Rules of Engagement – a note from the publisher of Print21

Accuracy and veracity are often the first victims of internet news reporting in this Age of the Blogger.

Anonymous scuttlebutt, malicious rumour mongering, libellous mischief making are the stock in trade of many so-called news sites on the WWWeb. But not of www.print21.com.au.

Along with every other reputable news outlet, it is our strict policy not to publish anonymous letters. We will not give credence to anything said by someone who is not prepared to identify themselves. While anonymous tips are often the stock in trade of journalism and the starting point of important news stories, they are just that, tips, and not for publication.

Last week due to a failure in our editing procedures we published two anonymous letters. We have since removed them from the website and we apologise to anyone they offended.

In particular we apologise to Heidelberg Australia, the target of one of the scurrilous attacks. For the record, we have made inquiries and are completely satisfied that Heidelberg did not offer a payment ‘holiday’ on equipment sold to Planned Printing as alleged. We also believe Heidelberg CEO, Andy Vels Jensen’s affirmation that it is not his company’s policy to do so in any of its dealings.

It is too easy to throw mud from behind the cloak of anonymity and we are sorry www.print21.com.au allowed itself to be party to such a practice. It won’t happen again.

The Rules of Engagement are that while we encourage members of the industry to continue to supply us with tip offs on bad practices and illegal activity, we will we not publish any letters or opinions when the writer is not identified. The signature is not necessarily for publication. It is perfectly acceptable to request that your name be withheld; otherwise there will be no protection for the whistle blower.

But we must know who you are, in the first place.

Thank you for your continuing engagement and cooperation in the production of the industry’s news website of record. Keep those tips and news items coming in.

Patrick Howard
Publisher