So I wrote a post here about the Marlins stinking in areas of media relations. In writing that post, I failed to first talk to Matt Roebuck, the team’s media relations head. Rookie mistake, since I’m at camp.
Anyhow, a few minutes ago Matt tracked me down and stated his position. I give the guy credit. And I give myself a D-.
Sometimes in blogging it becomes too easy to write something, then just let it fly. Which goes away from the most important journalistic principle—accountability. Whether I’m right or wrong in my take on the Marlins, I was definitely wrong not to approach Matt and give him a chance to speak his side. He also made an extremely valuable point, which I overlooked: Sometimes what doesn’t work for the national media works for the local media covering the team on a daily basis. Which is a franchise’s first concern, generally.
Anyhow, I apologized to Matt, and genuinely appreciate him confronting me face to face. This is a blog—but conversations come first.