Relaxing in the famous Blue lagoon. Unlike in the ads there is not always sunshine around. PIC RtotheJ
O ur readers know well by now our distaste for journalism in a sheep´s clothing as seems to be the norm nowadays. It is bad for journalism as a profession but most importantly it is just bad for the readers.
What we mean is the fact that majority of so-called travel articles in the media is more and more bought and paid for material. Not by advertisers paying for ads but by advertisers inviting writers, all expenses paid, across the globe to write positive stuff.
Tourism authorities in Iceland are using this method on a large scale which is partly why there is so much positive spin on articles about this country. It works like a charm but that does not make it any less wrong in the big scheme of things.
Below you will find two examples from two very different articles about the famous Blue lagoon in Iceland. One author was invited over, wined and dined the whole trip free of charge. The other was not. Guess which one.
We wanted to ask you which one made for a better reading and understanding but as only one is available without subscription this will not be possible. Then again, ask yourself, why all this positive material is free online while more critical pieces are not.
- The writer Kristen Sarah tells us we do not really need Dalai Lama anymore. Inner peace is found in the Blue lagoon.
„Dip into the warm waters that are rich in minerals like silica and sulphur and are known to cure skin diseases such as psoriasis. It won’t take long before you channel your inner peace and start to feel like a new person. From as little as 33 Euros to as much as 171 Euros, you can choose your own getaway depending on the services you wish to experience. From a relaxing massage using massage oil that contains Blue Lagoon active ingredients and essential oils to silica massage for back and legs to facials, manicures, pedicures and more!“
- The writer Richard Middleton tells us on the contrary that things are not all fine and dandy in the Oldie magazine in UK
“A good example is the Blue lagoon, the health spa set in a lava field near the international airport at Keflavik and which sadly sums up Iceland for so many. It is Iceland´s most visited attraction and was named one of the top ten spas in the world by Conde Nast Traveller magazine in 2010. In truth, the Blue lagoon is a dump. A sumptuous dump, but dump nevertheless.“
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