I’m a long-time reader of your paper. I’ve enjoyed it for quite some time, but I’ve noticed something that has recently become all too prevalent in the Xpress: bad use of space.
I’m sure that a writer or someone within the “biz” could find a better word or phrase for what I am thinking of, but bear with me. The most recent, glaring example of what I am referring to is in your March 14 issue. There are a few excellent articles (the pieces on Explosions in the Sky, Lindsey Buckingham, and the bagpiper being the most notable), and then there is the piece on Lucinda Williams [“Dark Is the New Blushing Bride].
To say that it is bad would be unfair. I’m sure the author in question (Alli Marshall) spent the requisite time that it takes to google Ms. Williams’ name and then find applicable quotes to fit whatever vision she had for the piece. But my question is this: Why did an article that is nothing but a mishmash of other writers’ hard work mixed with Ms. Marshall’s strangely angst-ridden shout-outs to old crushes and friends from junior high deserve two pages, while honest-to-goodness exclusive interviews with up-and-coming bands and internationally famous legends relegated to only a page or half a page each? Wouldn’t a nonstory (I call it a nonstory not as a testament to Ms. Williams’ talent, but more to the fact that there wasn’t an actual interview) like the Williams piece be better suited to the “Smart Bets” section? Once again, I’m neither a writer nor an editor, nor do I have aspirations to be one, but I do think that the hard work of Messrs. Priestley, Bugg and Schacht deserved more of the space in the paper for their honest-to-goodness hard work and writing than Ms. Marshall’s hatchet job of a piece.
Also, in the March 7 issue, I noticed a similar type of piece on Madeleine Peyroux by Ms. Marshall [“Girl, Uninterrupted”]. Is this her standard modus operandi, or does she actually go out and get stories (i.e. actual reporting)?
I honestly don’t mean to seem like I am beating up on Ms. Marshall. I’m sure she is a fine writer, but between this and her “fashion page,” it makes me wonder if the only reason she is employed by the Xpress is due to pictures that she has of someone higher up in a compromising position.
Before you comment
The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.