On editorial license
| May 12, 2010 | Filled under Shorts |
As I mentioned yesterday, I have had some shitty editors in my life. I have also had some great ones. I think I’ve cried in front of just about every one of them.
My current editors are pretty awesome — so awesome that I have sent a letter to their bosses and their bosses’ bosses highlighting the ways in which they’ve made my life, and my work, more enjoyable and easier. Which is why this memo, from Village Voice editor Tony Ortega to writer Foster Kamer, makes me giddy.
We put into words the things people actually think and say when they are being honest with each other and not talking in that pretend-voice that the dailies and the television people put on. Right? I mean, that is at the core of this foul-mouthed, truth-telling, non-pandering institution. I mean, that’s the only reason I want to work here, anyway.
It is so heartening to have an editor stand up for the bottom line (the realbottom line, journalistic integrity, not the financial one).
God, that was good.