Comments on: A Measure of Food Writing http://ruhlman.com/2009/05/a-measure-of-food-writing.html Translating the Chef's Craft for Every Kitchen Fri, 30 Jul 2010 18:15:28 +0000 hourly 1 By: radish http://ruhlman.com/2009/05/a-measure-of-food-writing.html/comment-page-1#comment-32205 radish Tue, 30 Nov 1999 06:00:00 +0000 http://ruhlman.com/newblog/2009/05/a-measure-of-food-writing.html#comment-32205 This is an outstanding photo. I love the repetition and texture. This is an outstanding photo. I love the repetition and texture.

]]> By: radish http://ruhlman.com/2009/05/a-measure-of-food-writing.html/comment-page-1#comment-32204 radish Tue, 30 Nov 1999 06:00:00 +0000 http://ruhlman.com/newblog/2009/05/a-measure-of-food-writing.html#comment-32204 Mr.Parsons, You have a wonderful food section. The only reason that I would give a thought to the demise of the LA Times is that we would lose the food section. The problem with the LA Times is that it is partial. Mr.Parsons, You have a wonderful food section. The only reason that I would give a thought to the demise of the LA Times is that we would lose the food section. The problem with the LA Times is that it is partial.

]]> By: Russ Parsons http://ruhlman.com/2009/05/a-measure-of-food-writing.html/comment-page-1#comment-32203 Russ Parsons Tue, 30 Nov 1999 06:00:00 +0000 http://ruhlman.com/newblog/2009/05/a-measure-of-food-writing.html#comment-32203 I want to thank everyone for their questions and concern and thank Michael for inviting me onto his blog (he's SUCH a nice young man). The issues around newspapers today are complicated and nasty and I don't want to bore you with a long discussion of them. But there are a few points I think its important to keep in mind. 1) the internet and newspapers area not antagonistic. In fact, at the LA Times they are a major part of our efforts. Rather than what is often portrayed as an Old Media/New Media cage match, I think they're complementary. I scan the blogs pretty much every day, catching up on what's new with my old friends (both real and virtual). And I know from reading them that they are looking at my Food section as well. As are a lot of other people: we average in the mid-six figures for page views every week (that's for our food section alone). My e-mail address runs at the end of all my stories and I would bet that between 1/3 and 1/2 of all my e-mails come from internet readers outside our circulation area ... people who wouldn't be able to read my stories without the internet. In fact, the only problem we have with the internet is with internet advertisers, who still only pay a fraction of a percentage per reader what they would for print. I've gone on for too long (nothing like taking over the conversation at someone else's party!). But I do want to leave you with a couple of curious tidbits and a final thought. The tidbits: Despite everything you might have heard, most newspapers are still profitable. it's newspaper corporations that are in trouble because of irrationally exuberant borrowing, most of it over just the last 10 years. Also, newspapers are still popular: our print edition circulation is still over 750,000 on weekdays and when you combine it with our online readership, we're probably reaching more folks than we were back in the glory days of print-only. And finally, since I'm here at Greenbrier and it's all about the craft: I remain convinced that when all the business and technology shakes out--in whatever way it will shake out--people are always going to want to read good stories and there will always be a market for them. I want to thank everyone for their questions and concern and thank Michael for inviting me onto his blog (he’s SUCH a nice young man). The issues around newspapers today are complicated and nasty and I don’t want to bore you with a long discussion of them. But there are a few points I think its important to keep in mind.
1) the internet and newspapers area not antagonistic. In fact, at the LA Times they are a major part of our efforts. Rather than what is often portrayed as an Old Media/New Media cage match, I think they’re complementary. I scan the blogs pretty much every day, catching up on what’s new with my old friends (both real and virtual). And I know from reading them that they are looking at my Food section as well.
As are a lot of other people: we average in the mid-six figures for page views every week (that’s for our food section alone). My e-mail address runs at the end of all my stories and I would bet that between 1/3 and 1/2 of all my e-mails come from internet readers outside our circulation area … people who wouldn’t be able to read my stories without the internet.
In fact, the only problem we have with the internet is with internet advertisers, who still only pay a fraction of a percentage per reader what they would for print.
I’ve gone on for too long (nothing like taking over the conversation at someone else’s party!). But I do want to leave you with a couple of curious tidbits and a final thought.
The tidbits: Despite everything you might have heard, most newspapers are still profitable. it’s newspaper corporations that are in trouble because of irrationally exuberant borrowing, most of it over just the last 10 years. Also, newspapers are still popular: our print edition circulation is still over 750,000 on weekdays and when you combine it with our online readership, we’re probably reaching more folks than we were back in the glory days of print-only.
And finally, since I’m here at Greenbrier and it’s all about the craft: I remain convinced that when all the business and technology shakes out–in whatever way it will shake out–people are always going to want to read good stories and there will always be a market for them.

]]> By: Carol Peterman http://ruhlman.com/2009/05/a-measure-of-food-writing.html/comment-page-1#comment-32202 Carol Peterman Tue, 30 Nov 1999 06:00:00 +0000 http://ruhlman.com/newblog/2009/05/a-measure-of-food-writing.html#comment-32202 I am interested in hearing what types of discussions come out of the panel you are on discussing the evolving ways with food communication, and about the art of telling details. Looks like a great conference. I am attending the International Food Blogger Conference this weekend which should be great as well. http://ifbc.foodista.com/ I am interested in hearing what types of discussions come out of the panel you are on discussing the evolving ways with food communication, and about the art of telling details. Looks like a great conference. I am attending the International Food Blogger Conference this weekend which should be great as well. http://ifbc.foodista.com/

]]> By: Theresa http://ruhlman.com/2009/05/a-measure-of-food-writing.html/comment-page-1#comment-32201 Theresa Tue, 30 Nov 1999 06:00:00 +0000 http://ruhlman.com/newblog/2009/05/a-measure-of-food-writing.html#comment-32201 Thanks, Michael. I would love a report on the first session "food writing for today's avid reader." Thanks, Michael. I would love a report on the first session “food writing for today’s avid reader.”

]]> By: Carolyn O'Neil http://ruhlman.com/2009/05/a-measure-of-food-writing.html/comment-page-1#comment-32200 Carolyn O'Neil Tue, 30 Nov 1999 06:00:00 +0000 http://ruhlman.com/newblog/2009/05/a-measure-of-food-writing.html#comment-32200 I want to know who goes bowling. So, since you were there the Old White Lounge is gone and replaced by a global fusion molecular gastronomy place? Not to mention the bankruptcy. But, I bet the gold standard hasn't changed in value of Camp Greenbrier for food writers and editors attending. Wish I was there. Is it Wi-Bowling now? I want to know who goes bowling. So, since you were there the Old White Lounge is gone and replaced by a global fusion molecular gastronomy place? Not to mention the bankruptcy.
But, I bet the gold standard hasn’t changed in value of Camp Greenbrier for food writers and editors attending. Wish I was there. Is it Wi-Bowling now?

]]> By: rockandroller http://ruhlman.com/2009/05/a-measure-of-food-writing.html/comment-page-1#comment-32199 rockandroller Tue, 30 Nov 1999 06:00:00 +0000 http://ruhlman.com/newblog/2009/05/a-measure-of-food-writing.html#comment-32199 I'd be interested to find out what's discussed in the indie publishing and freelance writing panels. I’d be interested to find out what’s discussed in the indie publishing and freelance writing panels.

]]> By: John Dennison http://ruhlman.com/2009/05/a-measure-of-food-writing.html/comment-page-1#comment-32198 John Dennison Tue, 30 Nov 1999 06:00:00 +0000 http://ruhlman.com/newblog/2009/05/a-measure-of-food-writing.html#comment-32198 This fellow "ruhlman" looks promising. Report back on him. Nice spoons! This fellow “ruhlman” looks promising. Report back on him.

Nice spoons!

]]> By: carri http://ruhlman.com/2009/05/a-measure-of-food-writing.html/comment-page-1#comment-32197 carri Tue, 30 Nov 1999 06:00:00 +0000 http://ruhlman.com/newblog/2009/05/a-measure-of-food-writing.html#comment-32197 I'm facinated by the change in Bill Leblonde's tune over self publishing...is this because everyone and his brother wants to publish a cookbook or have the available resources really risen to meet demand? and, if you self publish, how do you distibute to a wide enough audience to make it worth your while? The panels at the symposium all look great, you must be very excited to be there...looking forward to some inside 'dish'! I’m facinated by the change in Bill Leblonde’s tune over self publishing…is this because everyone and his brother wants to publish a cookbook or have the available resources really risen to meet demand? and, if you self publish, how do you distibute to a wide enough audience to make it worth your while? The panels at the symposium all look great, you must be very excited to be there…looking forward to some inside ‘dish’!

]]> By: dadekian http://ruhlman.com/2009/05/a-measure-of-food-writing.html/comment-page-1#comment-32196 dadekian Tue, 30 Nov 1999 06:00:00 +0000 http://ruhlman.com/newblog/2009/05/a-measure-of-food-writing.html#comment-32196 I think that comment by Mr. Leblond is very interesting. I'd like to hear more thoughts on that. Thanks. I think that comment by Mr. Leblond is very interesting. I’d like to hear more thoughts on that. Thanks.

]]> By: Kristine http://ruhlman.com/2009/05/a-measure-of-food-writing.html/comment-page-1#comment-32194 Kristine Tue, 30 Nov 1999 06:00:00 +0000 http://ruhlman.com/newblog/2009/05/a-measure-of-food-writing.html#comment-32194 They need to update your bio to include "Ratio." They need to update your bio to include “Ratio.”

]]> By: Kim http://ruhlman.com/2009/05/a-measure-of-food-writing.html/comment-page-1#comment-32195 Kim Tue, 30 Nov 1999 06:00:00 +0000 http://ruhlman.com/newblog/2009/05/a-measure-of-food-writing.html#comment-32195 I would like to know how blogs and comments to blogs in newspapers' food section have changed the dynamics of food reporting. For example, have newspapers revised their code of ethics to address the fact that blogs can so quickly damage reputations. Thanks, Michael! Kim I would like to know how blogs and comments to blogs in newspapers’ food section have changed the dynamics of food reporting. For example, have newspapers revised their code of ethics to address the fact that blogs can so quickly damage reputations. Thanks, Michael! Kim

]]> By: limoncello http://ruhlman.com/2009/05/a-measure-of-food-writing.html/comment-page-1#comment-32192 limoncello Tue, 30 Nov 1999 06:00:00 +0000 http://ruhlman.com/newblog/2009/05/a-measure-of-food-writing.html#comment-32192 I used to look forward to the Wednesday restaurant gossip column in the SF Chronicle, but between Marcia Gagliardi's Tapplehopper and EaterSF, that column is laughable. Newspapers need to find a way to be more nimble with their ever-shrinking budgets. I used to look forward to the Wednesday restaurant gossip column in the SF Chronicle, but between Marcia Gagliardi’s Tapplehopper and EaterSF, that column is laughable. Newspapers need to find a way to be more nimble with their ever-shrinking budgets.

]]> By: Tags http://ruhlman.com/2009/05/a-measure-of-food-writing.html/comment-page-1#comment-32193 Tags Tue, 30 Nov 1999 06:00:00 +0000 http://ruhlman.com/newblog/2009/05/a-measure-of-food-writing.html#comment-32193 What newspapers need to do is find an answer to craigslist.org and still make a profit. That's what has been draining ad revenue from papers and placing them on the chopping block with a vengeance. What newspapers need to do is find an answer to craigslist.org and still make a profit. That’s what has been draining ad revenue from papers and placing them on the chopping block with a vengeance.

]]> By: Angela http://ruhlman.com/2009/05/a-measure-of-food-writing.html/comment-page-1#comment-32191 Angela Tue, 30 Nov 1999 06:00:00 +0000 http://ruhlman.com/newblog/2009/05/a-measure-of-food-writing.html#comment-32191 Are food writers addressing the needs of many home cooks to economize, if so, how? Are foodies cutting back on the more expensive items at the grocery store, or eating out less and buying high priced, quality items to prepare at home? I would love to hear what all these food folks are saying about these things. Have a blast, btw! Are food writers addressing the needs of many home cooks to economize, if so, how? Are foodies cutting back on the more expensive items at the grocery store, or eating out less and buying high priced, quality items to prepare at home? I would love to hear what all these food folks are saying about these things. Have a blast, btw!

]]> By: Libby http://ruhlman.com/2009/05/a-measure-of-food-writing.html/comment-page-1#comment-32190 Libby Tue, 30 Nov 1999 06:00:00 +0000 http://ruhlman.com/newblog/2009/05/a-measure-of-food-writing.html#comment-32190 Awwwww...wish I had known this conference was happening less than 3 hours from home! (bookmarking the Greenbrier calendar to check back next year). Sounds like a great one - I'd like the panel to talk about how they think blogs and the local food movement will change food writing. Food writing has taken over fiction as my favorite writing genre to read (and write). Will blogs make it more popular? Will food writing become as popular as memoirs became a few years ago? Awwwww…wish I had known this conference was happening less than 3 hours from home! (bookmarking the Greenbrier calendar to check back next year). Sounds like a great one – I’d like the panel to talk about how they think blogs and the local food movement will change food writing. Food writing has taken over fiction as my favorite writing genre to read (and write). Will blogs make it more popular? Will food writing become as popular as memoirs became a few years ago?

]]> By: Russ H http://ruhlman.com/2009/05/a-measure-of-food-writing.html/comment-page-1#comment-32189 Russ H Tue, 30 Nov 1999 06:00:00 +0000 http://ruhlman.com/newblog/2009/05/a-measure-of-food-writing.html#comment-32189 For years I used to have to use the crappy stamped tin ones that my mom would buy. Now I have a nice 18/10 stainless set that have rectangular 'bowls'. This may sound like an artsy-fartsy thing, but its nice to be able to stick a whole tablespoon into a spice jar. Also, the rectangular bowls make it much easier to guesstimate a 'half' measure if necessary. For years I used to have to use the crappy stamped tin ones that my mom would buy. Now I have a nice 18/10 stainless set that have rectangular ‘bowls’. This may sound like an artsy-fartsy thing, but its nice to be able to stick a whole tablespoon into a spice jar. Also, the rectangular bowls make it much easier to guesstimate a ‘half’ measure if necessary.

]]> By: Natalie Sztern http://ruhlman.com/2009/05/a-measure-of-food-writing.html/comment-page-1#comment-32188 Natalie Sztern Tue, 30 Nov 1999 06:00:00 +0000 http://ruhlman.com/newblog/2009/05/a-measure-of-food-writing.html#comment-32188 I am not an old school newspaperman but I thought I would always be one who needs the hardcopy newspaper in my hands to read with my morning coffee...I just cancelled my daily newspaper and have subscribed to the online version and I never thought that would happen because Montreal has only 1 English newspaper and I always felt an obligation, considering my first language is English, to keep it going...but it has become costly I am not an old school newspaperman but I thought I would always be one who needs the hardcopy newspaper in my hands to read with my morning coffee…I just cancelled my daily newspaper and have subscribed to the online version and I never thought that would happen because Montreal has only 1 English newspaper and I always felt an obligation, considering my first language is English, to keep it going…but it has become costly

]]> By: Anne C. http://ruhlman.com/2009/05/a-measure-of-food-writing.html/comment-page-1#comment-32186 Anne C. Tue, 30 Nov 1999 06:00:00 +0000 http://ruhlman.com/newblog/2009/05/a-measure-of-food-writing.html#comment-32186 I have <a href="http://www.surlatable.com/product/kitchen+%26+bar+tools/specialty+tools/herb+%26+spice/spice+measuring+spoons.do?search=basic&keyword=measuring+spoons&sortby=ourPicks&page=1" rel="nofollow">lovely rectangular measuring spoons from Sur Le Table</a>. They fit better into a spice jar! I have lovely rectangular measuring spoons from Sur Le Table. They fit better into a spice jar!

]]> By: Anne C. http://ruhlman.com/2009/05/a-measure-of-food-writing.html/comment-page-1#comment-32187 Anne C. Tue, 30 Nov 1999 06:00:00 +0000 http://ruhlman.com/newblog/2009/05/a-measure-of-food-writing.html#comment-32187 Sorry, Sur La Table! [grr] Sorry, Sur La Table! [grr]

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