Poynter Institute

This weekend, The New York Times' 'Social Q's' columnist Philip Galanes received the following question:

An acquaintance had her breasts enhanced. She never announced the fact or discussed it. Should I have commented on her new look the first time I saw her? She hasn’t sought my opinion, so I’ve said nothing. But it seems odd to me.

A tough question for sure, and the lawyer-novelist-interior design consultant -turned-advice columnist has some choice advice ("I’d avoid a direct reference to her chest and make a general-purpose compliment instead, like 'You’re looking awfully well today.' She’ll understand the coded message..."). But what if a Web site you're acquainted with has some work done? What are you to do then?

Journalists who click on Jim Romenesko's Poynter Institute-hosted media news blog may notice that site has undergone a dramatic redesign.  read more »

As you may know if you read half a dozen media news and gossip sites, Howell Raines profiled the Poynter Institute's Jim Romenesko in this month's Portfolio. Mr. Raines calls Mr. Romenesko's media news site, "a high-tech tom-tom for angst-ridden members of a dying tribe" and calls the man himself "both the medium and the message." (Mr. Romenesko linked to the story himself, pulling one of the least flattering statements, "From guru to geezer in cyberspace," as befits what all media writers are contractually-bound to refer to as his modest Midwestern demeanor.)  read more »