Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2002/02/13

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Subject: Re: [Leica] The Decisive Moment
From: Donal Philby <donalphilby@earthlink.net>
Date: Wed, 13 Feb 2002 21:42:39 -0800
References: <200202130717.XAA14196@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us>

Marc,

That is like applauding physicians for just recommending whatever procedure pays them the most money, not what is best for the patient.  We know they do
it and get kickbacks in various quasi-legal ways.  I guess in your estimation that shows they have common sense.  In mine, they have no ethics.

Newspapers, before they were owned primarily by entertainment companies, had a sense of obligation to the greater public good.  I know that phrase might
have socialist overtones, but I can't think of a single instance where the marketplace alone has encouraged socially responsible corporate behavior,
beyond a few token gestures, such as running a Salgado amongst all the celebs.  I believe it often involves more a decision not to disturb advertisers
rather than give readers what they want.

Since I've been editing a start up trade magazine over the last six months, I've seen just such powers at work on a daily basis.  Always the battle
between telling the real story that could help the reader and not offending someone with money who is buying advertising.

Serving two masters is never easy.

donal

Donal Philby
San Diego

Marc wrote:


This is a capitalist society.  I do recognize that Canadians attempt to
avoid approaching this reality.  Most READERS and VIEWERS would much rather
see pictures of Julia Roberts or Tom Cruise (whoever they are) than of some
'poor part of the world'.  The folks who OWN these publications want to
make money, or else they'd not own them.  So, cleanly and clearly, they buy
and publish pictures which are of interest to their audience.  If a
photographer wants to shoot pictures of dismal areas which have no market,
then so be it.  He is to be lauded for his dedication to Reform and damned
for his lack of common sense.

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Replies: Reply from Feliciano di Giorgio <feli@d2.com> (Re: [Leica] The Decisive Moment)