I think people were most up in arms at the fact that the mix-up happened at all. It’s pretty sloppy - they didn’t even know about it until it was brought to their attention.

But your internet is expensive, no?

As far as old news making headlines late, it most likely happens when producers (TV) or editors (print) run out of news… if it’s a slow news day, they’ll start reporting a story that they didn’t have time for the previous go-round. And since news is a game of one-upping, station A sees station B reporting it and follows suit. And voila, a media feeding frenzy over a story you already saw on the internet.

As for me, my excuse this time is that I was out of the loop while on hiatus.

It’s funny: I learn more doing this unpaid internet show than I ever knew when I was a “real” reporter. Because of your comment (and others pointing out my misstep), I’ve done more research and feel I have a better handle on the complicated history.

One thing I’ve been percolating on is how many places have complicated, sensitive histories… it makes this idealist sad.

On the bright side, I now know that some people are of the opinion that Taiwan bears a resemblance to a sweet potato.