Editor needs to be more critical of his own writing, not just that of the staff

Arts… Editor needs to be more critical of his own writing, not just that of the staff

Arts ‘ Entertainment Editor Brian Palmer’s “Like it or Not” article in the Feb. 17 Pitt News exemplifies the poor writing Palmer says people have been commenting on.

Palmer begins the article: “Please excuse my writers. They have classes and exams and are in other activities and may not spend as much time on their writing as they should.”

I have classes, exams and other activities. If I wanted to write for The Pitt News I would make sure to devote the time necessary to write a well-written article, or I wouldn’t write one at all.

One of my biggest concerns with the article is Palmer’s removal from the criticism: “The writers of my staff …” Palmer doesn’t include himself as a writer being criticized, but instead writes an article that comes across as haughty and above the criticism. It is Palmer’s writing that should be addressed because his stands out in the A’E section as some of the poorest in the group.

Finally, Palmer’s response seems to address specific criticisms his staff has received but offers no examples. Without printing, or at least referring to the critiques in question, the reader has no point of reference and cannot decide if the criticism is legitimate or if Palmer’s response is adequate.

This article thrusts the reader blindly into believing an editor who continually loses credibility with article after poorly written article, and this one is no exception.

Jackie Lowthert

CAS Senior

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