🎧 Fragile Egos Don't Take Fountain

Rob Long on the Hollywood art of protecting someone's feelings while insulting them

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Bette Davis famously answered “take Fountain” — an L.A. street with fewer lights — when asked her advice for actors starting out. Thing is, the questioner didn’t actually want practical advice. In fact, most of us say we want the truth when we actually prefer our feelings to be protected. Which is why executives wind up delivering notes with fluffy preamble, and why Rob Long was once taken aback when asked — ouch — if his canceled show meant he was “washed up.” 

Transcript here.