21 replies to this topic

[Leigh Witchel]

Here's my letter - I urge other people to write.  One less voice, one less venue for coverage is a damaging thing.

Quote

Dear Ms. Miller:

I'm very sad to hear of your magazine's decision to discontinue dance coverage by Tobi Tobias.  Her reviews were the reason I read the magazine and visited the website; I have much less reason to do either without them.  Not only was her writing incisive but the coverage of an important part of New York's cultural life stated an important truth: New Yorkers don't just watch TV, they go to the theater, the opera and dance performances.  It's sad to think that you've decided that not enough people are interested to justify coverage.  Count me as one reader for whom that was the main reason I read New York Magazine with pleasure.

I hope you will reconsider this sad, and I think misguided, decision.

[Jack Reed]

Here's my email:

To Ms. Caroline Miller, Editor, New York Magazine:

If the report I've read  that New York Magazine will soon discontinue Tobi Tobias's dance criticism proves to be true, I'll be disappointed, because her writing on the subject is of such directness and uncommon rigor (compared to most daily newspaper "critics", for example, except for the Wall Street Journal's) that regular reading of it helps prepare me to get more out of seeing not only something she's written about but even something she hasn't, as though regularly exercising that part of my mind prevents atrophy and helps keep it toned up.  The appearance of one of her contributions is usually the main reason I buy an issue of the magazine, so please continue to publish them!

Yours truly,

Jack Reed

[Calliope]

I wrote too and asked how they can call themselves "New York" magazine without covering one of the cornerstones of NY culture.  Many consider NY to be the dance capital of the world, yet they'll now never read about it in your magazine.  
It is a disservice to the population of readers who have been influenced to go to a performance after reading one of Tobi Tobias' reviews.  


and I can't remember what else I wrote b/c it was early this morning.

[Roma]

I did say in my letter that since they discontinued Tobias's column I would discontinue my subscription. And I did.
Of course, I didn't even get a form letter in reply. Oh, well.

[justafan]

My letter:

Ms. Miller:

I know all too well that times are tough -- particularly in the publishing world. But count me as one subscriber very disturbed by your decision to cut your dance column. Let me note that I have no axe to grind. I am not involved in the dance world in any professional capacity. I am just a fan.

The key reason to subscribe to New York magazine is to be informed about life in our cultural capital. New York is considered by many to be the dance capital of the world, certainly the country. It's quite sad that when faced with budget cuts, you decided against continuing to provide an informed voice in this vital art form. To my mind, it is an indication that the magazine is a bit small-minded and has only commercial (advertising) issues at heart. Certainly, the world wouldn't miss New York's film criticism.

Unfortunately, it seems that New York is bent on becoming merely a lifestyle magazine. What a waste!

[katharine kanter]

Dear Miss Miller,
>
> Please excuse the typos as I m writing on an Italian keyboard.
>
>   I am a dance columnist in Europe, and have just learnt that the New York
>
> Magazine is to eliminate Miss Tobias column.  I first met Miss Tobias at
> the
> Royal Theatre in Copenhagen many years ago, where she is a well-known
> figure
> respected for her competence and seriousness.  If I m not mistaken, the
> Danish
> people have even decorated her with an Order for her Oral Record of the
> Royal
> Ballet there.
>
> It is a mistake to eliminate your dance column.  First, many people have
> told
> me that they first became interested in dance by reading an unusual
> article
> about it.  Audiences for classical ballet are dwindling just as newspapers
> and
> òmagazines "save" money by slashing coverage.  I have noticed
that Clive
> Barnes
> seems to get about three lines for his reviews.  In three lines, you
> cannot do
> anything worthwhile, except perhaps write an epitaph for a tombstone.
>
> Second, it is essential for the profession to have knowledgeable OUTSIDERS
> who
> have nothing to gain by propitiating the dancers or artistic directors,
> examining their work from another, more objective standpoint.  If you get
> rid
> of people like Tobi Tobias, standards will slip.  The art form will become
> a
> cocktail party peopled by luvvies.
>
> Lastly, classical dance is objectively important.  It must be covered.  It
>
> cannot be ignored unless one s objective is to promote ignorance.
>
> Yours truly,
>
> K.L. Kanter

[Rachel Howard]

I sent this last week:

Dear Ms. Miller,

I am mystified by New York Magazine's decision to cut dance criticism.  Tobi Tobias' fine reviews draw new readers from coast to coast, many of whom would remain unaware of the magazine otherwise.  I have been one of those many silent, uncounted readers, who look forward to accessing Tobias' latest review from your website.  Since editorial decisions today are so driven by the bottom line, I'm prepared to vote with my dollar.  Keep your dance coverage and count me among your new subscribers.

Respectfully,

Rachel Howard
Dance Critic
The San Francisco Examiner