Objectivity In Journalism

Back in November MG Siegler posted a piece entitled Never Apologize For Having An Opinion - Especially When You're Right. Of course this is yet another response to the strange trend of false objectivity.

I think before one can make blanket statements about anyone's opinion being valuable (worth my time to read) we have to note the very important different between opinion and presupposition.

Take, for example; this joke of a piece by Connor Simpson(emphasis mine):

The legal war between Samsung and Apple is going really well and they're both behaving like civil, reasonable adults. Ha, no, not really. Apple just threw a tantrum because they were ordered to tell Samsung a bunch of secrets that could potentially help Samsung keep their products on the shelves.

'Tantrum'? Did Apple throw an Annie Edison-style fit? The word 'crusade' is trotted out later in the piece. The whole thing has a decidedly anti-Apple slant, but there's no basis given for any of it. The author just seems to hate Apple from the outset. Not only is this kind of opinion is useless, it ruins any possible reporting that may have actually occurred in the piece.

In no way am I trying to say Siegler was wrong, but his comments need to be taken in context. If something's awesome, say so. If something stinks, say so. But let's do our best to rise above our presuppositions and make useful judgments based on whatever it is we're examining at the time.

Not all opinions are created equal.