What Some People Will Do For Readers!

John Dvorak is the sort of guy that you either really like or really dislike. Over the years, I have watched his actions with utter amazement. He’s always out there on the edge, stating ideas that others might consider to be insane. You know, like when he stated that Apple will one day drop OS X in favor of Windows!

Yes, this is not made up. John went on the record as saying that Windows would one day be running on the Mac - by default. Hilarity ensued and a comic was created in order to encapsulate the statement for future generations.

But then he went too far. Yes, he totally let the cat out of the bag and actually dragged his own name through the mud. How did he manage this? By explaining that his Mac related articles are in fact, little more than virtual jabs made at Mac users. He goes on to say that his efforts are designed to drive up his own readership. An interesting tactic to be sure!

Now please, don’t take my word for it. Dave Winer has the man on video confessing every aspect of how this sort of “thing” goes down.

It should be noted that John is not actually admitting to lying per se. Rather, he is explaining that he chooses to embellish possible and often times, insane scenarios in an effort to “drive those numbers up”. But wait, it gets better.

Amanda Congdon from Rocketboom is under the impression that he is outwardly lying and is not to be taken seriously. Amanda, allow me to explain his actions in an effort to make this a little more clear. The man is not reporting “the news” when he is making up unlikely scenarios. He is issuing his opinions and nothing more. Yes, it is sort of messed up. And yes, his intent is to deceive… Wait, how was this not lying again? Whatever, I just feel that you must understand that this is a common practice in our writing field…

OK, I think I just heard a few jaws drop there. Yes folks, writers do this sort of thing all of the time. Does this mean that it is something that I do myself? No, as a rule I feel that it is totally misleading and frankly, only proves to further prostitute our profession. This is not to say that I won’t look for a really great controversial angle to a story (like this article, duh). But I will not knowingly lie when speaking aloud or when writing.

Having said this, I’ve been known to lie like a madman when catching a few winks of shuteye. Oops, the cat’s out of the bag! See you all Monday.

[tags]dave winer,integrity,writers,readers,john dvorak,lying,insane scenarios[/tags]