Terry Theise expressed concern about Crosscut writer Harris Meyer's choice in today's story to highlight Theise's opinion on Washington Reislings, which isn't favorable. Here are excerpts from an e-mail exchange between Meyer and Theise:
Theise:
I might not have led with the negative. There's no point in gratuitous dissing. But, toothpaste is out of the tube, and I'll deal with the consequences.
Meyer:
Terry, I just want to make sure you're not saying what I quoted you as saying is inaccurate. Accuracy is the main thing. It is accurate, right? For my readers in Washington, your implied critique of Washington wine was the newsiest element and I needed to include that. Hope you understand. BTW, I greatly enjoyed reading through your catalog writings. Thanks much.
Theise:
You quoted me accurately. What you chose to emphasize (for reasons I won't dispute) will make me less willing to be candid with the next guy. The average reader will probably conclude I have an axe to grind with WA-Rieslings, and IMO this distorts the relative importance of what to me is an incidental opinion by making a headline out of it. Feel free to print these words as a follow-up if you wish. Otherwise, like I said, I'm a big boy and will take the medicine.
