It’s not the N&O’s fault . . .

that there was not a bigger deal made in Saturday’s paper about the first day of basketball practice at North Carolina State University. It turns out they were not allowed the access they received at Carolina and Duke.

Both Richard and I wrote complaint letters Saturday to the Raleigh News & Observer. I wrote to the Webmaster complaining that 1) the keyword "ncsu" did not bring up the audio/visual presentation of practice as promised on the front page of the sports section and that 2) even when I managed to find the a/v presentation, it wasn’t accessible but was instead blocked by a password. Richard also complained about this issue to customer service, and wrote a letter to the Sports Editor berating them for not providing more coverage of the first day of practice. Both of us mentioned that the conspiracy theorists among Wolfpackers were going to have a field day with both issues.

The N&O responded today (first day of business, I respect that) to both of us via email. I received a note from someone named Marsha apologizing for the link problem and explaining that it was fixed, which Richard also received. He also received an email from the Sports Editor, Sherry Johnson. She explained to Richard that State would only allow a still photographer to a brief part of the practice session and that reporters were not allowed access. No conspiracy theory here, gang.

I applaud the N&O for that excellent customer service. It is appreciated. I can understand why Sidney closed practice. He said when it’s practice time, it’s time to go to work. He meant it. I’m backing off my soapbox now, packing it up and going home. Humbly.

Tags: north carolina state, wolfpack basketball, raleigh news & observer, sidney lowe