The New York Times established themselves as a force against yellow journalism, something that predated them and thrives today. It's not surprising that they pose the question, but it is sad that yellow journalism is so prevalent that a newspaper exists in specific opposition to it.

Our fourth estate is already down to third-world standards. The question is whether they want attention or respect. With respect comes the ability to command higher prices; with attention comes the ability to sell more copies.

But if all you're doing is screaming for attention, there are a lot cheaper and easier babies out there to be fed. You end up competing with the Weekly World News, a miserably cheap publication that knowingly distributes fake news as if it were real.