12-10-2009 ROGER THE PLUMBER PUFF PIECE TURNS SOUTH Former Kansas City Star gossip columnist (and current "gadfly extraordinaire" as he refers to himself) Hearne Christopher Jr., 59, recently posted a story on his KCConfidential blog extolling how sites like his are open and freely allow anonymous posters to say anything they want. Of course, he noted his openness (link to his proud announcement of his recent DUI) was in contrast to this site, where nasty or personal anonymous notes are not printed. On (12/10) Christopher wrote a puff piece about Roger the Plumber, one of his site's advertisers. It's not unusual since virtually all of his advertisers are featured in his stories. Some advertisers are also featured on his writer's site: tonyskansascity.com (see regular Jardine's stories on both sites). Christopher highlighted Roger's advice about keeping pipes from freezing in this cold weather. However, when some comments turned nasty regarding good old Roger the Plumber and the rates he charges, the negative comments seemed to magically disappear. (This often happens on his site.) At right is an anonymous comment blasting Roger the Plumber. Christopher quickly removed it and then explained what happens when someone attempts to criticize an advertiser. So much for openness.
12-10-2009 ADVERTORIAL BUSINESS "I was struck by two recent posts by Tony Botello on Hearne Christopher's blog. I'm sure you've seen the one today. It's about a jewelry business in KC called Scarlett Garnet. The post has some mildly interesting background on the two women who own the business, along with some of Tony's trademark schtick. "Ultimately, the post appears to be nothing more than a promotional piece for the business. I wonder if Scarlett Garnet paid for the write-up, because it doesn't fit at all with Hearne's blog or with what Tony generally writes about. "Even weirder was Tony's plug a week or so ago for, of all things, a new legal-staffing outfit called Kander & Rigby. I wonder if he and Hearne are getting into the paid advertorial business." ---- Dave
12-12-2009 CENSORSHIP "Don't let him kid ya.. he posts FEW comments.Especially ones too critical of his views or those he extolls on his e-column." ---RADIOMANKC.
NEW SKIP SLEYSTER? "Is Hearne Christopher the new Skip Sleyster?? "You would think Hearne would realize it is libel when printed/ published/broadcast rather than slander. "But what Hearne is doing with featuring his advertisers in stories is little different than The Today Show et al using experts which have ties and income to the subject matter they are offering.Seems no one is disclosing when they have a dog in the fight anymore. Infotainment offered by capped-teeth-and-hairdos..."
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