THERE’S a lot for an editor to consider (Shutterstock).

Every so often, responsible journalists have a duty to account for their service – of the lack of it – to their community.
Tribune editor/publisher Jim Tortolano now answers the questions you might have thought to ask.

Question: When writing about people with educational degrees (like Ed.D) why don’t you include that with their names?

Answer: The Associated Press, to which we belong and revere, publishes a style guide which stipulates the use of “Doctor” or “Dr.” only for people with medical degrees or in a direct quote.

Question: Why doesn’t The Tribune make endorsements for political candidates?

Answer: In the past, we’ve supported or endorsed people who ended up driven from office for bad behavior or who ended up in prison. When you endorse someone you sort of take responsibility for them, like setting up a blind date.

Question: Is Tribune pro-Democrat or pro-Republican?

Answer: We like to think we are pro-good government and that can mean people of either party, or both or neither. Or as a wise man once said, “Politically, I have my own ideas. Financially, I’m non-partisan.”

Question: Newspapers are about dead. Why do you still put out a [e-]newspaper while you’re doing a website, too?

Answer: There are still a few souls – mostly baby-boomers – who prefer the traditional format of the “paper” newspaper. I expect the passing of time will eventually make them as extinct as the dodo, or Rolling Stones fans.

Question: What sort of news do people seem to be most interested in?

Answer: Crime. Or a fire. Or crime that results in a fire. Scandal is good too. Or a scandalous fire to cover up a crime.