"It's what the readers want." My experience with People Magazine

[Contrary1]

Some weeks ago, I was contacted by People Magazine for an interview. I can't go into a lot of detail about the subject matter, but it was regarding my involvement with a volunteer organization. They wanted to do a "human interest" type article. I was to be just a small part of the story.

Anyway, the interview was done, and I was told that they were going to send a photographer out. Seems they wanted a face to go along with the whole thing. The article was to appear in 3 or 4 weeks.

Depending...

It might get bumped to make room the for the latest "big story". I'm not one to mince words, so upon hearing that I responded; "You mean, if Lindsay Lohan gets arrested again, this article will get pushed back?"

I think my remark took the reporter by surprise. His tone changed completely. "Well, it's what the readers want."

My tone probably changed a bit too. I told him that I used to read People Magazine when it was more than just a publication glorifying the adventures of the rich and famous, that I hadn't purchased an issue in over 20 years because of it. And, if that was all they were going to print, then it was logical to assume that the only people who still plunked down a couple bucks did indeed want it. This was all discussed in a cordial manner.

I am not making judgment on those who do enjoy this type of media; I'm just saying that there are probably millions of potential readers out there that don't.

I guess my point in making this post is how do we convince the media that this is not what we want?

You can't turn on the TV, radio, computer, pick up a newspaper, or go through a checkout line without seeing it.

Everywhere, even on that "Liberal site"; MSNBC there are stories about the Palin family daily. There is the latest gossip about this or that "star", or their kids, or their money problems, etc... I am sick of it.

For what it's worth; I don't know if the article I interviewed for ever appeared. I quit looking after a couple months. And the photographer? He never showed up.

[Skittles]

1. look at all the garbage that is on TV

yet every piece of shit show has fans (look at people wailing over DWTS) - if shit is popular, that's what they'll keep giving us

[OffWithTheirHeads]

2. Why do You think they call it programming?

T.V. sucks!