General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: I Was Wrong About Al Franken by Michelle Goldberg [View all]Sympthsical
(9,143 posts)I admit that, over time, I read less and less Op-Ed pieces in major media. They're simply wrong all of the time. Yet these writers can keep plugging away as if it never happened. Ok, but if you're wrong so often, why am I listening to anything you have to say?
I've seen many studies over the years where pundits end up being wrong about half the time. So basically, they're about as good at predicting and understanding things as you or I.
I love economic pundits. They can be deeply wrong on the regular and yet somehow remain experts. I keep an eye on what the analysts of major banks and management houses say. The people who have a lot of money riding on whether or not their predictions are true. They have a vested interest in not merely saying things they want to be true. Their livelihoods and reputations depend on it.
But your favorite newspaper pundit? They can be wrong all day long and never miss a step. It's not about being objectively good at it. It's about engaging reader interest.
It's a pretty sweet gig if you can manage it.