Thinking about a longer-form writing project Permanent link to this item in the archive.

On the nature of online mobs.


Bloglike coverage on the Virginia Tech student newspaper's site Permanent link to this item in the archive.

Collegiate Times.


Why didn't you stop this? Permanent link to this item in the archive.

Horrible tragedy at Virginia Tech today. Reporters at the news conference are really hostile to the administration. No doubt mistakes were made, but no organization is ever really prepared for something like that. I've worked for a big city school district and three colleges. I think urban school districts are more on guard for stuff like this. That said, on the police side, the home law enforcement agency for city schools is usually tough city police. Campus police departments in college towns do tend to be a little like the Mayberry Sheriff's office. But, the reporters are almost acting like the university administrators did the shooting. I always feel kind of sorry for anybody suddenly caught in a national spotlight that they're not used to.