Jezebel 
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New York, 8:55 AM
Sun Nov 8
22 posts in the last 24 hours
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10/29/09
If the original ice cream owners were constantly in the news being run down on the street, mobbed, and harassed so that the intermediary could steal that brand ice cream to sell it to me, it's my responsiblity to not buy it or to make sure that it's not that particular brand. I know this site likes these pictures, but the "How could we possibly know?? What would you feel like if it was you?!" angle reeks of self-absolution. You (tabloids, etc.) know for a fact that you're part of the problem, now you have to decide if the money you make from perpetuating the problem is worth paying the fines.
People have been killed by the paparazzi. For what? So we can get pictures of who people we don't know are currently dating? What they're wearing? We don't let people that sell fake bags off the hook on this site, even though it's their livelihood, so why should media organizations that benefit from this bad behavior get a pass? It ain't ice cream, people. #paparazzi
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10/29/09
I'll start with the rights of the press side. Basically, the press has to have the right to photograph, write, interview, etc, so that issues, topics, etc, can be displayed from multiple points of view and that news can be circulated to the general public, without the fear of retribution by the government. If you start putting limits on the press, then you walk into the territory of some non-democratic countries where an outlet has to be careful of what they say for fear of what the government will do to them.
With this right comes HUGE responsibility of the press; what to say, what not to say, how far to take things, etc. Is/isn't it ok to press a politician to the breaking point when questioning them about an affair, accepting bribes, not paying taxes, etc? Is/isn't it ok to press a young girl to the breaking point about an assault on her, her helping her parents rob people, her beating the snot out of another girl, etc?
I think there is a difference between respectable "press" and someone who spends $800 dollars on a camera so they can stalk celebrities, take photos, and sell them to a trash rag for hundreds, maybe even thousands of dollars. I would FERVENTLY hope someone who considers themself to be part of the press to have some intellect and know the difference between right or wrong and know approximately where that line is (they are human). In my view, the paparazzi are... a blemish to good journalism. I know some people love this stuff, but I can live without seeing unimportant people ("celebrities") in pictures without makeup, trying to leave a club, or just any and everywhere in their day to day lives. I know there is no way to differentiate between press and paparazzi, but I think the world of journalism should do more to self-police and stop these unsavory people from trashing the general image of journalism.
As far as personal rights go; I think you should be able to walk down the street without being mobbed by a group of people. I think its wrong that you try to leave a location, but can't because your vehicle is surrounded by people to the point you can't move without hurting someone. I think you should be able to take a flight without having to run to your gate to avoid people asking you stupid questions and taking pictures with which to critique every inch of your life later. I think you should be able to leave your home without fearing for the safety of you, your children, and your loved ones.
Do famous people/celebrities agree to a certain loss of anonymity when they become famous? Sure, I'll relent you that. I'll even admit some "stars" thrive on being in the spotlight, being followed by the paparazzi, and having their entire lives played out for all to see. But some don't, and thats where the problem lies. Some "stars" just want to do their job and all that goes along with it, and then just go home and be a regular joe. They don't want to have to sneak around everywhere. They don't want to have a store close just so they can go shopping. They just want to live a normal life, like you and me.
Is there a middle ground here? I think so. I think most "celebrities" would consent to the fact that they have given up some anonymity to do what they do. I also think that the journalism industry can do lots more to stop the unsavory practices of the paparazzi. Does this require the government getting involved? Not at all. Until both sides take responsibility though, who else will straighten out this mess? #paparazzi
10/29/09
I do agree that, to an extent, being a public figure requires relinquishing some privacy, but there has to be a line, and the above crossed it big time for me. #paparazzi
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10/29/09
But ignorance of the law is not a defense--private property should be off limits, and I believe if a magazine takes photos illegally and profits, they'rea asking to get sued. #paparazzi
10/29/09
10/29/09
Would it honestly drive your publication out of business if you stopped taking pictures of people when they were going about their private lives? And if it would, good. freaking. riddance. #paparazzi
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10/29/09
Did I mention I love this law?
10/29/09
I'm a bit of a privacy freak, so some of my stance is definitely empathy based on how much I hate people even posting stuff to Facebook without my permission, but I also think the "not knowing if a shot is illegal" problem is not... actually a problem:
Tabloid editor looks at picture. It appears to be a telephoto shot showing celeb walking with their kid.
Tabloid editor thinks "oh, this might be illegal, but I just don't know for sure!"
Mag has two options: buy it and risk being sued, or choose to run a red carpet or event pic instead.
If this law leads to more magazines not doing something they shouldn't anyway (imo, running invasive personal pics is a NO) because they might get sued, I'm all for it. #paparazzi
10/29/09
1. The photographer will still be charged with whatever law he broke; it actually seems like a conviction is necessary before the next step of going after the tabloids; and
2. The current system inspires an absolute race to the bottom for the photographers. The ones that scream horrible things at celebrities to get them to make a face or sneak over their back fence to get a picture of their newborn are the ones getting rich. Under the new law, the papers would have an interest in buying pictures from photographers who did NOT do these things, thus rewarding good (and law-abiding) behavior. Hell, they might even set up a BBB for photographers. "Three stars: never been convicted of trespassing!"
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10/29/09
Additionally, if this means tougher consquences and a new deterrent to keep paps from driving recklessly, stalking people, and/or doing things such as shoving bystanders, then it's a good thing. #paparazzi
10/29/09
That being said, I am not sure how easily enforceable this is. I would assume the idea is to discourage photographers from taking illegal pictures out of fear they will not be able to sell those photos to news outlets who will be forced to look more carefully at the sources of their photos. Whether that will happen or not, who knows. #paparazzi
10/29/09
If you only target the photographers, then the ones who are able to cheat and get away with taking illegal pictures will see an even higher market value for their increasingly scarce personal photos. In that situation, the possible carrot is way more motivating than any potential stick.
You have to target this commodity from the top down, so that the market for these kinds of photos diminishes.
And yes, the top tier tabloids know exactly who they are buying from and which paps will "do what it takes" for the money shot. #paparazzi
10/29/09