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Readers Decide! Indymedia's Best of 2007. international |
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feature
 Friday December 07, 2007 01:41 by editor
Usually around this time of year, those of us grunts still on active service duty for Indymedia Ireland, spend a week or so trawling the archive with our virtual nets. Sometimes we return with a catch of material that we format into a review of the year. And other times - like last year - short-staffed and burnt out, we simply aren't up to the effort. This year we are going to try something completely different - by running a competition to unearth the best of the site over the past 12 months. The editorial collective asks readers to dip into the archives, and come up with the sharpest, freshest and most spot on contributions to break through the newswire clouds. We'll be running the competition under several categories, so stick to them. When we have the nominations in, we'll open a poll and let the votes pile in on the most popular five in each. Read on for details... "What the heck?" you say. Well there are a number of reasons driving this. Any such public vote implies feedback on what sort of content our readers find valuable. When you stick in your nominations, we''ll collectively recognize and front the quality of writing on the site - something seldom done. And for once, instead of watching their work strangled under sometimes snide and tangential comments, our contributers will finally receive the recognition they deserve. Yes and of course, those of us on the lists can sit on our hands and let the passive among you generate your own year in review. Oh and by the way, if after you find you're one of those sadist types, and liked poking around the back tunnels of Indymedia - maybe you'll pop over to the lists and join us? It's gonna go a little something like this: Nomination Categories Best Scoop - you looked at it first and thought "not another one from the green ink brigade," two days and 27 comments later it was clear Indymedia had another scoop - so who did it for you this time round? Best Video Contribution - do you like the predictable plots of coppers battering Rossport residents or did some other tasty number slap you in the side of the head? Best Audio Contribution - did it sound like a Rice Crispies advert, all snap crackle and pop? Yet still stand up as a priceless contribution to social history as we pen it in front of us? Good. Then nominate it and maybe get the kid a better mic. Best Photo Contribution - so was it an SLR or a camera phone that took the standout photo from all those contributed by our roving and recording flash mobs? Best Event or Action Report - would you like a squirt of pathetic fallacy with grey skies to set the mood there mate, or do you prefer it straight up tonight? Best Analysis - so who fancies themselves as Indymedia Ireland's resident Chomsky?
TIME FRAME: Do's and Don'ts:
Do nominate photos with the URL of the image AND story you are taking it from provided, we need to see the context and who submitted it..
Do feel free to nominate yourself and your contributions to the site.
Do feel free discuss the various nominations and writing on the site as a whole on this thread.
Do feel free to contact us directly instead of posting in public if you think you've prizes to offer our winners and runners up
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Comments (21 of 21)
Jump To Comment: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21Best Audio Effort:
Voices Of Republicanism
https://www.indymedia.ie/article/82713
Propaghandi On Parecon Veganism and The Politics of Punk
https://www.indymedia.ie/article/80550
Free Derry Museum Review
https://www.indymedia.ie/article/80905
Remember Remember the tenth of November,
https://www.indymedia.ie/article/84837
--------------------
Best opinion:
Jihad in the UK
https://www.indymedia.ie/article/83356
Whatever Happened To Anti-capitalism
https://www.indymedia.ie/article/80521
Republic of Ireland V’s San Marino. Man of the Match? The Janitor!
https://www.indymedia.ie/article/80891
Ireland and Climate Chaos
https://www.indymedia.ie/article/80959
Legalised Robbery - Multinationals and Ireland's Natural Resources
https://www.indymedia.ie/article/81708
Independent socialists and electoralism as a strategy
https://www.indymedia.ie/article/82761
----------------------------------
Best Event Report:
Dublin Launch Of Our Story
https://www.indymedia.ie/article/80482
Personal account of Day of Support in Mayo
https://www.indymedia.ie/article/81080
BY A LAND SLIDE>>>>> Hotel Ballymun - Uplifting Art or Poverty Tourism?
https://www.indymedia.ie/article/81761
Sinn Féin policing Ard Fhéis a witnesses account
https://www.indymedia.ie/article/80834
Leaving this Stage of History: Towards a Globalised New Orleans, or the End of Capitalism.
https://www.indymedia.ie/article/81883
UCD a Cold House for Caleb Charles McCarry and U.S plans for Cuba.
https://www.indymedia.ie/article/82258
Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?
https://www.indymedia.ie/article/82457
Face off in Pollathomais: a report on the last two days events.
https://www.indymedia.ie/article/82983
-------------------------------
Best Scoop:
PSNI Puts Ulster Poles as Piggies in the Middle
https://www.indymedia.ie/article/81111
Fighting for Faith and Fatherland in Fermanagh
https://www.indymedia.ie/article/81242
Rogue Anti-Choice Agency, Dorset St. - A History of Lies and Deception
https://www.indymedia.ie/article/81414
The Third History – What Happened To Captain Jack White’s papers?
https://www.indymedia.ie/article/82004
Wildcat strike in Musgrave Warehouse In Dublin
https://www.indymedia.ie/article/82223
Hidden History or hidden agenda – the real story
https://www.indymedia.ie/article/84547
------------------------------
And if there was a best moment?
Community Rallies to Put Indymedia Back Online!
https://www.indymedia.ie/article/80521
best audio
two kbranno pieces stood out for me
voices of republicanism http://www.indymedia.ie/article/82713
Argos shop steward http://www.indymedia.ie/article/85304
best pic
loved all the Free the weed photo essay http://www.indymedia.ie/article/82410
especially enda kenny spliffing http://www.indymedia.ie/attachments/may2007/freetheweed...5.jpg
also the tara samhain celebrations had small images but really good
http://www.indymedia.ie/attachments/nov2007/tmpphpe1qqm...k.jpg
at http://www.indymedia.ie/article/84950
Best writing /analysis
Third History Jack White play
http://www.indymedia.ie/article/82004
Best Scoop
http://www.indymedia.ie/article/84547 Hidden history: Coolacrease
and multiple tara stories for scoop especially
http://www.indymedia.ie/article/85303
Best Video
Revolt work was strong as ever but Route Irish
http://www.indymedia.ie/article/84775
was worth the wait.
I nominate the Hidden History threads (there were at least two) for Best Scoop. Pat Muldowney's audio and written documentation expertly exposed the hidden agenda of the RTE documentary makers.
very quick contribution ,stuck for time...
audio:
Voices Of Republicanism
http://www.indymedia.ie/article/82713
favourite photos:
one of Paula Geraghtys shots from the Bloody Sunday march
http://www.indymedia.ie/attachments/jan2007/bloodysunda...8.jpg
Michael Gallaghers fantastic shot of the lads on the job.
http://www.indymedia.ie/attachments/oct2007/4.jpg
articles:
https://www.indymedia.ie/article/81414
Rogue Anti-Choice Agency, Dorset St. - A History of Lies and Deception
special mention:
all the coverage giving to the pearson family/hidden history debates....
from kilmichael to the latest dispute, indymedia has always been to the forefront of the debate on irish history, and how it is presented.
Best Scoop
Hidden History or hidden agenda – the real story, https://www.indymedia.ie/article/84547
Best Audio Contribution
Remember Remember the Tenth of November, https://www.indymedia.ie/article/84837
Best Photo Contribution
Bernadette McAliskey at éirígí's James Connolly commemoration by Paula Geraghty, http://www.indymedia.ie/attachments/may2007/connolly91s...6.jpg at http://www.indymedia.ie/article/82523
I think out of pure egotism I have to mention one or two of my own photos as well:
"C'mon Caitríona, when will our day come?", http://www.indymedia.ie/attachments/sep2007/dscf4479.jpg at http://www.indymedia.ie/article/84397
Shell to Sea picketer in Belfast, http://www.indymedia.ie/attachments/jan2007/dscf2625.jpg at http://www.indymedia.ie/article/80644
Best Event or Action Report
Personal account of Day of Support in Mayo, https://www.indymedia.ie/article/81080
Best Analysis
Independent socialists and electoralism as a strategy, https://www.indymedia.ie/article/82761 (even if only for the discussion it provoked)
Analysis
"Shannon-a tale of two routes"
A comparison of the Shannon to Heathrow/Shannon-Iraq route in light of the controversy of Aer Lingus pulling it's Heathrow route from the airport.
http://www.indymedia.ie/article/84749
Reflections from an Irish Activist with the ISM in Palestine.
Informative - good account of what volunteering involves as well as daily life in Hebron.
http://www.indymedia.ie/article/84120
Best Photo
from "A Day in the life of the family of Terence Wheelock" by Michael Gallagher
http://www.indymedia.ie/attachments/nov2007/8.tw.jpg
Full piece here - http://www.indymedia.ie/article/85217
"Sit-down protest" - Dublin Shell to Sea
http://www.indymedia.ie/attachments/sep2007/img_2365_si...b.jpg
from http://www.indymedia.ie/article/84378
"How long will it take you?"
Photo montage of how long it will take the average man on the street to earn what Shell did last year.
http://www.indymedia.ie/attachments/feb2007/a7.jpg
from http://www.indymedia.ie/article/80785
Best Event Report:
BY A LAND SLIDE>>>>> Hotel Ballymun - Uplifting Art or Poverty Tourism?
https://www.indymedia.ie/article/81761
agreed
Best audio
Irish activists (Raytheon Derry Anti War Coalition) in Lebanon - Interview with Shane Cullen http://www.indymedia.ie/attachments/aug2007/v012.mp3 about the Qana commemoration stone
in this story - comment 13: http://www.indymedia.ie/article/83681
Best pic
Save Tara Valley Human Aerial Art
http://www.indymedia.ie/attachments/sep2007/taraaeriala...2.jpg
from this article http://www.indymedia.ie/article/84352
Best writing /analysis
Irish activist reflects on volunteering with the ISM in Palestine.
Good insight into the daily grind of ISM work, volunteering, ordinary struggle to live in Hebron, Palestine.
http://www.indymedia.ie/article/84120
Captain Moonlight Interview (Kilkenny musician-activist):
http://www.indymedia.ie/article/82624
Nationalism, Socialism and Partition - very well researched piece:
http://www.indymedia.ie/article/82328
Best Scoop
Rossport Five man wins $125,000 Goldman Environmental Prize - Is this sufficiently scoopy?
http://www.indymedia.ie/article/82086
Best Video
Route Irish
http://www.indymedia.ie/article/84775
Best Audio:
Report from the GSTQ protest
http://www.indymedia.ie/attachments/feb2007/mix2.mp3
Best Read/Analysis:
Andrew Floods "The 1798 rebellion and the origins of Irish republicanism"
http://www.indymedia.ie/article/82684
p.s. Some of the links people have put up to stories are dead.
Best Photo Contribution
The picture of skinny young anarchist John in white overalls and handcuffs being pushed off the field at Baldonnel by three bulky boys in blue, red-faced and puffing hard, presents a very striking landscape of a new Ireland where neutrality has been abandoned and the full weight of the law will pounce on anybody who makes a drama of it:
Administering the civil and military affairs of the Republic
http://www.indymedia.ie/article/75496
http://www.indymedia.ie/attachments/apr2006/dscf1182.jpg
Professional photographers often use telephoto lenses to frame their pictures very tightly, and editors crop these photos even closer, so it's a delight to see this beautiful wide shot, framed to show the action unfolding against such an interesting background, complete with earthy middle ground, grassy horizon, looming clouds, etc.
.
.
.
Best Scoop / Best Photo
Some of the coverage of the Ploughshares' acquittal must also deserve consideration. I'm thinking particularly of the closing arguments for the defence, which were so cogent and rousing that they made the verdict seem to me almost foregone the Friday before. Also a certain picture of Deirdre Clancy, standing apart, somewhere between smiles and tears.
See Court Reporter's very detailed contributions here:
Ploughshares Trial - Closing Arguments
http://www.indymedia.ie/article/77368
This was the clincher for me, wondering on the Friday before the verdict what the outcome would be:
"On the question of having lawful excuse: Remember when you use the defence of lawful excuse, the accused person does not have to prove it, but prosecution must convince you - also beyond reasonable doubt - that a lawful excuse does NOT apply"
And this is by all accounts the bare shadow of a speech so moving that even junior defence counsel was unable to go on taking notes:
REPORT - Closing Speech Defence Barrister Mr. Nix Acting on Behalf of Karen Fallon
Excerpt:
I was in a park today and two children were being followed by a duck.…There was the sound of children playing in the yard close by - children playing in a yard . . ., and a band was playing ... and there was no drunkenness. A sound of universal happiness is the sound of children playing. At that same time, Lebanon and Hezbollah were hammering the shite ... And I asked myself "What right have I to be happy?" Where is our shared humanity?
See picture of Deirdre Clancy vindicated, here:
At last it's over
http://www.indymedia.ie/article/77460
(By the way, I'd love to have a high-resolution copy of this photo, please! See e-mail address below.)
Such raw reports, for all their gaps and approximate quotes, are honest and true in a way the mainstream media have long lost in their pretended objectivity, and such intimate pictures are moving and inspiring in ways the old media rarely capture.
Thanks for all of it.
Coilin.
Coilin, the Pitstop's coverage would probably win hands down but that was 2006 as is your photo.
The Coolacrease threads which showed the rest of the media how superficial, silly and prejudiced it really is.
The ISN's article on "the Left and the Balkan Wars"-a powerfully argued piece dismantling
the myth of "Milosevic the victim of US Imperialism". Everything the ISN puts out is of
superb quality.
Best Scoop:
Hidden History, Hidden Agenda
http://www.indymedia.ie/article/84547
Best Audio:
Coolacrease, the Hidden Interview
http://www.indymedia.ie/article/85285
Best Scoop- The Lismullin Stone
Best Pic- Aerial Harp event at Tara
Best Video- Revolt Video Rossport 84775
Carmel :)
Best (video) contribution Sean Ryan Greengate, simply just walking up to minister and asking some interesting questions http://www.indymedia.ie/article/84789
Best analysis Pat Muldowney coolacrease again
I thought this Event Report was superb
about Ballymun and the art movement:
https://www.indymedia.ie/article/81761
The most insightful article on Irish Politics
was undoubtedly Danny Mcgrain’s superb “From Peking to Aubane”,
One of the best Analysis articles it has ever been
my good fortune to read:
http://www.indymedia.ie/article/80451
Cue fanfare, as Scarrlett Johansson and Jake Gyllenhaal step out to present the awards.
Best Scoop: Welsh Gas Pipeline Protests:
https://www.indymedia.ie/article/80730
Best Event Report: Personal account of Day of Support in Mayo:
https://www.indymedia.ie/article/81080
Best Picture: Aerial art at Tara:
http://www.indymedia.ie/article/84352
Best Analysis: A Tie between:
PD Failures in Women's Health Issues
http://www.indymedia.ie/article/84946
and
From Peking to Aubane:
http://www.indymedia.ie/article/80451
When do we get to vote for best piece?
I think it has kinda dropped off the priorities but it's a useful way of looking over what has been produced on and for indymedia and what readers expectations are as consumers of media ;-)
http://www.indymedia.ie/article/85728&comment_limit=0&c...17225
Video removed from U Tube