The Cif community challenges its writers – and can change their minds | Seth Freedman

Georgina Henry's kind but firm encouragement to go below the line on my pieces has transformed my life as well as my idealsFor a wide-eyed, wannabe writer, being cast into the Cif lions' den induced fear and pride in equal measure. The chance to contribute to such a paradigm-shifting project was one any budding journalist would jump at, but at the same time there was no hiding from the army of commenters ready to tear each and every article to shreds in the threads below. And since I was writing about the most incendiary topic under the Cif sun, the venom and vitriol would start flying from the minute the publish button was pressed on each of my pieces.Despite alarmingly inauspicious beginnings – ending my debut BTL comment with a sneering "Whatever mate – I write, you read …" – it soon became apparent that the Cif process was a two-way street. The site's original editor, Georgina Henry, encouraged me to participate in the threads from day one, telling me firmly but kindly that venturing below the line was "more than good form – they expect it". To her and her burgeoning ranks of readers and commenters, writers' jobs had only just begun when their pieces were put up on the site; the real work took place in the lengthy and vociferous threads that followed.No sooner had I started joining in the debate I found – like so many others – that I just couldn't stop. The addictive nature of the Cif beast meant I always wanted to respond, forever craved the last word, couldn't help... Continue reading at 'The Guardian'

[ The Guardian | 2014-03-15 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Review: 'Engines of Change' by Paul Ingrassia details key cars

In 'Engines of Change,' Paul Ingrassia looks at history through 15 iconic cars, including the Ford Model T, Chevrolet Corvette, Volkswagen Beetle, Toyota Prius.It would be impossible to count the number of automotive makes and models that have come and gone since the car was first invented — or... Continue reading at Los Angeles Times

[ Los Angeles Times | 2012-05-15 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Books Plus in Penzance changes hands

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[ The Bookseller | 2012-05-14 00:00:00 UTC ]
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The Changing Online Mix

According to the newest figures from Bowker Market Research, online retailers accounted for 39% of all book sales in 2011, up from 30% in 2010. The increase gave the online channel, led by Amazon and BN.com, a commanding lead over bookstore chains as the largest outlet for sales. The chains,... Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2012-05-11 00:00:00 UTC ]
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PPA Conference: Stylist editor reveals how free title competes in challenging market

It would be a big surprise if one of the major publishers were to follow Stylist magazine and launch a mainstream free women's title, according to Lisa Smosarski, editor of Stylist, who believes such a move would be a "big step". Continue reading at Media Week

[ Media Week | 2012-05-09 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Market Transformation Equals Challenges and Opportunities: Content Services in India 2012

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[ Publishers Weekly | 2012-04-20 00:00:00 UTC ]
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PayPal, You've Met Your Match: Erotica Writers

Mark Coker of Smashwords became the leader of indie ebook writers--including some with dirty minds--in a fight against censorship and PayPal. He also has strong feelings about the DOJ's ebook pricing lawsuit.Mark Coker is the CEO of Smashwords, an ebook publishing and distribution platform.... Continue reading at Fast Company

[ Fast Company | 2012-04-20 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Guardian and Hot Keys launch young writers prize

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[ The Bookseller | 2012-04-17 00:00:00 UTC ]
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[ The Bookseller | 2012-04-16 00:00:00 UTC ]
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[ The Bookseller | 2012-04-13 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Figment lets young writers share and critique work

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[ The Christian Science Monitor | 2012-04-11 00:00:00 UTC ]
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[ The Christian Science Monitor | 2012-04-10 00:00:00 UTC ]
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[ The Bookseller | 2012-04-04 00:00:00 UTC ]
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[ The Bookseller | 2012-04-03 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Publishing In Russia 2012: Publishers in a Changing Industry

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[ Publishers Weekly | 2012-03-30 00:00:00 UTC ]
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[ The Bookseller | 2012-03-22 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Will Kindle's Free Samples Change the Structures of Plots?

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[ The Atlantic | 2012-03-21 00:00:00 UTC ]
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New Monthly Newspaper for UK Nigerian Community

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[ Editor & Publisher | 2012-03-19 00:00:00 UTC ]
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[ Engadget | 2012-03-19 00:00:00 UTC ]
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[ Editor & Publisher | 2012-03-14 00:00:00 UTC ]
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[ Crains New York | 2012-03-12 00:00:00 UTC ]
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