Maybe I just have unreasonable expectations of the Albuquerque Journal. Perhaps I misunderstand notions like “paper of record” or “above the fold.” It may well be that I don’t appreciate the terrible pressure newspapers are under to give the people what they want and to compete with all the media choices at hand.

Still, I am shocked and disappointed to find on the front page, above the fold, an ad, er, “article” on a new department store in town. An “article” that gushes about “the most anticipated retail outlet to hit Albuquerque in years.” (I know I’ve had trouble sleeping — I thought it had to do with the shifting balance of political power, the clash of radical religious fanatics and the destruction of the world by us all.) But, of course, “You have probably already heard and seen … ads— a year’s worth. You may have wondered where the stores were. And you may have been flush with anticipation, just as you were supposed to be.” “One Journal reader has called the newspaper regularly for an opening date.” (Every village has an idiot.)

I do, actually, appreciate that people have to shop and we all want affordable choices. I have no gripes with the shoppers at this store, nor its employees. Anymore than I have a gripe with the readers of the Journal or most of its employees. My gripe is with the editors who see this as one of the most important stories of the day in all of New Mexico. If that’s true, we are almost beyond hope. mjh

PS: Barely a week has passed since my last swipe at the Journal’s front page editor(s) (mjh’s blog — Saguaro-gate). I risk harping my one note and further alienating 25% of my readership (I hope you weren’t the one calling the Journal regularly!). For what it’s worth, in the last week, I held my tongue when the great dilemma facing high school team mascots dominated the front page.

ABQjournal: [deleted] Plans to Bring a Fresh Look to Albuquerque’s Retail Market By Susan Stiger