alt Hacker NewsI think there’s well-founded criticism in here, but the opening chunk confuses bad copy-editing — ultimately in the hands of the publisher — with bad writing. Which, especially from someone who’s job requires a good understanding of how publishing works, is bad. Surely Brighton Grace has submitted a manuscript and gotten back copyedits? One badly edited book justifies labeling an entire generation?
Perhaps the most important clue is in the first paragraph: “one thing I can always rely on is being let down by a popular or acclaimed piece of contemporary art.”
It’s hard to be a contrarian unless you’re willing to go to some lengths to find something to be outraged about.
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You've noticed the salient points.
I can always rely on being bored by an article claiming to be superior to common or popular art.
I'm sure there are legitimate criticisms to level against whichever book he was complaining about, but he failed to make any.
Typos are bad. Typos have always existed. Are there more now? Seems unlikely, but someone could do some actual work to find out.
> the opening chunk confuses bad copy-editing — ultimately in the hands of the publisher — with bad writing.
I disagree. The article is very clear about the distinction, especially during the segue into the more substantive issues with the writing. And it does put due blame for the typos on the editors, not just the author.