SpinSpotter, a Web application that claims "to de-spin the news, expose the slant and bias, separate the facts from axe-grinding opinion," says its program can spot what the company calls the "seven deady spins" of reporter's voice, passive voice, biased sourcing, disregarded context, selective disclosure, lack of balance and overreliance on press releases.
Others aren't so sure.
Fred Vultee, a journalism professor at Wayne State University who blogs at Head's Up, admits he's just curious enough to download the "Spinocular" toolbar. However, he adds: "Just don't mistake it for anything that brings you any closer to understanding how news works or why some people do or don't trust it."
More information and reaction at:
- Wordyard
- Wired