tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20710455.post117009078765144425..comments2023-12-20T08:31:53.642-05:00Comments on POPSURFING.COM: New York Times Keeps Freelancer With Massive Conflict Of InterestMichael in New Yorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01449933463450154603noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20710455.post-1170864017594030372007-02-07T11:00:00.000-05:002007-02-07T11:00:00.000-05:00As a former freelancer I find your comments a bit ...As a former freelancer I find your comments a bit harsh. I was a film reviewer, and was routinely invited on entertainment junkets all the time by studios. But at the end of the day, my reviews focused on the film. Over the years I saw some real stinkers and my reviews reflected this. Why did I accept these trips? Because I didn’t have a big paper footing my costs and getting access to the actors, writers and directors put me on equal footing with other staff writers.<BR/><BR/>Now let me take a step back. For me, the issue is whether accepting access to junkets is on par with accepting gifts or outright bribes. I would say they are distinctly different things. However, letting the outlet you write for know, I would agree, is imperative. But speaking only from my own experiences, being a part of a media junket that is paid for by a company, I don’t personally believe, puts someone in “their pocket.”<BR/><BR/>At the end of the day, I think we can all agree there is nothing inherently objective about a review to begin with – whether we are talking about film review or a review of a new consumer electronics product. It’s just a person with an opinion.<BR/><BR/>As is my reply here! Peace out…Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com