Dec 20, 2003 04:06 PM
4878 Views
(Updated Dec 20, 2003 04:06 PM)
Just as I thought of writing this review, I realised that I was probably going to upset quite a few people. But then what the heck!
I have been and am a compulsive ET “reader” for over 15 years. Having said that, I must state that the time I spend on it has steadily diminished over the last 4 – 5 years and now I wonder why I even pick it up as a daily ritual!
I look at pink papers as Business Papers (I think the world looks at them that way??? so I am not being unfair am I?). I think a business newspaper should talk largely of business and base its content on facts, which are backed by research, analysis and statistics. Such a paper should use refined language and be aware of the possible interpretations.
When I started reading the ET long ago, I think ET was like the paper I describe above. Today, I wonder.
First and foremost – the headlines are written with a humorous twist and try to be sensational. Sometimes they have very little correlation with the story! It is almost like Masala!
Once you have sorted out the story from the headline that is supposed to represent it, your eyes are drawn to some absurd illustration embedded in the story. Now, most times, this has even less to do with the story than the headline did! More and more often the picture could be of a woman while the article might be about telephone density in China!!! So okay the scantily clad Lady in the picture might be Chinese!!!! But that’s about all.
Next comes the jar of poor English. I think the proofreading department has been shut down or non-existant for a few years. In the rush to put out a story basics (Language, verified content, appropriate graphic – if any) are forgotten. Often enough mistakes are glaring at you in the headline itself but no corrigenda are ever seen. The supplements are all too often like the 3rd page of the Bombay Times.
I more often than not wonder why I read it anymore. The probable reason being that even at the level it is- it is not much worse by comparison! Perhaps the Hindu Business Line is a better business paper? I don’t know – I read them both now.
Am I expecting too much or just reading the wrong paper?
