Finally, I have ToledoTalk started. I reserved the domain in the fall of 2001. I got the idea for this site after my disdain for the media's arrogant and irresponsible attitude after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. I thought there had to be a better way to discuss the news and issues that affect us. The emphasis for this site is on issues and events in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan, but when there are important national and international events, they can be discussed here also.
The traditional, major media outlets, such as print, radio, and television, offer the public little or no means for discussion, to be heard. These mainstream media outlets only lecture to us, a one-way communication.
A community-based website, like ToledoTalk (also called T2), that is free and open to anyone, allows people to speak their mind anytime he or she wants.
With radio, you have to call during the three hours or so the program airs, provided it accepts calls. Most talk shows take very few calls and the caller usually gets little chance to voice their opinion.
With print, a citizen can write a snail mail or e-mail letter, but how many ever get published? When one does, it could be days after the issue was first raised. The moment has passed.
With television, I just don't know. A person can call the station, I guess, but what does that do?
Message boards, like this, means a person can start a topic at 3:00 A.M., and someone else can respond at 3:00 P.M., and so on. Hopefully, the conversations will be intelligent and civil.
Is a site like this a replacement for traditional media? Definitely not. We cannot live without the professional journalists in print, radio, and television.
Community web-based discussion sites will augment mainstream media, provide a way for people to discuss what they are reading, seeing, and hearing.
created Jan 17, 2003