Newbie question about homeowner private information published

[ChrisTinaBruce]

As a newbie I’m just starting to review different sources of local news and information. I ran across a local publication that published about a Villager arrest (I understand is normal) the odd aspect was the out of place last sentence “ The ****** purchased their home at **** Main Street in December 20** for $2**,***. They moved here from *****.

[retiredguy123]

That information may seen odd, but it is not private information, it is publc information.

[photo1902]

As a newbie I’m just starting to review different sources of local news and information. I ran across a local publication that published about a Villager arrest (I understand is normal) the odd aspect was the out of place last sentence “ The ****** purchased their home at **** Main Street in December 20** for $2**,***. They moved here from *****.

You’ll find all of that information is available here, with just a few clicks of the keyboard... tax records, utility records, etc.

What makes no sense is why they feel the need to include that in certain news articles.

[dewilson58]

It has nothing else to write about.

[ChrisTinaBruce]

That's my point. I understand tax rolls, arrest, etc are public information. Just odd to see the last sentence ( The ****** purchased their home at **** Main Street in December 20** for $2**,***. They moved here from *****.) not relevant. Almost as if there is a motive.

[NotGolfer]

I get what the OP is referring to. This "publication" tends to report stuff that's negative in content. The fact that they also put in the information of the people---ie. their address as well as what they spent on their house isn't relevant to their reporting. I too have been puzzled by that. My assumption of that "rag" is it's nothing but a tabloid.

[EviesGP]

There is...it's called sensationalism! They think it's journalism, but it's in the National Enquirer category.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

There are a few motives. One is specific to the "editor" of that news site.

She has a personal beef with the Villages, the history of her issues goes back quite a number of years. So now that she has her own online news site (which is actually just an affiliate site of a larger publisher) she likes taking pot-shots when she has the opportunity.

Pointing out that criminals live a) in the Villages and b) in really nice neighborhoods and c) have money to buy homes outright and d) can be doxxed and publicly humiliated makes her happy.

She has actually taken information from police scanners and published them, even things that are protected information. Such as DETAILS of a particular man who engaged in sexual activity with his minor granddaughter. Details. Fill in the blanks yourself. It's disgusting. Published on an online site where anyone, including children, have free access to it.

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

We just had a very long thread about how we all should be looking at our neighbors tax bills now you want to criticize a stupid news site that most people go to gloat over bad things there neighbors might be doing

[Bogie Shooter]

Yep.

[Bjeanj]

I agree with the above. That online “thing” (if you want to consider it a publication) should not be considered a reliable, unbiased news source. They follow none of the journalism rules that I learned, and I find it laughable that they consider the purchase price of a home to be relevant in most cases. Journalistic integrity aside, they apparently don’t know how to spell-check.

[graciegirl]

There are a few motives. One is specific to the "editor" of that news site.

She has a personal beef with the Villages, the history of her issues goes back quite a number of years. So now that she has her own online news site (which is actually just an affiliate site of a larger publisher) she likes taking pot-shots when she has the opportunity.

Pointing out that criminals live a) in the Villages and b) in really nice neighborhoods and c) have money to buy homes outright and d) can be doxxed and publicly humiliated makes her happy.

She has actually taken information from police scanners and published them, even things that are protected information. Such as DETAILS of a particular man who engaged in sexual activity with his minor granddaughter. Details. Fill in the blanks yourself. It's disgusting. Published on an online site where anyone, including children, have free access to it.

I think you are incorrect about a "beef". Meta Minton was the Editor of The Daily Sun for many years and worked directly for the Morses. When they "sold" the paper or the running of it to a private entity for a few years, she decided to go out on her own with a digital news service.

I think she is successful and fills a need in the market. She is a very nice woman. I may not always agree with her slant on things but she does give the public what they want.

I know many people who look up where someone lives when they see they have been arrested or are from The Villages. That is just being curious or nosy if you wish. Or simply if their personality is a bit overwhelming. It is A venial, not a mortal. Sister said.

[EdFNJ]

Virtually everything in Florida that is connected to State or Local government agency is public record thanks to the Sunshine Law including the police blotter. Every email you send to a state or local agency is public record as well and that includes emails to any of The Villages offices so even ones "anonymous" complaints can be requested. Big Brother is watching and reading! :D Florida Attorney General - The "Sunshine" Law (https://myfloridalegal.com/pages.nsf/Main/DC0B20B7DC22B7418525791B006A54E4)

[Velvet]

I like to know as much as possible about a criminal, what they did, when, where they live, with who etc. The more information we have the better we can protect ourselves from a similar person or incident. Evil thrives in silence and darkness.

[retiredguy123]

I like to know as much as possible about a criminal, what they did, when, where they live, with who etc. The more information we have the better we can protect ourselves from a similar person or incident. Evil thrives in silence and darkness.
I agree. And, what is the problem with a free press publishing information that is available on a public website?

[Bjeanj]

I agree. And, what is the problem with a free press publishing information that is available on a public website?

Again — relevance?

[Northerner52]

Yes, THAT publication embarrasses many with mug shots etc. I know one person who took his own life after a story about him hit that RAG after a medical issue causes him to do something out of his character.

[retiredguy123]

Again — relevance?
I think I know the news story that this thread is about. A woman, who lives in The Villages, was arrested for drinking and driving a golf cart. How is that relevant to anything? She is innocent until proven guilty in court. But, I think, for the reporter to include all of the available public information about the story is fine. The press is free to publish and report public information. So, they reported her name, address, age, bail amount, and other public information about the case. If they are going publish a report, they may as well be as complete as possible. I guess the only relevant part of the story is that she lives in The Villages, so to include her address makes it even more accurate. So, I don't have a problem with the news story.

[EdFNJ]

There is...it's called sensationalism! They think it's journalism, but it's in the National Enquirer category. True, but after reading The Daily Sunshine and Butterflies Happy News(paper) I can use some sensationalism to wake me up in the morning. I always thought The Villages was like Disney and I found it was because they both bury anything other than fluff n' stuff. :D