About two months ago, the editor of AIM Magazine contacted me about publishing an article I wrote, Counterfeit Equality. The magazine calls itself “America’s Intercultural Magazine.” I knew it was left-leaning, but I was flattered that the editor sought me out to ask permission to publish it.
After it was posted on the site, I was surprised to see the long “Editor’s Comment” at the end of the article. I asked the editor about it and was told that an overzealous intern posted it without the editor’s permission. But note that the comment is still posted on the site.
I had no idea magazines actually published this sort of disclaimer at the end of articles that don’t reflect the views of its readership. In my naiveté, I assumed editors respected the intelligence of their readership to form their own judgments about such things. You live and learn!
First of all, I was disappointed at the lack of professionalism of the editor, who couldn’t remember that I was a woman and referred to me as “Mr. Barber.” Second, the editor should have told me that the editorial comment would appear at the end of the article. Had I known, I would’ve declined even if it meant missing out on having my work seen in a different market.
Third, in other communications, the editor accused Ward Connerly — a man of great character — of accepting minority set-asides for his business. I reviewed his book, Creating Equal and have been in contact with him (he always graciously replies), and I knew it wasn’t true. I told the editor so and the person continued to insist. I contacted Mr. Connerly, who assured me that his business never accepted set-asides. A story in a California newspaper got it wrong a few years ago and later retracted. The editor of AIM was obviously unaware and ready to pronounced Mr. Connerly a hypocrite.
Should you be so inclined to write a letter to the editor of AIM expressing your views, I wouldn’t be mad at you!
