2.1.05

Allen White Comments on SanFranciscoSentinel.Com

Today the SanFranciscoSentinel.com website says, "The Sentinel has ceased publication."

It appears below an image of the Looney Tunes cartoon characters proclaiming, "That's All Folks."

The website is located at: http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/

As a class of people, publishers are a most unusual group. Not understanding them certainly doesn't diminish the high level of respect most have earned.

Pat Murphy was Publisher of SanFranciscoSentinel.com, an online news service which was unique and certainly left its mark on San Francisco journalism.

Pat is first and foremost a journalist. He is a reporter who loves to scoop the competition.... something he has done many times.

Pat is also a pioneer. He cared and for that many who inhabit San Francisco's political world are today in his debt.

For a brief period I was a contributing writer to his publication. His journalistic discipline and the internet's immediacy opened exciting and refreshing opportunities.

Beyond that, it was fun. He made getting the story right, being first and maintaining journalistic standards an effort that was something to be enjoyed.

I am saddened to see all this come to an end.

Pat Murphy, today I lift a toast to you with hope your future carries the rewards and respect you have earned. You have done yourself and San Francisco proud.

Allen White is a San Francisco writer. Mediawhite@aol.com