Hello world!

Welcome to day one, post one, of the brand new Backyard Fence, my interactive discussion forum for the Wildwoods Reporter.

The Backyard Fence will be the place to go to get a first hand perspective on what’s happening in the Wildwoods, comment on our current editorials, or just plain speak your mind about the current issues swirling around Five Mile Beach without fear of being put down for your opinions.

When I started the Wildwoods Reporter, I wanted to include a traditional Letters to the Editor page, which is what the Backyard Fence was, and still is, supposed to be. But what I found out, however, was that an online letters section should be slightly different than letters to the editor in a regular print newspaper.

In print, readers respond to the paper’s editorials, or communicate what’s on their minds, by writing letters which may or may not get printed in the next issue depending on space or content. If their letters are appropriate, or not too long, they will probably appear in the next issue. The problem with print letters to the editor is that no one can comment on your letter – or hold a real-time discussion on the topic with other readers or the author of the letter – without writing a separate letter, and then waiting till the next issue to hear a response. That is, if your response even appears in the next issue. It could be printed weeks in the future.

What I really wanted with my letters to the editor section was the interactive aspect of any discussion of issues about the Wildwoods. I wanted to post an editorial and be able to see fairly quickly what people thought about the subject. And then let other readers react to each other in fairly quick order. After all, isn’t this what a sharing of opinion is supposed to be like? You shouldn’t have to struggle writing your letter, wait to get it printed, and then hope someone else will discuss the issue with you.

Like the proverbial backyard fence where neighbors would go to gossip, dish the dirt, or hear the news of the day, my Backyard Fence will serve the same basic purpose. With the sharing of opinions, we advance the cause of democracy in the world.

One thing to remember, however: Although you are free to speak your minds as you see fit, try to keep it clean and as friendly as possible. Polilticians are used to being called no-good bums, but try to limit yourself to a discussion of the politician’s actions or opinions without getting personal and resorting to name calling. I will probably excercise my editor’s right to edit.

And when discussing private people who aren’t politicians or public individuals, don’t get personal at all. Keep it polite and adult.

Also, one other pet peave of mine: Unlike a certain local forum we all know about, I prefer to ask you not to deal in backstabbing, rumors, or hurtful inuendos. If you want to discuss a rumor or something you’re not quite sure of, please try to support your position with as many facts as you can. Someone out there will probably clear things up for you.

And if your opinion is valid, be proud and honorable enough of it to sign your name and the city you come from. Those who don’t take pride in their opinions don’t deserve to have them heard. Right?

Well, that’s it, friends. Shake hands! Return to the comfort of your warm room! And come out fighting.

Thom Fontannaz, editor. (The Wildwoods)

P.S. At the lower right hand corner of your screen, you should see a blogroll. This is where you will find direct links to the WildwoodsReporter.com and some of our good friends. If you get some spare time now and then, drop in and check them out – Thom