To tell the truth

This slipped under the radar. WaPo is launching a new fact check feature for it's website -- Truthteller.

The concept is well-intentioned. Watch the vid at the link, it's short but you can't, it basically does fact checks in real time. They have some kind of algorithm that flags phrases and matches them to their archived previous fact checks.

The obvious problem is the WaPo doesn't have that stellar on record on doing fact checks. Lots of dubious "both sides do it" has been passed on by their human "truth tellers" for "balance." And of course, the other big problem is there's still a huge demo that wouldn't believe a fact that conflicts with their world view if their God himself came down and tattooed it on their ass. So I don't have much hope for it.

Nonetheless, it's always good to see the media at least try to keep the record straight. It's a start. [image via wikipedia]