Cross-posted to Random Fate.
—
I have a post in the works on the entire “Pajamas Media” story, but at the moment, this email I received today encapsulates the hypocrisy:
Subject: NY Launch Invite For New “Citizen Journalism” News Service – Pajamas Media
Hi Jack,
On November 16th, 2005 Pajamas Media will launch a new publishing medium that brings together some of the top online influencers and personalities, under one banner, to help evolve and expand journalism. In essence, this new media company will create a network hub for bloggers around the world in what will be one of the world’s first online forums for citizen journalism and commentary. Additionally, Judith Miller, will keynote the event and discuss the Shield Law debate that’s before Congress, broader issues facing bloggers and mainstream journalists, and what the future holds for both.
Please find below the official invitation. If you would like to attend, simply click on the RSVP link and we’ll add you to the list. Hope to see you there.
Thanks,
Ryan Lack
Excuse me, the appropriately named Ryan Lack, but the complete lack of communication for months before informing me there was a change in the business model and I was not one of the weblogs that “made the cut” does not exactly warm my heart towards your launch of the “New ‘Citizen Journalism’ News Service” given that you essentially shit on most of the citizen journalists (at least 230, given I received a congratulatory email for being weblog #300 to sign up and you only accepted 70…).
So, explain to me exactly how this new elite is different from the old elite?
As The Who so eloquently pointed out decades ago in “Won’t get fooled again”:
There’s nothing in the streets
Looks any different to me
And the slogans are replaced, by-the-bye
And the parting on the left
Are now parting on the right
And the beards have all grown longer overnightI’ll tip my hat to the new constitution
Take a bow for the new revolution
Smile and grin at the change all around
Pick up my guitar and play
Just like yesterday
Then I’ll get on my knees and pray
We don’t get fooled again
Don’t get fooled again
No, no!Yeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!
Meet the new boss
Same as the old boss
Pretty damn sad when you replicate song lyrics of decades ago without even a remote recognition of the irony.