Rick
TS Member
- Favourite Ride
- Crux
I could copy and paste this from all the other times I've said the same thing in this thread, but I'll retype it as I wait for the kettle to boil.
Firstly, I agree with people who are suggesting that it is wrong for media outlets to report things that are incorrect. If someone is stuck upside down, say that. If they're stuck on the vertical lift on their backs, say that. But - and this is important, each of those outlets doesn't have someone at Alton Towers each and everyday, nor do they dispatch a field reporter to the park each time they print one of these stories. They rely on people are witnesses to the (non)-event.
Secondly, where I don't agree are the people that suggest that this kind of stuff shouldn't be printed due to their emotional attachment to the park or (I assume less so, the ride). In addition, the people that write this stuff aren't roller coaster enthusiasts or experts, nor should they be. They don't know what constitutes normal operation and when something is a thing, or not. They don't know what a blocking system is etc.
News is whatever people want to hear about. Yesterday, every British broadcast media ran or led with the story about the Samsung Note 7 being recalled, despite the fact it's only available for pre-order. But, it's Samsung - millions of people have a stake in, or a connection to that brand. Just like they do with Alton Towers and the Smiler.
This whole thing is made more frustrating because Merlin have courted the media very effectively for a long time and now it's backfiring. In addition, Merlin have been ever so slightly economical with the truth with certain things when it comes to stoppages and the like (as most companies are).
If you want a controlled press and media, Pyongyang is for you.
Firstly, I agree with people who are suggesting that it is wrong for media outlets to report things that are incorrect. If someone is stuck upside down, say that. If they're stuck on the vertical lift on their backs, say that. But - and this is important, each of those outlets doesn't have someone at Alton Towers each and everyday, nor do they dispatch a field reporter to the park each time they print one of these stories. They rely on people are witnesses to the (non)-event.
Secondly, where I don't agree are the people that suggest that this kind of stuff shouldn't be printed due to their emotional attachment to the park or (I assume less so, the ride). In addition, the people that write this stuff aren't roller coaster enthusiasts or experts, nor should they be. They don't know what constitutes normal operation and when something is a thing, or not. They don't know what a blocking system is etc.
News is whatever people want to hear about. Yesterday, every British broadcast media ran or led with the story about the Samsung Note 7 being recalled, despite the fact it's only available for pre-order. But, it's Samsung - millions of people have a stake in, or a connection to that brand. Just like they do with Alton Towers and the Smiler.
This whole thing is made more frustrating because Merlin have courted the media very effectively for a long time and now it's backfiring. In addition, Merlin have been ever so slightly economical with the truth with certain things when it comes to stoppages and the like (as most companies are).
If you want a controlled press and media, Pyongyang is for you.