The Spin of Check 21
How often do you double check quotes? How often do you seek out multiple points of view? How often do you critically evaluate information?
Consider these two quotes on Check 21.
“Check 21 is sweeping new federal law that takes away your ability to get back your original paper checks. Under this law, consumers will be more likely to bounce checks and may find themselves paying higher bank fees. The complicated new law gives you some rights, but those rights depend on a variety of factors, including how the merchant and the bank decide to process your check.” (Source: Consumers Union)
…versus…
“Check 21 is a federal law that is designed to enable banks to handle more checks electronically, which should make check processing faster and more efficient. Today, banks often must physically move original paper checks from the bank where the checks are deposited to the bank that pays them. This transportation can be inefficient and costly. Check 21 becomes effective on October 28, 2004.” (Source: U.S. Federal Reserve Board)
What would happen if you only read one source of information?
October 1st, 2004 at 2:11 pm
Excellent example of journalistic spin. I studied journalism for a year (yeah, only one) at university and learned all about spin. Seeing that comparison just reminded me how severe it can be.
It’s unfortunate we don’t all have the time to read more than one source of information.
October 1st, 2004 at 4:06 pm
With only one source, it might be useful not to call it information.