Several readers have challenged the wisdom of reporting on, and prominent placement of, a story about Hamden sixth graders fashioning prison-style weapons out of disassembled pencil sharpeners. (More on that here.)
One reader said she did a little bit of research and found that the author of the article, New Haven Register staff writer Amanda Pinto, is Facebook friends with one of the sources for the story.
This is worth clarifying.
Our reporters and editors make extensive use of social media, including Facebook, Twitter and newer tools such as Google+ and Foursquare, to find story tips and identify new sources.
They become "friends" with sources, potential sources and community members in an attempt to find and enrich stories just like this one.
It does not mean that they are personal friends with every Facebook "friend" - or have even met them in person.