Comments on: The lost Gladwell essay

By: Harris

Harris — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 14:23:58 +0000

I think the real pleasure of journalism, at least in its long form, is to have the privilege of listening to another person grapple with issues. Informed readers make for better writers (who in turn make for more informed readers — ah, the virtuous circle).

In any case, Gladwell’s essay was such a charm to read.

Thanks.

By: alissa

alissa — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 05:02:02 +0000

Llama: Actually, when Gladwell writes for the New Yorker, he often is writing about current events, if not outright news. But while the New Yorker isn’t a news magazine, per se, it *does* cover the news, just with a little more time behind it, since it’s much more comprehensive in its coverage than most sources.

And you’re kind of contradicting yourself by saying that journalists can’t keep their bias and opinions out of the news, but then apparently you think there can be exceptions to this? I think the real issue at stake is the *kind* of news reporting you’re considering.

By: Night Train

Night Train — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 03:36:56 +0000

Plus, neither book is very long, so you can read ‘em for free at the bookstore!

By: Night Train

Night Train — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 02:04:12 +0000

I’ve read both Gladwell’s books. They’re fascinating, and he’s a great writer, with a real knack for explaining complicated things.

By: llama

llama — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 00:09:08 +0000

The comment on this would be longer than the article itself

But, over 90% of journalists are lefties (according to Slate’s own poll) and, since they lie often as lefties, I do not believe the assertion of the writer that journalists can keep their bias and opinion out of the news. No they can’t - and don’t. There are simply too many examples that disprove his claim of fair and balanced.

He may personally be an exception when he writs news - which isn’t often for him today as a novelist and magazine writer.