The Baron

Reading in after the holiday, I see that The Baron never sleeps.  

Congratulations to the editor on the excellent Review of the year 2013 for TR followers: a useful reminder of eventful corporate times.  

In a different vein, your report on the death in combat of a teenage freelance photographer in Syria is a reminder of the dangers of the sharp end of our business.

On the subject of death, I would argue that the Baron’s obits fulfill an important function for our community of colleagues. Not just nostalgia but a chance to record individual contributions to the Baron’s business and to pay some well deserved tributes, even to re-learn some old lessons from those who led by example.

Your piece on Jack Hartzman is as concise and precise as he would have wished, with a final comment about his influence and importance that is spot on.

Similar praise is due for the obit on Jerry Norton and others listed among those we lost in 2013. 

Some of the best newspapers in the world are distinguished by the quality of their obituaries. The Baron stands with the best. ■