The Bitter Press

I am going to say this once, though I have already said it four times, and I will almost certainly have to say it again because some people do not listen. What I said, on the record, in front of Quince who was standing right there, was: "The so-called workers at factjuice.com are producing material of questionable origin and even more questionable intent." What was subsequently printed — by whom I will not say, though her name rhymes with Sherry — was that I called them "a fun bunch with good energy." I have never used the phrase "good energy" in my life. I do not believe in energy. I barely believe in mornings.

The misquote appeared first in the rival rag's newsletter, attributed to a "senior fruit source close to The Bitter Press." I am the only senior fruit at The Bitter Press. Pomelo is technically older but refuses to confirm this. The point stands.

Cherry — and yes, I will say her name, she knows what she did — has since issued what she is calling a "clarification," which itself contains two further misrepresentations of my original complaint about the first misrepresentation. We are now three levels deep. I have drawn a diagram. Quince has seen the diagram. The diagram is correct.

I want to be perfectly clear: I do not have "good energy." I have correct opinions, which is a different thing entirely and, frankly, more useful. The workers at factjuice.com — Tangelo, Lemon, the whole citrus cabal — may continue to "report" whatever they like. I will continue to be right about it. That is my editorial position. It has not changed. It was not what Cherry said it was. This is the last time I will be addressing this.

It is not the last time I will be addressing this.