Monday, June 08, 2015

Just out of interest...(Updated)

...does anyone have any particular response to this photo published today above a letter I wrote to the DomPost?

Update: In comments, S Beast (thank you) said :

"Looks like it is there to oppose your letter, but if this wasn't deliberate it certainly isn't congruent with the message beneath. This got past a seasoned editor? "

Here's why I asked the question. My letter didn't contain the line "...announced last week by Jonathan Coleman...". The Dompost inserted that. It's a fabrication facilitating the addition of the photograph.

Is that kosher?

9 comments:

macdoctor said...

The chances are good that private interests will take up the easier, more predictable bonds and avoid the difficult stuff. This means that the extremely mentally unwell are unlikely to be forced into unsuitable work and it is unlikely that any savings will be made

Still, it is a worthwhile experiment that is unlikely to be disastrous- which is about all one can wish for when dealing with politicians.

Anonymous said...

Where are these bonds being used? Examples please.

Lindsay Mitchell said...

Anon, You could use google like I did.

http://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/preventative-health-wellness/social-bonds-new-zealand-pilot

https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/budget-2015-social-bond-focus-mental-health

macdoctor, fair comment. We agree though that they are a "worthwhile experiment".

Still wondering what readers think the photo conveys.

Malcolm C. said...

Picture looks like a man half convinced. Wanting to pause because he is still cautious

S. Beast said...

Looks like it is there to oppose your letter, but if this wasn't deliberate it certainly isn't congruent with the message beneath. This got past a seasoned editor?


Alice said...

Hi Lindsay,
On what basis are they a "worthwhile experiment"?

Lindsay Mitchell said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Lindsay Mitchell said...

Hi Alice,

On the basis that the incentive to get the required result (thereby helping the beneficiaries of a program) is strong.

On the basis that taxpayer's money won't be wasted (and therefore available elsewhere).

On the basis that innovation should be embraced. Necessity is, after all, the mother of invention, and current need is obvious.

Anonymous said...

anon again, this discussion about social bonds, including comment from the creator of the model, is worth a read. http://www.theguardian.com/voluntary-sector-network/2014/may/01/social-impact-bonds-funding-model-sibs-future