Louisville Article and My Response

[Bethers]

There was an article in the Louisville paper regarding the workampers here at this Amazon location. I was very disappointed (mild word) with the slant it took, I sent an email today to the paper.

If you're interested in the article or my response, I have a link to the article on my blog, and have my response printed there, also:

http://ontheroadwithbeth.com/blog/2010/11/28/louisville-article-and-my-reply/

[Travelinana]

Excellent..Did I understand you aren't allowing them to print your letter? No doubt there will be plenty who feel exactly as you do. Workamper most likely will write a piece on this also if they know about it. By the way, I live in the same small town as 'Workamper, Heber Springs, AR'. I know the couple who built it. The wife's mother and father traveled the country by RV selling it to Parks all across the USA. The mother is Arline Chandler and is a published writer. She has written several books on the RV lifestyle. 'They have since sold it. It's a great story. You're a great voice for the RV'er..keep it up

[Bethers]

I'd let them publish it - IF they contact me and get permission. I'd like to know that they wouldn't change it/shorten it, etc unless I approve any changes. I can imagine how they might do that. Thanks for your comment.

And if you want to share it with Workampers - feel free. I'm a member there - they can take a look.

[kdmac]

Over the last several weeks I have repeatedly enjoyed your blog and photos. At night when I want to take a "cyber road-trip" I look at your blog; in doing so I have sensed a kindred spirit in you that is rare to find. I too, prefer to kayak on my own to sneak up quielty on the turtles, beavers, muskrats and birds of all kinds. I am as thrilled by the next turtle, deer, bear, heron, etc. as I was by the hundreds I have seen before. I love each road and hunger to get around the next bend. I was born to live this lifestyle, I grew up living it, and hope to live it for the rest of my life. That said; I immediately recognized your feelings when you read that article because I too was insensed by the author's intention of "put down" with an aire of superiority, no less. I too have learned over the years to collect myself before any kind of response just as you did. Your words were succinct, calm, and very well-spoken.
I was a newspaper reporter in Washington state, back in the day of integrity before yellow journalism was the intended norm. I am sure the reporter(s) will see your response and hopefully the editor will print it...editors are always looking for articles to fill their pages and it would make such a good follow-up.
Funny, when you look at the accompanying photos for this article you see the "gypsies" in rigs that are fastidious, pricey, proudly flying American flags, they are not protraying down-trodden desperation.
I think I know what the future holds for this country; it may not be good, but I still truly pray the author(s) NEVER experience the desperation they so smuggly inferred.

[Liz]

A very good response, Beth. I think they should publish it...wonder if they'll contact you.

[asirimarco]

Like your response Beth - It's a shame the way "reporters" "report" any more. Seems like if they can't put a nasty spin to things they don't think its news. And reading some of the comments to it was interesting too.

[mtngal]

Good response Beth and I hope it generates a more balanced follow-up article. Although based on the comments I think the reporter was writing what his readers wanted to hear.
Too sad. And also scary as to the one sided nature of so much journalism now. Puts all the responsibility on us as readers to wade through the bullsh*t. Maybe a good thing to a certain extent. Thanks for sharing the article and your thoughtful response.

[Redetotry]

Good response Beth. I agree with mtngal about one sided journalism in this country. I stopped reading and listening to the national news several years ago, way too biased. We subscribe to The Economist magazine and feel it gives a fair report of the world situation.

[Echo]

Good job Beth!

They sure didn't say much about those of us who choose this life. And that is for sure where the article fell on it's face.....

[OutandAbout]

Good reply Beth. Unfortunately with the way newspapers "report" the news, I fear it will fall on deaf ears. If the article(s) don't have that "sensational" feel to it, it doesn't get written or printed. There always has to be an angle. Such a shame. Linda

[sunshinecruiserTN]

Sick 'em Beth. Very well said.

[Birdie]

You GO Girl! That was a great response to an "article". Certainly not a 'journalist' reporting 'professionally'.

[rvgrammy1953]

You go, Girlfriend.... Very well done response to a very bias article.....Know how you feel being referred to as "homeless" and down and out...On a military forum review of this campground last year, a camper referred to us as "homeless vets"...cause he felt we didn't jump high enough for his retired "rank" ....I responded by saying, what homeless vet do you know who lives in a New 5th wheel....etc. etc....I believe they are all just jealous of our lifestyle...

Just sign us, full-timing camp hosts and loving it....

[Colliemom]

Great answer Beth. You did a fantastic job and I hope they contact you to print it. People need to know the difference between those who are "following the work" and those who just work when they want.

I really enjoyed reading your response and now have a better understanding on how you started into your lifestyle. It's somethng I'm throwing around too.

[cpatinjones]

Good response.