Comments on: Today Show: Snooki Trumps Newbery, Caldecott

By: libtex

libtex — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 15:29:51 +0000

What is sad is that ALA assumed they would be “given” the spot they seem to think is theirs just because it has been for “a decade”. Today is going to use the spots that they believe will do the most to boost their ratings. That is their job. So, let’s see–TV promotes one of their own with a book spot or they promote ALA’s choice (a group that while not totally hostile to TV is not one of its biggest supporters). Who will win this contest 99 out of a hundred times?

By: Keir Graff

Keir Graff — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 15:10:59 +0000

Thanks for the comment. Just to clarify, Courtney Jones was the author of this post, Mark Gould offered PIO’s response (not the former Cubs first baseman, Mark Grace–but how great would that have been?), and Keir Graff and Amy Graff are not related. I know you didn’t suggest that last one, but I suddenly felt it needed a disclaimer.

Snooki delivers ratings, but it’s too bad that so many media outlets insist on chasing our knee-jerk interests instead of helping to start a worthwhile conversation.

By: henderhouse

henderhouse — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 21:10:40 +0000

Thanks for posting this, Mr. Graff. I appreciate reading the comments from Mark Grace. I must express my surprise at your characterization of Monica Edinger’s and Amy Graff’s blog postings as “weary protest” and “wringing of hands.” They seem as reasonable as Mr. Grace’s statement, certainly. The most dramatic term used seemd to be “sad.” What this incident most clearly demonstrates to me is the movement of the news media more into the realm of entertainment. I certainly expect interviews with Snooki on Entertainment Tonight and Access Hollywood. But to have Snooki instead of — not in addition to other celebrated (actual) authors does seem (to use your words) a bit “soul-crushing.”