Razor Online - Latest Comments

Re: An Open Letter to CalCoastNews’ Dan Blackburn

Marilyn Rossa — Mon, 30 Dec 2013 19:21:10 -0000

That's great to hear. Glad you're doing that--

Re: An Open Letter to CalCoastNews’ Dan Blackburn

Aaron Ochs — Mon, 30 Dec 2013 18:41:40 -0000

I agree with you completely. In fact, starting January 1, Razor Online will be incorporating Facebook comments.

Re: An Open Letter to CalCoastNews’ Dan Blackburn

Marilyn Rossa — Mon, 30 Dec 2013 18:13:08 -0000

In keeping with the discussion on commenters, I encourage Razor Online to require full names from those who post. Your site isn't quite as anonymous as others. But, this random slicing and dicing must end. It's about time people stood behind their positions, fear of retaliation or not. This cyber, anonymous bullying has contributed beyond measure to the divisiveness that prevails on all levels. It's time for honest debate.

Re: An Open Letter to CalCoastNews’ Dan Blackburn

Marilyn Rossa — Mon, 30 Dec 2013 16:31:10 -0000

Well said.

CCN is puzzled as to why the DA's office or even the state AG hasn't done anything about any of the CAPSLO/ VelieDSS horrors. Why? Because in the words of Gertrude Stein, "There is no there there." Conspiratorial collaboration between the two organizations? Evidence, please. Saying that people in one organization are friends with those in the other and somehow that makes them culpable, is specious. This is a small town, often incestuously so. Everyone in these organizations knows everyone else. And, in keeping the kids in foster care, the judge is now in on the conspiracy? Let's not forget the officers who arrested Karen Velie. They, too, are conspirators. Sorry, CCN, but you're just not that important.

Before CCN can even claim to be newsworthy, it must realize the simple tenet that reporters are to report the news and not make the news. Why not do this expose' on DSS when it has nothing to do with one of your reporters? Or, how about Velie's almost adopting a homeless man who she said was abused by CAPSLO? If she wants to be a homeless advocate, fine. But, don't then claim to be an objective reporter. Ridiculous.

Oh, would that CCN were truly the Mother Jones of the Central Coast! Rather, it is self-aggrandizing, enquirer-like, ultra-conservative, poorly-written (really, can't you afford a copy editor?) drivel. I was hoping for so much more when it emerged on the scene. What a disappointment. I am especially disappointed in Blackburn.

Re: An Open Letter to CalCoastNews’ Dan Blackburn

Aaron Ochs — Mon, 30 Dec 2013 15:20:55 -0000

Actually, CCN has a script embedded in their source code that monitors incoming and outgoing web traffic. A lot of websites have these scripts, which are often used to determine things like article popularity and demographic analysis. You can also see IP addresses of your visitors -- that is, people who have cookies enabled. IP addresses will only show the user's approximate location and their Internet Service Provider. I wouldn't put it past them to harvest IP addresses of people with dissenting opinions.

Interestingly, I've been accused of being some of the anonymous dissidents of CalCoastNews that somehow managed to evade the moderators' screening process. Just recently, I was accused of being some user by one of their sources, Jeffrey Stone. Personally, I have no idea who that user is. Since that accusation was levied that I was some person named "probiz," the accused user's posts were promptly pruned, downvoted or obscured from public view. So no, they don't know who is writing comments on their website. They would need to issue a court subpoena to the Internet Service Provider in order to obtain that information.

Nonetheless, I strongly discourage posting on that website -- but not in a "boycott" sense. CalCoastNews rigs the opinions to appear overwhelmingly in their favor. Their upvote-downvote system can be exploited to actually hide comments from public view if the downvotes reach a certain quota. If that doesn't work, the moderator will either prune dissenting posts or edit them. At one point, I used to post on CalCoastNews as "TheRazor," and my comments were edited to appear self-incriminating or rude.

As a professional web designer who runs websites using the same software that they do (WordPress), I believe they are excessively authoritative and abusive.

Re: An Open Letter to CalCoastNews’ Dan Blackburn

Sideline1 — Mon, 30 Dec 2013 12:52:41 -0000

Even the blog comments section on CCN is corrupt. Posts that are harshly critical of CCN are expunged, while posts that threaten violence against public officials gather the "likes." And, in the wake of the Lisa Solomon issue, it became apparent that CCN utilized IP sniffers to uncover comments that came from the PRPD's computers--so even the anonymity of those making comments was compromised. Real investigative journalism uncovers uncomfortable truths; to simply invent salacious lies is not "investigative journalism" at all--it is a desperate ploy for page clicks that can be sold to sponsors to pay the bills for CCN staffers. It is a disgrace.

Re: An Open Letter to CalCoastNews’ Dan Blackburn

SLO Kenny — Mon, 30 Dec 2013 11:15:18 -0000

I think the rise of faux news sites like Cal Coast News isn’t a glitch in the system. It’s because readers are gullible. Witness the explosion of viral sites like Upworthy, Buzzfeed and ViralNova.

Online media is feckless, shit gets circulated and everyone gorges on this content.

Garbage like this doesn’t advance the level of insightful discussion needed. If the editors of CalCoastNews can’t perform their job, well then it’s up to readers to do the fact-checking.

It’s for this very reason that CalCoastNews fails. Keep fact-checking Aaron!

Re: CalCoastNews and The Exploitation of Children

Mulder — Sun, 15 Dec 2013 22:48:12 -0000

Thank you for this well written accurate account of the media circus that Velie is trying to create for CWS. I listened to that Congalton show and there was a woman who called in who had extensive foster parenting experience. She related stories of how much foster parents actually DO care for their fosters and how much good work by CWS that she has witnessed. She also voiced her concern that it was bothersome and irresponsible how Velie readily posted up the pictures, names, and intimate details about her grandchildren for all to consume. CWS would never do that or discuss case details in public in order to protect the privacy of the CHILDREN. Something Velie obviously disregards for her own selfish, arrogant reasons and ego. And monetizing the page clicks. Of course Congalton completely dismissed the caller's fair points and continued down the path of conspiracy and the apparent unbridled power of Hill, Torres, and CAPSLO. Really, if they had so much power as to have Velie falsely arrested for a DUI, have her business ruined, and have her grandchildren taken away unlawfully from their family, why wouldn't they just have her killed and be done with it? Maybe because it's all a bunch of hogwash and lies? Hmm.
Keep up the excellent work. You are the only one that I've seen who is accurately calling out Velie & CCN for their inaccurate reporting, bogus conspiracy theories, and lies. Anytime it is questioned on that circus show Congalton puts on, they are blown out of the water, berated, and cut off.

Re: CalCoastNews and The Exploitation of Children

SLO Kenny — Sat, 14 Dec 2013 19:01:53 -0000

Aaron, it's simple. Karen Velie has a personality disorder. Her fuel is lies, innuendo and deceit. Normally it would be easy to dismiss this loon. Except, to her credit, she has tapped into a vein of collective thought that is mired in a quagmire of conspiracy. And she will go and go and go fueled by their lies, innuendo and deciet.

For as long as there are ignorant, stupid people, there will be a place for scum like Karen Velie. There isn't much one can do to stop it.

Except what you are doing. You are shining some light onto her shenanigans. Perhaps we can relegate here to the sidelines. Perhaps we can educate others to her dishonesty. Perhaps we can portray her to the community as a nut.

There will always be a select. small group of people who will believe in the crazy shit this woman writes & says. They will always be there. I suspect the truth will catch up to her and we can keep shit like her isolated and marginalized. And stop her from hurting others.

Re: CalCoastNews and the Civility Police

Aaron Ochs — Thu, 19 Sep 2013 12:21:29 -0000

You still can't name one thing that's a "bunch of horse-dung." How many times do I have to ask you before I get an answer? Of course, feel free to complain. It's a free country, but don't expect to be taken seriously.

Re: CalCoastNews and the Civility Police

DuneFacts.com — Thu, 19 Sep 2013 05:31:28 -0000

Yes, excellent reporting of all the false gossip! And way to not do a single bit of fact checking either, Aaron! CCN could learn you a few things. And, yes, it's a criminal act to misuse CLETS. Too bad that's a bunch of horse-dung or you'd have a real story.... er, I mean opinion piece.

Re: The Lasting Tragedy of PZLDF

spiritpen — Mon, 02 Sep 2013 18:27:20 -0000

Aaron,

I agree with you on one thing, it's unwise to debate you. :)

Re: The Lasting Tragedy of PZLDF

Aaron Ochs — Mon, 02 Sep 2013 15:28:53 -0000

With all due respect, Joey, I know who Gail McPherson is. No matter how subjective I am, Gail's track record speaks for itself. It would be unwise to debate it :)

Re: The Lasting Tragedy of PZLDF

spiritpen — Mon, 02 Sep 2013 14:52:02 -0000

As great a journalist as you have become, you can't seem to distance yourself enough to write about this issue objectively, in my opinion. I say again, Gail was a force of nature, who stood up for your community when needed most. The fact we lost was no fault of hers. It was the bucket of worms she was trying to guide. Also, a regional plan still to this day is the best thing this county could do.

joey racano

Re: Meet Bruce Gibson’s Surrogates

slo resident — Wed, 28 Aug 2013 20:23:01 -0000

I came to the same conclusion that I saw a difference in your writing style based on time. I applaud your growth as as a writer! I am a gestalt-based thinker and I focus on what as a person is truly your own. The one thing no one can ever take away from you is your integrity and therefore it is priceless. I think Gibson would profit by contemplating that idea. That is my hope, that he reflects on it and chooses to hire a replacement.

Re: Meet Bruce Gibson’s Surrogates

Aaron Ochs — Wed, 28 Aug 2013 20:10:37 -0000

You're right. This article was emotional-driven and I did make it personal. I changed my writing style a bit since I wrote that piece. Going back to the topic, what you're saying is absolutely right. What's legal is not necessarily "right" or "good." All we have is the voters. They ultimately decide that.

Re: Meet Bruce Gibson’s Surrogates

slo resident — Wed, 28 Aug 2013 13:59:11 -0000

I cringe at your usage of the word surrogate. In this whole thread you have strayed into very emotional responses. I believe this has led to less logic in this discussion. The point I saw some of them making is that the county investigated it and found he is legal in his actions and therefore the only way he can be removed is to be voted out by district 2. That's all factual. Now whether you live in district 2 or not, he is attached to our county and Gibson does represent it, so having an opinion on Gibson's actions is valid.

The sticking point IMO is just because something is legal it does not mean it is honorable, acceptable, or advisable. I think your statement that it is arrogant is correct. If Gibson, who went without an assistant while it was investigated, were to decide to have her back while searching for a replacement employee and another opening for Aispero, I could see that as reasonable. I do look with interest as to whether he is reelected.

It did read as if you were attacking these people. I think you could have made your points in this issue without making it so personal. You are correct it reflects poorly on our county, the rest distracts from your message.

Re: CalCoastNews and The Sobering Truth

Insider1970 — Wed, 28 Aug 2013 13:43:48 -0000

Excellent article and detail of the complete facts!

Re: CalCoastNews and the Wounds That Never Heal

Aaron Ochs — Wed, 28 Aug 2013 13:41:06 -0000

Yes. Whoever visits the PD and obtains the information can send it out to other people. It's plausible that Hill sent that information to others, but there's no way of knowing. There's also the fact that the media has sources inside the SLOPD that will provide information, and circumvent California Public Records Act (CPRA) procedures. The process by which people can obtain such sensitive information is confusing, so I can understand why you originally thought I was unclear on those points.

Re: CalCoastNews and the Wounds That Never Heal

slo resident — Wed, 28 Aug 2013 12:53:29 -0000

So a person would have to visit the PD in order to obtain the information? I think this is important since there are assertions about Hill sending emails at noted time periods and it makes it more unlikely it could be true.

Re: Darkness on the Edge of Town

slo resident — Wed, 28 Aug 2013 12:34:22 -0000

I do know what you mean. It is why my comments are not sensational and are on the the boring side, but analytical and/or critical. Being as precise as possible leads to good journalism. I am still amazed by how many local commenters on these sites are limited to purely emotional rants and repeating false information as if repetition will eventually make it true. (Hah, as I do a little repetition myself there.)

Re: CalCoastNews and the Wounds That Never Heal

Aaron Ochs — Wed, 28 Aug 2013 12:29:45 -0000

Arrest logs are not the same as daily logs. The arrest logs are available to see at the SLOPD office, or the records department will give you a look at their summary log, which mentions more details about what happened.

Re: CalCoastNews and the Wounds That Never Heal

slo resident — Wed, 28 Aug 2013 12:20:07 -0000

The daily log does not give names. It shows other info, but not the name of the arrestee.

Re: Darkness on the Edge of Town

Aaron Ochs — Tue, 27 Aug 2013 20:12:29 -0000

"As to your saying you prefer no readers over criticizing, why would you equate this as an either/or situation?"

Good question. I wasn't really equating anything other than to say that I prefer having no readers than sensationalizing a story and gaining readers that way -- know what I mean? The truth can sometimes be "boring" in a sense that it fails to hook the reader into a story, so there are situations where writers will "spice up" the details.

I appreciate your comments and your encouragement! I really like it when readers are critical of my work.

Re: CalCoastNews’ Fraudulent Reporting on SLO Homeless Services

Aaron Ochs — Tue, 27 Aug 2013 20:07:34 -0000

Not every homeless person has prepaid cards, though. Also, homeless visitors at Prado Day Center aren't very reachable. It's difficult, at least for me, to call and ask, "Is so and so there?" because it's hard for volunteers and people at the library to check. I see what you're saying, but it takes a lot of work to track people down and verify their statements. Velie spoke to her sources by parking outside of Prado Day Center and speaking to a random assortment of homeless people. I know this because I'm in contact with volunteers who work there and spotted Velie on a few occasions talking to people who walked out of the facility.

I will do my best to assume less. Thank you.