Guns: Infinity

[The Sybian]

The killer actually recorded the killing and posted it.

The article below has one of the two videos - until just before the shooting. It's really fucking creepy. Apparently the actual killing is out there as well, but Twitter and YouTube removed it.

http://gawker.com/alleged-wdbj-gunman-p ... 1726645000" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Call me racist, but I was surprised to see the killer is black. Any crazy shooting, I just assume white male.

[mister d]

Sounds crude but there isn't video of 20 kids + teachers getting gunned down.

Made the exact same point to a friend earlier. As horrific as watching little kids getting murdered would be, it wouldn't change whether or not it happened, just what may have happened later on. Allowing everyone to say "oh my god, that's awful" but not have it traumatically seared into their brains is how the shrugging middle can keep shrugging rather than picking a side and fighting. Add "supports the NRA and gun-owner rights" to the list of "I just can't vote for someone who ..." issues.

[degenerasian]

Yep....if 20 kindergartners (and six adults) getting gunned down in their class room 10 days before Christmas didn't bring on serious gun control reform, nothing will.

But there's video for this one. Video is very powerful. Sounds crude but there isn't video of 20 kids + teachers getting gunned down.

I'm thinking of the Ray Rice video, nobody cared until they saw it.

So maybe there's hope? I know I'm reaching here.

And everyone is saying "don't watch the video, it gives the killer what he wants!!!"

Yup.

It is rather ironic to see several news media personalities on Twitter getting upset that people are sharing video of the shooting and imploring people to stop sharing it, and how the victims should be front and center, etc. Funny how that attitude changes when the media becomes the news rather than simply reports on it.

[Ryan]

The camerman is 27 and went to Virginia Tech. He would have been 19 when the VT shooting happened.

[Nonlinear FC]

I don't have much to add, really... Couple of observations:

* I spend a good deal of time working with reporters and their cameramen out around the DC metro area. They're typically spending hours and hours together, so they tend to form a pretty close bond. Nothing really deep or insightful there, just part of what makes the story more heartbreaking to me (for whatever reason.)

* I'd also note that tv reporters are extremely vulnerable. I've been in a handful of situations where we are going through the interview and I've stopped mid-sentence because someone was approaching or traffic was getting too close... You are in a bubble, but you are usually immersed in the middle of "something." The fact that this guy was able to walk up and (reportedly) stand right next to them for a few minutes is a prime example.

People love to laugh at the bloopers where strangers harass tv reporters. I've never found it funny, because it's one step away from someone deciding to take it one step further and go ahead and assault a reporter.

Never would've nightmared up this scenario.

[brian]

I was going to mention this in the Movies thread, but it seems more germane in this one now, but I happened to be watching the "Happy Valley" documentary on Netflix last night. It was really interesting and fair to all involved I thought (worth seeing if you have 90 minutes to kill, though it doesn't especially break any new ground), but the striking thing I took from it was that the only group/person that came off looking bad (other than Jerry Sandusky obvs) was Penn State fans as a whole, especially their reaction towards the media somehow blaming them for Paterno's firing in the ensuing riot after he was fired.

One State College media member said he actually feared for his life during it. (There are other instances in the doc of PSU fans acting like assholes, though I don't know that it would be too different in most places given the cult of personality built up around Paterno). The riot though was beyond the pale, even for a situation like this. Anyway, just interesting that there was a whole section of the doc that covered how the media were being treated in the aftermath of all that.

[mister d]

I don't have much to add, really... Couple of observations:

* I spend a good deal of time working with reporters and their cameramen out around the DC metro area. They're typically spending hours and hours together, so they tend to form a pretty close bond. Nothing really deep or insightful there, just part of what makes the story more heartbreaking to me (for whatever reason.)

* I'd also note that tv reporters are extremely vulnerable. I've been in a handful of situations where we are going through the interview and I've stopped mid-sentence because someone was approaching or traffic was getting too close... You are in a bubble, but you are usually immersed in the middle of "something." The fact that this guy was able to walk up and (reportedly) stand right next to them for a few minutes is a prime example.

People love to laugh at the bloopers where strangers harass tv reporters. I've never found it funny, because it's one step away from someone deciding to take it one step further and go ahead and assault a reporter.

Never would've nightmared up this scenario.

But ... these are the people who promote "if it bleeds, it leads". And who phone and shove microphones in the face of mourning family members almost daily. And who would be covering it in the same "Ratings!" -first manner if it weren't their friends this time.

[Bensell]

I think that if the American viewing audience would see the actual footage of people being gunned down it may move the mood for at least some minimum form of gun control. But probably not...

On a side note, cable news has no problem showing black men getting gunned down by cops but almost every station is refusing to show this footage. That seems very fucked up to me

[Ryan]

How's that lack of recognition feel, GENERIC BRAND SHOOTER X DOE!?!?

[BSF21]

On a side note, cable news has no problem showing black men getting gunned down by cops but almost every station is refusing to show this footage. That seems very fucked up to me

Those people weren't on their (media) team.

I grieve for these people and their families and loved ones. Senseless tragedies like this makes me want to climb in the box and not come out.

[Pruitt]

I think that if the American viewing audience would see the actual footage of people being gunned down it may move the mood for at least some minimum form of gun control. But probably not...

On a side note, cable news has no problem showing black men getting gunned down by cops but almost every station is refusing to show this footage. That seems very fucked up to me

I respectfully and completely disagree with your statement - which is not an insult against you, as it's the way things SHOULD be.

But the types of people who would be disgusted, horrified and outraged by such footage are not the ones who perpetrate these crimes. It's a society where the goriest of "horror" movies have millions of followers, where extreme violence is featured in big budget movies and widely hyped video games, so the images of real people dying wouldn't sway many opinions. The problem isn't with how people should react to these images - it's in how the people who control whether these images (or events) remain commonplace react. And sadly, we know that the people who can enact and enforce the laws are in thrall to money and the lowest common denominators.

But in terms of the public at large, the main issue is rather the fact that people who are angry, insane and hate-filled enough to do these things can in fact easily acquire the means to perpetrate these crimes.

Also, the jagoffs who oppose strict gun control are the types that would see this footage and use it as some sort of "proof" that more guns are the answer. Remember, if the ministers in that church in South Carolina were armed, or if the teachers in Sandy Hook had guns or if the school had armed guns... these things wouldn't happen. Maybe if every news crew went out with an armed intern, than these journalists would still be alive.

I am thankful that I am currently writing a script for a very sweet-natured animated show for pre-schoolers. I love the fact that I get to spend the next few hours creating a world where a multi-ethnic group of people of all ages can run around and enjoy their time and their neighbourhood without having to fear their neighbours.

[A_B]

What's the name of this fantasy show, Pruitt?

[Pruitt]

What's the name of this fantasy show, Pruitt?

Nina's World. It's a show being coproduced by a Canadian company with the Sprout pre-school network out of L.A.

A number of animation writers I know don't like writing for the younger audience, but as I get older, I find the sweetness of the tone and the simplicity of the messages make me very happy.

Got to finish a scene where the main character and her grandmother are feeding bread to some silly ducks in the park.

On a day like this, it beats the hell out of writing drama.

[BSF21]

What's the name of this fantasy show, Pruitt?

Nina's World. It's a show being coproduced by a Canadian company with the Sprout pre-school network out of L.A.

A number of animation writers I know don't like writing for the younger audience, but as I get older, I find the sweetness of the tone and the simplicity of the messages make me very happy.

Got to finish a scene where the main character and her grandmother are feeding bread to some silly ducks in the park.

On a day like this, it beats the hell out of writing drama.

[Pruitt]

Well then when the episode airs in about a year, you will be happy to see that I handled the relationship between the ducks and the humans in a way that Mitch Hedberg would have approved of.

The Silly Duck <Quacks> at Abuelita who tosses a piece of bread at it. The Silly Duck gobbles it down and bows its head in thanks.

ABUELITA (CONT’D)
¡Buen apetito! (To Nina) But we are almost out of bread. Maybe we should go to the bakery to get some more.

Nina and Star share a concerned look as the Silly Duck flaps its wings and <Quacks> in agreement.
Star floats up to Nina.

STAR
We can’t go back until the (whisper) surprise is ready.

NINA
I know, but I have an idea!

Nina turns to Abuelita.

NINA (CONT’D)
Abuelita - do you want to play frisbee with me?

Silly Duck shakes his head “no.” Abuelita nods.

ABUELITA
That's a great idea!

Nina pulls a frisbee out of her satchel and tosses it OS. The Silly Duck glares at her.

NINA
(to the duck)
Sorry about that!

The Silly Duck waddles away from her.

And yes, I do hear Emmy calling...

[rass]

What's the name of this fantasy show, Pruitt?

Nina's World. It's a show being coproduced by a Canadian company with the Sprout pre-school network out of L.A.

A number of animation writers I know don't like writing for the younger audience, but as I get older, I find the sweetness of the tone and the simplicity of the messages make me very happy.

Got to finish a scene where the main character and her grandmother are feeding bread to some silly ducks in the park.

On a day like this, it beats the hell out of writing drama.

hot?

[A_B]

Shooting in KY courthouse.

Edit. Apparently someone was being taken back into custody, grabbed a bailiffs gun and shot himself.

[brian]

Not sure you properly captured Silly Duck's motivation in that scene.

[Ryan]

Shooting in KY courthouse.

Edit. Apparently someone was being taken back into custody, grabbed a bailiffs gun and shot himself.

If only the criminal had a gun that the bailiff could have taken first

[The Sybian]

[quote="BSF21"Senseless tragedies like this makes me want to climb in the box and not come out.

[/quote]


[_____]. Too soon.

[Giff]

What's the name of this fantasy show, Pruitt?

Nina's World. It's a show being coproduced by a Canadian company with the Sprout pre-school network out of L.A.

A number of animation writers I know don't like writing for the younger audience, but as I get older, I find the sweetness of the tone and the simplicity of the messages make me very happy.

Got to finish a scene where the main character and her grandmother are feeding bread to some silly ducks in the park.

On a day like this, it beats the hell out of writing drama.

Dude, that's fucking awesome. My daughter loves Nina and Star.

[Brontoburglar]

I don't have much to add, really... Couple of observations:

* I spend a good deal of time working with reporters and their cameramen out around the DC metro area. They're typically spending hours and hours together, so they tend to form a pretty close bond. Nothing really deep or insightful there, just part of what makes the story more heartbreaking to me (for whatever reason.)

* I'd also note that tv reporters are extremely vulnerable. I've been in a handful of situations where we are going through the interview and I've stopped mid-sentence because someone was approaching or traffic was getting too close... You are in a bubble, but you are usually immersed in the middle of "something." The fact that this guy was able to walk up and (reportedly) stand right next to them for a few minutes is a prime example.

People love to laugh at the bloopers where strangers harass tv reporters. I've never found it funny, because it's one step away from someone deciding to take it one step further and go ahead and assault a reporter.

Never would've nightmared up this scenario.

But ... these are the people who promote "if it bleeds, it leads". And who phone and shove microphones in the face of mourning family members almost daily. And who would be covering it in the same "Ratings!" -first manner if it weren't their friends this time.

I think in this case it's important to differentiate between on-air crew and producers and directors calling the shots and sending them to cover the stories.

[mister d]

With the people willingly in that industry going on those assignments? Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying they deserve this or anything close, but I do take issue with any "respect their privacy" approach. If my wife and kids are horribly killed today, I'm not going to get to decide how many reporters approach me and how aggressively they do so.

[The Sybian]

What's the name of this fantasy show, Pruitt?

Nina's World. It's a show being coproduced by a Canadian company with the Sprout pre-school network out of L.A.

A number of animation writers I know don't like writing for the younger audience, but as I get older, I find the sweetness of the tone and the simplicity of the messages make me very happy.

Got to finish a scene where the main character and her grandmother are feeding bread to some silly ducks in the park.

On a day like this, it beats the hell out of writing drama.

hot?

Yes, Nina is hot. Never knew about the controversy with the first Nina. The videos are pretty funny, see below:

Pruitt, that's pretty sweet you are writing for Rita Moreno. And the animated version of a talking star shaped pillow.

[sancarlos]

That takes me back. My daughter (who is now in high school) was a devoted little Sprout watcher back in the days of the first Nina. I'd watch the show with my daughter and eye the hot Ms. Nina. It was nice that their programming had something for everybody.

[Nonlinear FC]

With the people willingly in that industry going on those assignments? Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying they deserve this or anything close, but I do take issue with any "respect their privacy" approach. If my wife and kids are horribly killed today, I'm not going to get to decide how many reporters approach me and how aggressively they do so.

Small market TV is very different than what you are describing. I work in a big market, and even in this market most of the news directors and producers aren't completely out there doing gotcha journalism at every opportunity. They have 7 on Your Side type stuff, and those guys can be slightly assholish, but we're talking more about quasi-manufacturing David v. Goliath scenarios (taking customers word for stuff when a lot of times they are lying their asses off or REALLY twisting the truth or playing dumb.)

I do get what you're saying... A lot is wrong with the media, particularly TV media. But saying all TV folks operate the same is painting with too broad of a brush.

[Brontoburglar]

With the people willingly in that industry going on those assignments? Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying they deserve this or anything close, but I do take issue with any "respect their privacy" approach. If my wife and kids are horribly killed today, I'm not going to get to decide how many reporters approach me and how aggressively they do so.

Small market TV is very different than what you are describing. I work in a big market, and even in this market most of the news directors and producers aren't completely out there doing gotcha journalism at every opportunity. They have 7 on Your Side type stuff, and those guys can be slightly assholish, but we're talking more about quasi-manufacturing David v. Goliath scenarios (taking customers word for stuff when a lot of times they are lying their asses off or REALLY twisting the truth or playing dumb.)

I do get what you're saying... A lot is wrong with the media, particularly TV media. But saying all TV folks operate the same is painting with too broad of a brush.

Totally with NFC on this. These people worked for a Roanoke station for the morning news. They were doing a freaking assignment at a water park. Local morning news is not hard-hitting or gotcha.

Do I think local TV people will ask questions of grieving family members to elicit emotional reactions in those times? Absolutely. Do I think they ambush people in those times to get those interviews? Only in rare circumstances, and nothing that I can remember off the top of my head (and have you seen my Twitter feed complaining about my local outlets?). Usually when you see the interviews with grieving family members, they're in a sit down interview scenario or a place where it's clear that it was an interview arranged and consented to by both sides.

And how many times have you seen a story where "2 people gunned down at public place" that includes the reporter knocking on the door of a loved one with the loved one refusing to talk? Legitimate question. That shit wouldn't work on a regular basis because people have empathy.

It's sort of like saying you'd lack empathy for me because you hate stereotypical/cliche-riddled/etc (insert writer's name here).

[Jerloma]

This fucking cunt proudly called himself a Jehovah's Witness; an organization that is openly and proudly bigoted towards homosexuals, and he has the fucking nerve to accredit this to his former employer discriminating against him for his homosexuality?

[mister d]

Do I think local TV people will ask questions of grieving family members to elicit emotional reactions in those times? Absolutely.

This is my only point. An industry that actively pursues and commoditizes the grief of non-public figures expecting privacy seems ... ridiculous isn't the right word but I'm done thinking for today.

[howard]

I had a very busy day so I am just coming to this story this evening. A workplace shooting/murder. But the workplace happens to be a TV news/entertainment outfit, and the murder was captured on live TV as well as posted on social media by the murderer. Have I got that right?

With the confounding factors of celebrity, 'TV journalism' such as it is today, graphic video on tv and social media, I shudder to consider the reaction from various quarters.

n.b. my most serious girlfriend, whom I very nearly married, was a TV news reporter for a local station here in NYC. (The Channel 11 New Jersey reporter, back in the 90s. Yeah, the tall hot one, if any of you guys are old enough to remember.) I tagged along a few times for stories and live shots, ended up helping out as she usually did not have a remote producer, just a cameraman, maybe an intern. Point is, I know this business pretty well for an outsider. Another point is, I don't consider people special just because they are on TV, but this is an outlier point of view.

And I'm just gonna consider this as yet another sad, tragic workplace murder. With some weird circumstances layered on top, but circumstances that don't change the essence of the tragedy. Although there must be tons of words to the contrary.

[howard]

eta: for fucks sake. Now it affects me personally.

[Rex]

Yeah, should be totally fine next week when these killings don't matter anymore.

[Brontoburglar]

Do I think local TV people will ask questions of grieving family members to elicit emotional reactions in those times? Absolutely.

This is my only point. An industry that actively pursues and commoditizes the grief of non-public figures expecting privacy seems ... ridiculous isn't the right word but I'm done thinking for today.

Because if it's your only point, it doesn't make much sense.

You took that sentence from me in the context of as interview in which the person has consented to (as described below that sentence). When you consent to an interview about a lost loved one, "expecting privacy" is already out the window. Again, if you want to provide me examples of ambush interviews of grieving loved ones, I would love to see them. Because that's next-level sick.

You also don't have to answer the question(s) either.

ETA: Since I'm vague, you in the last sentence = person in the interview.

[Brontoburglar]

I had a very busy day so I am just coming to this story this evening. A workplace shooting/murder. But the workplace happens to be a TV news/entertainment outfit, and the murder was captured on live TV as well as posted on social media by the murderer. Have I got that right?

With the confounding factors of celebrity, 'TV journalism' such as it is today, graphic video on tv and social media, I shudder to consider the reaction from various quarters.

n.b. my most serious girlfriend, whom I very nearly married, was a TV news reporter for a local station here in NYC. (The Channel 11 New Jersey reporter, back in the 90s. Yeah, the tall hot one, if any of you guys are old enough to remember.) I tagged along a few times for stories and live shots, ended up helping out as she usually did not have a remote producer, just a cameraman, maybe an intern. Point is, I know this business pretty well for an outsider. Another point is, I don't consider people special just because they are on TV, but this is an outlier point of view.

And I'm just gonna consider this as yet another sad, tragic workplace murder. With some weird circumstances layered on top, but circumstances that don't change the essence of the tragedy. Although there must be tons of words to the contrary.

It's the perfect example of how the media can treat stories involving the media with more importance than others. I made that point this morning to a co-worker.

It doesn't make it any less tragic/disgusting/gruesome because of the observation, though I think some inside media would believe it to be the case if it was pointed out to them.

[mister d]

To agree to (or decline) an interview regarding a personal tragedy, you have to be approached about an interview regarding a personal tragedy, no?

(What question did I not answer?)

[Brontoburglar]

To agree to (or decline) an interview regarding a personal tragedy, you have to be approached about an interview regarding a personal tragedy, no?

(What question did I not answer?)

So asking for an interview for a story that would be of the public's interest is already commoditization?

You're projecting here. I realize there are some dicks in the media world and would not be the most polite in asking grieving family members for interviews. But 95%+ of people are polite and understanding when it comes to asking for interviews on sensitive subjects like this. If you've declined an interview via the phone or email, the odds of someone showing up at your door are extremely, extremely low.

And even lower if said showing up at the door is filmed for public consumption.

[howard]

So asking for an interview for a story that would be of the public's interest is already commoditization?

Of course it is, ever since they started charging for newspapers.

Of fucking course. And 'public's interest'? I can't wait for your definition of this.

It is a business, and stories are commodities. Nothing to be ashamed of, no need to call it anything else.

[mister d]

Someone mourning a family member's or a friend's death should not be contacted for an interview. Even if the reporter is very polite.

[brian]

Not trying to interject myself into the discussion but this is one of the reasons I got out of the news business. I found myself interviewing a woman whose daughter had been struck and killed by lightning and eventually decided I couldn't do it anymore. I don't fault people who can but I couldn't.

[Brontoburglar]

So asking for an interview for a story that would be of the public's interest is already commoditization?

Of course it is, ever since they started charging for newspapers.
Of fucking course. And 'public's interest'? I can't wait for your definition of this.

It is a business, and stories are commodities. Nothing to be ashamed of, no need to call it anything else.

I don't reach the point of commoditization until it actually becomes a commodity. But to each their own.

There's clearly an appetite for stories about people involved in shit like this. Otherwise they wouldn't be written. And I'm not going to get into the chicken and the egg argument. We've established that discussing the media in here is like talking in circles. The only thing I'll say about it is that both the chicken and the egg exist.

ETA: Fix quote formatting.