Social Panic

“Content mills” and “Content Generation” services are becoming the backbone of web “journalism”. Related: many journalists having surprisingly elite backgrounds, greatly disconnected from the rest of society. At the national level, most have attended elite universities, went to private high schools, and have done studies abroad, They have degrees in English Lit, Creative Writing, History or Political Science, and sometimes journalism – yet often call themselves “Science” or “Environmental Science” reporters, even though they have no background in those subjects. A bit of a surprise.

Every few months, the media tell us that – horrors! – 61% (or whatever) of Americans live paycheck to paycheck. Left out of the breathless reporting is that this is pretty much where it always is, except during recessions when it goes up higher.

National Geographic magazine lays off all remaining staffers. Will now hire freelancers on contract basis.