Sometimes when I’m riding my bike I have imaginary conversations with real people. This morning I spoke with the Seattle Times editor who wrote this piece. Here’s a transcript of our discussion:
Me: So I’m still waiting to take my test.
Editor: Which test is that?
Me: Well, I’ve been reading your paper for over 35 years, assuming that at some point you’re going to give me an assessment on my comprehension of local, national and world affairs so that you’ll know how well you’re doing.
Editor: We don’t do that.
Me: Seriously? Isn’t it your job to inform your readers? How do you know how well you’re doing if you don’t assess them on the extent to which they’re informed?
Editor: First of all, writing a newspaper is a very complex undertaking. We do a lot more than report on current affairs.
Me: I guess that’s true.
Editor: And besides, not everyone reads the articles about local, national and world affairs. Sometimes they just read the sports page. Or the funnies.
Me: Imagine that. But can’t you do something to make us pay attention to the important stories of the day?