returning to this very briefly https://twitter.com/lenikacruz/status/1330747158384021504
please compare the left and the right ledes. already we have a sharp contrast in cultural sensitivity, in how the author situates himself in the story, and how he views his subjects.
contrast the first screenshot (from THR) with the next three (from esquire). the first flaunts ignorance as if it is relatable. the next three respect the audience’s intelligence and illustrates the writer’s genuine intellectual (and emotional) curiosity about his subjects.
hmmmmm how about instead of chalking up your subjects’ reticence to talk about controversial issues to them being robots, you consider that they are a rare group whose actions and words sometimes have geopolitical ramifications.
how did a profile written based on zoom interviews turned out so much better than a profile written after an international flight, a fancy dinner, and irl interviews? talent, curiosity, and respect for both the subject and the reader.
anyway, even without comparing this piece to others, the Esquire cover was a delight to read and was smart about how it wove in context about business, fandom, industry achievements, the group’s history, and their actual music. the quotes were also allowed to shine.
okay i have editing for my actual job to go do now; thank you for letting me ramble!
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