My Letter In Today's Detroit Free Press
They printed my letter complaining that they aren't firiing that one-man sap factory, Mitch Albom, for sleazery on a story; omitting the fact that I'm syndicated columnist (which seems relevant to me, and which I specifically included as the signature of the letter to be printed).
Disappointing choiceI grew up in Detroit, loving the Free Press, reading it every day, from about age 8 on, and I'm terribly disappointed at your decision. Maybe, just maybe, the golden goose is not Mitch Albom's popularity and fame, but the Free Press' credibility?
Amy Alkon
Santa Monica, Calif.
I write for a local music magazine, and my editor (pretty much) gives me free rein. With that comes the responsibility to check my facts *and* my spelling. While I make the occasional blunder, I most certainly do not write about a show *before* it happens, because that would be dishonest. For someone who purports to have journalistic integrity, I must say Albom disappoints and should just step down. IMHO, this goes beyond the realm of what is inappropriate and into a serious breach of ethics.
Goddyss at April 26, 2005 8:04 AM
This might be more of an issue that needs to be taken up with newspapers more than specific reporters. Back when there was hockey, I talked to a hockey beat writer who explained to me that he starts writing his recaps as soon as something significant happens. He notes every event in a neutral fashion. By the time the game ends, all he has to do is write two sentences and then cut'n paste a few times.
The next time I read one of his recaps, I skipped the first two sentences on purpose and realized that without them it easily could have been written for a win, not a loss.
I realize that this is not quite the same thing as Albom did in his article about the two basketball guys, but I'm sure he did it for the same reason- to get it to his editor for printing.
Unfortunately, I don't really know of any way to do any of this differenly, short of making newspapers online only.
Little ted at April 26, 2005 11:04 AM
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