Content-Driven
In Wired's Operating Heuristics,
Principle Five states, "Editorial
should not be influenced by advertisers." Wired is not meant to be a vehicle for computer hardware
and software advertising, but instead examines the effects of these technologies and
new forms of media on society and culture. In Wired's
premiere issue,
Louis made this point explicit in the editor's opening letter.
"... the computer "press" is too busy churning out the latest
PCInfoComputingCorporateWorld iteration of its ad sales formula cum parts
catalog to discuss the
meaning or context of social changes so profound that their only parallel
is probably the discovery
of fire."
Wired's editorial position is often very aggressive towards exposing companies that are
holding monopolistic positions. Westlaw Publishing was strongly critized for its exclusive
rights to the pagenumbers of the United States Law in
an article in 2.05.
A year later, the matter was followed up on by Wired's persistent editorial staff in the
Updata section in 3.06.
The Justice Department's investigation of Microsoft's
monopolistic position in the PC operating system market was the subject of a
cover story in 2.04.
But despite Wired's strong editorial stances, both Westlaw and Microsoft advertise monthly in Wired
due to the lucrative reader profile that the content attracts.
last updated 4 April 96
SJS -
shannon@well.com
