The Editor, having seen a recent stage production of high profile but muted critical acclaim, finds himself in serious disagreement with a review appearing in his own august organ. (We won't say which one to spare the author's blushes.) Difference of opinion is natural enough. Readers, presumably, over time learn to disregard the views of critics whose tastes differ from their own. But a savage mauling at the hands of a dispeptic scribe can kill a career, or at least deal it a cruel blow. And with no accountability on the part of the author. Hardly in keeping with the democratic spirit of the times, let alone the blog.
Not surprisingly, the Editor fondly remembers this piece by Miranda Sawyer that appeared in the Review section earlier this year. I think he described it as "the best thing written by anyone ever", or some such characteristic understatement.
So this weekend we call on our readers to bite back, to hold the self-appointed guardians of Parnassus to account. Politely of course. Once Review has gone to press we'll get some critical copy onto the blog, so that the comments field can be your canvass.
(I, meanwhile, will be hiding from irate Observer writers in a secret bunker location.)
Observer Review lives here.
