Instead of standing by my story, the magazine backpedaled furiously. Granted, this was an extreme case. But I later learned that other publications, big and small, face similar pressures. Of course we do. Yes, that's implied, too.
Travel writers know that's the way the game is played.
They have to strike a delicate balance between payback and being professional. If I accept a trip that's extremely valuable, I think it's only professional courtesy to write about it. But she says it's also her professional duty to make the story fair and accurate. I'm not about to compromise my reputation as a journalist. Sadly, not all reporters feel that way.