Dateline: 07/05/99
This is Part II - Start Here Instead
Deborah's Query to Delphi:
Greets -
We've yet to receive an answer as to what constitutes "Editorial Judgement [sic]."
I recently had the following promotion rejected for that very reason:
Proposed Message Board Promotion:
Title: Ricky Martin Gay!
Text: And all knew he was until he "made it" says those who tend to know these things.To date, no additional explanation has been provided.
I'll be publishing a feature discussing this decision on Friday. Needless to say, the decision makers will not be presented in a positive light.
If the powers that be would like to see a preview of the feature and/or be quoted on their two cents drop me a line.
In the interim, I remain....
Delphi's Response:
Hi Deborah,
This is Dawn from Delphi ... I was the one responsible for rejecting the promo. My reasons were that the title of the promo was stated as a fact, however, it was just speculation. I felt uneasy promoting it as it was.
I'd be happy to discuss this issue further with you. Also, in regards to your comments about there not being any specific explanation as to the reason, I will suggest that we add the ability to offer a short explanation. As of right now, there isn't a way to do that.
Regards,
Dawn
Delphi Forums
Deborah's Follow-Up:
Speculation, eh ... you don't live in Hollywood, do you?
Ricky Martin's orientation is rather well known, and has been for quite some time.
Regardless, people speculate all the time --- about who is dating whom --- who is sleeping with whom --- who is divorcing whom --- who is dating and sleeping with whom before they are divorced from the other whom, etc. etc., ad infinitum.
While I appreciate your honesty, I find your rationale specious, at best.
It would be stretching my already willing suspension of disbelief for me to comply with a request that I believe that a promotion which read:
"Tom and Nicole to Divorce!"
Would create the same unease for you because it is mere speculation....
Or that a promotion which read:
"Rosie O'Donnell to Wed John McDaniel!"
Wouldn't be published without question, however uneasy seeing that would make me (if uneasy is indeed the word for endless snickering).
I'll add your response to my feature - along with this response of mine. I'm going to invite folks over to my Forum to discuss it all further, and that invitation will be and is, of course, extended to you as well.
In Pride,
Deborah