Editor to PR Folks: Don't Send Me a Press Release, Buy an Ad

The following gem, said by Faye Penn, a features editor for the New York Post:

Releases Go Into the Garbage

Instead of continuing to send releases to her, she suggested to the publicists that they pitch their story ideas to freelancers, and tell them to submit their finished articles to her.

"If that doesn't work, consider buying an ad. The number for the ad department is 930-8000," Penn told a stunned audience.

Now, granted, there is more crap in press releases then there is news but I mean come on! At least make an attempt to do your job. Isn't a writer/editor supposed to sort through all the crap so the reader doesn't have to?
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