GOOD NEWS!

On Friday sueite posted the comment "Any good news out there? Perhaps we should have a column that only has good news?" A brief discussion followed as to whether such a feature would be well-received, or even feasible.

If I were considering publishing a "Good News" feature, I would want to weed out all the photo-ops and various political dog-and-pony shows that, while often highlighting the good and deserving works of others, tend to focus more on the politicians and their sometimes minor roles in the situation.

Next would be the task of trying to find out about the good things that are happening. The problem is that many people who are doing good works often do so quietly, and don’t seek public attention. Many are reluctant to speak about the good things they do, preferring to let their actions speak for themselves.

So, let’s say we do find a few stories to run, what would they be? Successful fund-raising efforts, new businesses opening, a high school sports team clinching a victory, maybe the occasional inspirational story of someone overcoming adversity. Not to minimize the value of any of these types of stories but, really, how long would these types of stories hold people’s attention?

Let’s be honest with ourselves; for as much as we enjoy reading the occasional feel-good story the fact is that, for the most part, these aren’t really "news." We expect good things to happen, we expect people to do the right thing and be kind and generous toward each other. It’s when this doesn’t happen that it becomes news.

Beside which, would we be satisfied if we never heard or read another bad news story?

People are simply curious about the events happening around them. Often someone will post a comment in the News Response forum, saying they just saw a number of fire trucks, several police vehicles, &/or an ambulance at such-and-such a location, and asking if anyone knows what is going on. It’s not just morbid curiosity, it’s human nature that draws us to such events.

I think people just want to know what’s happening, whether good or bad. Judging by the number of comments posted in response to the not-so-good news, it seems that there are quite a few readers who feel the same way.

On the whole I find SooToday to be fairly balanced in this regard. There are often inspirational stories, stories of good deeds, of new ventures being launched, and other positive stories.

I’ll admit that I like reading the positive stories, but I also want to know about scandals, crimes that have been committed, business closures, job lay-offs, and all the other not-so-good news. Most of all, I want to be informed about what’s happening in my community, good or bad.

But, that’s just my opinion.