Economic Irony Update, Someone At Reuters Cares
 Wednesday, February 27th, 2008

Yesterday we published this blog entry on the media warning of recession fears.  The "Economic Irony Of The Day" entry of mine was my public venting on the role the media may play in contributing to fears of an economic crisis in the U.S.  Today I was contacted by Joanne Morrison, the Reuters writer whose article I commented on, which was on Reuter's front page yesterday.

With her permission, I'd like to share her response because I find her to be a fair and true journalist, and perhaps I was overzealous with the accusation yesterday - as mentioned, it was not intended to blame Joanne or Reuters specifically, just to point out that more optimism may be needed throughout our media, on this sore subject, to prevent further damage.

However, as Joanne accurately points out, she can't understate the facts, either.

"Points well taken on your comments about my story," Joanne wrote ConnieTalk.com.  "My intent was to write about the very issue you say my story does and not actually add to the frenzy.  That being said--the type of growth that we saw in the final 3 months of 2007 was a screech to a halt--that was meant to be factual really--because growth of just 0.6 pct is nearly screeching to a halt--anything below 2.5 pct is generally considered subpar growth.

"My intent was not to be overly dramatic and actually properly characterize certain things--While there is an interest to not over-state and be dramatic in describing thing, I can't understate stuff either.

"But even so, I did appreciate your comments.  And I think you make valid points.  Thanks for reading my story and I like your blog...It's interesting because my story was actually attempting to address that self-fulfilling prophecy issue.

"I don't always write with the current - but I thought it was interesting the comparison of hits for Britney Spears vs. recession--it is being covered quite a bit...in a way it could very well be a perfect storm."

Well, there is nothing I love more than a reporter who doesn't always write with the current!  Not to mention, I've expressed quite a bit of frustration with the Britney Spears news myself.  Joanne's response just goes to show that there are those in the business of news that truly do care about the reception of their writing, and go out of their way to explain the root of their intention(s).

We didn't contact Joanne - she e-mailed us.  Because she cared.

Thanks, Joanne!

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