[meteorite-list] Re: Another mag bites the dust!

[geoking]

Dear Jim and Paul:

I was unpleasantly surprised and dismayed by your posts to the List late last night. You are both well-liked, respected and active members of the meteorite community. "Meteorite Times" is just the most recent service you've provided.

I happen to be well aware of one of the problems that arose out of the current issue -- an article caused an upset between two prominent dealers. Offense was caused more by what was left out of the article, rather than what was included, and that's unfortunate, especially since both parties are friends of yours.

It's not enough to warrant cancellation of the entire project!

As you both know, I've worked extensively as a writer and editor (and was very pleased indeed to be interviewed by you for "MT"). It's not always possible -- especially when you're working on a publication in your spare time -- to check every fact, every link. Yes, as editors, you have a responsibility to present accurate and objective information but -- let's face it -- you're not getting paid a full-time wage to produce "MT," so some leeway is in order. I think it is well understood in the community that you are both creating "MT" in your spare time, and out of a desire to share your knowledge and enthusiasm with others. You don't have a full-time proofreader on staff, and you don't have a full time fact-checker on staff. As such, I expect the community could find it in their hearts to offer up a little forgiveness and understanding. (And a few "thank yous" for previous issues would be in order as well).

Those of us who have published a magazine on a regular basis, know what a massive, gruelling, and often thankless undertaking it is. I doubt I could ever be talked into doing it again. Even Joel Schiff's "Meteorite" -- a publication that is internationally respected and loved by its subscribers -- was once in hot water over a Letter to the Editor that it published innocently; a letter that accidentally offended the family of a prominent meteorite scientist. I mention this not as a criticism of Joel -- who is one of the most universally admired people in the field -- but as an illustration that even the most ethical and responsible publisher is sometimes unaware that one item is going to offend a particular reader.

I hope that after you've had some time to reflect -- and after you've read a bunch of other emails like this one -- you'll consider publishing "MT" again in the future. You can always count on me to produce another 3,000 word interview for you, but I'm not sure that your other readers would stand for it : )

Regards from one of your fans,

Geoff Notkin
www.paleozoic.org

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