Not Much News

As was predicted yesterday by many of the journalists in Aruba on this story ... today was so far mostly uneventful. I did see something just a bit ago that suggested the dogs may have reacted once or twice around the house during the search.

Also heard something as regards a helicopter with infrared capabilities becoming involved - totally unconfirmed. I didn't have a chance to do anything but pass some things on to a friend when a few items came up before the search of the Van der Sloot home.

Did I say search? Exactly how long has passed since a possible homicide was comitted? If there was any evidence in that home, or the newly impounded cars - Van der Sloot and his Father deserve the chair for stupidity - let alone a terrible crime.

Oh, I doubt the MSNBC thing is happening tonight, which is fine - never did manage to get out to get a hair cut. If all goes according to plan I'll get out of the office soon, make some calls and try to see what I can learn.

Below is something for you to ponder - the first, a quick note from one reader - and thank you, by the way - the second from a fellow who says he is a "real" journalist. But first - couple quick points - when you email a blog your email is always subject to posting - with email address UNLESS YOU REQUEST CONFIDENTIALITY or are operating within the context of a relationship where it is discussed and agreed upon.

No reader of mine who provides information - and thank you all, really ... will EVER need to worry about confidentiality. But this second guy below here just rubbed me the wrong way. If he is legitimate, it is precisely his type of attitude that has so hurt a mostly honorable industry like journalism, in my opinion. Hope to have some on topic info if I can later this evening.

first note

HI DAN, Just want to thank you for your hard work and your candid reporting, I check your sight first for updates on natalee. keep up the hard work. you rock!!! hope this finds you lots of work in the future...you are an excellent journalist.

2nd note -

listen here, your website is very informative and obviously based upon some degree of research and legwork, but dont praise yourself too highly.

Calling what you are doing journalism???!? Laughable.

you are taking practically all of your material from second hand sources, and posting rumors and totally unfounded information from iffy (at best) roots.

All you have done is created is a blog (but a pretty good one i must say) which anyone could do, so dont think youve accomplished something great or done anything that your average joe schmoe on the street couldnt do. Some "real" journalists might be taking offense. I am one of them.

So dont say the attention has been fantastic, and that you feel like you're doing so much good for others, because remember that this is all just gossip. I'm sure you have something better to do with your time. I hope so, at least. For your sake. Get off your high-horse and take a look at your website, its just a blog.

Regards,

Kyle Donovan

Update:

Sir,

I write this response due to the amount of email I received from readers of your site after my first email to you appeared on your website, including some from people in Alabama claiming to be friends of Natalee Holloway. I hope, for the sake of fairness, you post this message on your site, as you did my last post and email address.

I feel as if I owe your readers and you an explanation. First of all, my real name is NOT Kyle Donovan, so I assure you all that all those speculations that I own a company, work for a newspaper in Nevada, and so on, are most certainly false. I am, however, a full-time journalist working for a national publication in a central European country.

I cannot reveal my real name or the name of my publication because of potential implications and long-term ramifications within my line of work. I write on condition of anonymity. Secondly, I wish to repeat that I am a big fan of your website. In fact, in my first email I wrote that you were doing a good job. Your information is updated frequently, and the design of the website is outstanding.

You are providing a noble service, but can your blog be considered journalism? No.

On your website, you state: "The freedom of a blog is that I can talk about what I want when I want...." You hit the nail on the head.

That is the difference between "real journalism" and what you are doing, which I think of as a kind of web-log-reporting, is responsibility.

A real journalist has responsibility to his superiors, responsibility to the reading audience, responsibility to professional standards and accepted practices, and most importantly, is responsible for content and deliverance.

So unless you have some professional journalism qualifications, work for someone other than yourself, operate under some type of generally accepted professional standards, what you are doing is not journalism.

The average blogger does not receive money for writing. Instead, the blogger pays money for exposure of certain ideas to others. I get paid for what I write.

If I do not adhere to professional standards, I lose my job. If I have a "buddy" relationship with my readers, a very informal and unceremonious relationship (like you have with your readers), I lose my job.

If I publish incorrect or perfunctory information, or if my means of presenting that information is insufficient, I lose my job. I have to take responsibility for my work, otherwise I lose my job. You can publish whatever you please on your website, and you will never lose your right to writing. Consequently, I find it hard to be assured that you are adhering to any sort of strict professional standards. That is why blogging will never be journalism.

Regards,

Kyle Donovan

Comments

[Penny Silver]

Ignore Donovan. He's probably jealous. You've taken some information about a subject that interests you, you've developed leads, done an excellent job qualifying each lead and you've given your readers thoughtful analysis of the events and rumors in the story. It may not be what Donovan considers journalism, but it's a much better service you do your readers than what most "journalists" have done on this story. You seem to be looking for the truth; whereas journalists try to come up with a story, or find a story template that they can develop. (Like fox news comparing this story to the preppie murder in new york) My experience with journalists (I do PR for corporations) is that they ususally have a preconceived template and try to develop a story to fit it rather than trying to find out what happened and what is the truth. Your blog is great because you have no preconceived notions and theories. You're just digging for truth and details that make sense and solve the mystery. Keep up the great work.

[anita]

Kyle,

Please...

At least someone is trying to update Nathalies story.

[unsurelok]

Hmmm.....wonder if its this guy

http://www.tnj.com/articless/tnjevent/40/donovan.html

http://www.pbfn.org/about/ezine/march2003/art4.htm

http://www.kable.com/kable%20connections/four.html

http://www.nvmagazine.com/pubbio.php

Kyle Donovan, kdonovan@nvmagazine.com

By the way Dan...your doing a hell of a job

[Observer]

Dan, that was pretty low to post that guys comments and email address. You know journalists are usually upset with bloggers, and it is understandable because of how much time and effort a journalist puts into getting a degree in journalism, and I think you let his words bother you a little too much. Anyways, good job with the blog.

[szillygirl]

Man, what a pathetic troll. Kyle Donovan, washniko@yahoo.com, is just jealous of your sources, thoroughness, and tenacity ... He's also jealous that he is 'hamstringed' by some beauracracy that pays his pitiful paycheck to write what they want published.

If he didn't have any respect or admiration for your work, he wouldn't even bother taking the time to post a comment. I considered sending him a private 'comment', but decided that he's just a gnat. An annoying insect, not worth the bother of my time ... or yours.

Keep doin' what yer doin', b/c you're the best. Now, make sure you get your power nap, and drink plenty of fluids ... Forward --> Onward --> Carry on!

[szillygirl]

To Observer, NoOneNeedsToKnow@NONTK.com, get over yourself. You're a troll too.

[Getagrip]

From praise (1st note) to hissy fit (2nd note)! I'm at a loss for words :) However, we don't know if he's the 'real' Kyle Donovan, or someone pretending to be him.

In any case, I think your supporters far outweigh your critics. If anything, that 2nd email is the exception that proves that you're doing something right.

[jeremy]

DO MOST REAL JOURNALISTS NOT REPEAT WHAT
THEY GET FROM SOURCES LIKE REUTERS AND
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS? IT SEEMS TO ME THERE IS NOT
MUCH DIFFRENCE IN WHAT THEY DO AND WHAT YOUR DOING.YOU AT LEAST TRY TO CONFIRM A STORY
BEFORE YOU PUT IT UP FOR THE WORLD TO SEE AND
SEEM TO BE THE MOST INFORMITIVE OF THE OTHER SITES
I HAVE VISITED.

[leeann]

Kyle,

Jealous much???

Dan,

Superb job!!! Keep it up!!!

[Angela Rodal]

This gives great pix of Joran, just found it on Amy's blog
http://www.martin.isnw.org/lekkerdoelloos/paginas/joran.html

[CaliGirl]

Dan,

Keep up the good work!

As for the *ahem* "real" journalist. I offer some questions.

What exactly is a "real" journalist? Someone who has a degree?

I am not impressed much with degrees. Journalism is a gift. It can't be taught. It's natural. If you paid to learn, I am sensing a twing of jealousy perhaps over the facts that Dan has deadicated readers from his "blog" while you are still are whining for your 10 minutes of fame.

I know many journalists who quit running the rat wheel of the "getting my fame" game, to open independent "blogs" speaking raw truth uncensored and "real" reality. Journalism, when mainstream, is uninformative, repetitive etc.

Maybe you should go read the articles that have been showcased regarding news "blogging" being the most popular way people are reading the news.

I will stand by Dan and the other "news bloggers" I faithfully read. They are real journalists because they don't do it for the fame or fortune; they do it because they love it. They have a passion and a heart for it.

Real journalists earn respect not demand it. Perhaps when you learn to be an individual, you will earn followers.

[Mik]

You should ignore Mr. Donovan - i DEEPLY appricate your site - I found it i was searching for info (and really liked it and will cont to visit your pages after this is solved).
Anyway, because I am away for the summer, I am not able to keep up with the story as well as i would if i were at home - that being in Vestavia Hills, Alabama beside Mountain Brook - making this story hit close to home, knowing people in this community, who are just like i am, somehow i think when a story involves your home sometimes it makes us take notice when we might otherwise be able to ignore it and go about our lives. Also, i think human emotion often plays into getting involved and being concerned about something.

Also on the note of so many comments i have read and things said on the news - and I dont know what kind of lifestyle this young woman lived - we can all make a mistake or a bad choice, so even if initially she chose to go along with those boys, you can be asured wherever she is now is not of her design.

Prayers for her and her family/friends and the community.

[Angela Rodal]

http://www.martin.isnw.org/lekkerdoelloos/paginas/joran.html

These are diff pix of Joran

[Zana]

Thank you for the great site and the big efforts you put in Dan.

I'm a regular reader since the events on Aruba and came to ur site while looking for more info on this case. Since then i read it on daily base cause you have more and organised information then most (big) newssites and also a group of adult readers who can normally discuss events in this matter.

Beeing dutch myself makes me feel bad to read nasty stuff about dutch people in general on other sites cause it could have been any nationality involved if u ask me.

As for Kyle Donovan; point and laugh! You are describing the job of an average journalist such as yourself "stealing" information from allover the net so maybe you should get of the high horse yourself.

Tell me.. you were't by any chance looking for information on this case using something like "Google" to write a story about Natalee and ended up here now were you? :D

[Angela Rodal]

Another Joran Blog, there were many, most have been shut down, this one hasn't been yet.

http://www.myspace.com/14905439

[Angela Rodal]

By the way, I also have ready your site daily, I think you are awesome in your coverage and I have just posted comments tonight for the first time. Keep up the great work, I am a faithful reader!

[Chris Tremblay]

Kyle Donovan,

"All you have done is created is a blog (but a pretty good one i must say) which anyone could do, so dont think youve accomplished something great or done anything that your average joe schmoe on the street couldnt do."

It's a skill to put quality dynamic web sites together. Obviously this site is serving a damn good purpose and better yet if any joe could do this then why hasnt it been done? I havent seen to many quality blogs with reliable information pertaining to the Natalee case.

Oh yea, so where is your site? Do you use yahoo to post information or did you create your own site like a real joe schmoe.

When your over your journalism insecurities and can post a response that doesnt bash the webmaster for something you obviosly enjoy, because why else would you be here, then keep your remarks to yourself.

loser...

Keep up the good work Dan.

[KiminDaytona]

KYLE DONOVAN you have taken your analogy to your level. So as you have bascially stated: taking practically all of your material from second hand sources....gee reporting....I have been back and forth on this when I signed on and clicked favorites tonightsite and almost all is true...I didn't quite understand that I would be reading about you and yourself when the real reporting is about NATALEE HOLLOWAY at the moment. By the way, reporting no matter how it is publicized, is giving an account of, often at regular intervals; (ex. blog) to me that makes for good reporting. THAT IS WHY EVERY DAY ALL DAY I KEEP COMING BACK TO THIS WEBSITE www,riehlworldview.com because at regular intervals, I am getting good information about what I am in search of. To me that is good reporting.

[Chris Tremblay]

Oh yea Kyle

http://www.ctremblay.com <-- is this a lame site too?

[SL]

I would like to see Kyle Donovan's informative journalism on Natalee Holloway. Until that happens, I consider Dan to be a much more informative source of information than Kyle Donovan. Whether you call it amateur, professional, blog or journalism, Dan has offered much more information on Natalee than Mr. Donovan. That's all that matters.

[Zana]

"Stolen" from dutch website:

The parents of Joran filed a complaint and the court of justice cause they cant see their son. It's not clear if both parents can't see him or only his mum. Normally minors can be visited by their parents while they are in jail.

Police also searched Jorans house and his bedroom and they took two cars with them for investigation (damn how many cars do these folks have?)

I wish they would solve this case... seems forever Natalee has been missing now. I still pray she will be found alive though chances are getting smaller every day :(

[tideroller]

Dan - You let him get to you. My mother would just say, "Consider the source." and leave it at that. My family always checks your blog first. It is amazing how you have so often "scooped" the major networks. We definitely appreciate all your time and efforts and remain amazed at how one fellow can outperform the major networks. However, I don't think it is right to publish anyone's e-mail address. That was a weak moment, Dan.

[katy]

Does anyone know if Natalee's parents hired a private investigator? Would they have hired from the US or on Aruba?

[Terri]

You must be doing something right, Dan. It looks like Kyle Donovan is a little jealous. However, don't let Kyle upset you too much. The poor guy couldn't pass an English Composition class if his life depended on it. His sentence structure stinks. He uses the wrong verb tense here and there. He doesn't realize how to properly punctuate a sentence, etc, etc, etc. He is a bonafide journalist???? I doubt it. Of course, I guess he could have an English professor standing by to correct his deplorable writing. LOL

Keep up the great work, Dan!!!

[John from WuzzaDem]

Jeez, my writing is gooder than that guy's.

If gathering facts and information from a variety of sources, and then distilling those facts into an informative and easily digestible format isn't what he considers to be journalism, then I'll stick with blogs. Like this one.

Great work, Dan.

[thrill_seeker]

Dan,

I've been following your blog for a week and it's great. While Kyle was a little rude in offering some unsolicited negative opinions about your blog, unfortunately he has a point.

Several of your longer posts have taken on an increasingly self-aggrandizing tone (e.g. your big update, which wasn't really that big at all given that you positioned it as though you had solved the mystery), and I actually mentioned it to my wife. This blog is truly impressive, but I personally find the sly self-promotion a bit much.

Having said all that, this blog IS about you and not about us, else you wouldn't do it despite your altruistic claims, so ultimately you shouldn't feel bad or embarrassed about some mild self-promotion...just be prepared for the criticism -- it always follows praise because the reality of success is that it ultimately comes at someone else's expense (i.e. we can't ALL win at everything)

thrill_seeker

[Jim Sullivan]

Dan
You are doing an excellent job. Since you aren't professing to be a programmer, I won't feel threatened by your presence, (so I won't denigrate you with childish remarks. <;)
(Actually, I doubt that the above writer was Kyle Donovan of NV. I would expect more maturity from a credible journalist. (oxymoron?).

This past weekend, 'Fox News' 'journalists' continually reported unsubstantiated (and wrong) stories (re Natalee Holloway). Thanks to your site I was able to get a broader picture, from someone willing to do more than just spew whatever sounded sensational. Thanks for everything.

Jim Sullivan

[Jojo]

Kyle Donovan, if that's your real name;
You're an ego-maniacal jackass.
First of all, your site sucks. Glorifies you only. Joran Van Der Sloot's little 'space on the net' was better than yours. Stay off this blog unless you have something constructive to contribute. Otherwise you should just retreat to the background and keep 'lurking'. It's the Main Stream Media that has convoluted this case. It's BECAUSE of the media this case has gone unsolved or so it appears. It's because of the media that Aruba seems more concerned about it's image in the world rather than solving this case and moving on. Media today is more an entertainment industry. Why do you think we have editors? Yes I said 'we'. I'm a published writer, a real one who researches then writes. Editors are there to sell, sell, sell. No matter what the story is, it's what sells or what your editor thinks sells. Editors decide what is news today. THEY mold public opinion and eventually legislation. How many of your stories has your Editor rejected because it won't sell papers or attract sponsors? Sorry to everyone else, but this guy's a joke. Nice big words, but no message.
Just my opinion. Peace

[adad]

Dan, Be analytical. You are getting the kind of appreciation that Kyle would enjoy. Appreciate him. Wise men appreciate everyone. Fools depreciate everyone. Kyle must know something that could be useful to you, so appreciate him.
This is not my idea. I borrowed it from "The Art of Worldly Wisdom" by Baltharsar Gracian (translated by Joseph Jacobs)
Many thanks to you for your good work. adad

[clintcarter]

Has it gone unnoticed that Mr. Donovan is the CEO of ENVY publishing? Heh,heh!

[kandeyingeorgia]

Kyle:

Some people just cannot be happy for other's success. You are an insecure and little man. Get a grip.

[PAR3]

"It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubt."-Abraham Lincoln

[HeisRight]

"Kyle" is right. "Real" Journalists have to adhere to PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS AND PRACTICES. And one of those is to NEVER publish anything than has not been 100% confirmed.

[Jack G]

Just went to thbe myspace blog posted above And his info says he is 6'5"!! Anyone know if that is true? If it is, at least we can be sure that he must be awfully uncomfortable in those standard size prison cell cots (not that i've even been in one...).

"Im 6"5, 190 pounds, I love sports especially soccer and tennis and of course I love going out and being with my friends."

[Jack G]

Sorry, "he" means Joran not Kyle...

[michele]

hi dan,
you are doing such a great job and there is a real sense of community and care in your blog---blogs are about info, but also about community.
i am getting more up to date info here than tv/msm

i am only writing now b/c of the insensate comments that
the "kyle" person wrote about you and your blog.
for him to inject his negativity into this is really small minded of him. i suspect he is not a journalist of any level. if he was he would be secure with his work and position and not begrudge you your avenue of self expression.
and he is mistaken- not all journalism is paid for hire.
many are free. and, many people who own or write for large publications don't have a degree in this. also, the word journalism comes from the word journal which if you look it up in the dictionary simply means to keep a diary... i believe this is what you are doing dan-- well, i guess this means you ARE a JOURNALIST.
:)

michele

[Lurked_too_long]

Ok - that is it !

I've 'lurked around' long enough... for C'sakes ladies and gentlemen - enough is enough !

I am the mother of 4 children between 17 and 25 and yes - they all have 'facepage', 'tickle', 'myspace' etc. and they all flirt on line and post outrageous pictures that depict them as ‘cool’ (do you not remember how important is was to be ‘cool’?) ...BUT they are not all detained by a very liberal government on 'suspicion of kidnapping resulting in death’.

You dare to bitch about Beth Twitty exceeding the speed limit to get to her daughter – who the hell are you kidding? If a mother senses one of her children is in danger she would stop a speeding train – rustle up the adrenaline to lift an SUV – the mildest of women would kill with their bare hands – with no hesitation and not think twice!

You dare to criticize Beth for being offended by the release of young men that could potentially lead her to her daughter or her daughter’s remains? – young men she believes could end her nightmare? – for good or for bad ? WTF – what planet are you on? ?

I believe if I were in Ms. Twitty’s place I would be running down the streets screaming and shaking every person in sight – demanding to know the truth. If you cannot understand this, then I pity you your upbringing, because you do not know the true meaning of a mother's love – a mother comes – a mother protects you – you no matter what – and those of you that are ignorant – do not confuse ‘protects’ with ‘holds you accountable for your actions’ – they are two very different things – as I would like to express to Ms. Van Der Sloot.

You a-holes that dare to insinuate America cannot solve it’s own crimes – you are correct to a degree – we do not know who killed Chandra Levy – and we did not know who kidnapped Elizabeth Knight - but rest assured if we had the confirmed ‘last person in contact’ with her detained in our prison system – we would sure as sh*t get some straight answers and they would be exonerated or charged - we would not hide behind layers of corruption to keep it from the media or the general public – remember we are the county that has uncovered the corruption of our own Presidents – Watergate live on …………..

The Dutch and the Netherlands have a terrible reputation to lean on – simply look at the case of Marc Dutroux.

Aruba you are a beautiful island – rise above this and show your power as a law abiding loving people!

k