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Enough Of This
by Paul on 05/15/08 at 10:49 AM ET
Comments (7)
from Jim Kelley of Sportsnet,
Who started this rumor? An employee of the Coyotes who needed something interesting to say on one of those endless panel debates? Some guy out in the Maritimes who hasn’t been within earshot of an NHL source since the Oilers barnstormed the region to make money on preseason games in the 1980s? A website developer who figured out that by publishing outlandish rumours he could drive traffic to a site that would not only make money but land him radio and television spots that would feature his website which keeps the wheels turning and makes him even more money? A talk show “personality”?…
I’ve learned that there’s a fine line between being out front on a story a day (or now even an hour or five minutes) before it breaks and being with the rest of the pack. There’s also a fine line in regards to determining when a rumour is worth chasing or is just something being planted on you by someone who has anything from an agenda to a mean streak, to a desire to “play” the system. But there should be a strong line, maybe even a wall between reporting everything one hears and a rumour that just might have the smell of truth around it.
Reporters, columnists, analysts, bloggers, media personalities, talk show hosts and even ex-players-turned media personalities have a responsibility to acknowledge and respect that line.
If you have been a regular reader of KK, you know my feeling reflect those of Mr. Kelley’s. The sad thing is, people actually have fallen for these so-called “rumors”.
Filed in: NHL Talk | KK Hockey | Permalink
Comments
As for “some guy in the Maritimes”, I’m pretty sure he wasn’t talking about me.....or at least I hope he wasn’t talking about me.
I just post what’s reported and toss in my two cents, I don’t rely or trust anonymous sources.
Oh,and it was Howard Berger who dreamed that rumor up. Jim really should’ve done a bit of research on that one, although it probably would’ve taken a huge chunk out of his rant.
Still, he makes valid points, but I doubt we’re going to see any change. 
Posted by Lyle Richardson from Charlottetown, PEI on 05/15/08 at 11:47 AM ET
Looked like an unwarranted cheap shot at you Mr. Spector. I actually like Kelley’s usual rants and agree with most of what he says, but still an unwarranted shot at someone that doesn’t create sources or charge for nonsense. Certain journalists (ahem Sun publications) thrive on rumours.
Posted by Hockey1919 from Montreal on 05/15/08 at 03:18 PM ET
Well, if it was aimed at me, all I’ll say is that he doesn’t know me or my work very well if at all.
And when the Oilers were barnstorming the Maritimes for pre-season cash, I was serving my country in Canada’s West Coast fleet.
Posted by Lyle Richardson from Charlottetown, PEI on 05/15/08 at 03:44 PM ET
My own personal opinion is he is not referring to Lyle.
Posted by Paul from Motown Area on 05/15/08 at 03:49 PM ET
I didn’t mean to misattribute quotes from Mr. Kelley either so that was just my take. Since you are the most prominent of the PEI bloggers, your name just came to my mind first. Although I don’t put you in the rumour monger category, you’re more like the rumour killer category.
Posted by Hockey1919 from Montreal on 05/15/08 at 03:52 PM ET
That’s what I hate about inneundo you can easily offend the unintended and allow people (like myself) to come to jump to the wrong conclusion. To me it now seems obvious that he really meant Doug Maclean.
Posted by Hockey1919 from Montreal on 05/15/08 at 04:05 PM ET
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Obviously Jim Kelley doesn’t understand what an entertainer is. (e4)
Posted by Greg Wyshynski from Washington, DC on 05/15/08 at 10:13 AM ET