That can’t be; I don’t waste space on negative reviews.
It’s not ’cause they’re bad reviews. A bad review can be good—when it has some humanity to it. And when it has an engagement of what is being criticized. But I find some of the reviewers are really, really snide. I’ve been excoriated in your magazine many times—and I don’t hold that against them. But I find that overall—you can go on record with this—theater and movies are both extra mean. You know, the more you know about something, the more you know how hard it is to do something well.
I agree.
I’m from the school of thought that in the old days critics used to get slapped in the face with gloves. People use to duel with critics. And you know what? I understand it. Because you can say whatever you want and there’s no repercussion. You can be critical but you don’t have to be snide.
Again, I agree.
So yeah, I cancelled my subscription. I don’t like your magazine. Especially the Italian guy. Mike something or other.
Mike D’Angelo?
Yeah—Mike D’Angelo, that was the guy.
That was years ago! Dude, he’s been gone for years; there’s a reason why.
Really?
Yes. Come back to us, John! We want you.
Okay, I’ll tell you what: I’ll buy the next issue.
Because if John “I have to cameo in Transformers" Turturro’s feelings are hurt, then those few dozen TONY freelancers will NEVER see their overdue checks. Or, you know, you could just have a completely frivleous title at a dying glossy weekly and snipe at someone who used to work there. Either/or really.