Second, I'm glad our opinion columnists are able to evoke such strong reactions.

As for Attica herself, she represents a viewpoint not widely available elsewhere in Knoxville. You might disagree with her, or you might just not like her writing style, and that is really fine with me. At least I know people read her, which is what I was hoping when she started writing. Meanwhile, if you think great writers are so easy to find in Knoxville for 10 cents a word, please direct them to me. We're always looking.

Or is it that we should have some great respect for you due to the fact (at least you claim,) "putting out a weekly paper with a small staff and a small budget isn't easy" (not to mention that it has been doing so for almost five years and another five years bi-monthly)

Tell ya what, when your paper decides which way it is going to go let us know so we can follow the content.

And yes, we've been publishing weekly for over five years, and it has never been easy. It has gotten easier, no question. And it's not nearly as hard as trying criminal cases or making legislation or building space stations. I love my job. This is the most fun I've ever had while getting paid. I consider it a minor miracle that I'm able to do it, and I'll always be thankful for it. My post was by way of explaining what and how we do what we do. Some of it is certainly "sub-par," and some of it always will be. At the same time, I sincerely believe everyone who writes for us is doing the best they can, often in somewhat difficult circumstances, and they're all committed to getting better. If I thought that wasn't true, I'd do what I could to compel them to either improve or leave. That's why comments and thoughts here do matter to me -- it's one more way to gauge ourselves. I put more stock, I'll admit, in actual letters to the editor where people have the guts to sign their names -- but I pay attention to the 'Blab too. It's valuable.

jfm

I don't believe the strong reactions that Ms. Scott evokes are exactly what MPHQ are gunning for. Most people's reactions seem to be focused on her general lack of skill as a writer.

Her opinions are her opinions, and I wouldn't take serious issue with much of anything she's opined in MP, but, really, I think a more suitable mouthpiece could be found for Knoxville's black community.

Respectfully,

--Funkless

Well, we're not looking for a "mouthpiece," any more than Scott McNutt is supposed to be a mouthpiece for angsty 30-something white men. But if you or Hunter knows some people who would be interested in writing, send them our way. We don't exactly have the staff for recruiting centers all over the city.

You wrote,

"Well, we're not looking for a 'mouthpiece' [for the Knox. black community]..."

Come on now. Attica Scott was brought in to reflect the opinions/experiences of Knoxville's African-American community. That's why she pens a regular column entitled "Color Conscious."

I'm not trying to jump your case, here. I merely brought up what I believe to be a legitimate complaint regarding the caliber of one of the MP staff.

As for the "if you think you can find someone better" responses: To be blunt, it's not our job. It's our responsibility as readers to offer constructive criticism of your paper (which is why you provide us with space at the beginning of every issue). One of the editors' many jobs is to weigh the feedback/criticism and decide what changes should be made. It's also the editors' responsibility to carry out those changes.

If you honestly need help finding a replacement--though I feel you were just being defensive--may I suggest that you post an ad in your own Classifieds? Surely to God there are plenty of African-Americans out there who read MP and would jump at the chance for a regular editorial outlet.

Oh, and if pseduonymous opinions really carry less weight, you should consider removing Ally Carte, Les DuLunch, Zippy McDuff, Emma Poptart, the Movie Guru, et al. from your byline pool.

Sincerely,

--Michael "Funkless" McNeeley

I think, and this is my own opinion, that since my boy Rand left town to finally find his fame and fortune in San Fran (on the arm of the lovely and talented Laura Weigel no less) the "Pulse" has flatlined on the local media EKG. I can't remember a single week that has passed since then that I haven't picked up the "dead tree edition" for the sole purpose of lining a bird cage or three or at least just to recycle. Besides, if nothing else it (the Metropulse) was far more fun then the ink glowed from the radioactive inks used when they had the Oak Ridger print it. Now I think it's printed in Blount Co. and where the hell is the fun in that?

Hear something? That's the Guinness floating draught system delivering another perfect pint.