Obviously you have to make a profit to put out a newspaper. I'm not an idiot. But when the margins are in excess of 25 per cent you're talking about greed.
Carl HiaasenRead
When you're given a newspaper column, you're not being paid to sit on a fence and scratch your chin and say 'On the one hand this' and 'On the other hand that.' You're getting paid for your opinion.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Expressing an opinion is crucial when writing, as it informs and engages readers more than neutrality.
This quote by Carl Hiaasen emphasizes the importance of taking a stance when writing, particularly in journalism. It suggests that writers are expected to express clear opinions rather than presenting a balanced view that confuses readers with indecision. The expectation to provide insight and perspective is a fundamental aspect of effective communication, especially in opinion columns where the audience seeks direction and clarity.
Themes
OpinionWritingJournalismEngagementPerspective
In practice
Example use cases
In a writing workshop, discussing how expressing strong opinions can engage readers effectively.
More from Carl Hiaasen
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To me, the newspaper business was a way to learn about life and how things worked in the real world and how people spoke. You learn all the skills - you learn to listen, you learn to take notes - everything you use later as a novelist was valuable training in the newspaper world. But I always wanted to write novels.
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Lots of people can write a good first page but to sustain it, that's my litmus test. If I flip to the middle of the book and there's a piece of dialogue that's just outstanding, or a description, then I'll flip back to the first page and start it.
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The greatest sin for a writer is to be boring.
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The Florida in my novels is not as seedy as the real Florida. It's hard to stay ahead of the curve. Every time I write a scene that I think is the sickest thing I have ever dreamed up, it is surpassed by something that happens in real life.
Carl HiaasenRead
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