Who took over Marlena's column in SOW? Was it P.K. Waddle?

Yes. And maybe "softer" isn't as appropriate a characterization as "duller," less biting.

But, in his defense, that's exactly what the higher-ups were asking for... The readers? Not so much.

That perception does NOT, however, entitle her to talk down to and belittle fans and other critics as though, "Oh you don't KNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW them. I do" or that their opinion is invalid. People, regardless of if they've ever met someone in person, are still entitled to their opinions as well. Almost every single post I've seen of hers where she contributes something had to do with some star/writer/producer she met that either a) was so warm, so nice, so whatever(for reasons she refuses to tell us, likely because of her "journalistic integrity" or someone she couldn't stand to save her life(likely because one of the stars who kissed her behind or vice-versa couldn't stand them i.e. Gottlieb).

With all due respect, that's not what I see here with Marlena. Maybe that's the way she used to be, but her posts on her blog lack the viewing experience necessary to execute what I believe are interesting points. She should only cover shows she watches on a regular basis or that she has an extensive knowledge of if she doesn't want to feel the heat. At least then, she can clearly and effectively state her points. And her posts on this board are completely and utterly devoid of objectivity or respect for fans, the exact same bill of goods she proceeds to sell under her pen name Marlena De La Croix.

But your opinion doesn't matter and it's slander to suggest that you do. After all, you don't KNOW them.

There are plenty of other people, in and out of daytime in the public eye, who don't deserve the characterizations people give them. Look at what happened this week, Farah Fath doesn't think she deserves to be called a bad actress for her inability to emote or a bitch for putting her middle finger out at the fans she aims to please. But there are primetime/film/music/mogul/political figures and celebrities who have much harsher critiques and don't have the convenience of an overprotective daytime press who will cover up all their TMZ-worthy indiscretions, flippant attitude to their fans, and their racist/homophobic/closed-minded comments(which has ALWAYS been the case, since the moment I started reading Digest in 1995). Where's the journalistic integrity in THAT?!

I get your point, YurSoakinginit, but I don't think these veteran soap journalists or any of these people in daytime respect soap fans and those who stick with it day in and day out with their shows. The condescending interviews these people give or conduct, the way these shows are written, it's like they're laughing at the audience. And instead of Marlena illustrating why she disagrees with us with clear, concise examples from interviews she's conducted, she proceeds to get on her throne and tell us all how we're bad and say that we should not call these writers "psychos" because they were poor kids who made tons of money.

Big flippin' deal!

Hallelu!