Comments so far on this story:

1. Christopher Hall wrote on February 10, 2008 8:55 PM:
"This is a great article! I would like to point out what we all know as obvious: Goodhue ALWAYS prints insignificant reader critique in order to set the bar low for the type of complaints the community has for the SD-UT. I have been annoyed by how manipulative she is in doing this, and I have felt that she makes a mockery of her position as a so-called 'Readers' Representative.' She is nothing of the sort, she is a shill for the privately held paper. Ignorant or narrow minded readers may think she is printing important or cross-sectional critique, but indeed, she is choosing and printing topics of critique that are harmless, indeed beneficial to the SD-UT. Her process of choosing what to print is from a large body of complaints, and she picks the ones that fit her agenda! What a racket!"

2. Excellent wrote on February 10, 2008 9:18 PM:
"More obsession with the Voice's competition. That's why we come to this site, to read about the newspaper. Excellent. Keep up the good work. I'll check back in a couple months to see if you've grown out of your weird inferiority complex. Good grief."

3. PB Resident wrote on February 10, 2008 10:39 PM:
"My frustration with Carol Goodhue, even more than her predecessor, is that she acts more as a cheerleader rather than as a traditional ombudsman or readers' representative. The most she'll accept criticism for is a missing or misplaced comma or an occasional photograph in questionable taste. It would be refreshing if she would take on the "hot" issue of the increasingly poor editing and typos, poor grammar, misuse of words (e.g., their/there) and spelling cropping up with greater frequency in the paper. But then, even something as banal as that would be viewed as "criticizing the paper." Can't have that, dear, can we?"

4. Badhue wrote on February 11, 2008 12:32 AM:
"It would help if she didn't start off every column whining about how mean everyone is to her."

5. Donna wrote on February 11, 2008 3:48 AM:
"I've long thought Goodhue's title was wrong. She isn't the reader's representative. Your title has it correct: she is the UT's representative. At best she might be called a liaison between readers and the UT. Plus she seems remarkably thin-skinned. I'm not referring to crude or hateful messages which are appropriately ignored, but rather to the messages she writes about most week. Her tone is beleaguered and the message is often sort of "look what I have to put up with from you readers." The notion that a columnist such as David Elliott disappesrs from the paper and they don't need to explain or even note his departure because they are privately held is ludicrous. They're a commercial enterprise dependent upon customers and they owe customers more than to simply ignore them."

6. Hyperbole alert wrote on February 11, 2008 7:23 AM:
"A newspaper’s unwillingness to cover itself steadily eats away at its own credibility with readers? And, if it did cover itself, would those same readers accept its coverage as credible? Or would that coverage raise other questions that would steadily eat away at its own credibility with readers? Come to think of it: Where is Voice's coverage of itself? You've made some gaffes, your funding isn't exactly transparent, your biases are occasionally obvious... Could it be your unwillingness to cover youself is also steadily eating away at your own credibility with readers?"

7. Frank J wrote on February 11, 2008 7:45 AM:
"Nice article and the last paragraph hits home. Carol Goodhue is obviously in a tight spot, and I would say that MOST people believe the paper is 'part and parcel of San Diego’s power structure', including myself, a former subscriber."

8. Christopher Hall wrote on February 11, 2008 9:06 AM:
"To those who ask for the voiceofsandiego.org to self-reflect: first, these comments are posted by the staff and are often critical, for better or worse, of the voiceofsandiego.org, so therein is reflective critique; second, on countless occasions I have read Scott Lewis and Andrew Donahue correct themselves or print corrections sent to them by others -- never have I gotten the slightest whiff of an ego from them in regards to this type of reflection. I do agree, however, that a weekly column titled "Reflection" or something of the sort would be fun to read -- everyone would love to hear the Echo of the Voice, it would be one of the most heavily read columns. Self-reflection is the hallmark of great character."

9. mel wrote on February 11, 2008 9:06 AM:
"Goodhue can't even get blatant errors corrected in the U-T. I asked her to get the reporters to tell the truth about CCDC,namely that they do not collect taxes nor do they spend on projects. This is done by the city council, acting as the Redevelopment Agency. The U_T management refuses to report the truth, since that would be an admission that they have been misinforming the public. You can see the misinformation in today's story about the Balboa Theate.The city council,which voted to fund the theatre, is never mentioned."

10. Larry wrote on February 11, 2008 10:04 AM:
"I agree with Excellent. Pieces like this do nothing but bring down Voice's credibility. It makes the entire organization look like a whiney little wannabe. Is Hetenna so bitter because he can't get a real gig, or does he have some strange obsession with the UT? Do us readers a favor and find opinion writers who do more than simply badmouth your competition."

11. Incredulous wrote on February 11, 2008 10:34 AM:
"It's hard to take her seriously because she never attempts to tackle anything but the most mundane and unimportant comments (which are also easiest to respond to). What about when her newspaper WRONGLY called for the city attorney to be impeached? That certainly warranted a column. Instead, she wrote a mindless correction that made even less sense than the original editorial. IMPEACH GOODHUE"

12. Media Maven wrote on February 11, 2008 11:00 AM:
"I don't understand anyone would question Voice's efforts to report on a major San Diego institution -- one that shapes opinions and drives policy in a major way in this town. People think that newspapers are just reporting events, but in fact, they MAKE news by focusing on something. They can form public sentiment, make or destroy careers and change political tides with their investigative pieces -- some of which are great but many of which are unbelievably shoddy on careful analysis. Someone *should* be holding them accountable! I wish Voice would have a regular column giving the "target" of investigative pieces their say to show what the pieces omit (never let facts get in the way of a good story!) and the sometimes unethical behavior of their reporters. They could call it "U-T Fact Check.""

13. Media Maven wrote on February 11, 2008 11:19 AM:
"Seth is a former AP writer whose whole column is ABOUT San Diego media. Why wouldn't he write about what's happening at the UT? And Hyperbole Alert, Voice routinely calls itself out and follows up on its own failings. That's one of the best things about the site. When they post something and someone points out the flaws in their logic, they often reconsider -- or at least give the aggrieved a voice. And I just have to say, how could Carol Goodhue ask if Voice actually does "any actual reporting"? If she ever deigned to read Voice, that would be apparent. Voice is every bit as credible and playing by the same generally accepted rules of journalism that the UT is (supposed to be) playing by."

14. Freelancer wrote on February 11, 2008 12:29 PM:
"The media community in San Diego is VERY interested in what's happening the at the U-T. Our futures may depend on it. I much appreciate the coverage here, as opposed to the gossip I get from individuals and bloggers. I find the pieces here well thought-out and balanced, and well documented with quotes and facts. Thanks for this particular column -- enlightening! Please keep it up. (Wonder how many of the cranky commenters above are U-T brass.)"

15. Cheeky wrote on February 11, 2008 12:31 PM:
"The U-T prints readers' comments as is, without editing or cutting. That is something the Voice should do also. The Voice has gotten a little too politically manipulative to claim any impartiality these days, much less to pass judgment on another paper."

16. Fed Up wrote on February 11, 2008 12:42 PM:
"First of all, Seth Hettena needs to use the present tense when talking about Union-Tribune management being part of this city's power structure: it IS, not WAS. Second, I had to laugh when i read the moniker "Badhue." Ms. Goodhue is no more an ombudsperson or reader's representative than Jerry Sanders is a simple storybook cop who rose through the ranks to become mayor. Goodhue fills space once a week on the op-ed page with her drivel, just as Bob Kittle also runs irrelevant editorials from other newspapers on the op-ed page -- a ridiculous use of expensive newsprint. Third, look again at the substance of "mel's" complaint about the U-T's insistently masking City Council actions by attributing them to CCDC and at "Incredulous" comment about the U-T's buried apology for having wrongly attacked Mike Aguirre."

17. Fed Up wrote on February 11, 2008 2:00 PM:
"Cheeky -- Surely you jest about the U-T's policy on letters-to-the-edito Union-Tribune letters are selected (and edited or omitted) to a fault and opinion seeps into U-T news columns by omission, if not overt commission. In contrast, voiceofsandiego labels its opinion and then is opinionated and its letters are refreshingly free-wheeling."

18. D wrote on February 11, 2008 2:03 PM:
"First an attack piece on the Reader, now one on the U/T. That's fine, but how about one on the VofSD? Perhaps an expose on the censored posts that factually do not violate "Feedback Rules"? How about an indepth on why sometimes posts,and Letters to the Editor go 24 hours plus without being updated? Why Cafe San Diego articles tend to appear in the evening, ensuring no dialogue with the readers and host? And how about explaining why contributing voices such as James Goldsborough and Keith Taylor can offer essays brimming with anti-semitism, with no repercussions."

19. Cheeky wrote on February 11, 2008 3:39 PM:
"Fed Up -- I am talking about the comments posted BELOW an article, not editorial letters printed. UT doesn't censor these comments like the Voice does. Read before you speak."

20. Hoystory wrote on February 11, 2008 5:33 PM:
"I'd think twice about comparing anyone unfavorably to the LAT's readers rep, Jamie Gold. For background on just how bad an ombudsman can be, go to Patterico.com and type Gold's name into the search box. You'll also want to note that while Gold posts some comments on the rep's blog, Patterico has dozens of critical posts that never saw the light of day at the LAT."

21. Scott Lewis wrote on February 11, 2008 5:44 PM:
"D -- You've expressed the same concerns a few times so let me give them a shot: We post letters as soon as we can and as many as come in. As you know, many readers have chosen to express themselves in the comments section as opposed to letters. The cafe hosts have their first post published the night before the day of their hosting -- so that it can be up early for early readers. Sometimes we finish the new day's edition early, say, 6 p.m. I've searched and haven't found a comment of yours having been deleted. It's a balancing act and we believe it's in the forum's best interest to maintain reader debates without name-calling and unproductive attacks."

22. Cranky wrote on February 12, 2008 1:09 AM:
"Goodhue is a prickly whiner. Come on folks - the coverage of politics, culture, EVERYTHING in this burg has been colored by the UT monopoly. Deny that and that is proof you part of the problem. Fresh works; and I guess that is why we read the VOSD."

23. Artie wrote on February 12, 2008 8:04 AM:
"The solution is simple. Stop your complaining and boycott the UT. Every great newspaper is on line. With the NY Times, the Washington Post the Chicago Tribune and VOSD a click away who needs to support David Copley's folly? As much as I love reading a newspaper, you will never see me so much as look over my fellow commuters shoulder to see what the paper has to say. Any newspaper that lets outstanding reporters fall away while keeping the worthless, overpaid Burl Stiff on the payroll is a joke."

24. D wrote on February 12, 2008 7:29 PM:
"Scott, thanks for the feedback. obviously then, the VofSD has a gremlin - many of my posts have disappeared into the abyss, and 99% of those have not even come close to violating your rules. And its clear Billy Bob and Edgar and others have made the same complaints. If there is not someone saying, "Nah, I'm I'm not gonna print this," then something is wrong with your software. And since i have your attention - can you address the anti-semitism in your columnists (Goldsborough and Taylor)? Taylor disappeared, did you fire him?"

25. D wrote on February 13, 2008 5:02 PM:
"Jeepers, I bet Carol Goodhue would've answered my question."

26. D wrote on February 15, 2008 9:55 AM:
"Stilllllll waiting...."

27. Scott Lewis wrote on February 15, 2008 10:42 AM:
"I didn't say we didn't kill comments at times, I said I couldn't find any from you that were killed so I can't tell you why they were. I don't believe Goldsborough exhibited anti-semitism. Taylor decided to stop contributing more than a year and a half ago."

28. D wrote on February 15, 2008 12:13 PM:
"Well, I think even my arch-enemy Edgar would agree with me that Goldsborough and Taylor both routinely write/wrote essays with clear disdain for those of the Jewish persuasion."

29. Curious wrote on February 15, 2008 3:42 PM:
"Seth, how can you say something like this without backing it up?: "The list of stories that were fabricated, totally mistaken or misleading is too numerous to count.""

30. innorthco wrote on February 15, 2008 6:25 PM:
"Why no coverage of the North County Times cutting staff? Don't you care when they are cutting coverage faster than that other paper? May have to change to the U-T."

31. Cranky wrote on February 16, 2008 12:41 AM:
"Burl Stiff overpaid??!! His columns are GENIUS!"

32. Sparky wrote on February 16, 2008 10:34 AM:
"I find it interesting VOS/Scott and Co. say; "It's a balancing act and we believe it's in the forum's best interest to maintain reader debates without name-calling and unproductive attacks." BBH and friends seldom post anything productive without offensive comments toward city employees. The term "welfare queen" "scammers" and so many other descriptors equally offensive have been allowed for how long? When one of us take exception and call fowl and point out the flat out lies of these individuals the item is not posted because we use descriptors like "idiot" or "moron". The VOS can't have it both ways. Picking and choosing who to censure is wrong. If you want to come up with a list of acceptable and unacceptable descriptors and words that highlight or change when used, do it. Otherwise allow the posts as written."

33. JR wrote on February 16, 2008 12:34 PM:
"Goodhue is quoted as saying: ''Because 22 years here, you start to know where some bodies are buried and you have some feel for how things work." And that, boys and girls, is precisely the problem. QED."

34. Fed Up wrote on February 16, 2008 5:14 PM:
"1) D -- I cannot imagine how you manage to read "anti-semitism" into James Goldsborough's work. 2) Cheeky -- There is no equivalent in the Union-Tribune to the voice's bloggy letters that follow an article. 3) Innorthco -- Happy now? Here's your story about NTC layoffs. 4) Sparky -- I just cannot resist: we never call "fowl" unless we are feeding chickens, and for editors to "censure" somebody would be so wrong. " But "censoring" the use of terms like "welfare queens scammers, idiots and morons" might be worth thinking about...."

35. Maura Larkins wrote on February 17, 2008 5:09 PM:
"JR, you said it beautifully."

36. Sparky wrote on February 17, 2008 9:20 PM:
""Fed Up" Hope I did not offend with my lack of proof reading and correcting of incorrect grammar and word usage. Oh heck, it's my GED education that failed me again. I am embarrassed but still laughing. Thank you for pointing out with such whit and levity my ignorance of the English language. I try. Sometimes it is hard. Thank you."

37. Seth Hettena wrote on February 18, 2008 12:56 AM:
"Curious -- There are well-known fabricators such as Janet Cooke, Jayson Blair, Jack Kelly, to name a few (and those are the ones we know about). WMD in Iraq, Wen Ho Lee, Richard Jewell are the subjects of totally mistaken or misleading stories that come to mind. Suffice it to say there are many, many more. The point is journalism is not a perfect science."

38. Rocky wrote on February 19, 2008 10:19 AM:
"Your right Seth, Journalism is not a perfect science and unfortunately it is getting less perfect by the day. There seems to be a lack of credibility and responsibility in the gathering, compiling, and presentation of the facts and that is sad. A misinformed society is a society that will eventually become a failed society. The "Pen is Mightier then the Sword" and in the wrong hands puts the world at risk."

39. Sparky wrote on February 19, 2008 5:37 PM:
"Here Here Rocky... Reporting factual based information without spinning from either the left or the right... is not common today in the world of journalism. Society as a whole has come to accept this because it has become common practice. We are as much to blame as those wielding the pen. When we accepted this type of reporting we in essence condoned it and have allowed it to become what it is today. The public's right to know has taken over the journalist's responsibility to get it right. Just put it out there and let the masses figure it out. There in lies the problem; without ALL of the information, the masses are left with filling in the blanks with what? Rumors, guessing, false information and the like. Seth, are you saying there were NEVER WMD's in Iraq? Hmmmmm..."

40. Rocky wrote on February 20, 2008 12:07 AM:
"Sparky, I don't think society as whole has come to accept misleading journalism, and I will include the broadcast media in the equation as well. They have simply succumb to it. They have been overwhelmed and bombarded by this wave of irresponsible reporting that has become seriously out of control. But as long as it sells the beans it just aint going to change. If the masses would just stop patronizing the advertisers and start complaining to the print media, the broadcast media, write letters to the FCC and phone calls to their legislators then it may just have an effect. But that will probably not come to fruition because people don't either have the time or will take the time to vent where it counts."