At the online journalism review, Tom Grubitsch writes of Jacket Copy:
But the blog, with its multiple authors, lacks personality.
His other complaints I’ll leave alone, because I’m sure there are those far better than me to discuss how the paper approaches Books online and the high standards set by previous book review editors.
Instead, let me address this personality thing.
First, I haven’t counted lately, but I’m still posting 75% or more of the blog. And I have plenty of personality, Mr. Grubitsch. Right now I would describe it as personality that is, on the whole, grumpy (although sleepy and some other dwarves are in there, too).
Asserting that a blog with multiple authors can’t have personality is just plain wrong. Gawker? Wonkette? LAist, Gothamist, blogging.la? Boing Boing? Many bloggers. Much personality.
I agree with Grubitsch that Jacket Copy and the rest of Books at the LA Times would benefit from more resources. Heck, I would benefit.
But until then I’m happy to be scrappy, literary, contrary and occasionally giddy. The kind of personality you’ll find on Jacket Copy.
That sounds like a man worried about his job…
“Everyone’s reading blogs. What do I tell them?”
“Tell ’em that blogs lack that home-made, folksy thing that you got going.”
“But doesn’t online writing allow for greater intimacy with the writer? An immediate encounter, unfiltered by the publishing machine?”
“You always have to attack their strengths, baby. Think: ‘Swiftboat’ versus ‘Texas Air National Guard’.”
“Ahh. I see…”