we, as Americans, get so wrap up in what is going on, all we want to know is why, and how and who did it. I don’t think NBC was putting those pictures and videos out to cause more pain, they did it because America wanted to know. I know that it doesn’t justify anything that the killer did, and again, I agree, NBC shouldn’t have let them be aired, but because it’s the news, it’s something that was going to be done.
Again, I hope and I pray that each of you are finding every day easier and that you will soon move on.
With hope,
Abigail DeAnna
I appreciate your stance and am so grateful to all of you for covering this tragedy so well. This story is so heartbreaking. Thank you for providing us with up-close coverage and for doing so with dignity and honor. May God bless and comfort each of you.
AM from england i heard what happend to ur uni on the news and i just wanted to say it saden me and am deeply sorry for your losses and i hope the future will turn out fine for you all just rember the people are with you in ur heart and soul and people can’t take that away from you.
from,
The Iceman
contact info
matthewmay360@hotmail.com anyone want to chat their more then welcome
hey am from the england and i heard about the shootings on the news i just wanted to spend you my deepest regard to you guys in the us and i hope you can find it in your hearts to relise thats your friends are not really gone their in you in the heart and soul and no one can take that away from you
From
The Iceman
Contact Info
All of you are in my prayers. Friends & family, anyone who knew someone who was injured, or who died on that fateful day. We grieve for all your souls, and pray for peace for your families. Everyday people all across the world die, needlessly, we grieve for all. Re: Staci’s post 4/20/07. EVERYONE’S life is important! EVERYONE’S death is a loss!4/21/07pm.