So

Are RWV and other significant "Natalee" web logs famous? Or infamous?

Michele Malkin seems to have brought up the topic here. I wrote a draft post on this issue two weeks ago and never posted it. I'll just say a couple of things and, as always, thank Michele for the link. She's a pioneer in certain ways, combining a MSM presence with web log writing, as well as being a determined fighter for some solid political positions in an articulate, intelligent and very attractive package.

Would it be true to say that at least some part of her success stems from having what I, and many others consider to be an attractive physical appearance? Yes, it would be true. However, it would not be accurate. It would be misleading for she has earned that success from, along with being physically attractive, she is an erudite, logical and ardent spokesperson for one side of the nation's political equation - a side which needs more of her type of solid representation, in my opinion.

As for RWV - yes, it's content and cause of late has been the disappearance of Natalee Holloway; yet, that has not been its function. In that month, along with developing several significant resources of my own, I have co-operated to varying degrees in my reporting with more than three television networks, two large print publications, one national print publication and a hand full of radio stations and a few other web logs.

Since "Rathergate," this web log may represent the first significant instance where the reporting of breaking and developing "news" stories has been done in this new medium to such a large extent. It's extremely unfortunate that as the topic happens to be an attractive white girl, RWV hasn't seemed to meet some elitist standard of what "news" can or should be. I always thought news was what people wanted to read and learn about. Maybe to some, it's really only what "they" want to talk about? Now, where have I heard that before?

And, BTW, in at least this web log's case, it only took the too long hours and rigorous dedication of one individual with a telephone to achieve ... whatever it is you wish to call it, something remarkably significant in the ongoing development of a new media, such as it is today.

The other unfortunate development in and around this issue is that some major players who have elected to all but totally ignore it have missed a tremendous opportunity for this fledgling medium. Many seem to want to sit on high and cast down pearls of wisdom as regards culture, values, racism, discrimination, and so on.

While RWV is a free web log with no advertising or donation button, I am a business marketer first and a web logger second. And business experience has taught me to meet people where they live, to give them what they want in order to ultimately further my own ideas, products or what have you.

So, while some elitists might have sat, perhaps, a bit too smugly on their sometimes holier than thou truths, down below in my comments section (sans trolls, on occasion) the people of America, Aruba, Holland and several other nations have been discussing those very things - along with the Natalee Holloway case.

Was this trip a good idea? Are parents too lax today? Is hip hop culture a "dangerous" influence? What does it really mean? What is the significance of International Law and relations as regards this case. How does the drug culture, or the overt sexuality of culture today effect us and our children?"

Yes, there's certainly nonsense there, too - just as there is on almost any large web log that allows comments - but that is beside the point. While certain colleagues of mine may have remained high above it all, in rhetoric, if not traffic for a time being - the fact is the riehl world, comprised in large part of first time web log readers, has been going along quite nicely without you.

When I think of how those dialogs may have been advanced by the legal web logging of someone up on International Law - or the immigration web logging of someone taking the time to understand Aruba, its politics and expat work permit dynamics that may be influencing this case - the threads of racism, both hidden and overt, on both sides of the Caribbean playing out through this tragic story ... that's the great loss for the web logging community here, those discussions never took place among very many other blogs.

Still, in the final analysis ... not one of the items mentioned above seems as important right now for me individually, than trying to do my small part in ensuring that as much truth as possible emerges in this affair. So, for the time being, at least - I'll still be web logging about Natalee.

In conclusion, as some already know, I was planning on driving to Camden, NJ last Saturday to do a report on the three lovely small children who went missing there. Sadly, they were found dead early Friday evening ... and all I could post was an acknowledgment of sorts. Not sure why I even bothered ... it's not like it brought me any traffic, or anything.

On topic updates later tonight. Pardon the interruption for such a trite affair. Apparently it was important enough to write about initially to someone. Imagine that.

Comments

[Sherry R]

Bravo to you! Hang tough. Thanks for providing the details...the forum...the questions...and the wider perspective. Your work is very impressive.

Best,
SR

[CaseyB]

Hang in there Dan. You have lots of readers who appreciate what you do!

[Mary]

~Gotta love it !! ~ I do ! :O)

[elan]

the search for truth is always admirable, thank you for doing this blog.

[EJsgal]

Like I said before, "Thanks for giving me a place to feed my head." This mystery if you will has done the one thing that blogs always hope to do -get people talking- This has turned into a much bigger issue than I am sure anyone expected, because we have been given a forum to communicate with many types of people from different land s and poloitical affiliations. We have gone beyond the surface and in the process have found the Human Condition and how our actions affect so many others. We have not forgotten about the War (wish we could)or any other pressing issue. This has made some realize that it is good to be an American. It is good to support your neighbor and the children.

[dave]

The longer this goes on it seems these natalee blogs report a lot of non-breaking news and disinformation. Just curious, this seems to be a politically motivated blog. While the disappearance of this girl is certainly a terrible event, it is minute in the scope of Iraq and Afghanastan. I am amazed at how much attention FNC gives this story. How many women died in one attack on a convoy last week. They were probly mostly around the same age as Natalee. Dan, I dare you to leave this post here for all to read. I have noticed that posts vanish from the thread frequently when a dissenting opinion is conveyed

[Michelle M.]

Dan,

Thanks for your thoughtful post. Don't want my comments to be misconstrued. In fact, I posted on the subject today (and as you know, few other big blogs have) because I think it's very significant that you've reached a wide audience. As I said, despite my own misgivings about the amount of coverage the story is getting, you can't argue with ratings and traffic. People do care. Your coverage has been ground-breaking. I wish you continued success.

Best,
Michelle

[Catherine]

I've learned so much this past few weeks, and I have to say Thank You, too, Dan, for providing this forum....for all your hard work to try your best to keep it "clean" and dignified, and open to all ideas and interpretations.

I thank also, all those here who believe in freedom of speach, and freedom of choice, to believe and share, or not, what we know to be truth, what we think to be truth, as we seek the truth, the WHOLE truth, and nothing but the TRUTH.

God Bless You in your efforts Dan!

Still Praying for Natalee, hoping for Natalee, and all her loved ones and friends.... May God's Peace be yours.

[websleuth2]

Bravo to Dan Riehl, Scared Monkeys and Political Teen for continuing to blog the Natalee Holloway story. Without the press coverage, the Aruban cover-up would have been worse.

With respect to the comments by Michelle Malkin, she got the idea from Poynter.

For years, the second tier MSM have relied on Poynter Online for new story angles. Often, a story idea begins on Poynter and a few weeks later the angle has meme'd out into the MSM.
Michelle

About 10 days ago, the Poynter Institute suggested your story angle in Spotlight Skips Cases of Missing Minorities. See http://www.poynter.org/column.asp?id=55&aid=84068

My criticism of you is not that you used the story angle, because lots of us, when we run out of ideas, go to Poynter for a little added twist.

My criticism is that you forgot to credit Poynter.

What are the ethics of that?

[Getagrip]

Bravo, Dan! While I generally respect (and often agree with) what Michelle Malkin has to say, I think she seems clueless as to why so many of us care. Maybe by actually taking the time to evaluate what factors are at play, she (and others) could come to appreciate why so many people are following this story. Ratings and traffic? That's a superficial assessment. Ratings and traffic are comprised of individuals, and we, Ms. Malkin, care about truth and justice.

[websleuth2]

Bravo to Dan Riehl, Scared Monkeys and Political Teen for continuing to blog the Natalee Holloway story. Without the press coverage, the Aruban cover-up would have been worse.

With respect to the comments by Michelle Malkin, she got the idea from Poynter.

For years, the second tier MSM have relied on Poynter Online for new story angles. Often, a story idea begins on Poynter and a few weeks later the angle has meme'd out into the MSM.
Michelle

About 10 days ago, the Poynter Institute suggested your story angle in Spotlight Skips Cases of Missing Minorities. See http://www.poynter.org/column.asp?id=55&aid=84068

My criticism of you is not that you used the story angle, because lots of us, when we run out of ideas, go to Poynter for a little added twist.

My criticism is that you forgot to credit Poynter.

What are the ethics of that?

[Checkme]

Bravo Dan for maintaining this Forum. In the Light of Truth no Evil shall pervail.

[Shari]

Dan,
I wholeheartedly agree with your analysis. It's sad that people try to incorporate other issues into this tragedy, but the search for the truth is what will inevitably bring her home. This is my first blogging experience. Kudos to you for providing a forum that encourages people to expand their minds, albeit large or small.

[missy]

Dan way to go!!! and you wanted to do more than post about the 3 children that were found in the trunk of the car. Im sure your sympanthy note was genuine and from the heart. Kudos to you!!

As far as Nalalee goes, we still dont have a body, so no real hard core proof that she is dead. Im sure her Mom and Dad, and Stepdad, and Stepmom really appreciate what you are doing to keep her case in the forefront. I cant imagine thet the MSM will hang in there tough, since a month has passed and the world keeps on moving, no matter who has been kidnapped, murdered, or simply ran away. Your loyal readers appreciate your sincerity of what your are trying to accopmlish.

[whatever]

Sounds like someone is trying to get her views up with such comments AND she is jealous.

[ezekielsign]

Michele, thank you for responding. It is great to know that you are not the only one in the world who has something to say. Many on this blog are wonderful, thoughtful and bright people who just maybe have something to say that really counts.

Dan, thank you for your labor and leadership to your troops. We also have a voice and you have been so gracious to give us room in your world to express that voice. I believe we will all grow from this experience. I hope Michele will be able to set a place at her table for all of us, just like Dan has.

[sharon]

Dan, I really hope that I misunderstood your comment about the three boys and why bother! I have only posted here one other time, but have been a frequent vistor. While, I do find your site informative and enjoy coming here, I am truly upset by your comment and lack of concern! So the story about the dead boys, didn't bring you any traffic so why bother?! I really hope that I am mistaken about what you said, but if not SHAME ON YOU!!!!!!!

[Stumped]

Sharon, I think you did misunderstand Dan's comment. I'm certain it was meant 'tongue in cheek', and I believe many of the regular readers do realize that.

[duck]

I think Michelle Malkin looks like a horse.

Oh well. To each his own I guess.

[michele in Bham]

I wonder if Michelle is dealing with some residual white girl envy?

Oh well, on to other things.

Family of Natalee Holloway starts letter-writing campaign, request help.

http://rjames.com/forums/showthread.php?p=576#post576

[Ed B]

I had my first and last visit to michelle malkins site today. I can't believe that there have been no new developments in this case, people are being released from jail, and this woman doesn't care. Well, she obviously cares about the "ratings and traffic" and even seems scared that this site may become a "big blog" like hers. Michelle, try to come down off your high horse without bruising your ego and show some compassion for god's sake.

[Jacque]

A very sincere thank you, Dan for providing this venue of information and discussion.

There just is not words to elaborate how much of appreciation I have.

Agape et Shalom,

[Kate McC]

Dan,
I would not be a good person if I didn't take a moment to say thank you. Thank you for offering us, the concerned public, a forum to voice our opinions, be concerned and ask questions about how Ms. Holloway's case is being investigated. We are all worried, concerned and interested parties; you have offered us a forum for our voices and I applaud you for that strength. Please keep up the good work.

Best,
Kate, NYC

[SunnyOne]

Dan, your tireless efforts and dedication for your readers is so very much appreciated. A giant THANK YOU and please, keep up the excellent job you are doing!

Sunny in the SF Bay Area

[Jim]

Dear lldave77@earthlink.net ,

I took exception to your comments;

"...this seems to be a politically motivated blog."

"...it is minute in the scope of Iraq and Afghanistan."

I have yet to see anything that can be stretched into "politically" motivated. About the only item of interest to that comment would be some of the reader’s preferential views of FOX News!

As for the latter comment... tell that to Natalie’s family. Each tragedy has both its own victims and its own heroes; this case is none to the exception.

Since you fail to see what these blogs really are, then let me spell it out for you:

This is a place where those who feel concerned and connected to this topic gather. They don't all come here to give help, rather to receive it. To some, it is their speculation which makes them feel helpful. Others, it is simply reading of these entries which help them deal with this nightmare. You see Dave, I don't think it is fair for you to come in here and objectify this blog as some single minded selfish project to advance someone’s agenda. You couldn't be farther than the truth! This is a place of expression for those who need it.

Clearly you feel more connected to the war on terror... and that is good for you! So please, go where you can do the good you need to and let these people here champion the causes they themselves feel impassioned too.

[me]

On the topic of Pretty girl syn...no one can say that this story would not have the same amount of coverage if the girl looked any different or if it was a male. No-one can see the future.

[Penny Silver]

I read Michelle Malkin's post and dismissed it. Who is she to say what story people should be interested in? She's sounding a little like the MSM dictating what's news and what isn't.

I don't know exactly why the natalle holloway story is so interesting to me. It no doubt has a little to do with the fact that the people are attractive, that Natalee is an honor student about to start college , that Joran has a similar track record, that there may have been a little romance and flirting, that it's an exotic setting. There is drama and irony in those elements that make it a naturally intersting story. But even without those elements, it's an interesting mystery and so far a fascinating study of human psychology and investigative techniques and blunders. It's also refreshingly void of politics and political spin like most stories that dominate the news these days. The fact that we can all identify with someone in this story, Natalee, Joran, the parents, or the friends, makes it more universal than most news stories. We can put ourselves in the shoes of at least one person in the story. It is more like a Shakespearean tragedy. We can all understand the plot and the possible motives. We want to help and we think we can if we get enough details and information to analyze and discuss. That's what's going on here at your site and I think that's why you have so much traffic.

If you were writing about this just to get traffic, the content of your stories would reflect that motivation and I think readership would drop off sooner. But you're not, or if you are, you've disguised it well. Your motivation seems to be genuine interest, sharing information and helping solve the mystery and you are enabling many to share in the process.

No everyone can maintain a high level of interest in politics all the time as Michelle can. She's doing a great job and at times, the stories she writes about are at the top of my interest list, but sometimes it's stories like this one that hit a more personal level of interest that appeal to us.

This movement to trash our interest in Natallee's story, is an interesting twist to the story itself. I have been somewhat surprised by the number of people bashing media interest in Natallee's disappearance; even going so far as to coin phrases that belittle it as an obsession -- white women in distress. I think that itself is an extension of political correctness, because they always say we wouldn't have the same interest if the woman were fat and black. I don't agree with that -- if Obpra dissappeared, there would be even more intense interest-- but in dismissing the story as something with a racist taint, they're trying to make us feel guilty about being interested in a missing white woman. They're trying to make us feel guilty about caring about natalle and trying to imply we don't care about non-white people. I don't pay much attention to this attempt to denigrate the Natalee Holloway interest. In fact, Michelle and others' disdain for the media attention this story gets only increases my interest in it.

[me]

excuse me, I wrote "story." I meant this very, real tragedy.

[me]

I really think the press and "others" are just looking to create a story out of nothing.

[me]

as u can tell, I'm one of those people who talks first and thinks second...When people bash on the Natalee tragedy, saying that the only reason the case is getting coverage is because of her looks, that is just wierd. Personally I don't think she is attractive, she is blonde and that stands out, but thats it. I see it as a family looking for a lost child and anyone they can get in their corner to help fight or push the case towards resolve the better. Why look for the bad in everthing? Why not be compassionate and push to help when that could help...

[Selena]

Thank you for keeping it real and honest. The topics surrounding this tragedy need to be discussed at every family dinner table, if they haven't already. YOU have helped people far more then you know!( but you already know that..)

Keep up the good work.

[BUSH LIES - SOLDIERS DIE]

BUSH IS A SCREAMING CHIMP LIAR !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[NevadaMom]

Keep up the good work, this is a story about compassion, love and yes, mystery. Those that dismiss this story have never shared others' worries and fears. Natalee's fate is real and salient to all of us who are troubled and anxious for her. We want justice for her, and her brave family. If Natalee is scorned by some of the MSM for being a blonde victim isn't that reverse racism?

[gorgonzola]

Natalee's Mom is no longer helping the case along.

Last night on Greta van Susteren's program she said there was a massive cover up going on.

Who is initiating the cover up? Answer: I don't know.

What is the purpose of the cover up? Answer: I don't know.

How is the cover up taking place? Answer: I don't know.

I can sympathize with Natalee's Mom's frustration, but such wild accusations are not going to help her, or the Aruban investigation, in any way.

[Pea38]

Hi SouthernBelle,

Try not to break Dax's heart

God Bless the Holloway/Twitty Families

Natalee - Too Little Two Late