Life, 1916-12-21 · page 20 of 36
Life — December 21, 1916 — page 20: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page announces *Life* magazine's $500 contest inviting readers to submit criticism of the publication itself. The two sample submissions ("No. 1" and "No. 2") are self-referential satire—they praise *Life* while simultaneously mocking its flaws. "No. 1" uses backhanded compliments: *Life* is a "Good Fellow" despite its egotism and vanity; its attacks on politics and society are forgiven because of its "charitable spirit." The caption is sarcastic. "No. 2" suggests only confident or reckless people invite criticism, implying *Life* is either arrogant or foolhardy. The cartoon below ("The Home of the Suffragette") depicts women activists—likely referencing contemporary women's suffrage movements—in a domestic setting, further satirizing *Life's* irreverent commentary on social and political issues of the era. The contest itself demonstrates *Life's* self-aware, tongue-in-cheek editorial philosophy: inviting public critique while remaining confident in its satirical mission.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
iL I FE- Their Opinions of Life $500. Reward for the Best Criticism first installment of contributions in Lire’s Criticism Contest is presented “GH herewith. ‘The contest closes in a few more days, so if you desire to enter < the lists, do not delay. You can say anything that you please about Lire, provided you say it well enough in the opinion of the Editors, and provided that it complies with the conditions, which are printed herewith. Read these conditions carefully. CONDITIONS All contributions must be addressed to The Contest Editor of Live, 17 West Thirty-first Street, New York City. The criticism must be clearly written or, better yet, type: written on one side of the paper. The writer's name and address should appear in one of the upper corners. No. | [BFE is such an all round Good Fellow that we enjoy its—Egotism. In consideration of its genuine attractions we pardon its—Vanity. Because of its chase after Truth we accept with delight its sneers at Politics and Society. Because of its Straight Intentions we excuse Audacity. In its needed attacks upon bad Manners and bad Breed- ing we condone its—Near Insolence. Its eternal sense of Humor balances its—Personalities, Its truly charitable Spirit outweighs its—Iconoclasm. And because of its noble efforts in behalf of the Orphan- age of France it rises above all criticism and achieves “Life Everlasting.” No. 2 ‘© invite criticism implies either serene consciousness of merit or the dare-devil recklessness of the man who first ate a lobster. Possibly Lire harbors both emotions. From Lure, sensible people learn to laugh at themsely Envelopes should contain absolutely nothing but the criti- cism and sender's name and address. If you have anything else to say to Live, send it in a separate enclosure. It is not necessary to be a subscriber to Lire to enter the competition. It is open to the world, but no competitor may send in more than one criticism. . In case of ties the full amount of the prize will be given to each tying contestant. Contestants are advised to keep dupli- cate copies of manuscripts submitted, as no contributions will be returned. The Editors of Lire will be the sole judges of the compara- ¢ merit of the contributions, and in all matters their de- cision will be final. Just the same, you needn't be afraid of hurting their feelings. All contesting criticisms must positively be in Lire Office not later than noon, December 26, and the award will be an- nounced in the issue of January 18. In other contests com- titors have been barred out because they figured the time jimit too closely and did not allow for delays in the mail. Send your contribution early so as to avoid this chance. mediocre people to laugh others; while stupid people learn nothing because they do not read it. This is due to Lire’s attitude, which is to present truth without malice, but truth nevertheless, even if the subject has to be un- dressed to do it. This has the double merit of edifying the wise and annoying people who have the habit of thanking God they are not as other men, often with really touching conviction. Happily, Lire is not perfect. If it were, it would be in- tolerable. It is just the human weakness that peeps out here and there that makes it delightful and justifies its name. Lire’s columns do not simply reck of genius. Immortal works do not rain down upon the editor like manna, but the just man gives Lire credit for choosing the best, and when seeking for something to restore his confidence in the human race, turns to Lire—if he happens to have ten cents—acknowledging that while there is Lire there is hope. Lire has enemies, which is an excellent thing. If every- one loved it like a brother, it would be unfit for perusal; so let us be thankful for Lire as it is and kick it every chance we get. This will do it good. 6.7 Rrenanes. sontee THE HOME OF THE SUFFRAGETTE,