I'm digesting the most-read content on HonestReporting and Backspin so far. Let's start with HR.
HonestReporting's most viewed critiques
1. Special Alert: Flotilla Battle Unleashes Anti Israel Wave
When Israel's back was shoved against the wall, readers felt the same way. Except for Operation Cast Lead and the Second War in Lebanon, I can't recall readers treating a development with such urgency.
2. You Lied to Me Jew Producer: Comedy Central Shocker
This was a perfect storm for an issue to go viral. A tawdry cartoon, a crude video game, and an unequivocally anti-Semitic line on a comedy station that had recently censored itself to appease Muslims.
3. Special Alert: Boats, Bias and Big Lies
See point one above.
4. Special Analysis: Fauxtography – Reuters Caught Again
There's been a lot of photo bias in recent weeks. Reuters selectively cropping flotilla images got the ball rolling. We've faced creative cropping, problematic captions, and recycled images ever since. Images tell a a very powerful story.
Honorable mention: HonestReporting's Dubai Mission a Big Hit
A satirical communique — our first — written for the Purim holiday. For a few weeks, the spoof was our year's most-read material. In May, it was knocked from the top spot — perhaps fittingly enough — by our response to Comedy Central. The Dubai Mission was a lot of fun to write, and it's still relevant.
Backspin's most-viewed posts
1. NY Times and Appearances of Conflict of Interest
Around the beginning of the year, we made some changes in our email format that allowed us more flexibility to direct readers to Backspin. When Palestinians raised an issue with NY Times bureau chief Ethan Bronner, HR readers showed there's no apathy when it comes to the Gray Lady.
2. 10 Significant Articles From the 'Noughties' Decade
I'm grateful that readers showed interest in this early January post. I only regret not writing this in December, when it would've generated more interest.
3. Remove Hamas Terror Tweets
Twitter enables Hamas propaganda by allowing them to post tweets.
Honorable mention: Liveblogging the Free Gaza Media War
Liveblogging's intense, which is why I save it for the most intense days.
