Life — February 17, 1910 — page 4: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis: Life Magazine "Almost Here!" Editorial This is a self-referential editorial from *Life* magazine apologizing for a delayed or problematic "Shameless Number" issue. The text explains they announced a daring issue but faced public ridicule and pressure ("jibes and jeers...from all over the world"), causing them to waver. The five caricatured heads represent editorial responses to the controversy: shock ("It's simply awful!"), false cheerfulness ("Delightful!"), resigned acceptance ("Rather tame"), distress ("I can't read!"), and shame ("Shameful!"). The magazine ultimately published the controversial issue anyway, claiming it was a matter of "honor, conscience and pride," though they apologize for its quality ("awful result") and promise never to repeat it—a humorous, self-deprecating acknowledgment that they caved to pressure but published anyway.