Skip to main contentJournalism in Portland will be better off without The Oregonian ["Black and White and Red All Over," WW, June 26, 2013].
I can't recall a significant story they broke in recent years. They missed David Wu, I found out about Portland lead smelters from USA Today and about the ammonium nitrate storage on Tile Flat Road from The Dallas Morning News. The Salem Statesman Journal tells me what I need to know about the Oregon Legislature, and Willamette Week and The Portland Mercury keep me up to speed on local politics.
It's sad to see a newspaper die of mismanagement, and sadder to see good journalists out on the street in what looks to me like age discrimination.
—"M. Edward Borasky"
The Oregonian has been one of the best newspapers in the country (I'm not sure that is saying a whole lot; there are tons of crappy ones out there). I love the investigative reporting and many of the local columns—and I always read the opinion page.
But all digital? There will be way too many "clicks" that people just won't do. They won't read as much as they would when what they have is a paper in their hands.
—"Gundytoo"
Could The Oregonian work on having a better website if that's going to be their focus? I don't trust their journalism will get any better, but the least they could do is have a website that doesn't make my computer freeze.
—"Gibsonator"
COMPANY UNDER SCRUTINY
I too worked for a local municipality that had contracted with Diversified Abilities for both janitorial and landscaping services ["Janitorial Mess," WW, June 26, 2013]. As stated by Portland State, we too experienced late, inaccurate and poorly presented invoices from DA.
But rather than award them a sizable no-bid contract, we relieved them of their services. I was unaware of the tax liens, but I'm not surprised. DA management are more than a little shady.
To take advantage of the vulnerable people that they purport to help while padding their own pockets...is more than appalling. I find it truly disgusting, and it speaks volumes to their character.
—"pdxhawky"
VANDWELLER TO VANDWELLER
The first rule of van camping is don't talk about van camping ["Vanifest Destiny: The Shower Scene," WW, June 19, 2013]. Do not draw any unnecessary attention to yourself, your van or the places you frequent.
By doing so, you have made it more dangerous and much riskier for those of us who are forced—I hope just temporarily—to live like this. It's not just fun and games, a summertime lark or a lifestyle choice that leads us to adopt this unauthorized alternative.
It's a matter of survival. I'm sure glad you don't know my spots.
—"Trying to Go Unnoticed"
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