Comments

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  Allan Lynch January 23, 2010 at 5:38pm

  On first blush Frommer's idea is kind and compassionate. But it's not practical.
  
  There is so much money rolling into Haiti right now it's creates its own problem. Everyone is talking about sustainability. Help should also be sustainable. The cruise lines should offer passengers an opportunity to go ashore and help. I don't mean help digging out collapsed buildings. Leave that to the pros.
  
  I think the cruise lines should a) be bringing suppliers ashore for local residents. b) they could organize an on-going relief project to help a nearby village(s). That means clearing land for a new medical centre and school, providing a fresh water source, school supplies, any maybe some sort of Habitant for Humanity type projects to help rebuild modest homes/shelter for people. and C) then start to work with local people to show them how to develop working relationships with the cruise lines so they can earn their own money either working for the company or providing tours or selling local (as opposed to Chinese-made) crafts.
  
  Years ago when the famine was sweeping Ethiopia, people in my part of the world adopted villages. They built schools and dug wells. Our NGO people wanted to install these great electric pumps that cost thousands of dollars. The village elders said no. Anything valuable would be stolen or break down. Instead we provided dirt cheap little pumps made with recycled bike tires that cost less than $3. People had to pump, but in the underdeveloped world there is no shortage of labour or time, so it worked.
  
  Feel good initiatives can do more harm in the long-term. If we spent a little thought we could actually change a century of neglect and do good and not just help people now, but elevate future generations so that Haitian parents don't have to sell their children into slavery.
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  David Paul Appell January 23, 2010 at 5:11pm

  Re Haiti and cruise ships a couple of things:
  
  1. An AP story today about the controversy of ships visiting Labadee:
  
  Without This, We Don't Eat
  
  2. Surely by now you've heard of Arthur Frommer's controversial call to action this past weekend:
  
  Shouldn't the Federal Government Charter Several Large Cruise Ships...
  
  Thoughts?
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  Allan Lynch January 21, 2010 at 1:21am

  Do you mean by boat?
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  José Balido January 20, 2010 at 10:32pm

  We have a very timely and provocative topic going in the Cruising group which I think you may wish to weigh in on. Just click here to put in your two cents' worth.
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  Jennifer Merigan January 20, 2010 at 8:09am

  Yes i agree - it's a bit rude having a conversation about media only stuff and a big PR blurb is dropped into the mix - it put me off. We all need to promote but the purpose of this site and media only section should be to feel welcome to comment and learn from other journos not to be used as a target from PR people - who actually want something for free!
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  Mary Alice Kellogg January 16, 2010 at 8:06am

  Susan I so agree with your "do not post" comment. Let's keep this discussion for true professionals.
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  Emma Krasov January 16, 2010 at 5:54am

  Thank you, Susan, for your comment. I was not talking about obvious reasons for non-delivery described by you, but about professional misconduct that can be displayed by experienced writers as well as inexperienced ones. I met experienced writers from very reputable pubs on trips and they told me they were not even considering a story, but were there for a ride, since their mag receives bundles of invites from all over. Nice. My point was ridiculing one subgroup ("inexperienced writers are a hoot!") within a professional group is... not professional? I just tried to point out that it all depends on personality, not on years of experience.
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  Susan McKee January 16, 2010 at 4:49am

  Attention Adriane Berg:
  
  We are professional writers. We do not "donate" articles to for-profit entities.
  
  Desist posting your requests for free content on this site. Please.
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  Susan McKee January 16, 2010 at 4:40am

  Emma: As a journalist, I do NOT have an "obligation to write and publish a story" about a hosted trip! As has been noted ad nauseum, sometimes trips aren't "worth" a story (mostly because the hype doesn't match up with what's actually delivered) and sometimes publications change their minds about articles (or go out of business). There is an expectation, of course (otherwise I wouldn't waste my time) but there is absolutely NO obligation!
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  Ed Wetschler January 15, 2010 at 10:21pm

  For you, Colin -- re Peruvian food: http://www.uncorneredmarket.com/2010/01/peruvian-food-more-than-jus...