Nine years ago, when I was laid off by the Kansas City Star after 41 years, I found an ally in Facebook.
I could post my movie reviews with a good chance of connecting with like-minded (think Boomer) readers.
But this is my last Facebook post for the foreseeable future. I no longer want to be a facilitator for Mark Zuckerberg’s greed.
When “The Social Network” came out in 2010 I actually thought the film’s depiction of Zuckerberg and the creation of Facebook was inherently unfair.
Now I think it was some sort of whitewash.
In the name of “fairness” Zuckerberg has decreed that any post — no matter how patently false, misleading or prejudiced — will get the hands-off treatment from Facebook. Let the reader beware.
Except that Zuckerberg is getting fabulously rich by allowing disinformation to inundate his web site, threatening our democracy, our freedoms and our humanity. Fuck his bullshit moral qualms; this is all about getting even richer. (Just how rich is enough, and at what cost, is a discussion for another time and place.)
Anyway, I’ll no longer be posting on Facebook. If you still want to read my reviews, check out ButlerFilm on Twitter (better still, click on the SUBSCRIBE button on this page and it’ll automatically send an email link to my new reviews).
It’s been interesting.
| Robert W. Butler
Butler's Cinema Scene 
I have counted on your reviews for years. I do get mine by email and will continue to do so. Now we just need to get the virus in hand and get some good new movies!
Robert, I’ll follow you anywhere.
I’ve long thought of doing exactly what you’ve done. I think it’s time. I’ve come up with the usual excuses – grandkids’ photos, keeping track of long-distance friends (most of whom don’t intersect with my life in any other way). Now it seems like a small political act that I can do (if I can figure out how!).
Maril Crabtree
http://www.marilcrabtree.com
Yea, Maril! Fighting the good fight with our man Robert. I’m on here too, as Jackson ~~~ Jack Kline
Good for you! Used to listen to your smart, inciteful reviews on KCUR…also always read them in he Star. Glad you’ll still be available…and especially give you four stars for divorcing from FB⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
👍👏✊
Sent from my iPad
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Yes, but how do you REALLY feel?
Your Home-Roommate
Just tried replying but wouldn’t let me. I agree with you 100% on all of this. Thank you always for all you for our community. Beth Coughlin (fellow fellow museum guide)
Sent from my iPad
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Hi Bob–
I don’t know if you remember me. I worked for The Star in the 1960s, and after moving to the West Coast, where among other things I worked for The San Diego Tribune (now The San Diego Union-Tribune), I tried to come back to KC and The Star, and interviewed with you in about 1989 (I think I was also back there for my 25th high school reunion at Rockhurst). At the time, you were having to cut back staff, so even if you had been interested, and I’m not sure you or your boss were, the timing was very bad. I wrapped up my career as television critic of The Arizona Republic. I won’t bore you with any more info, but my bio on IMDb is extensive if you have time (see also the “Trivia”). I wish I could say I disagree with your view on Facebook. I had the good fortune to be invited to The New York Times last year, one of 30 “regular” letter writers from across the U.S. to take part in “An Evening With Letters,” meeting with the op-ed folks. Quite an experience, and who knew things could possibly get worse (and still, by the way, can get even worse). Not to simplify, but years ago I profiled an ex-Nazi, “the highest-ranking ex-Hitler Youth in America,” and a lot of boxes are being checked. I’m disgusted by the rank complicity, either the shared depravity, or the exploitation, seizing the moment for profit or expansion of power (or both). I really respect you and your views (and when I was back visiting my folks in KC, enjoyed your columns and reviews immensely — I go back to the days of Bill Vaughn and the publisher’s kid who reviewed, forget his name, et al.). I really wish I’d had the chance to work for/with you, aside from the fact I would have loved to move back to KC, The Star, and my folks. Take care of yourself, and if you can, get in touch. Godspeed./Greg Joseph
Well stated!! Thanks for taking a stand!
Thanks for taking a stand. I agree with Twitter’s adding disclaimers where necessary. If I am correct, the New York Times has kept track of more than 1,300 lies that Trump has told. Probably more by now. I get your reviews by subscription.
We each have a personal Tipping Point when some event, realization or conclusion causes us to take action. When we share it with others, risking criticism, we are acting bravely. Sometimes, it gives courage to others as well.
Please keep writing your wonderful reviews.
Gretchen
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Bob, as you may or may not recall, we met a few years back in Chicago at an American Library Association workshop for the America’s Music series and had a fine old time discussing Frank Zappa’s music. I have been a subscriber to your website ever since, and I thoroughly enjoy your reviews. Thank you for taking a stand against Facebook. Alas, it has become the antithesis of good journalism, history, and science. Enough is Enough.
Bob, I do not see the Subscribe button, only see the Unsubscribe. I value your reviews and want to continue receiving them. Please help,
Freed Mayfield
Sent from Mail for Windows 10
I’m guessing that means you’re already a subscriber to my blog. Do you regularly get emails directing you to my new reviews?
Agree entirely with Gretchen. I reached the tipping point several times, and then clawed back into the cesspool. I can’t seem to pry my eyes off the horrors of social media. Thanks for maintaining your blog. and this newsletter.
Mr. Butler,
Bravo for your stand. I have followed you in the Star and then on line as long as I can remember–which admittedly isn’t that far these days. I want to continue reading your reviews. Their loss would leave a small hole in my life. I already get email notifications with a link when you post a review. Do I need to do anything else to continue receiving them?
Nope. You’re good. Thanks for sticking with me.
Good for you, Mr. Butler!! Agree completely! I have re-subscribed, as I enjoy your work.
Follow you anywhere. Big fan. Love your reviews
Holy s**t. Annie Whiteside. Where are you and Scott hanging out now? (Providing you guys are still together…don’t want to assume anything.)
We are in Arizona close to his 92 year old mother. Love the desert and the mountains. Scott retired having worked for Baltimore Sun, LA Times and Atlanta Journal Constitution.
I started stone carving about 12 yrs and not paying the bills but I’ve sold quite a few
We’ve been married 46 yrs. Amazing in this day.
What say you? Family?I didn’t know you’d left KC Star. Their loss—-Good to hear from you
47 years of marriage on this end. Got a daughter, Blair, who’s a successful Hollywood screenwriter. Spending my dotage as a museum guide at the Nelson-Atkins…love it, but the museum is closed until fall because of the coronavirus. Have sideline showing and discussing classic films at retirement communities. Still watching and reviewing movies…mostly on streaming services nowadays. Been pretty much quarantined since early March and going a bit stir crazy.
Didn’t even know you were on Facebook. I avoid it as much as possible. Keep writing the great reviews. Thank you!
Robert, Count me in for more reviews; they are a bright spot in my Thursdays! I can’t remember when I wasn’t eagerly awaiting your thoughts on the latest movies. Keep ’em coming!
Thanks for the kind words. I have virtually no idea how many people still read me…watching movies and writing about them is a sort of therapy for me. It’s good to know you folk are out there.
Good for you Bob!
I am still a fan of your reviews.
Former fellow colleague and SM East grad
Keith “Casey” Cohen
Class of 69
Residing in sunny Estero, Florida
We totally agree with you Bob! We were on Facebook for about 5 minutes and saw no value in it…and then along came Trump and the Russians.
New email address below.
Corva Murphy
Dear Mr. Butler, Thank you for ceasing to use Facebook. We agree with you totally. We always follow your reviews — you are the best. We have never used Facebook and think that everyone should cease using it given Zuckerberg’s publication of obvious lies. Karen and Stephen Clegg
Support you 1000%
On Wed, Jun 3, 2020 at 7:53 AM Butler’s Cinema Scene wrote:
> butlerscinemascene posted: ” Nine years ago, when I was laid off by the > Kansas City Star after 41 years, I found an ally in Facebook. I could post > my movie reviews with a good chance of connecting with like-minded (think > Boomer) readers. But this is my last Facebook pos” >