The New York Times has picked up on the theme we were discussing last week, of amateurs using UAVs (or FPV aircraft) to monitor police activity at protests.
An important point raised in the article:
Despite the quality of the images, though, RoboKopter might not see a rush of orders from newsrooms just yet.
One reason is that while there is no doubt that similar aerial videos of the Occupy Wall Street protests would have gotten widespread airplay on American television this week, it is unlikely that the New York Police Department, which closed the airspace above Lower Manhattan during Tuesday’s raid, would have taken kindly to a flock of drone journalists.
Comments
@Fab, I'm not taking sides. I know which comment you are alluding to earlier this week, and I it raised my eyebrows as well, I was wondering if there was something behind the scenes that I had missed which prompted it. But then this comment from you... it certainly doesn't help anything. I'd hate to see this community degenerate into camps.
@Davey it's always intersting to hear your side of things. I help many people every week and I see that you do to. I say it how I see it.
In so far as voting a "head" is concerned, I don't see your point. It's not about who we appoint, it is about who we set out to be and who we actually are.
As far as my messages this week are concerned, there was one that resulted from comments made by Chris to another member that I felt was unfair and rude. Even though I had a point and my comment wasn't really that bad, I retracted it anyway. Mainly because I know how quickly people like yourself jump on these things.
Aside from that I feel my comments this week have been helpful to many and very positive so maybe you could clarify your statement
2. I think your comments encourage bad behavour more than the post as you seem determined to use the video as an excuse for similiar behaviourr.
3. The tone and content of your messages this week are far from in keeping with the site. Ive disagreed with many people on here many times but there is a way to go about it.
the New York Police Department, which closed the airspace above Lower Manhattan during Tuesday’s raid
I've seen this mentioned in a number of accounts, and I'm confused. the NYPD has absolutely no right to close airspace anywhere, only the FAA does. Did the NYPD ask the FAA to issue a NOTAM closing the airspace? If so, what were the grounds? If it was some trumped up excuse with the primary effect of prevent news coverage of the event, it would be a classic 1st Amendment case involving government constraint of news gathering activities. Too bad we don't have a news media here in the US that actually investigates the news...
@Davey Many people love and respect Chris, especially students. When the head of the biggest uav community posts this type of arcticle without expressing his own views and concerns then it appears as an incitement to get the best footage knowing that Chris will post it.
Two articles in a short space of time sends a clear message. The disclaimer by the times regarding mass journalism does not make any valid point in terms of this community.
It was only a short time ago we read about a UAV accident on a motorway. How long before any civilians get hurt?
Chris has emailed saying that my comment was out of order and a personal attack that breaks the site rules. I am sorry he feels that way because I in no way meant to make a personal attack on Chris.
However, I do feel this type of post will incite many to attempt the same and therefore should be delivered with a nagative message to the community.
The question is, how can one lone sensible voice deliver any message when so many are so excited by this type of post? In future, I will try to say my peace as carefully as possible but it isn't easy to be heard!
Why stop at blaming Chris? What about the company hosting DIYD? The Internet as a whole! Let's shut the lot down!
Fab: **THE PILOT** is responsible for the pilot's actions. No-one else. No-one is glamorising this, recommending it or anything else. It's discussion, it's what the board is for.
I can't wait until cops get their own and the epic air jousting that will occur. Although maybe I just live in a city that has really bad cops so I expect them to do stuff like that.
@Dave: The New York Times? ;)
Come on Fab. Where did Chris promote this activity? He's just linking to a story that mentions the use of drones in this manner.
If you read the full article, it mentions how the most important footage of the event was captured by journalists on foot. If you watch the video, it's apparent that the most common head injury is also caused the old fashioned way.
And speaking of that, I'm confused about what the video shows. The lead-in says: "of protesters attacking bystanders and police officers kicking and punching protesters in their custody" The video is not really clear what's happening. The man in the brown coat starts kicking the guy in the blue coat for no apparent reason. Is that a protester or a non-uniform officer or what? Because immediately after it appears a police man runs up and continues the assault?
What is going on?
"We will know who to blame"
Who would that be Fab?
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