An Amusement & Diversion for The Genteel Cyclist. Daily.

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Fun with journalistic standards & practices


I had to laugh when I saw that VeloNews and Cycling News both obviously had tape recorders in front of David Millar's nose at the same time. It's common practice to clean up transcripts so that the written word and the spoken word meet in the middle, at a point where you hope you've captured the speakers intentions. I rather prefer the uncensored version, because it tells you... well, it tells you how fucking pissed David Millar is. (I took the liberty of spelling out what Cycling News sort of lamely bleeped out with their silly typ0graphic fig leaves.)


VeloNews: “The unfortunate thing is when things look like they’re too good to be true, they are too good to be true. He did look pretty good,” said David Millar of Garmin-Chipotle. “It’s just amazing that he’s that irresponsible and doesn’t have any love or respect for the sport.”
CyclingNews: "It is bullshit... I think it's unfortunate that when things look too good to be true, generally they are too good to be true - and he did look pretty fucking good," Millar told Cyclingnews. "It is just amazing that he is that irresponsible and doesn't have any love or care for the sport. What a cunt!*"

And just to be clear: Journalists--myself included--edit quotes all the time to clarify the intent of the speaker and to generally lessen the risk of making them look like stuttering idiots. Tape yourself speaking sometime, and then write a verbatim transcript. You'll immediately understand what I'm talking about.

*Also, I made up that last sentence and added it to the Cycling News quote. You know, to clarify intent, and to be funny.


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