For Liestoppers and Johnsville. And others, too

If you've followed the Duke Hoax story, you know about Sgt. Mark Gottlieb, Blinco's and the Raleigh News & Observer's reluctance to tell its devoted readers about the "fat, bald cop" involved in the alleged assault at Blinco's.

The N&O's silence hasn't stopped bloggers like Liestoppers and Johnsville News from reporting the Gottlieb/Blicno's story, and pressing the N&O to report it, too.

So have many "citizen journalists" who've commented at the N&O's own Editors' Blog and other places "on the net."

But for weeks, the Editors' Blog has ignored Gottlieb questions and information. So has the N&O's print edition.

The N&O has failed to follow-up, for instance, on reports that a "fat, bald cop" hollered a racial slur that night as he left Blinco's parking lot while an alleged assault victim lay on the ground.

Now tonight, the N&O finally reacts.

After weeks of ignoring questions and information pointing to the need for tough investigative reporting regarding Gottlieb's overall professional conduct, and in particular, his conduct that night at Blinco's, the N&O is offering readers a chance to comment at an Editors' Blog post: "Duke lacrosse latest: Gottlieb profile."

What could explain this sudden change? A 60 Minutes effect, perhaps?

Whatever the explanation, I hope bloggers and "citizen journalists" take advantage of a rare opportunity.

Offer your comments and questions at the Editors' Blog here.