May 5, 2013S

Content unedited, publishers comments added.

Mr. Weland, an article you published in reference to posting the name of the Juvenile in Naples I found to be lacking in ethics as you say. I personally talked to the Boundary Paper, and the Bonner Bee both of which did not publish the name in the articles they ran. I quote you, "Publishing news that is to be heard and trusted is not easy, nor without cost. I did not want to publish this child's name. I am aware his life is going to be worse because I named him; his friends and family now stand in the public, as well as the legal eye." You chose to publish his name, its not a matter of trusted news, it was in an effort to draw readers/visitors to your site thus gaining revenue form the ads you so radically display on your site. So by you saying you did not want to publish his name, is BS and was for personal gain.  I am not sure how you preach on ethics when you in fact take advantage of a story that is a hot topic in the community and the state and call it trusted journalism, anyone can start a Facebook group and write articles on the community but this does not make you or anyone a journalist. Regards, I do not give permission for the use of this email, my name or the publication in part or whole this conversation or the content of this email to be used on your personal, public site or Facebook.

Troy Steven Janda

Mr. Janda, I have tried to be polite and accede to your wish that your name nor words be published on this website, but as you are so insistent on telling me your grievance, I think, as a journalist, that your words merit my reader's attention. As a matter of journalistic ethics, I must tell you; there is no such thing as speaking off the record. You have, in a court of law, the right to remain silent, and anything you say can and will be used. Despite your assertion and disclaimer, I, as a reporter, did not solicit your comments, nor did I agree to your request to immunity from publication.. I have every right to publish, and I am. You had the right to remain silent, apparently, you don't have the ability. If in reference to the "Boundary Paper," you were referring to the Bonners Ferry Herald, I must disagree; the child's name was published. If that journal agreed to pull the name off-line, I respect that. They can't recall what's been set in ink. I will not remove the name. Anyone can walk into the Boundary County court clerk's office and request the record; that's the meaning of public record. You don't have to be a journalist to ask. I could well have named one of the two other kids; the name is public record, too. They denied guilt. Were they adults, I'd likely have published their names before an admission of guilt, but I draw a line. I think kids typically mean no harm. Until proven guilty, I refrain from naming names of kids. I appreciate your concern, sir, and I've respected your request for anonymity  until now. You have the right to your opinion. I don't think I deserve the right to hear your arguments against my publication or myself, or to let them go by without answer ... I respect you but I think and can prove, by public record, that your opinion is not founded in fact. Mr. Janda, instead of helping, you may hurt. This young man stood up and admitted his wrong. He didn't ask for promises or favors; he stands ready to pay the price for a serious crime. I pray the judge will take his honesty into consideration, rather than your attempt at obfuscation.

Mike Weland newsbf.com