Solar Power World

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Wired Magazine committed journalistic murder on both the wind and solar industries in this disgraceful article. I didn’t catch this article when it first came out in the February 2012 issue of the magazine, but it was brought to my attention by Climate Progress in this unbelievably pointed post.

I don’t have a lot to add to Climate Progress’ takedown of the article (and all of their supporting documentation to back up their points) — they did a wonderful job. But I wanted to discuss the reality of journalism today, from the perspective of someone who’s been in the industry for nearly 20 years.

I understand what Wired was trying to do with the inflammatory headline and photo: It was trying to grab eyeballs for its story. But as a journalist, I’m insulted by the way they went about it. If you can’t get eyeballs by writing a good, comprehensive, accurate story about a subject, then perhaps you are wasting your time on the article. This is the stuff of the National Enquirer, not a respected publication like Wired. I’ve got a good friend (and colleague) who is constantly quoting Wired because he appreciates their well-written, influential articles.

Whatever its history, however, they disgraced themselves with this story. Shame on you, Wired. You’re better than that.

(Oh, and by the way — this is another example of a situation where members of the industry should take to their phones and emails to defend the industry. It may seem like a small deal to you, but these kinds of articles do overall damage to the industry. Contact Wired and let them know of your displeasure. This is something I have recommended before and of which I am an incredible supporter. It’s impossible to fathom the power a grassroots movement can have — know your power and take advantage of it.)