On the genius of Dr. Seuss

… and how we do ourselves few compliments by trying to walk in his shoes.

Nicole and Clay agree we’re not exactly clever when we get all Seussian in regards to the “Cat in the Hat” movie. In deference to Mr. Blanchard, I made a weak attempt to discourage similar hilarity on our desk, to no avail. I originally posted our results here but realized I was violating my “don’t blog about my actual job” dictum, so I took ’em back out.

I can see the “why can’t you guys ever lighten up” viewpoint … where’s the harm in letting the desk have a little fun for once? But I can also see the Blanchard viewpoint, which is: we’re professionals and our need for amusement is secondary to our readers’ need to be be told what the story’s about. It doesn’t need to be cute or clever, it just needs to tell ’em what they don’t know.

If you’re writing a headline and some bright idea pops into you head, you should be asking, “will every other rimrat on earth have the same idea?” If the answer is remotely close to yes, do something else.