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RE: [GWL]: Gwl Several Things

My question I'd like to put forth is this: Why should a writer who's craft
is writing want or accept free plants. Now, before you all jump to
conclusions,  I'm not saying that they do. Is it not information from  a
reliable sources what they should be seeking, not plants? What purpose do
companies have in sending writers plants if not for them to comment on them,
whether from a quailifed point of view or not. You have just stated that you
send them plants in hopes that they may say something nice about them. Is
this not then a biased opinion of one writer who may or may not even be a
gardener? How much credibility does that hold for your plants? Or - does it
matter to you as long as your plants get mentioned?? For that matter how
many writers are also qualified plantsmen or at least an avid gardener
familiar with the chosen plant/plants they are writing on? I can understand
that if you've grown them then you can give your personal point of view on
them, but, is your one point of view really what your readers want?

My opinion is that a writer is a writer. Your craft is the written word.
Garden writer is no exception. You may well have many writers that are also
accomplished gardeners then  they qualified to give an opinion in print
about a particular plant. but again, this is still the opinion of one
person.
Readers depend on writers to give an unbiased view of their subject based on
facts from reliable sources. The more sources the better credibility  and
benefit to the reader their story will have.
Also, shouldn't a writer in order to give an accurate report on any
particular plant you first have other plants of the same family to compare
it to. For example: Is this new artemesia any better than others on the
market today?

Let me state that I am not I am not questioning the integrity or credibility
of garden writers. I was simply stating that accepting free plants then
mentioning them in an article leads to a  one person opinion (who may or may
not be actually qualified) and that to me is biased.  I probably should have
elaborated on my statement and  as only one sentence with no explanation can
lead to many interpretations.
Anyway, it only my opinion and every has one including you RJ. and I respect
it fully although I may not totally agree with it. (:-)----- Original
Message -----
From: <FRIELSTER@aol.com>
To: <Gardenwriters@topica.com>
Sent: Wednesday, October 31, 2001 1:52 PM
Subject: Re: [GWL]: Several things


> Peggy-Anne,
> I think your first point deserves a rejoinder:
> "I don't think garden writers should be entitled to free plants for trial.
> There's far too much temptation to be biased that way."
> I'm involved with programs that give plants away to garden writers in the
> hope that they'll write something nice about them.  I can't believe any
> sensible writer would sell out for a few free perennials.  A writer's
> credibility is among his or her greatest assets.  To compromise it would
> devalue the very byline we seek.
> Other industries do perhaps treat writers in their field a bit too well.
> There's a syndicated car reviewer in our local paper who drools over a new
> tin box every week.  Under 'Weaknesses' his commonest comment is "Nothing
> worth mentioning" -- even if the vehicle in question gets 12 mpg and is
known
> to spend a portion of its time on its roof.  I haven't read any garden
> writers who are guilty of such blatant sycophancy, but then the stakes
aren't
> as high. (Ours are of the plastic variety.)
> JF
>
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