A clear sign of the downfall of traditional media

ABC wants to know how Global Warming has affected your life.

Has your life been directly affected by global warming?

We want to hear and see your stories. Have you noticed changes in your own backyard or hometown? The differences can be large or small — altered blooming schedules, unusual animals that have arrived in your community, higher water levels encroaching on your property.

There are so many things wrong with this that I don't know where to begin.

It used to be that news organizations would research the facts and report them, so that they could correct any common misconceptions that us "regular folks" might have.

Nowadays, ABC just says, "Look, people think this here heat wave is due to Global warming. Let's get stories from some of them and put them on the air. All the people who send in stories are bound to watch the news... instant ratings!"