Most parents of teens or tweens are familiar with “iCarly,” a television series on Nickelodeon about three teenage friends who create their own Web reality show.
But what most parents may not be familiar with (but should be) is a local Web show created by some students at Emporia High School. It’s called “WTFYNTK” (What The F— You Need To Know) on YouTube, and it has been getting the attention of students and administrators lately — but not for the teenage crushes, breakups and other adolescent drama that is typical fodder for Carly and her friends.
This locally based Web show has a different objective. According to the masked host in Episode 1, the show’s purpose is to “present world news, community news and sporting events.” He goes on to say its object is to help Emporia High students “rally against the school” on issues that concern them, like what he considers unhealthy school lunches and the requirement to wear school identification cards.
Not a bad idea. Seeing students proficiently use technology to practice their freedom of speech when it comes to promoting change at their school could be a good thing.
Unfortunately, “WTFYNTK” is not your innocuous Nickelodeon production.
On the contrary, as its name suggests, the show’s focus seems to be on the proliferation of profanity, sexual innuendo and discussion of insolent topics like swearing in school, disrespect toward administrators and even allusions to an organized uprising by students against the high school.
The creators of the show may be on thin ice, blurring the line between what is an acceptable or unacceptable use of media and the freedom of speech when it comes to their school’s identity, school personnel and the student body.
Right now they may feel safe hiding behind an acronym, anonymity and their First Amendment rights, but in this case, here’s something They Need To Know: In the real world even teenagers and YouTube aren’t exempt from laws relating to defamation of character, libel, slander and the potential disruption such a Webcast could have on school operations.
As the show gains momentum it will be the students’ — and their parents’ — responsibility to monitor the content and direction it takes.
In the meantime, if parents aren’t familiar with the show, it’s time they were. Ignorance may be bliss, but given the potential legal ramifications involved, its time parents tuned in.
Ashley Knecht Walker
Editor
To view show go to http://www.youtube.com, then type in WTFYNTK.
uranidiot (anonymous) says...
I remember my dad telling me stories about the 60's. People used protest as a way to get social reform. Chanting in the street, holding signs, talking to reporters about their plight. Now kids are using Youtube and Twitter. You know what the parents of these kids need to do about it. Nothing. That's right, absolutely nothing. These kids are just trying to be heard. How would you like it if the feds came and told you to take down one of your news articles. You could just as easily start trouble with what you are writing. Plenty of newspaper article have started riots. So come off of your high horse and realize that any censoring you do to these students is the same as the federal government censoring you.
February 4, 2010 at 2:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
shineon (anonymous) says...
Let them be! It's actually kinda funny. Can't tell me you never had some fun as a teen? right?
February 4, 2010 at 4:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
CoolGirl (anonymous) says...
I agree with the above comments! Kids will be kids. I think it is extremely funny and there was no harm intended! Think back when we were in high school. We would have pulled the same type of prank as what these boys are doing. What "laws" are they breaking? I found the entire thing very humorous...especially the part about Coach Bloomquist!
February 4, 2010 at 5:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
koalemos (anonymous) says...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHrZNj...
February 4, 2010 at 5:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Blink (anonymous) says...
Crying from laughing so hard all i have to say is wow... These kids are trying to voice opinions and who, of all things, is trying to scare them away...The Emporia Gazette... It seems to me that these kids understand there rights enough and maybe they understand better than us... I think maybe these kids want to try and change some things in the high school... Maybe they understand things better then us parents? That maybe everyone could step back and anaylze this a bit more... The Gazette tried to put some positive critizism in the beginning but in the end it seemed to be evident whos side the Gazette is on... which is a shame but that is how the world turns... Its always a wonder how parents judge teens so harshly and forget there pasts... I just want to say maybe we need to reconsider this artical maybe these kids actually do something helpful... Whos knows?
February 4, 2010 at 5:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
derekkrause (anonymous) says...
I personally think this article is the worst thing I have ever read. The people at wtfyntk is making an effort to bring the school back to what it should be. He is tired of food at the school that is not nutritious, or good. Also he is trying to put school spirit back to the high school. Nobody at the school likes how it is right now and he is trying to make change. If people have a problem with the show how hard is it to just not watch it? Honestly, is it that hard to sit on your computer and not go to youtube and type the name in. Most of the people love to watch it anyway. Just leave him alone and let him make some news that people care about, and that's funny.
Oh, and thanks for putting this article in the paper, it's going to give the show a ton more views ;)
February 4, 2010 at 5:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Dudes_a_Pal (anonymous) says...
I have got to say that there really has been no "laws" broken here, the only real harm done is possibly the fact that certain parts "represent" the school. There is absolutely no reason for this article. Everyone is taking this way out of proportion. How's about we all calm down eh? I am looking forward to more episodes, this show makes me feel proud to be a student at EHS. Keep them coming, I think the above comments say about everything else I wanted to. Read 'em and weep.
February 4, 2010 at 5:53 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Well, well, well. Teenage Stephen Colbert. Really kids, can you at least try to be original? Your opinions are okay, just change your delivery to something that isn't already practiced on a popular TV show. Always shoot for being original. Always.
February 4, 2010 at 6:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
shannonthecannon (anonymous) says...
I think they should be able to express themselves in whatever way they feel. They haven't broken any rules and dont intend to...this is merely kids being kids just like we all were at one point in our lives. Narrowmindedness has once again gotten the best of us and continues to be the cause of society not getting along. Let the kids live the way they want to live and don't try and interfere. Especially if it doesnt apply to you. That's the worst part of all of this, we see something that we don't like, even if it doesnt pertain to our lives at all we still try to intervene and alter it to where we think it's acceptable. Well it's time to realize that it's not all about the adults, it's about the future of this town and more importantly this country. That's the kids in this high school and schools all over, and by trying to end the one thing created to unify this school, you have insulted a lot of people. Please think a little longer before you try and insult them for being openminded and creative.
February 4, 2010 at 6:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Carlos (anonymous) says...
The show is much more entertaining and informative than anything I've seen in the gazette lately. I don't really think a Pizza Poll is front page news....
Also, I see this as being no different than The Daily Show, Colbert Report, or SNL. They use slander and defamation of character in their show, but it in no way disrupts Government operations, nor do they get in trouble with the law.
Instead of discouraging these kids, how about supporting them? They have something positive and creative on their hands and, who knows, this could blow up bigger than any of us. It certainly seems to take a lot more brain power to make one of these episodes than it takes to drive a car around in circles, such as one individual the gazette puts on a pedestal...
Also, it's obvious they are not going to violently up rise against the high school... It's common sense that it's a joke...
February 4, 2010 at 6:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
powercat (Jerry Seinfelt) says...
From all the new poster names it looks like the High School students weighing in on the topic. I think Ashley makes a good point that while it is innocent fun right now that doesn't mean that a joke can not turn into libel situation which could cost some parents some big money. Kids may compare themselves to what they see on TMZ and Colbert Report but those shows have mega lawyers keeping them in line with the laws and I am not sure high school kids with no real experience no where the legal lines are.
February 4, 2010 at 6:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
edorsey (anonymous) says...
Just another example of old media not understanding this new media the younger generations are pioneering. I wish I had time for this sort of thing in high school. Good luck proving these kids have done anything wrong.
Good luck with the show guys, its awesome.
February 4, 2010 at 6:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
billyjoel666satan (anonymous) says...
come on, you are a newspaper. stop trying to atack these kids. these kids are going to be the future. and if they can pull together now. later on they could change the world.
~Kisses
February 4, 2010 at 6:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
It seems very strange to me to hear a newspaper of all things criticizing kids for expressing the first amendment rights that allows the newspaper to flourish unhindered by the type of censorship it seems to want to place on these kids. Shame on you Gazette!
What did they anonymously say something negative about a formal school adminstrator friend of yours in a cowardly way? LOL
Preston Monroe
February 4, 2010 at 6:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
edorsey (anonymous) says...
Oh and way to drive traffic to their content, if they were really thinking they would have their own website and being selling advertising and making them a competitor with the gazette.
February 4, 2010 at 6:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
quarterback (anonymous) says...
I am not sure who these kids are kidding. The Gazette pioneered web video in Emporia. I remember the Gazette had daily news web video show more than a decade ago. Which I believe was hosted by writer of this column - Ashley Walker. These kids were probably still in diapers than. If everything is on the up and up I just wonder why the host wears a mask.
February 4, 2010 at 6:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
cheese (anonymous) says...
Another example of youth today with no respect towards authority. The show isn't funny, it's rather stupid. Obviously it's harmless and kids probably think it's funny so keep on doing what you do........but stop wearing the mask, unless you are scared of something???
February 4, 2010 at 6:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
WTFYNTK_fan (anonymous) says...
HEEYYYYYYY!!!!! WTFYNTK is for our enertainment... School is boring all of you know, your were in highschool at one time, its funny at school. Gives us something to do. its not like were trying to destroy the school. Oooooor would you rather us go do some drugs or shoot up??? Hmm..? think about that.
February 4, 2010 at 6:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
quarterback (anonymous) says...
I enjoy the ridiculous comments from the kids. Some day the kids will realize that the world will not be handed to them on a silver platter they will have to actually get a job and work for a living. Of course there wont be any jobs so the kids will have plenty of time to surf the net and do little shows.
February 4, 2010 at 6:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
WTFYNTK_fan (anonymous) says...
and cheese the mask is for $hits and giggles. and when they show respect to us we will show respect back. Peroid
February 4, 2010 at 6:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
WTFYNTK_fan (anonymous) says...
Hey Quarterback. Guess what ive got a job? i work for a living? Quit talkin if you dont know us why dont ya?
February 4, 2010 at 6:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
thebro (anonymous) says...
as a avid watcher of the show. i don't think this has any sort of threat behind it. just some high school kids that know there rights and speak there mind and while some people may find this to be offensive. all it is is word choice and nothing more then that. this show is like a school union. where we can strike against the school for a common good. not to rebel and over turn the administrators or even higher up. just push them to think of the students a little more then the budget and maybe take a poll before they cut back on school lunches and add on a turf feild around the school that is completely unnessisary. constdoring that we have esu and trysa to play soccor and football at
February 4, 2010 at 6:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
WTFYNTK_fan (anonymous) says...
i am Timothy Weaver if anybody is wondering, but seriously i want to say thank you to the chick who wrote this article. FOR FREE advertisment =D Thanks!!!!!!!!!
February 4, 2010 at 6:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
booker5m (anonymous) says...
There was a underground newspaper back in the early 70s at the high school. It was for worse than this.
February 4, 2010 at 7:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
What a joke...people that are posting anonymously complaining about somebody else being anonymous....That's cheese and quarterback I'm talking about here....LoL
February 4, 2010 at 7:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
oh4theluvof (anonymous) says...
Maybe high school wouldn't be so boring if anyone was actually learning anything academic. How in the world are any of these kids passing any kind of English test? Spelling?? Vocabulary??? Punctuation and capitalization?? For being the generation that communicates mostly through typed messages, they are terribly inarticulate.
WOW!!!!!
If they are doing this poorly in this subject, I shudder to think what they are doing in the other subjects. Parents, wake up and smell the scholarships and resume's burning. Take a look at the work your kids hand back in and then start tutoring them back through second and third grade. Pathetic!
February 4, 2010 at 7:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
I love people that don't respect authority. If we all respected authority all the time we would still be bowing to the Queen of England. Question everything authority tells you because it is virtually never working in your best interest.The only thing authority is good for is maintaining power for the people that already hold it...the status quo....
February 4, 2010 at 7:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
powercat (Jerry Seinfelt) says...
Oh4thluvof
This is the funniest blog comment ever....
"Parents, wake up and smell the scholarships and resume's burning."
I agree.
Shouldn't you kids be studying for tests instead of blogging on the Gazette website?
February 4, 2010 at 7:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
pussycat (anonymous) says...
Oh! My bad, I didn't know that students couldn't get online and comment on the Gazette website. Dang, I guess only middle aged moms can get on and comment about how their kids are doing bad in school? You people have no clue what is actually happening in the school, so before you sit on your computer and type all your comments about how wtfyntk is bad and is causing uprising. Go to the school and see for yourself how terrible the classes are being taught, and how wasteful the school is with their budget.
February 4, 2010 at 7:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
Any real grown up adult that would file a libel suit against something like this because somebody said something about them they didn't like is not much of a real grown up adult.
People say things about me virtually everyday they think I won't like. I love it....Why? ...Because it proves to me I'm doing a good job making them look at things they don't want to look at.
If you can't stand the heat...stay out of the kitchen. That's real life 101.
February 4, 2010 at 8:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
Usually when people start threatening lawsuits its because they really don't have a case. If they did...they wouldn't threaten a suit....they would just hire an attorney!
February 4, 2010 at 8:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
WTFYNTK_fan (anonymous) says...
Oforthelovof. i happen to be a straight A. student. And i still like this WTFYNTK. so you can go read your stupid books and crap elsewear, while we make school fun.
February 4, 2010 at 8:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
WTFYNTK_fan (anonymous) says...
And BTW i go to the amazing SCHOOL of EHS. its a blast. we are im pretty sure the ONLY!! school in the state of kansas to have Glass blowing as a class.
February 4, 2010 at 8:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
I don't see anything to worry all us old timers about.
Watched the episodes and was impressed.
Maybe the Gazette could even use the tag line WTFYNTK!
February 4, 2010 at 8:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Carlos (anonymous) says...
Tim... Sadly you aren't helping your side of this debate at all. You're really just proving their point.
February 4, 2010 at 8:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
koalemos (anonymous) says...
I enjoyed the masked man at WTFYNTK and admire the people behind it for getting out there and doing something that makes them happy. Kudos to the gazette for pointing them out to us. Just finished watching episode 4 and I'm anxiously waiting for episode 5
I must say, episode 3 almost made me close the browser window. A little profanity is comical but after about 6 F-boms back to back for no rhyme or reason, any message behind the skit is lost.
Hurry up and do something else. Maybe return the favor and advertise the local paper on an upcoming episode. I can't wait!
February 4, 2010 at 8:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bebe (anonymous) says...
oh4theluvof, resume's is not the plural of resume, it is the possessive. Wouldn't want you abusing punctuation while you're ranting about abuse of punctuation.
February 4, 2010 at 9:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Blink (anonymous) says...
Well this seems to have sparked alot of intrest... Im sure the people at WTFYNTK will be pleased... Im glad to see the masses out voicing there opinion about our youth... It shows the character of some and the ignorance... Truly impressive... Much love
February 4, 2010 at 9:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mellen (anonymous) says...
I agree with koalemos. But if the f-bomb is used properly it could be used over and over without loosing the audience. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26UA57...
February 4, 2010 at 9:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
whatithink (anonymous) says...
I am a middle aged woman and found the segments quite interesting. I'm so glad that there are some teens using their time and brains for something other than video games and parties. I was impressed with the quality of the filming and the humor in the dialogue. The only thing I'm disappointed about is that the gazette would try to discourage their right to free speech.....what would WAW think about that? :)
February 4, 2010 at 9:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
oh4theluvof (anonymous) says...
ROFL!!
I told the other person here what I had posted and then said, "Watch! Someone is going to come on here and misspell my user name, even though it is RIGHT THERE in front of them, to tell me they are a straight A student."
I was lamenting the fact that there was no way to post that with a time stamp without warning them that I was expecting that. Oh well. Thank you WTFYNTK_fan.
I have noticed that it takes much less to get an "A" these days than it used to. The bar has dropped so low and with our standardized tests we are telling our kids how smart and well-educated they are when they aren't. Don't get me wrong, they are very smart....just very poorly educated. First line of defense in that is the parent.
BTW, can anyone tell me what a "constdoring" is? It reminds me of one my 8th grade niece (who makes good grades) made up instead of trying: "tramatizioed" ("traumatized," I think...I know I was just by reading it;-)
February 4, 2010 at 9:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ToxicPink (anonymous) says...
*stomps around being mean to children and crushing dreams*
Muahahahaha!
February 4, 2010 at 9:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
oh4theluvof (anonymous) says...
bebe:
Thanks so much for pointing that out. I debated whether to place the apostrophe as an accent, but it looked like resume (continue) without it. I wanted the meaning to be clearer so I went with that. Who here knows how to place an accent mark with this program. Spelling and punctuation I know....typing the tricky ones, I don't.
February 4, 2010 at 9:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
IP1312C3P30PL3 (anonymous) says...
I read the article, not impressed. It seems as though it was looked at as adolescents being unable to truly understand what our rights actually are, in school and out of school regarding the law.
1. Congress can not make a law respecting an establishment of religion, prohibiting the religion in any way, abridging the freedom of speech, freedom of press, the right of assembly, and to petition the government for the redress of grievances.
-Hello, I'm a student at Emporia High School, and I just stated my first amendment rights based on my knowledge of it. We aren't dumb, so don't treat us as such.
2. Fun fact: I've read the student handbook. Pathetic? Yeah, I'm just that cool. Deal. ANYWAYS...
-The Student Behavior section of the student handbook is not worded in anyway to make one think that these rules would apply out of school, therefore nothing can be done about what the WTFYNTK kids.
-Even if one were to apply the rules out of school, said person would arguably be violating not only handbook regulations but First Amendment rights as well.
-The handbook states that one could be suspended or expelled for, "Disrespect or slander of a teacher or school employee." Thats fine in theory but it also states that one could be suspended or expelled for, "Possession of open containers of food/drink outside the designated lunch areas," think about all that is said in the handbook not just isolating one specific section that a group of kids may be violating, I am with 100% certainty sure that every single person in the school should be looked at for suspension and expulsion based on the "LAW OF THE STUDENT HANDBOOK!"
3. As for oh4theluvof, who's comment was the only one I chose to read, congratulations on conforming to the very thing you were criticizing. Sounds like your username is something that our "generation that communicates mostly through typed messages," would make. Next time you decide to criticize us, make sure you do not fall under that same category... bro.
-I chose not to read any of the comments other than that one, frankly it is not worth my time or in my interest, but the fact that this article claims students to be violating not the student handbook but the First Amendment of the Bill of Rights by doing something they deem entertaining or so be it as "right" is absolutely the the most absurd thing I have ever heard.
-Hello, I am a Junior at Emporia High School. I am very well known throughout the school and by the way this post has been written I am sure people have an idea of who I am. I hardly pay attention in class, am in mostly honors courses, and I DO know what our rights as students and citizens are.0 Next time an article is made like this the writer should think before they decide whether what they are posting is declared slander or not.
~P.E.A.C.E.~
February 4, 2010 at 9:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
WTFYNTK_fan (anonymous) says...
Haha agreeeeeed.
February 4, 2010 at 10:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MrCmonkeeDo (anonymous) says...
Brilliant!
Probably see "the Masked One" on TV someday. Hi-Yo Silver! Awaaaaay!
February 4, 2010 at 10:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
oh4theluvof (anonymous) says...
IP1312C3P30PL3:
Thank you for something that I could finally read. Yours is the kind of formal writing that I would expect of an A student. However, you missed that I was talking about formal writing. I never challenged today's shorthand or condemned it. No one here had been using it. They had been attempting formal writing, with the use of countless run-on and fragmented sentences. They had misspelled a number of words that they were very clearly not trying to shorthand and capitalizing random words.
Have a good day in school tomorrow.
February 4, 2010 at 10:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
koalemos (anonymous) says...
Next thing you know the masked man is going to demand the right to walk the hall of the school hand in hand with his gay lover.
February 4, 2010 at 10:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MrCmonkeeDo (anonymous) says...
MrC only wishes He was still young enough to be involved. As it is He's too old and whiskery now to Do anything but turn their harmless fun into something else; and what would be the point of that?
LEAVE THESE YOUNG FOLKS ALONE!
Ashley Walker--Relax--everything's gonna be alright.
February 4, 2010 at 10:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mslater (Matt Slater) says...
"if there is a bedrock principle underlying the First Amendment, it is that government may not prohibit the expression of an idea simply because society finds the idea offensive or disagreeable." - Justice William J. Brennan
"First Amendment freedoms are most in danger when the government seeks to control thought or to justify its laws for that impermissible end. The right to think is the beginning of freedom, and speech must be protected from the government because speech is the beginning of thought." - Justice Anthony M. Kennedy
"I am opposed to any form of tyranny over the mind of man." - Thomas Jefferson
For God's sake Ashley, William Allen White was part of the committee that helped translate Mein Kampf into English. Leave these kids alone.
Matt
February 4, 2010 at 10:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bebe (anonymous) says...
oh4theluvof, I see what you were doing now. I don't know how to get an accent mark on here, either, but if you figure it out I would be glad to know.
February 4, 2010 at 11:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
irishemporia (anonymous) says...
Students: Before you starting proclaiming free speech rights, you might want to study up on the Tinker and Hazelwood First Amendment cases at the Student Press Law Center http://www.splc.org
February 4, 2010 at 11:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Brezzen (anonymous) says...
I'm a loyal watcher of WTFYNTK, since their first episode. I'm also a high school student, unemployed, and nothin' special. So I guess I fit the stereotype. I'm proud to be in the mob.
I think that what we're doing is not in any way "defamation of character, libel, slander". It's honest above anything. We're not lying about our feelings, about out concerns, about our opinions. And if people can be destroyed by honesty, then what's the point of news anyway?
So, to all the people in this comments section, I would like to thank those of you who have not cast us out because we are ourselves. And to those who are against kids actually getting up and doing something with themselves in a town where it's so easy to slip into mundane emptiness, I'm sorry that we cannot appease you. But this is life, and the Mob will choose to live it out loud.
-Jak Dougherty.
February 4, 2010 at 11:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
You kids carry on...Love your spirit....Don't let the old foggies get to you, you are our future. By the way....I'm 70 years old but young at heart. Some people are just threatened by anything that doesn't fit into their little world.
February 5, 2010 at 4:29 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
moderator (anonymous) says...
We reached our maximum comments so if want to chat more about this topic chat in the forums.
February 5, 2010 at 6:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )