I wrote the editor a letter:
As you can see the recent article you have published garnered alot of attention and hits, upto almost 150k and in the top viewed " for the last 7 days". Basically the article potrays me in a negative light, using my photo for what was an article predominately about anabolic steroids when i have never been charged, caught, or convicted with anything related to drug use. Your article was misleading in the fact that my photo took up most of the page and my face was shown and not my brothers, and you failed to realise "you mirin brah", "you jelly" etc, are generally used in a satirical manner and not to be taken seriously - essentially a piss take. What I have done, however, is use the internet to build up my name and brand, i have my own protein label and supplement sponserships, all made possible through social media. Even though there was no direct defamation towards mysef in your article, it was quite evidently nonchalantly implied. As you may be able to tell from my articulacy, im no idiot, Im a student studying business management at university and essentially have been successful im marketing myself - i have around 52000 facebook followers; thats only a few thousand short of Kyle and Jackie O's facebook support group.
Basically, what im saying is if you would like to have another article, but focusing on how i have used social media to market myself to the new generation. Theres alot of information that you may find very interesting, get back to me if you are interested. I think you will find your intial preconceived perceptions about myself will be challenged if you make some time for a new article.
She replied:
Hi Az,
Thanks for your email. I appreciate you getting in touch with me.
I have a full schedule of stories I am doing this week, but I would like to keep your contacts for any other stories I may be writing on this issue- I do often write stories on social media.
As an alternative option, would you like this letter to be published as a letter to the editor in this week's paper?
Best Wishes,
Sarah
Sarah Whyte
Reporter
Fairfax Media Publications Pty Limited
1 Darling Island Road