We abandoned maritime journalism in 2009 to go into maritime blogging. Since then, we’ve been invited a couple of times to write for certain international publications. But we’ve almost always declined. The maritime press is not what it used to be. With very few exceptions, it has become insipid and uninspired – like the coffee served in some popular coffeehouses. (more…)
We quit maritime journalism in 2009 to focus on blogging. No regrets. During our long stint as a shipping, ports and energy journalist, we got to know some editors and reporters who were thoroughly professional. A few could be considered brilliant. Yet, certain things dampened our pride in the profession – certain traits and practices which, unfortunately, we still observe today in some quarters of the maritime press. Here’s a list of the most common: (more…)
Nothing really, except that much of what you read in maritime publications is stodgy and uninspired. Now and then, you find some interpretative reporting, an attempt to analyse industry developments and their ramifications. On the whole, however, it’s plain recitation of facts – what company did what, who got promoted or fired and how much it now costs to ship from Asia to the US West Coast. Surely there must be more? (more…)