Published February 19, 2004, in issue #0307 of The Hook

As a favor to your photographer Jen Fariello, I reluctantly agreed to have my photo and answer to your Question of the Week published. [February 5: "What do you know about Brown's Mountain?"] Eternal pessimist that I am, I was only mildly surprised to find my name and answer under someone else's picture!

A bit perturbed, I called and spoke to someone at The Hook. She informed me that (1) Ms. Fariello tried to call and apologize (she never did) and (2) they would resolve the matter satisfactorily.

She said the "powers that be" had discussed the situation and wanted all three of us to answer another question, with a new picture, for the next publication. My answer was, of course, "not in this lifetime"!

The second suggestion was the famous "Correction Box," which no one ever reads. I said, "no thank you." After being asked what would be a fair solution, I told her to do the most simple and obvious: reprint the photos with the correct names and comments in the next edition. I got the impression that this would be done, but not a definitive yes.

Imagine my lack of surprise when all that showed up in this week's Hook was a Correction Box mention-- buried among listings of numerous other mistakes-- with only the following sentence: "...reversed captions under the pictures of two women who answered our Question of the Week."

Since I have lived in this area for many years, you can imagine the numbers of phone calls I got from people asking me how in the world could I "know nothing about Brown's Mountain" as was stated in the quotation under my photo. Knowing my face, they didn't bother to read the name. Reprinting the correct photos, names, and comments the next week could have very easily explained the situation.

The preceding scenario aside, I thoroughly enjoy The Hook and appreciate the niche it fills in the local weekly indie scene. Believe me, I also know that in the larger scheme of things there could not be a matter any less important to deal with than a simple photo switch. But, that said, customer input should be valued a bit more highly.

Suzanne Word
Albemarle

Suzanne Word: "Drunken Kite Day and beautiful views. I'm glad Monticello is keeping it in the family so it won't be developed, and it will stay environmentally pure."

Anne McMurtry: "Is that a trick question? I know nothing about Brown's Mountain. Should I?"

Paul Vickers: "Brown's Mountain? Never heard of it. That's going to ruin my reputation as 'outdoorsy guy.' Any relation to the Brown automotive group?"

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