Wow. Amazing how stories about the exact same event can come with diametrically opposite interpretations. This is an example of why we should all take assertions in the news with a grain of salt.

I see a lot of people saying the news, or specific outlets, are “biased.” My view is, yes and no. Here I share some thoughts on how to think about that, especially for anyone trying to make sure their own writing is as “objective” as possible.

open.substack.com/pub/theblueo...

There is no such thing as left.
There is no such thing as right.
There is only good analysis and bad analysis,
Correct facts, errors, and lies,
And moral and immoral instincts.

It’s been quite a while since I’ve written for my newsletter on writing tips. Here’s a new one, where I pick apart some headlines recently seen in the news that I thought could be more clear. Enjoy!

theblueowl.substack.com/p/headlines-...

I never could figure out why it ever made sense to make any assessment with “low confidence.” It seems more accurate, and helpful, to just say “we don’t know.”

www.nytimes.com/2025/01/25/u...

This headline drives me crazy. Saying Turo grew “quietly” implies either something nefarious or that there was an intent not to attract attention. I don’t know anything about Turo’s comms strategy but the article doesn’t support either of those interpretations.

Ugh. I’d be surprised if the recent vehicle attack in Germany didn’t inspire this in some way. Regardless of motivations, any recent successful attack can inspire copy-catting the same method. Unfortunately these are also very hard to stop.

apnews.com/article/new-...

I am not posting at all and getting lots of new followers. Maybe if I don’t post more, more will follow? We’ll see!

Hello everyone!