Here’s a list of the most viewed Echo stories of 2010. Now that we know this, how should we use this information?
Should popularity of stories play into Echo’s editorial decision making? How much?
In the world of social media, how much should readership trends influence what we provide? A lot? A little? Not at all?
The list starts with the 10th most viewed story of 2010 and ends with the most viewed story of the year
10.) Bursting Chicago’s water bubble
City officials, urban planners and environmental experts warn of a disconnect between Chicagoans’ perception of water abundance and reality.
They fear future scarcity unless there are radical changes in the way water is collected, distributed and consumed.
9.) Size of Gulf spill could swallow greatest of lakes
Granted, offshore oil drilling of the kind that created the Gulf mess is prohibited in the Great Lakes. But if such an accident had occurred on the sweetwater seas, just how large an area would it cover?
8.) Poisoning Michigan: Author revisits PBB crisis 30 years later
The accidental poisoning of Michigan dairy cattle in the 1970s sparked the largest chemical contamination in United States history. Nine million residents consumed contaminated meat and milk for a year.
7.) Marijuana farms trash public lands, threaten public and ecology
Mexican drug trafficking organizations are expanding east, cultivating near Great Lakes states’ large consumer bases like Detroit and Chicago, police say. It’s an often violent, lucrative form of manifest destiny in reverse.
6.) Photoshop your Asian carp blues away
The voracious and invasive Asian carp is on its way into the Great Lakes, pitting governments, environmental groups, shippers, boaters and anglers against each other over what ought to be done to stop it.
In an attempt to inject some levity into a potential environmental catastrophe, Echo presents: the carp bomb.
5.) Fish food: Hungry salmons overwhelm Lake Ontario alewives
A biological balancing act between the premier Great Lakes sportfish and its prey could be at a tipping point in Lake Ontario.
Chinook salmon are the foundation of the Lake Ontario recreational fishery.
Ever since the emerald ash borer swept through Michigan in the summer of 2002, the state has spent tens of millions of dollars to subdue it.
But the exotic beetle thought to have come to the United States through airplane or ship cargo remains rampant.
3.) Wolf count raises questions about Michigan range, threats
Michigan officials are surveying the Lower Peninsula for wolves. The agency confirmed two observations last year.
Other wildlife experts say wolves have been in the Lower Peninsula for 20 years, and that more may be moving south.
We took some of the best reader contributions to our carp bomb feature and assembled them into their own gallery. And yes, we realize that this invasive species is a serious threat to the Great Lakes. We also think it’s OK to lighten up once and awhile. So enjoy.
(And the most viewed Echo story of the year…drum roll…)
1.) Michigan restaurant owners fume over smoking ban
The reactions are pouring in: Some restaurant owners are fuming about Michigan’s new smoke-free law that takes effect May 1.
“The state has stepped in and said, ‘We know more about the hospitality business than you do.’ Many of them are very upset,” said Andy Deloney, the Michigan Restaurant Association public affairs director.
I’m more than a little surprised that the restaurant smoking ban
was #1.
A similar ban was implemented in Chicago a few years ago and there was initial concern expressed by some restauranteurs, but the restaurant employees were key drivers in favor of the ban.
It became a workplace environmental health issue for them and they were vocal about it. Now no smoking in restaurants and bars is the accepted norm and little is heard on the issue.
gw
This is a big problem with the media right now in many arenas– tailoring the news to what is hot, popular, etc. Who will do the investigative journalism that is needed in order to ensure that important issues get the attention they warrant? I am thinking of the issue of nuclear energy. There is little in-depth reporting on this issue, so it is not really an “issue.” Since it is not an issue, foundations don’t put it on their list of important priorities. That means there are little if no funds to address the important questions associated with this issue and many claims by the nuclear energy industry are left undisputed.