When I started Parking Today almost a quarter of a century ago, my goal was to increase communications within the parking industry. I have been proud that we have done at least a journeyman’s job at that task. However, in the past couple of years, PT editorial has begun to drift a bit, with stories and comments being published that did not belong in a magazine about parking, transportation, and smart cities.
All these were printed with the best of intentions, but as you know, there is a well paved road with those good intentions. Effective immediately, Parking Today is cleansing itself of articles which don’t relate to our key topic or to well run businesses.
Articles can seem innocent, but from a different point of view can be divisive and offensive. I am sorry that this has crept into Parking Today.
My sincere apologies for any offense these articles have caused. They don’t belong here. And will not be seen in PT again.
JVH
4 Responses
That’s too bad, JVH.
At a time when individuals tend to be offended too easily and would rather silence discourse as opposed to engaging in it, your observations regarding parking, transportation and the culture(s) in which they operate – and the people they effect – have been a valued breath of fresh air.
I for one encourage you to reconsider your decision.
Not sure what may have prompted this, but I, for one, have always enjoyed your posts. While we don’t always agree, you express your opinions well. It would be a shame if the “Andy Rooney” of the parking world were to be silenced by those who disagree with you.
If provoking thought offends them, then perhaps it is they who should be introspective.
I thought the whole purpose of a blog was to share ideas and differing view points. Please don’t let a couple thin skinned critics turn this into a “safe space”. Of all the subjects that are available to discuss in the world of parking I challenge anyone out there to name a single one in which we see universal agreement. Parking is impacted by almost everything, whether its politics, weather, the financial world, technology, social issues, entertainment, sports, etc., etc.. In return parking has an impact on almost everything, so exactly what subject is there that could be unrelated?
I grew up with “stick and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me”. We were taught that self worth was what was most important. Whatever happened to that, and who exactly gets to decide what is or isn’t controversial, or right or wrong, or offensive or not?
I have always valued your thoughts, whether I agreed or not. When I agree I nod my head, when I disagree it makes me think. The differences in our opinions should be the beginning of a conversation and sharing of ideas, not the end of it.
Your comments are welcome. And I could not agree more. However, there are times when an article can be, unintentional or not, hurtful. There are different points of view that need to be explored. And they will be. However there are instances when “names” can hurt. I’m puzzling now how to determine what those are.
Your help is requested and invaluable.
Hang in there.
JVH