Buffalo Gal

I don't think that anyone who cares about journalism is the least bit heartbroken to learn of the absolute failure of Jayson Blair's book.
The initial news of his seven-figure advance was a sharp kick to thousands of conscientious, competent reporters grinding it out in the hundreds of middle markets around the country. There are folks that truly care when a Smith turns out to be a Smythe or the featured pie at the county fair was blueberry and not boysenberry. They never get the first shot at a larger stage, why was Blair was given a second?
Selling less than 10,000 copies of his whining non-apology doesn't make his advance less spendable, but may possibly serve as a cautionary tale to publishers on the reading public's appetite for the scandal du jour as seen through the eyes of the bad guy.
The Son of Sam laws and others like them prevent convicted criminals from profiting from their crimes. It's a shame the rules can't be extended to crimes against the public trust.
If we act now to put such legislation in place, perhaps we can be spared the ultra-cleansed, absolutely expurgated tome that will be the Bush memoirs.
If we could prevent one more tree from dying in vain...

Copyright 2004 Judi Griggs

Buffalo Gal Judi Griggs I'm a communications professional, writer, cynic, mother, wife and royal pain. The order depends on the day. I returned to my hometown in November 2004 after a couple of decades of heat and hurricanes. I can polish pristine copy, but not here. This is my morning exercise -- 20-minute takes without a net or spellcheck. It's easier than sit ups for me. No guarantee what it will be for you. Clicking on the subscribe link will send you an email notice when each new entry is posted.
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Previous Entry :: Next Entry Read/Post Comments (0) Share on Facebook		2004-03-27 7:23 AM Burning the house , biting the hand I don't think that anyone who cares about journalism is the least bit heartbroken to learn of the absolute failure of Jayson Blair's book. The initial news of his seven-figure advance was a sharp kick to thousands of conscientious, competent reporters grinding it out in the hundreds of middle markets around the country. There are folks that truly care when a Smith turns out to be a Smythe or the featured pie at the county fair was blueberry and not boysenberry. They never get the first shot at a larger stage, why was Blair was given a second? Selling less than 10,000 copies of his whining non-apology doesn't make his advance less spendable, but may possibly serve as a cautionary tale to publishers on the reading public's appetite for the scandal du jour as seen through the eyes of the bad guy. The Son of Sam laws and others like them prevent convicted criminals from profiting from their crimes. It's a shame the rules can't be extended to crimes against the public trust. If we act now to put such legislation in place, perhaps we can be spared the ultra-cleansed, absolutely expurgated tome that will be the Bush memoirs. If we could prevent one more tree from dying in vain... Copyright 2004 Judi Griggs Read/Post Comments (0) Previous Entry :: Next Entry Back to Top