Missing: Did You ...

. . . use Sabrina Diaz's last name?

Why? Didn't you promise her that you would not?

If you didn't use her last name, did you tell readers WHY you weren't?

In our "Elements of Journalism" blog posts at the start of the semester, we talked about being transparent with readers. Part of that transparency includes telling readers why we aren't fully identifying somebody.

You really needed a disclaimer like . . .

. . . said Sabrina, who spoke on the condition that her last name not be used.

Now, at the same time we didn't want to create an incidental identification, by offering so much specific information that a reader could identify the person without much trouble.

One of us did that by including Sabrina's exact home street address with her name. Armed with that information, anyone could find out exactly who she is. Let's be sure we don't reveal someone incidentally by giving out secondary information that's too specific in nature.

Also, let's not make up names for people. Generally, that's bad form, and could accidentally impugn someone who has nothing to do with a story. So, rather than make up a name, use a partial name, or no name at all.

Now, considering we haven't done much with how to handle anonymous sources, did I grade you tough in this regard? No, not at all. But I hope you having to think about what to do, and your consideration of general journalistic values that we have discussed throughout the semester, helped you get an appreciation for this aspect of daily journalism.