Accuracy

[kmh <lonid@netone.com>]

Tracy Ford wrote:
> 

> Did Steve really want the advice? 

Alas...probably not.  In part, perhaps, but sure...if he didn't want to
know, he probably didn't ask.

>  Or is Bob going to say he was a consultant on LW like he said he was
> in JP, which he WASN'T!

Sorry, I'm not really into paleo bashing, not even Dr. Bob. 

> But, hey, I did like the movie.
> 
> Should writers get their facts straight? 

Yes.  Writers should do all they can, in factual venues, to get their
facts straight.  I can back you on that 100% Tracy. 

> I just read Don Lessem's article in Earth...should the writer make > sure the 
> facts are straight or write what other people have said, and > then the blame 
> would be on them?

Two sources.  That was the journalistic creed passed down to me.  It's
not true unless you can get two RELIABLE sources to back it up.  If you
can't get two, leave it out of the piece.  That's how I work.  That's
how I think everyone should work.  

But let me tell you something about writers and co-writers and editors.
You can submit a lovely piece of well researched nonfiction and see it
transformed before your eyes.  Once you take the check, as a writer, the
editor can call blue yellow if he or she so desires.  I'm not saying
that's the case with Don or EARTH.  But I've seen it happen to my stuff
in the past, and heaven help me, I'm sure I'll yet see it again.  So be
gentle when you judge.  Life is seldom as simple as it seems. 

*kel