No one who communicates with the public via a medium like this and others is exempt from falling prey to “fake news.” We always make every effort to report accurate news and information. We fact-check what we write and make every effort to share honest, relevant, and accurate information.
In this case, I am sharing a gross inaccuracy about the passing of our friend Dean in South Africa, which I wrote about two days ago, based on information I received before writing the post. I looked online to fact-check Dean being shot in Johannesburg but was unable to find anything about the horrific and tragic shooting.
When I received a few email messages this morning, I immediately apologized for my misstatement that Dean was shot by his workers. This was not the case. The perpetrators are still unknown, and the investigation is ongoing.
This is how “fake news” can start, often maliciously, but in other cases, when the writer makes assumptions that what we hear is accurate. I’ve learned a valuable lesson – to make no assumptions that gossip is correct, especially when there is no way to confirm the facts. My heartfelt apologies to all the family members and friends who read this inaccuracy in our post.
This morning, as soon as I discovered this inaccuracy via a few email messages, I removed the post, which is no longer available for viewing.
This lesson learned doesn’t fall on deaf ears here. In the future, I will proceed more cautiously when writing posts. This is the first time in over 12 years of posting that a story I’ve uploaded consisted of inaccuracies brought to my attention, especially one as serious as this.
You may ask, what would a travel-related site write such a story anyway? In essence, what happens where we are at any given time or anywhere we’ve been in the past in our world travels is relevant to our intended content. We always strive to be accurate and, above all, honest. There was no intent to be less than truthful in the post about Dean. I lacked fact-checking when no news was available, assuming what I heard to be true. I blame no one but myself.
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, April 27, 2014:
Don’t be so hard on yourself. We have all believed what we were told about an incident and later found out the true facts. You do an amazing and professional job writing this blog. Every day you write and let us share your travels around the world and the people you meet. I rarely miss a day and look forward to reading it. Still praying that you will not have to have surgery. Hoping you get to continue your travels and the lifestyle you love. Either way I will continue to follow you!
Thelma May
Thelma May, you are always so thoughtful and d supportive. Thank you for your much appreciated comment that certainly helps give me peace of mind.
Hope you are doing well.
Much love,
Jess