On 15 Jan 2013 at 2:25pm priory parent wrote:
Anyone read the full page 'article' in the latest Lewes News by one of the forum's old friends - Ernesto Granese ? Another page devoted to his views on Priory School - dressed up as the views of the pupils, 'sourced' from their facebook pages, which he has 'accidentally' come across.
So he is finding very literate opinions on pupils facebook pages, supposedly freely expressed, and seemingly addressing questions about how much they like the school and issues such as the banding system, policies of equality and inclusion, setting, and school uniform.
I don't believe this article. Anyone can dress up their own opinions in this way. Did he sent out a survey to his children's friends? If so, to have any credence, this article should tell us what the questions were. it should also tell us how many pupils responded and what ages they are, in order to give any credibility to such a survey. if there was a survey, was the group who reposnded a representative sample ?
I certainly don't believe that these views were ones that he 'accidentally' came across - implying that he had been looking at someone else's (a child's) facebook page without their knowledge or permission, which is worrying in itself!
Having seen my own children's facebook pages, I know the level of banter between them and their friends, and they certainly do not have discussions in the way quoted about Priory School !
This is another of the negative attacks on the school kept up by Mr Granese and almost certainly all in his own head, and fitting his own agenda. Really Lewes News should be more careful about what it publishes and also give the school a right of reply - it's not the first time they have given this amount of space to him. He is completely unrepresentative.
On 15 Jan 2013 at 3:07pm Trevor wrote:
I read it. I thought it was utter drivel, and I sincerely hope that no one took it seriously.
If one single pupil at Priory School has EVER made a comment on Facebook about the banding system I will literally eat my own arm (well, not literally, but you know what I mean).
I really hope that Lewes News is inundated with counter-articles and letters from other Priory parents - I'll certainly be writing in. (What's the betting that Ernesto is heavily involved in the production of Lewes News?!)
On 15 Jan 2013 at 3:14pm red wrote:
Yup, usual guff. And second time round for LN! Clearly a chum. And "accidentally" (his word) browsing kids' Facebook comments? Seriously?!
On 15 Jan 2013 at 4:04pm bastian wrote:
This is the second month that the lewes news has published this drivle and it is beyond contempt as it gives no space for the school itself. Such self indulgent rubbish shouldn't be allowed to be published, have they no standards. By the way, said Ernesto taught at Priory for a brief time, so if he is looking at childrens facebook pages that is an offence of the highest order. Teachers are not legally supposed to friend children..
On 15 Jan 2013 at 5:08pm Nevillman wrote:
Lewes News always used to say that they do not edit any contributions and publish everything sent in. It would be interesting to know if this is still their policy in which case get writing to them if you have something to say about Priory
On 15 Jan 2013 at 5:52pm Down South wrote:
I can't believe this guy thinks its OK to publish stuff he's found by creepily crawling over Facebk looking for unguarded childrens pages. Editing's one thing, Lewes News, but publishing childrens' FB comments without permission?? Not that I believe for a nanosec thats where they're from
On 15 Jan 2013 at 6:53pm Smiley wrote:
I can't believe that Fran Whittle the 'co-ordinator' (read 'editor') of Lewes News has allowed this person yet again to be given space in this long-lived publication. I notice that in the article 'FB' is never explained, so for the older reader - which is the majority, the whole page is baffling. Having had several children at Priory I also cannot believe that these are genuine quotes stolen from various children's Facebook pages as he would jokingly have us believe. Email Lewes News: [email protected]
On 15 Jan 2013 at 8:06pm Jane wrote:
Unfortunately Fran Whittle has slightly lost the plot and therefore views this man as a maverick, thus fitting her own agenda as some sort of freedom fighter.
On 15 Jan 2013 at 8:10pm sunshine lucas wrote:
Peculiar stuff... always used to leaf through LN but agree with other posters this article seems ill-judged. Will be sticking it straight in the (recycling) bin from now. Life is too short.
On 15 Jan 2013 at 8:13pm pavementer wrote:
It would be great to hear a range of views about Priory School, not just one. I am sure there are lots of positives and probably some negatives too. Still, kids I know seem to be happy there and I worked there for a while and found most of the teaching to be good.
On 15 Jan 2013 at 8:17pm Facebooker. wrote:
Facebook by default has privacy settings unchecked which means anyone can read posts and look at pictues.
I use Facebook. But I don't like the way some folk apparently use it so I have gone into the privacy settings and ticked all the boxes to make sure that just my 'friends' can see what I post and view my photos,
Facebook keeps changing and I am surprised by the amount of folk who do not know or care who can see their wall and photos.
On 15 Jan 2013 at 8:39pm Smiley wrote:
Jane - Spot on!
On 15 Jan 2013 at 10:04pm Jane S wrote:
Nightmare. Is someone telling the 'coordinator' to read this thread? It seems that either this person is trawling young girls' FB pages (so shouldn't be in Lewes News) OR is telling massive lies (so shouldn't be in Lewes News). I have no views about Priory School but this seems a bit un-useful.
On 16 Jan 2013 at 12:31am the old mayor wrote:
What is the point of Lewes News, it just goes straight on the bonfire !! Why do publishers think we want 'free' magazines and papers pushed through our doors ? It is just fodder for advertising revenue. Viva Lewes is another one, vanity adverts for hobby shops and businesses. Real businesses cant afford the rack rate !! The Council even have their publication, rather we pay for it. Save the money - fill a pot hole !!
On 16 Jan 2013 at 2:32pm bastian wrote:
Sadly many parents are unaware of what their children have ticked or not ticked on facebook, and most are not aware that you have to be 13 to go on facebook, though I hear that is changing. I never use it it is just a fishing linbe for the worlds businesses who pick up words like "My phone" and use it for dirrect advertising..it's like something out of a creepy sci fi book.(try Phillip K Dick)
On 16 Jan 2013 at 8:32pm Sylvia wrote:
I moved to Lewes nearly 30 years ago and enjoyed Lewes News. I have to say that I think its day is well and truly over. It no longer publishes any useful news for Lewes , the articles are now odd or often unacceptable quality, as in the Granese one. There is clearly no editorial control and I find it odd that anyone would publish such material, it's poor practice to allow people to sound off in print.
I also find it self indulgent and slightly sanctimonious in tone. The Gardens insert is of minimal interest and rather patronising. Some of these characteristics can be found too, in Viva Lewes articles, such as the smug, critical, self-regarding ones written by the Curmudgeon.
On 16 Jan 2013 at 11:42pm Lewes lady wrote:
Old Mayor is patently wrong in saying that real businesses can't afford the rack rate. The thing is full of ads for useful "real" businesses as well as the "life-guru" nonsense pages. Read it before you sound off.
On 17 Jan 2013 at 11:51am Ed Can Do wrote:
I know a few local tradesmen who have put an ad in Viva and say it paid for itself within weeks thanks to increased trade. It's easily the most cost-effective way of reaching a wide, local audience with your advert.
Also, if you don't want it just let them know and they'll stop delivering it to you.
On 17 Jan 2013 at 5:35pm Advertiser wrote:
I agree with them ajority of the sentiment on here but why on earth don't you whingers email Lewes News and have your views published? [email protected]
On 17 Jan 2013 at 8:13pm E.G. wrote:
Libel: the communication of a statement that makes a claim, expressly stated or implied to be factual, that may give an individual, business, product, group, government, religion, or nation a negative or inferior image. This can be also any disparaging statement made by one person about another, which is communicated or published, whether true or false. privacy." Libel, Defamation, calumny, vilification, groundless criticism, slander, call it what you want. In previous occasions, I have asked the webmaster of this forum not to allow defamation and malicious allegations as well as breach of Data Protection legislation, to take over the normal, respectful, civilized debate on issues of common interest, such as our school community. He has always complied with the regulations of this forum and I am sure he will on this occasion, too. In this case my name and that of F. W. have been mentioned inappropriately. Not one of you has made the effort to express an opinion on the issues raised. All are more interested in having a go at me, but obviously don't seem to have an opinion about what kids at Priory really think about their school. This is sad and illustrate furthermore how right young people are about adults, parents and teachers alike, not having a clue about them and their needs. From "Terms and Conditions" of this Forum: ...We will respect your personal information in accordance with all applicable UK Data Protection legislation (vi) ... intended to harass or threaten any party; (ix)... containing defamatory or libelous content; Removal of Materials by Webmaster (a) We reserve the right at any time to edit or remove any information, files, software or other materials from this Forum which are or may be in our opinion, in breach of any of the rules set out in Condition 3 or are otherwise harmful or offensive in any way to any person...
On 17 Jan 2013 at 8:37pm Lewes News Reader wrote:
I don't know what you all are getting worked up about. I have just read the Lewes News and I think it's good that at least one parent out of the thousand or so is making their views. You all had a go at him before and it's very unfair. Lewes News gives people the opportunity to air their views. So if you don't like it, tough!. The article in the LN raises some important issues. My son is doing well at Priory and it is a good school but can do with some improvements and the banding system is 25 years old! And my son totally agrees with the views expressed in the article by his school mates.
On 17 Jan 2013 at 8:48pm expat two wrote:
Unfair?
Yeah, well, life's not fair.
Ernesto, I asked you to elaborate on what you think is defamatory, I didn't ask you to cut and paste the Forum's T&Cs. Now, what posts do you think libel you? (or Fran Whittle, seeing as you're dragging her into the fray, I'm sure she'll be grateful)
On 17 Jan 2013 at 8:55pm Ding bat wrote:
Come and get me lawyers.
On 17 Jan 2013 at 9:13pm EG wrote:
My name was mentioned 4 times. I hardly ever go on Lewes Forum because it's full of people who enjoy malicious backstabbing. If my partner had not noticed my real name being mentioned on this forum 4 times, I would never have found out about it. What's worse, this thread is all about me, all defamatory. Not one single view about Priory, and young people at Priory. SHAME ON YOU! Webmaster please delete this thread. Thank You...
On 17 Jan 2013 at 9:22pm expat two wrote:
Its not defamatory to mention your name. None of the posts are defamatory - at least not in the legal sense of the word, they are opinions.
I think that the fact that you wish to have people's opinions closed down says rather a lot about you. I seem to remember, when you did post your Priory rants here, you were extraordinarily rude and dismissive towards anybody who didn't agree with you, you felt they had no right to join the debate. Do I recall that correctly?
If I could only remember what your pseudonym was, I'd do a search.
On 17 Jan 2013 at 9:43pm expat two wrote:
Oooh, someone's down voted me very quickly, Why would anybody, apart from EG of course, do that?
Webbo, please delete this thread, I'm evidently being savagely defamed by some anonymous bumknuckle.
On 17 Jan 2013 at 9:52pm EG wrote:
Expat two, what's you real name? How would you feel about your REAL name being mentioned 4 times in this forum? Unfortunatrely, Lewes News have a policy of only publishing signed articles, which is why my name was exposed. I told the coordinator of that paper that Lewes is full of people who enjoy backstabbing and gossip and, what's worse, don't have an opinion on the important topics raised by that article. I have asked Webbo to remove this defamatory thread.
On 17 Jan 2013 at 10:19pm expat two wrote:
I wouldn't write a letter to a local paper and then complain about it being discussed in an open forum, that's just childish.
Personally, I don't give a flying one about what happens at Priory, but I do object to your bullying tone and your threats, particularly when those threats are so empty.
I'll repeat (again) that the expression of opinion isn't libelous. The expression of an opinion, in terms that don't reference it being an opinion, is libelous, for example;
"I told the coordinator of that paper that Lewes is full of people who enjoy backstabbing and gossip and, what's worse, don't have an opinion on the important topics raised by that article."
The people of Lewes have a right to bring a class action against you, for financial losses incurred as a result of that co-ordinator being mis-informed by yourself. Who knows how many people she's passed that unqualified fact on to, how many people will stop using Lewes shops and services?
I don't suppose they'd do that though, they have a bit more tolerance toward dissent than you seem to.
On 18 Jan 2013 at 12:41am Webbo wrote:
Hi Ernesto
I don't feel it's in the spirit of open debate and free speach to delete the whole thread.
I can't see where the defamation is please could you enlighten me and I will look at editing those posts.
I have to say though that I am a little puzzled at your request. When someone responds with an opposing view to your article in Lewes News will you request that that is not published too?
On 18 Jan 2013 at 11:05am Lewes news reader wrote:
What is defamation?
Very simply, defamation is to spread bad reports about someone which could do them harm.
Of course, the laws of defamation say more than that, but it is a good place to start. The verb is to defame and the words used are said to be defamatory. You can defame someone if you write or say something about them which spoils their good reputation, which makes people want to avoid them or which hurts them in their work or their profession.
On 18 Jan 2013 at 11:39am EG wrote:
Dear Webbo, the issue of School Democracy and Children Rights is the real issue that should have been debated here: not a defamatory, coordinated attack on my person. I have highlighted the comments where my name is mentioned four times, and I am getting really angry that you don't see where the defamation is. My real name is allowed to be circulated, exposed, even ridiculed by people who hide comfortably behind their nicknames, and feel they can say what they want because you are allowing this shameful practice to take place. By doing so, you are also contravening the terms and conditions (highlighted in previous comments) that you yourself have set out in this forum. How would you like it if I found out your real name and started spreading slander about you, the work that you do, or anything just to annoy you and destroy your reputation? Canâ??t you see the damage these people are doing to you and to decent citizens of Lewes, whose only fault is to RESPECTFULLY AND LAWFULLY express their views on issues of general interest to the community? You are responsible for the correct management of this forum. English Law allows actions for libel to be brought in the High Court for ANY PUBLISHED STATEMENTS WHICH ARE ALLEGED TO DEFAME A NAMED OR IDENTIFIABLE INDIVIDUAL IN A MANNER WHICH CAUSES THEM LOSS IN THEIR TRADE OR PROFESSION, OR CAUSES A REASONABLE PERSON TO TO THINK WORSE OF HIM. Lewes News is offering members of the community an opportunity to write about themselves and their community involvement. I donâ??t work for that paper; all their contributors are volunteers. There are many things I don't like about that paper, but I do value their committment, their integrity, their openness, their service to the community and their courage to publish controversial opinions. Unfortunately, they require contributors to reveal their real names, and by doing so they feed backstabbers, morons, and the underworld of malicious alligations, which you seem to â??protectâ?ť for the sake of â??freedom of speechâ?ť. But freedom of speech is not about freedom to calumniate and vilify. As a member of the Association of Italian Journalists in the UK, I have instructed our lawyer to look into this matter and see if there are grounds for libel action against you and this forum for allowing such shameful conduct to take place. It is a free service for me, as I pay an annual membership fee. I will also inform the local police, â??Victims of Libel Onlineâ?ť, and Reputation Changer (www.reputationchanger.com), an organisation which deals with similar cases. The law (Defamation Act, 1952, 2006) says: â??Defamation is to spread bad reports about someone, which could do them harmâ?ť. The law also says that I can sue you for negligence and request damages. I urge readers of this forum who feel they are being attacked, persecuted or simply bossed around to contact that company. I hope it wonâ??t come to that. Dear Webbo, by allowing certain people to spread malicious alligations you are destroying the reputation of decent people of Lewes and the good name of this forum. Please delete this thread! Thank you!
On 18 Jan 2013 at 12:07pm Webbo wrote:
I have reread this thread several times now and I still can't see any defamation at all. As I said before though If there is some to be found I will be very happy to remove it.
Please, please could you just copy and paste the sentences you deem to be defamatory into a reply post so I can take a view.
Thank you
On 18 Jan 2013 at 1:18pm Down South wrote:
Well done Webbo - hang on in there.
On 18 Jan 2013 at 3:48pm priory parent wrote:
I started this thread because I had several concerns about the article you wrote for Lewes News.
As any good journalist knows, you have to make clear your sources. I couldn't work out if you had conducted a survey, or had spoken to children at Priory, or had lifted their opinions from their facebook pages, without their consent or knowledge - which was implicit in the phrase you used - 'accidentally'.
So the opinions you are presenting are by your own admission above, those of a few children at the school - your children and a few friends. A tiny and unrepresentative sample of the 1300 or so students at Priory. This should be made absolutely clear in the article - and it's not. It is presented as a representation of how many of the children at the school think and feel.
I still don't believe that the quotes you give were found on your child's and friends Facebook pages that you 'accidentally' came across. You should make it clear that the quotes were given to you in discussion with those students. How many students really discuss the banding system at the school on facebook ?? What was your sample number - 10-20 ??
I have no problem with you expressing your opinions. That's everyone's right. But others are also allowed to express their opinion. I think there is an undertone to your article which is critical of the school and which you have expressed in the past on this forum also. It's not libellous or defamatory to say that.
And it may have been an unfortunate way of expressing yourself, or maybe a language issue, but your admission about 'accidentally' looking at children's facebook pages and coming across their opinions was worrying indeed, and obviously not just to myself - no one likes to think of adults perusing children's facebook pages because of obvious issues, not withstanding their own rights to privacy.
I would be genuinely interested in a school-wide survey of student opinion, and in parent opinion on the banding issue at the school. But I don't think your article is at all helpful and I'm surprised that as a journalist, you allowed it to be published, seemingly without any subbing, or second opinion. As a journalist, I would be ashamed to put forward an article of that quality.