You were the Editor

A once-prominent merchant, who disappeared from public life 20 years ago after a trial and conviction of fraud, dies. He had been well known not only for the store that bore his name but also because of his community service as head of several local fund-raising charities, his membership in leading civic and social clubs and because he was a decorated Second World War veteran. He served a short term in prison, his store was sold and eventually closed. Do you: 
 
A.  Instruct a reporter writing the obituary to include details of this disgraceful episode in his life because his trial at the time was a major news story and to leave it out would look like a cover-up.

Readers  18%
Editors  80%

B.  Tell the reporter to leave it out in deference to the family. The man has not been in the news for 20 years and nothing will be served by rehashing his misdeeds. Let him be remembered for his accomplishments.

Readers  82%
Editors  20%


Readers comments:

"Don't bring 20-year-old skeletons out of the closet."

"He's paid for his mistake. Why hurt his family again?"

"His 20-year-old fraud was part of his life and who he was: nice, warm, fuzzy stories don't sell newspapers as well as hard-hitting dirty details."

"He's dead. Let him and his kin put the past behind him."