Blind item
Encyclopedia
A blind item is a news story, usually gossip
, in which the details of the matter are reported while the identities of the people involved are not revealed. The invention of the blind item is credited to William d'Alton Mann
(1829 – 1920), publisher of Town Topics
, who often used it for blackmail
.http://cjrarchives.org/issues/2006/4/love.asp
Gossip
Gossip is idle talk or rumour, especially about the personal or private affairs of others, It is one of the oldest and most common means of sharing facts and views, but also has a reputation for the introduction of errors and variations into the information transmitted...
, in which the details of the matter are reported while the identities of the people involved are not revealed. The invention of the blind item is credited to William d'Alton Mann
William d'Alton Mann
William d'Alton Mann was an American Civil War soldier, businessman, and newspaper and magazine publisher....
(1829 – 1920), publisher of Town Topics
Town Topics (magazine)
Town Topics: The Journal of Society was a magazine published in New York City by William d'Alton Mann and others from 1879 to 1937 . Title varies: Andrew's American Queen; Art, Music, Literature and Society ; and American Queen Town Topics: The Journal of Society was a magazine published in New...
, who often used it for blackmail
Blackmail
In common usage, blackmail is a crime involving threats to reveal substantially true or false information about a person to the public, a family member, or associates unless a demand is met. It may be defined as coercion involving threats of physical harm, threat of criminal prosecution, or threats...
.http://cjrarchives.org/issues/2006/4/love.asp