Shannon Rupp
Vancouver-based Shannon Rupp is a contributing editor for The Tyee.
Twitter: ShannonRupp
Stories by Shannon Rupp
Newspapers Want Our Money? Here’s What We Want!
For the love of Godfrey, don’t just give newspapers money without rules.
Grabby the Sea Lion Should Inspire New Tourism Campaigns
‘Come to the West Coast... if you dare’ beats ‘Beautiful BC’ as a marketing slogan.
Handmaids, Anne and the Americanization of Canada
Slick U.S. TV adaptations of two Canadian classics strip away any trace of this country.
Professor Cranky-Pants Investigates the World
Or why you will regret missing Peter Babiak’s new book.
Don’t Panic! Fake News Is Easy to Spot If You Know What to Look For
Readers should have no trouble noting the red flags — even if editors do.
‘Missing Richard Simmons’: What It Is, Why It Addicts
The hit podcast isn’t journalism, so why do people want it to be?
Extra! Extra! Read All A-bot It?
As our news industry collapses, it’s time to invite the robot reporters in.
In Times of Grim Headlines, Read as Our Bad News Forebears Did
They turned to Agatha Christie in a time of global misery and creeping authoritarianism. Now I see why.
As Readers, We’re Not Powerless to Fight Fake News
Social media sites can combat online propaganda, but individuals should take steps, too.
Subscription Newsletters, Booming Like It’s the 18th Century
Got an obsession? There’s bound to be a personal email missive for you.
A Last-Minute Gift: The Truth About Christmas
When someone grumps the ‘true meaning’ is being lost, tell them about the holiday’s Pagan/industrial roots.
Why the ‘Rise’ of Fake News Is Just Not True
Don’t let fear of Trump feed a moral panic that justifies censorship.
Comfort Me, Gilmore Girls
These stressful times demand your small-town, screwball dramedy. Welcome back.
The Attention Merchants: A History of Advertising’s Long Grip on Media
Tim Wu’s timely book explains a lot about today’s click-bait and fake news.
The Burden of Peak TV
I know, woe is me. But with so many offerings, viewer etiquette has totally changed.
Memo to Trudeau: CBC Earns Our Tax Money, Corporate Media Does Not
Fake news, and more reasons to ignore lobbyists pounding on your door.
Wait, Privacy Is Cool Again?
Over-sharing is over, as signs indicate the ‘Age of Narcissism’ coming to a close.
‘Everything Is Fine’: A Tale of How Rape Can Shape a Life
At Vancouver’s Fringe fest, Jennifer Martin brings a long-secret story to the stage.
Yearning for Learning This Fall? Try a MOOC
It’s the perfect cure for back-to-school nostalgia. No lumpy cafeteria food required.
Should Your Taxes Subsidize Big Media?
As pressure mounts for bailouts, time to look at how bad traditional outlets have become.
‘Social Media for Academics’: An Actually Useful Guide
Finally, a manual that’s devoid of the usual dubious digital-guru speak. And it’s not just for profs.
Seeking a Novel Cure? Try Bibliotherapy
As a successful amateur practitioner, this I know: a book a day keeps the Prozac away.
Look Out, TV: Aaron Sorkin Is Going Digital
Beloved boomer fare 'The West Wing' spawns re-watch podcast. So when's the Netflix reboot?
Old Media Jump on a Stalling Digital Bandwagon
Digital ironies: are datascraping news outlets reading the data?
Career Advice for Newly Minted Workers
Beware the 'hope economy.' Flee if you hear 'do what you love.'
Postmedia Baron Godfrey's Gobsmacking Audacity
Now he wants your money to bail out his assault on journalism.
Ever Uncompromising, 'The Good Wife' Comes to an End
From ageism to ableism, few stereotypes left unbroken in this legal drama.
Embracing the Brave New, and Creepy, Bots
Should we trade ethics and human contact for machines that pretend to like us?
Testing Blendle, the Newest New News Distributor
It's pick-and-pay journalism with a money-back-guarantee. But will the model devalue the product itself?
Clinton Nabs the Pretend Vile Women Endorsement
Watching US political ads, every appeal feels more surreal.
Breaking Cable? Skinny TV Is an Inspiration
The real problem is people aren't buying what companies are selling.
Learning to Love 'Advertainment'
In a disrupted industry, well-placed products pay artists. Audiences needn't suffer.
Six Podcasts for Lonely Hearts
No V-Day plans? Spend quality time with these love lessons and confessions.
Peak Buzzword? Tough Times Ahead for 'Influencer' Biz
PR disasters prove consumers hunger for truth, not chocolate with beards.
Podcast Overload: Soundtrack to Your New Year's Resolutions
May we suggest taking Sarah Koenig to the gym? Or, declutter with BBC blockbusters.
Tiny Copyright Decision Gives Hard News Lovers Big Hope
Journo-owned media shop Blacklock's Reporter battled a breach of their paywall, and won.
Seven Tasty Podcasts for Cookie Baking (or Burning) Season
December already? Pass the dark humour and pagan history, please.
Podcast Picks: Gilmore Guys, Millennials, Startups, Oh My!
Call it news from the niches. Binge listeners welcome.
'No Googling!' Fool Your Friends with Surreal Election Headlines
Snitch lines. Brothel tales. It's not easy sifting news from satire.
Four Podcasts that Beat Your High School History Class
Indie shows revisit hoaxes, rebellions and socialites through the centuries.
Politics Imitates Art with 'The Best Laid Plans: A Musical'
A needed antidote in the age of #peegate, the show opens tonight in Vancouver.
Four Podcasts for Election Boycotters (and One for Polling Wonks)
Tyee's recommended listening considers crime, love and pop mega-hit masochism.
'Outsiders Still': Real Talk for Would-Be Female Reporters
Vivian Smith's book a window into glass ceiling of Canadian newsrooms.
Four Deep Dive Podcasts for News and Culture Junkies
Join the headphones-on-transit revolution with these heavyweight shows.
I'm Calling It: Podcasting Is the Future of Journalism
Millions of listeners, investigative scores and cash flow make this model a winner.
'UnReal' Deliciously Skewers Reality TV
Biting satire from 'The Bachelor' alumna? I didn't believe it either.
Hold it! Twitter 'Shaming' Serves a Purpose
'Victims' so obnoxious they draw social media wrath? They've earned their hell.
Torture Porn: Diversion for Our Messed Up World
What else but social anxiety can explain this spike in TV brutality?
What's Behind the Cannes Flap over Flats?
Banning comfy shoes at film festival is a bid to exclude women from the workplace.
Twitter Quitter Joss Whedon, I Get Your Fatigue
Anyone sucked into the farce of online vanity vending can sympathize.
Where Will Don Draper Land?
Our crystal ball predicts the moody ad man ends his days in swank retirement, tweeting bon mots.
The French Are Holier than Toi
And our love of strict manuals on life a la Parisienne says a lot about us.
How Clever Ikea Ads Make Us Feel Smart
When pranksters trick snooty art lovers, it's pure schadenfreude.
To Help People Fall in Love, Don't Do This
Still, even the sketchiest romance experiment can be revealing.
In Praise of Reporters Who Stir the Pot
Media critic Jesse Brown is making waves -- and a few enemies -- in journalism circles.
There's Sitcom Potential in those CBC Missteps
Or, to quote Elvis Costello: 'I used to be disgusted, now I try to be amused.'
Online Distractions for that Entertainment Sinkhole Known as January
From Serial to UK radio dramas, the Internet has plenty to amuse us until spring.
Enough! Here's What 'Baby, It's Cold Outside' Is Truly About
And why pretty much everyone who covers the hoary ol' tune fails miserably.
Put a Jingle on That: Why the Worst People Make the Best Christmas Movie Heroes
Sketchy characters suffer few consequences if they can demonstrate holiday panache.
Why Katniss Frightens Dictators
'Hunger Games' teen heroine is fiercely independent -- to the point of subversion.
Do eBooks Make Us Dumber?
If you want to follow the plot of your favourite mystery, read the print version.
'Serial' Podcast: True Crime Storytelling at Its Finest
To call it addictive is an understatement. But should I be this entertained?
From Mix Tape to iPod to... What Now?
Have tech whizzes forgotten people who love to make, and give, playlists?
Aiming for A-List? Time to Get Shameless
One self-promoting author reminds us of the thin line between crazy and crazy genius.
Time to Regulate the News Media
Comedian John Oliver's right about our self-destructing press. Here's what to do about it.
Why Does The Province's Theatre Critic Use a Fake Name?
And more strange tales from today's blurry frontiers of arts coverage.
Feeling Nostalgeek?
Set in the retro floppy disk early 1980s, 'Halt and Catch Fire' is brilliant TV.
Foodies and Readers: You Must Know Laurie Colwin
June is the perfect time to savour this likable kitchen companion.
Sorry CBC TV, Canada Is a Radio Nation
Save those dwindling taxpayer dimes for a medium that matters.
Thank the Gender Wars! The Return of 'Oleanna'
Done with nuance, what Mamet's notorious sexual harassment play tells us today.
'Angry Kids & Stressed Out Parents'
CBC doc on how poverty affects young brains may turn you into an early education evangelist, too.
I'll Take My Coffee with Fiction, Thanks
Can't stomach what passes for 'news' these days? Wake up with a short story instead.
No Valentine? I Hear the Economy's Desperate
Plagued by rising singledom, Cupid's Day retailers look to woo a different crowd.
In Defence of 'Downton Abbey'
By the same person who told you I hate 'Breaking Bad.' Hey, sometimes drek delights.
Santa Wasn't Born Bad
Society made him that way. Look what the churches, the Victorians and corporations did to a fun little pagan winter fest.
An 'Infidel' Writes: Dear Mr. Pallister, Since You Asked
Christianity is free to borrow the Winter Solstice, but don't forget who lent it to you.
Sauder's Rape Chant Response Fails PR 101
UBC business school teaches leadership, or so it's promoted. Might be nice if they showed some.
Free Labour in the Digital Sweatshop? Free Yourself!
Next time some website asks you to work without pay, summon your inner-artisan.
Has Canada Seen Its Last Alice Munro?
Only if we let those old-fashioned Gilmour guys ignore Canadian writers.
'Breaking Bad,' Latest in Depravity TV
I can only stand so much evil mixed with bad decor and call it entertainment.
Internet, Save Me From the Summer Doldrums
A recap of August stories made better by the chatter of the mob.
I'm Allergic to Everything!
With seemingly healthy foods suddenly verboten, I have to wonder: Is bacon my new best friend?
A Novel Idea for Newspapers: Help Us Shop
And who better to marry quality media with online malls than new WaPo owner, Amazon's Bezos?
Licia Corbella, Journalism Thanks You
Reaction to Calgary editorial writer's anti-harm reduction rant proves news still works in this country.
Why Women Don't Care about 'Current Affairs'
A theory that could help newspapers win their most lucrative ad audience back.
Be Employable, Study Philosophy
Unsolicited advice for those entering the brave new world of work, or worse, journalism.
How Harper's Office Is Playing News Editor
Can you spot the 'scoops' that a PMO flack provided to journalists?
The Brothers Ford and the Charm Problem
Don't confuse crass with class. Putting money over manners is a sign of the times.
Put Down that Newspaper!
Websites like Gawker are today's news-breakers. Here's how to stay on top of the online info flux.
Care to Reserve a Tweet-Seat?
A playwright and a critic debate whether tweeting during shows signals the apocalypse.
TV's Turning Point: Piracy Good for Business
Witness HBO honcho's pleased reaction to illegal downloads of 'Game of Thrones'.
Mourners for Hire: Latest Twist to Age of Narcissism
Boomers going out the way they grew up: the Me Generation.
Shocked! Shocked! At the Tawdry Oscars!
That dirty host! All those side boobs! And so much false outrage!
The Jane Austen Guide to Manliness
Or how not to be suckered by today's heavily marketed 'masculinity crisis.'
Has 'This Is That' Fooled You Once?
And is it fair for the public broadcaster to peddle satire in a post-humorous world?
The Nutcracker Reconsidered
I once saw it as ballet's answer to fruitcake. But this year, something cracked. Do you agree?
Peddling God to Schoolkids? Pay up, Christian Soldier
Chilliwack school board's decision whether to axe Gideon bible giveaway raises an interesting funding opportunity.
An Old School News Site that Minds Ottawa's Business
New 'Blacklock's Reporter' vows to cover the Hill in all its dry glory, with no 'jib-jab.'
'Ballerina' and 'The Opening Act'
Two juicy, retrospective reads that boost the much-neglected field of arts writing.
Did You Just Pay Too Much for That eBook?
A lot of great, nearly free lit out there, but big publishers won't tell you.
Halt, Sidewalk Cycling Menace!
In Vancouver, who but vigilante citizens will keep rogue bikers off pedestrian footpaths?
Why Old Media Fears the Wente Story
Globe and Mail's reaction to claims a columnist plagiarized unveils a world of journalism taboos.
The New Posers
Kiddie pole dance as sport? Lap dance as art? Assessing recent claims of the bump-and-grind industry.
Jan Wong's Happy Next Chapter
The former Globe star writer's self-published depression memoir is a hot seller, and she's having a blast teaching young journos.
Defying Fear of Censorship, Theatre Companies Act
After 'Proud' play satirizing Harper government was nixed in Toronto, nine cities hold readings. This Sunday in Vancouver.
'The Newsroom'
Otherwise known as Aaron Sorkin's diaries. The pursuit of truth never seemed so unreal.
For Hire: Professional Real People
Graduates take heart. Social media marketers will pay you for your authenticity.
Relating to Dr. Divi
At Vancouver's Wellness Show, a doctor's pitch for intuitive healing leaves me feeling queasy.
Shadow Workers of the World, Revolt!
Social media made free labour of us all, and now grocers are catching on. I quit.
How to Entertain Yourself for Free, Digitally
January is the frugal month. Here's how I'm getting by.
A New Award for Pseudo-Satire, The Swiftys
Winners must have done something so ridiculous it's redundant to mock them. Your nominees?
Why So Many Are Turning off TV World
Consider the high price of getting 60 channels of drivel. Consider the fast growing options.
'Scroogenomics': Finally the Perfect Xmas Gift
Business prof Joel Waldfogel taught me why exchanging presents just doesn't make sense.
Creating Holiday Memories, Not Garbage
Listen to what some funny people are unwrapping for Christmas: themselves.
Occupiers, Big Media Wants Your Help!
Latest innovations by news corporations out to make more cash by doing less journalism.
Why Name Contest 'Canada Reads'? Should Be 'Authors Beg'
Help! CBC's national book vote has created a legion of writer cyber-shills!
Legion of Cell Phone Resisters: Count Me in!
Everyone says I need a cell phone. And so I don't want one.
Why Do I Keep Taking Pictures of My Food?
And then why am I compelled to post my foodtography online? Weirdly, I'm not alone.
I Feel Great About My Hands
Notable women writers reflect on 'doing old' well. Book launch this Wednesday!
Memo to Iggy, Jack and Liz: Get Strategic!
On behalf of the Lesser of Evils Party, may I suggest you tell your supporters to just plain vote against Stephen Harper?
Artists Wage 2.0 Attacks on Harper
ShitHarperDid.com is zooming, and catchy tune 'Steve, It's Time to Leave' is catching on.
Use Twitter to Interrogate Politicians Publicly
The medium's potential to confront the privileged and powerful is perfect for election time. Tweet 'em good.
Ophelia Benson, Public Atheist
The fearless writer, at UBC tonight, says feminists should take on the major monotheist religions.
2010: Year of the Really Super New New Journalism
Reporters are repeaters, content is king, and Oprah is a journalist.
How 'Mad Men' Sold Us
Draper's into kink. Sterling's flogging a memoir. The show seduces through pure marketing genius (just in time for Christmas!)
Terry Fallis, Self-Made Satirist
He published his own novel, made a podcast, and got famous. Funny thing, he wouldn't advise you try it.
Facebook Follies: The New Crowd-Sourced Lit
Social media makes us all characters in our own public productions. It's literature on the hoof!
You Go Patti!
Vancouver School Board chair's tart-tongued defence fits fresh trend: politicians sticking up for the public interest.
How to Drive Your Employees Nuts: CBC's Leaked Survey
The Mothercorp, wanting to blend TV and radio news reporting, imposed something called 'The Hub' and asked how staff liked it. Hubbub ensued.
Avatar-ocracy
'Best Before,' a show in the Cultural Olympiad, lets its audience of role playing gamers write the ending, and it's a scary one.
That's Oprah-essive!
To slick peddlers of 'power of positive thinking' pap, Barbara Ehrenreich says bleh.
The Rise of the Citizen Doctor
Welcome to a new age of amateur scientists and quack healers. Thanks media!
In Praise of the Lusty Geek
A study out of Amsterdam suggests sexual longing promotes logical thinking. Hmmmm.
Science Discovers Celebrities Are Useful for Something
A lot of fame that deserves to be fleeting, isn't. Stanford brains figured out why.
Idea #5: Beware of Neuromarketing
Adults are taught to be skeptical. But the subconscious is like a toddler.
How We Can Reinvent TV
The web now allows us to bypass the studios. At last, artists will run the shows.
Risk Written on Their Faces
Harvard researchers: Blame stock market meltdown on too much testosterone.
Give Us the Gold in Whining
Canada's athletes inspire. Too bad our politicians and media lack mettle.
Whites Sneering at Whites
Persons of pink mocking themselves is hot, and two Canadians are cashing in.
Veteran Journalist Fired, Rehired by Times Colonist
Briefly dumped after column critical of tourism industry.
Who Let Tommy Lee on Campus?
For TV, a college lets the creepy rocker ogle frosh and debase higher learning.
Belittling Belinda
We're told she's a 'blonde bombshell heartbreaking attractive dipstick whore.' Nothing gender specific, of course.
CanWest Metro Move Preserves Daily Dominance
Competition Bureau says move increases advertising competition — its only concern.
Free Sheets Mean Piles of Litter
The profusion of throwaway transit papers in Toronto created disposal difficulties.
The Invasion of the Tiny Tabs
Despite evidence that up-market content also pays, it's daily transit freebies that are sweeping North America.
The Invasion of the Tiny Tabs
Despite evidence that up-market content also pays, it's daily transit freebies that are sweeping North America.
Three New Dailies to Flood Vancouver Area
Rival transit papers rush to fill an internationally explosive market niche.
Reading: The New Sexy
Women can’t resist a ‘good booking’ man, claims Penguin. I’m hot just thinking about it.
Journalism's Chronic Illness
Fabulists abound, and a new study says Canadians don't trust the news. Yet the media's current crisis is business as usual.
How the Bloc Will Save Canada
The election math indicates one almost certain outcome: the savvy left-winger from Quebec will hold real power.
What Do Women Want in a Newspaper?
Certainly not the drivel 'targeted' at us. And if you think female editors would do better, think again.
Santa Wasn't Born Bad
Society made him that way. Look what the Churches, the Victorians and corporations did to a fun little pagan winter fest.
Barbie's Crusade to Cute-ify the Classics
Mattel will bend any old story to bore into girls' minds, even if it means sticking a unicorn in Swan Lake. OK, but why stop there?
