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Saturday, Nov 7, 2009
It just occured to me that what may be behind the trend of 'more pictures, less information' in the food journalism (and perhaps all other aspects of journalism) is simple economics.
It may be much cheaper and easier to get digital pictures (and all the ease of sizing and placement that the media implies) than to pay people to write words.
Just a thought.
I can understand being passionate about food and then being disenchanted with the whole food/hospitality industry, but, it seems as though Ann was never really passionate about food to begin with, and this was just a convenient job. She seems to resent being friends with chefs and "foodies," and didn't like the whole "scene" at all. Well, if you're a food writer, what did you expect? I work in the music industry and am surrounded by musicians, publicists, etc. I don't resent that, I relish it!
I do understand, however, her frustration with editors and publishers who do stupid things in an attempt to sex up any topic to sell more newspapers or magazines. But, it appears that Ann has let this color her view of the ENTIRE food industry and the enjoyment of food. That I just don't understand.
I'm also curious why she was so public. Aren't food writers supposed to remain as anonymous as possible in order to provide the most accurate reviews?
It's fine if you want to bitch about your cushy job as a food writer, but, to then turn around and poo-poo the entire industry because of your own burnout just comes across as being a bit arrogant and elitist, especially when it appears she was never really into it to begin with.
This article has certainly been a Rorschach
Magnet for all sorts of responses. Those letters which show an understanding that the
author was writing about a society of trendy foodies and star chefs which she observed from up
close are letters which are worth having read.
Those writers who percieved her dismay at the food
porn she was instructed to write have understood
one of her points. Those writers who think she
was praising foodie-ism and foodporn clearly lack
the basic reading-comprehension skills to enable
them to write a useful letter, or even to think a
useful thought.
I hope Salon decides to run one of her 'wanted-
to-submit' articles; such as the one on that organic pig farm, say. And based on that, see how
many people would want to see more such articles.
Much of the initial coverage about Fort Hood turned out to be wrong. Is there anything wrong with that?
The accountability imposed by another country for the CIA's kidnapping and torture reveals much about our own.
Fox News' morning show plays to type, talking about whether Muslims in the Army should face "special debriefings"
The Maine fight was supposed to be the dress rehearsal for repealing California's Prop. 8 -- but gay marriage lost
Once one obtains Seriousness credentials in the Washington media, they are irrevocable no matter one's conduct.
Salon headlines in your mailbox
