[Aztlan] National Geographic Magazine ... Now on to kids

[Rob D'Amico]

As a writer and former editor, I think the issue here is not just how generalized and perhaps false the NG information is, but instead how NG seems to have ignored fixes to fact checking. If they consulted people with drafts, they should have been willing to make changes.

However, that said, you have to remember that it's incredibly difficult to put together a complex story that's entertaining, digestible for the coffee table reader and includes a wide span of history. I do hope that someone puts their criticism in writing to NG....they need to know.

On another note...regarding the comment from Nick on little children. I have two, and a couple years back someone gave my 4-year-old son a gift subscription to NG Kids.  I was disgusted.  The content was ridiculous...somewhat akin to films of water-skiing squirrels. But most importantly, the pages were filled with ads for trash movies and sugary cereals and candy. I threw them in the trash, complained to NG and never heard back.

I hope they have heeded the criticism...not sure...haven't picked up a copy lately. But it doesn't seem so as of last year if these reviews are true:
http://tinyurl.com/2wf4uj

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I guess they don't have fact checkers any more, or  
they aren't concerned about filling the little heads of children with  
garbage.

Nick Hopkins

----- Original Message ----
From: Lucha Luna <aztzin at yahoo.com>
To: aztlan at lists.famsi.org
Sent: Wednesday, July 25, 2007 9:51:27 PM
Subject: Re: [Aztlan] National Geographic Magazine


I would like to make a few comments regarding the
National Geographic article about the Maya. 
Currently, I am taking a break from archaeology to
raise my two children and devoutly read Aztlan to
follow current events.  I live in a small growing town
on the outskirts of Denver and interact with the
"general public" daily.  In brief conversations, I am
surprised if an individual knows what an archaeologist
is … No, I do not dig dinosaur bones!  Furthermore, if
I add that I specialize in Mesoamerica, well frankly
that is just too much information.  Honestly, I am
absolutely thrilled when an article in a mainstream
magazine or for that matter a Hollywood movie releases
subject matter from this part of the world. .....