EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Gary George Girdvainis gary @ isochronmedia . com
Made My Day …
Having covered the world of wristwatches for these last thirty-one years , About Time ’ s sister-publication International Watch has received its fair share of accolades and criticisms from the readership at-large . While each compliment received is appreciated and acknowledged , each critique is equally valued - when it comes from an honest perspective . In the distant past we used to incorporate a “ letters to the editor ” where we could highlight these perspectives as well as occasionally offering advice or answers to questions . Although this section has long been put to publishing pasture , I did want to share what might seem almost a quaint discourse in an era of terrible trolls and pay-for -play influencers . I recently received the letter about both Isochron Media publications ( see page 6 ) that definitely started my day on the right track .
Bear in-mind as you read that while I ’ ll go ahead and celebrate this praise , it does bring to mind the sea change in perspective where quasi-qualified instant experts are adored and their opinions taken as gospel from their “ followers .” I continue to wonder how , why , and exactly when the reporter became the story , and how they established such power over the populace ? I appreciate the fact that with an audience comes notoriety , but the fact is that watches are a very personal item . The fact that influencer X or editorial director Y likes a watch does not mean you have to or should . Stop being sheep people and grow a pair of ( ruby ) jewels .
When a platform claims their content is developed based on personal preference , I ’ m thinking that leaves a lot of great watches worth your time out of the editorial mix . This interesting and insular perspective effectively ignores the idea that someone else might love a particular watch , even though it has been eschewed by a particular editor or outlet . This same idea of curated content also falls flat and quickly succumbs to platforming via payola - which undermines the entire premise .
As you read our own magazine & posts , or watch our presentations and videos , please realize that it is your opinion that counts . I ’ ll continue to include – to my best ability – content on watches I love as well as those watches ( and people ) that don ’ t particularly appeal to me , comfortable in the knowledge that not everyone thinks like I do , has had the experiences I ’ ve had , or has the same taste as I do , and that these readers may in-fact retain some small part of their own individuality instead of simply following the herd of horological lemmings to coo in cabals over Snoopy , Kermit , Hulk , Pepsi , Root Beer or Batman .
Keep Watching ( something different )
Gary George Girdvainis
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