Dear journalism stiffs: Jon Swift’s rules
Rules for journalism as written by fantasticsatireblogger Jon Swift.
11. Journalists should not give money to any political campaigns, participate in any political activities or even vote. Former ABC political director Mark Halperin and Washington Post editor Len Downie don’t vote, which is why they are so trustworthy and so respected by other journalists. Just as Catholic priests give up sex, journalists should give up their right to participate in the political process so that they will not have to think too much about whether one side or another is correct. Thinking too hard threatens their objectivity. (See Rule No. 1.)
Please read the rest…
It’s brilliant timing, as I’m currently composing a presentation called “All I need to know about journalism I learned from the ‘Ghostbusters’ movie.”
Incidentally, I may be giving a version of that presentation this Friday at Jimmy’s No. 43; 43 E. 7th St., between 2nd and 3rd Aves., N.Y., N.Y. The evening starts at 7:30 p.m. and there’ll be live performances, videos and beautiful, wonderful people.
Great article. I especially liked:
“Ruining people’s lives is generally frowned upon and should be avoided if at all possible unless the public has a right to know.”
Comment by Reid — December 4, 2007 @ 2:15 pm