Another journalistic loss

Every once in a while, I write about the folks who populate the world of journalism, what they mean to me, and why. I'd like to think this helps paint a more complete picture of what motivates me to write, and incents you all to find your own mentors out there. Here goes...

The Washington Post's Joel Achenbach once again serves up a winning entry in his Achenblog. The topic is, unfortunately, sad. Pulitzer prize-winning reporter and editor, and mentor to generations, Gene Miller, died on Thursday. Achenbach writes about it in this entry. Mr. Miller's obituary - which he wrote himself - is printed in the Miami Herald, and is available here. (Note: you may need to register for free to read it.)

Although I never met Mr. Miller, his passing leaves me wondering who the next generation of writers will look up to as they seek the guidance of their elders. I can't help feel that Mr. Miller's generation - which so ably supported me as I took my first steps in the world of writing - isn't being replaced.

It is the loss of the next generation of writers who won't achieve the levels of greatness that they would have otherwise achieved, and the loss of readers who will never know what they're missing.