Ok, more fuel to add to the discussion about reporters being complete
idiots.
I did an interview recently for a local paper. The writer seemed very
bright and asked good questions. The article came out today. I was
impressed with the technical accuracy. However, there was one MAJOR
problem: the article said that I sold recycled computers to the Alameda
County Computer Resource Center. Now, this may at first seem like a minor
error, but it's huge.
First of all, under agreement with the ACCRC, I act as a drop-off center
for computer and electronic recycling. All items dropped off at my
facility are in fact donations to the ACCRC, and donation receipts are
given for income tax deductions. Second, the computers and electronics
collected are then delivered to the ACCRC where they then refurbish and
distribute the computers they receive as an officially registered
501(c)(3) non-profit organization. To say that I sell computers to
the ACCRC makes it seem like I am engaged in fraud. So now people who
read this article and have or were considering donating items through my
service to the ACCRC will think I am in fact fraudulently collecting
computers to resell to a non-profit. Nice.
In short, I have been libeled is a seriously egregious fashion. So much
for the free publicity I was hoping for. I'll have to wait until tomorrow
(Monday) to see what the paper intends to do to rectify the situation.
If they don't play by my rules then I'm getting an attorney.
This incident may well be the final straw. From now on I'm now
considering telling any reporter that comes within 10 feet of me to fuck
off.
--
Sellam Ismail Vintage Computer Festival
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Received on Sun Nov 30 2003 - 19:13:43 GMT