Oh, for a cracking head

Sub-editors are a vanishing breed these days. The bean counters that run print media organisations think subs are an unnecessary cost, leaving production desks nursing the scars of the razor gang's frenzy.

This piece is a damned good argument for employing skilled subs, who know their way around the language, who can think laterally, who have sharp news sense and a dash of sensitivity.

Abdul-Ahad's piece is strong and fine. It's simply and powerfully written (and I wish I had his skill). It's good reportage.

But, oh, that headline. It's banal. It doesn't do justice to Abdul-Ahad's writing. With that head, you may as well pin a note to the top of the page saying: "Run along, nothing worth spending your time on here, it's just a bit of didactic hand-wringing."

I know you're not meant to judge a book by its cover, or a story by its headline. But bloody hell, all it takes is a wee bit of effort and a bit of thought. There's a headline in there that would have - should have - made that page sing. It's a shame no one found it.