Zen and the Art of Journalism:
The Sayings of Prof. Ari Goldman
For better or worse, Ari Goldman -- former New York Times religion writer and professor at Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism -- has plenty to say on his craft. And often, he sounds like some of the world's great religious leaders. A few samples:
Sayings of Ari Goldman (annotated)
- "But" is simply "and" with an attitude.
- The lead is like a first date.
- Go with what you got. (On deadline.)
- An interview is like playing jazz.
- You can have great journalism with wonderful reporting and mediocre writing but you cannot have great journalism with wonderful writing and mediocre reporting.
- If you're shy, practice by talking to people in elevators.
- A reporter should always have a pen and a pencil. (Pens freeze.)
- Well, religion writing is not your strong suit. (To me, on a class assignment.)
- You can't do journalism on an empty stomach.
If you have any Golmanisms to add to my collection, please don't hesitate to send them in!
Last modified: Saturday, August 4, 2001, 6:23 PM
theo@theowire.com