David Cote on knowing too much

http://histriomastix.typepad.com/weblog/2007/01/critical_distin.html

"Now, is this a sick situation? Probably. I don't
entirely believe in it. I mean, it leads to reviews
that have nothing to do with the show, but everything
to do with the critic's obsessions and prejudices.
Reviewing isn't actual journalism, it's
opinion-mongering, so it's not subject to the same
rigor as journalism, even when the critic gets facts
wrong or wildly distorts reality to fit an opinion.
But still, journalistic ethics say the critic must
maintain distance from the subject. A reporter may
interview a subject but he/she's forbidden to buy
gifts or dinner or whatever. Or accept them."