http://theeditorsblog.disqus.com/enFri, 12 May 2006 17:55:30 -0000http://blogs.nashuatelegraph.com/theeditorsblog/2006/05/11/how-we-broke-the-julia-earl-story-ii/#comment-1922793<p>Kirby:</p><br><p>Thank you for your kind words as they relate to the use of Google alerts to break the Julia Earl story.</p><br><p>As you can imagine, Google is seen as both a blessing and a curse to the newspaper industry: on the one hand directing people to our Web sites, while on the other competing for the valuable time of our all-important readers. </p><br><p>Still, Google and other search engines can be valuable tools in keeping us informed about people, institutions or topics of interest in the news.</p><br><p>In this case, though, it sounds like I'm preaching to the choir.</p><br><p>Thanks again,<br><br>Nick</br></p>Nick PappasFri, 12 May 2006 17:55:30 -0000http://blogs.nashuatelegraph.com/theeditorsblog/2006/05/11/how-we-broke-the-julia-earl-story-ii/#comment-1922792<p>Nick,</p><br><p>Congrtulations to you and the news staff for breaking the story on Earl, and for explaining how Google serves as an electronic news source.</p><br><p>I do the same thing at the Massachusetts School of Law, where I'm the marketing and external relations guy. I have plugged in our school name in both Google and LexisNexis, and many times am informed of stories I didn't know about.</p><br><p>As for K to 12 education administration and leadership in Nashua, it sure is a mess, isn't it? The mayor, the aldermen, the board of education, and the superintendent have all had a hand in this Keystone Cops comedy. But when the irony and laughter subside, the lack of wisdom comes to the fore.</p><br><p>I don't subscribe to the Telegraph for coverage of international and national news, but I rely on it for coverage of important local issues. You came through magnificently on this one.</p><br><p>I do have a recommendation for Earl. Why doesn't she split the difference and apply for a superintendent's position in a school district in Kentucky. That's about halfway between Nashua and Tulsa. She can identify family members there, pick up an Appalachian accent, and stay for less than a year before moving on.</p><br><p>Kirby F. Smith<br><br>41 Bartemus Trail</br><br><br>Nashua, NH 03063</br></p>Kirby F. SmithFri, 12 May 2006 07:47:33 -0000