I am not a blogger.
All of a sudden, though, I read an article in Wired on Nick Denton.
(And here I am, blogging.)
Denton has these gossip infused, “let’s be sassy chicks” inspired websites, all born with this idea of creating a business model within a new medium and not really thinking for a fleeting moment about authenticity and/or positive output.
Which is fine.
There is obviously a market for that, as the popularity of his websites and his list of paid bloggers increases.
But then, moments after the spread in Wired hits the stands, the “scandal” unfolds.
Outed by fellow blogger (and paid employee of Denton) Ana Marie Cox, Jessica Cutler is at the heart of the scandal. Her blog, which she says she wrote to keep her friends up-to-date with her sexual exploits involving powerful Washington players, was “outed” in Cox’s blog, thus landing Cutler unemployed AND the subject of many media-frenzied interests.
Soon came the photo-ops.
A HIGHLY suspect, quasi-feminist photo collection involves scenes that should have captions like: “let’s- turn-the boys-on-by-acting-like-any-second-now-we’re-gonna-start-making-out-and-then-I’ll-announce-I-am-moving-to-New York” bullshit from some young girl desperately searching for an ounce of self-respect.
I find it hard to believe these events unfolded organically.
Who is duping whom?
I’m not sure it matters, as we will consume anything if we are told we’ll like it.
Like Mikey.