Professional journalists blogging is often a good idea. Fresher, faster takes, with some personality added, and the chance for a “conversation.” (Though not here, bigod.) However, venerable trade journals trying desperately to remain relevant in the 21st Century to reach a younger audience online should be a little choosy about how they apply the technique. Check out this comment:

    I’m with B. Younger, this is hardly news to anyone with a life. The 26 to 40 year-old demographic is reading this blog, btw, and I think you just lost their attention.

If Variety e-in-c Peter Bart was just being ironic – or practicing the time-honored tradition of “any excuse to run a sexy photo” – well, he needs a gag writer.