redtailfool said:
youre right, they did use it as a generic reference. But to a casual reader, it might as well have been the real deal. Its just misleading to me.
And im not just talking about that article. What about the numerous other "piranha" reports found on the news and turns out it was just a Pacu . Or snakeheads attack people? Im just sharing Vinces rant about half assed things reported by the media and its just pisses me off a bit.
Misleading? No Way! Who would think a news agency would do that!
Truth is, no matter what news channel you prefer, or which claims to have an unbiased opinion, it's all a load of crap. All businesses (News agencies are businesses afterall) have an interest in having thier "news" heard and they'll do whatever it is they deem neccessary.
Generic references are one thing, but it seems to me, that any journalist worth their salt would at least make some mention that the picture is for reference only.
As far as the media's responsibility towards our hobby, it really doesn't exist. They are only in it for the short term, that is, untill the newest hot story comes along and needs to be exploited. If it won't get ratings, it won't get mentioned, it's that simple.
There may be a lot of fish keepers in the world, but 99 percent of them don't take it nearly as serious as most of us do. So don't expect much from the big news agencies.
The only media you should trust when it comes to fishkeeping, are directly related magazines, books and websites. And even they can get it wrong, what they say shouldn't be held as gospel. Afterall, nobody is perfect. Though, some do try harder than others.