The path one takes while settling an ethical dilemma is not always well-defined, and is not necessarily static.
A few months ago I posted this picture (right) in a Bacardi product review, then removed it after a few days, citing guilt and good taste. Yesterday, I put seventeen photos of women wearing even less in an article examining the 2009 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, which, incidentally, was sponsored by Stolichnaya. In light of the hits the article has received in the last 24 hours, my moral-reservoir is likely to prove insufficient to elicit any tasteful editing.
Two days ago I considered myself a reliable anti-chauvinist. I tried to conduct myself in a manner befitting a species that has walked upright for the past hundred-thousand years. Today, though, I gotta wonder if Goethe's Dr Faustus was a 21st century reviewer for a website, with a traffic-based compensation arrangement, would he trade his mortal soul for page views? As I calculate the increase in my own traffic from the Victoria's Secret article alone, I have to believe he'd be tempted.
Whether souls are at risk, or perhaps merely integrity, I have clearly chosen a side in this ethical debate, and it looks as though I am slightly more caveman than gentleman. Specific and genuine apologies go to Daytona Food Examiner, Connie Rice, and Cocktails Examiner, Cheri Loughlin, who were party to my external conflict (read hypocrisy) over the Bacardi photo.
oh yeah, read, drink, enjoy Stolichnaya.
Michelle Kerns, National Book Examiner.
Comments
Oh, I know what you mean. It's a tough call but in the end...get the hits.
Love the pic's and the articles. How about some art?
It is a moral dilemma and a losing battle to which I have long ago surrendered. In my case, first there was the Women of Sturgis slide show, which led to Brazilian bikinis, a brief look at the women in Tiger Woods life (too brief, need to revisit, make a note to myself), and then that lovely lady named Puma Swede who did something naughty in a helicopter. I am hoping to eventually regain my soul, but it may take a brilliant story on spiritual regeneration to do it. In the mean time, where did I put those photos? Great article Chris, you put us all to shame with those runway ladies. Ah, runway. Sounds like a San Diego Airport story to me!!!
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