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Perhaps some of the disappointment regarding this article, and others Salon has posted recently, is that they are come across as narcissistic journal entries, not journalism. And while that sort of writing can be effective, it can't always stand on its own. A memoir-style article on Ambien would be great -- if there was a companion piece that looked into the issue in more depth. Where is the research that broadens this interest of this story beyond Tessa? Where is the medical data or even expert opinion on the true effects of Ambien? What other stories are out there, beyond a nurse acting out of character and a boyfriend who may have had an addiction problem? We won't find out in this article.
And if it is inappropriate for me to expect Tessa to contribute that sort of research to this type essay, fine. But it is not inappropriate for me to expect Salon to focus on journalism, not navel-gazing. It would behoove the editors to supplement these sorts of essays with some facts and insightful commentary. (Didn't Salon used to do that?)
One or two of these essays -- fine. Multiple essays without any others with investigative chops? Not so great. (Unless the essays are by Anne Lamott. Because her writing is valuable without having to write about the hot topic du jour. Now that's the sort of essay Salon can be proud to publish.)
