Comments

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  Iain P W Robertson January 4, 2010 at 5:29pm

  Happy New Year everybody! In my opinion (I have just joined BTW), travel journalists do appear to be significantly better looked after, by PRs of the different agencies and service providers, than motoring writers, which may run contrary to some views. I believe that the travel industry has been open to 'abuse' over the years, although it has not been assaulted by as many 'so-called' writers as the motor industry. Some of this is due to the fact that travel writers do appear to be more professional in their stance and outlook than a lot of other industries. Their views are often seen as both honest and broadly positive, even when the premises, facilities or travel arrangements have not met with expectations. Although most of my travel related output is now tied fairly closely to the motor industry, I have edited travel titles in the past and would like to delve a little deeper, given the opportunity.
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  José Balido January 2, 2010 at 5:52pm

  Yes, 2080: Coconut oil replaces maple syrup as the number one export of the state of Vermont.
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  Ed Wetschler January 1, 2010 at 10:14pm

  One of many reasons to adore Mary Alice Kellogg: She quotes A.J. Liebling.
  On another subject, as prez of NYTWA, , I'm made some New Year's forecasts for New York City:
  2020--Manhattan's downtown marina posts signs, DO NOT FEED MANATEES.
  2030--Immigrants from The Country Formerly Known as Mauritius settle in Battery Park.
  2040--Prospect Park is engulfed by kudzu.
  2050--U.S. designates Coney Island a new Federally protected reef.
  2060--Mauritian-Americans relocate to Maine.
  2070--Manatees follow.
  Have I missed anything?
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  Mary Alice Kellogg December 31, 2009 at 6:13am

  I am reminded of the classic A.J. Liebling quote: "Freedom of the press is guaranteed only to those who own one." As travel media professionals, we are entrepreneurs (even if we didn't start out to be).
  To Max's question: in 2010 we have to take more initiative and risk.For most of us, the old outlets ain't there anymore, and new ones pay less ... if they pay at all. It is a time to leverage experience in new ways, to be in charge of our own gifts instead of being reactive to the dribs/drabs assignments currently out there.
  Ed Wetschler is right: waiting doesn't work, the old ways and outlets don't hold water. It's time to value what we offer first and foremost. Zee creme does indeed rise to the top, even in this economy (shout-out to Eric).
  ... And whenever I have an idea as to actually how to do this, I promise to share. For now I live in hope. And wish all of you a better year in 2010!
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  Eric Hiss December 30, 2009 at 9:23pm

  Not sure if anyone responded to Max's question yet (which i think is a very good one incidentally), but my response would be to always provide added value, ie: have excellent, forward-thinking assets publishers, hoteliers etc. want: unique images, video, interview with elusive chef etc. Excellent content is always in demand and even in web 2.0 will get you income and/or notice...
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  Max Pesling December 30, 2009 at 7:45pm

  I like your thinking, Ed: entrepreneurial is the way to go in 2010. Very curious to see what other folks think.
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  Ed Wetschler December 30, 2009 at 7:40pm

  You DO ask good questions, Max. Each of us has to find his or her own way in the new media world--and that's the point: We freelancers now have to be more entrepreneurial; we have to create our own businesses instead of relying on Conde Nast etc., because we cannot wait for an editor from Gourmet or Diversion or National Geographic Adventurer, and even when we do get assignments from editors of existing publications, there are rarely enough of them these days to constitute a living. Of course, you already know all this.
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  Michael Stewart December 30, 2009 at 7:21pm

  Looking for Fam trips for 2010......Michael Stewart
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  Max Pesling December 30, 2009 at 6:58pm

  OK, somebody on here said I ask good questions, so here goes (hope it's a good one!):
  
  As we head into 2010, what one thing can or should we travel writers do to help improve the sorry state of our profession? Have you ever thought, "If we could just do this, we'd get more money/assignments/respect/whatever?"
  
  If you think it's a dumb question, feel free to say that too.
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  Patrick @ www.safarichatter.com December 25, 2009 at 9:53pm

  Merry Xmas all you writers out there... stop by my safari blog sometime www.safarichatter.com for some insights...