Gwyneth Paltrow on her chick (WOW)website Goop.com

Posted on March 4, 2009
Filed Under East meets West | Leave a Comment

The Shakespeare in Love Oscar winner Gwyneth Paltrow is taking on critics of her lifestyle Web site, Goop.com, just days after The New York Times published an article questioning the site’s relevance in light of a barrage of published swipes against its cardio-workout and pizza-recipe content. Also under attack: the site’s perceived omniscient tone. I am not happy at that. Gwen too is unhappy and she told People Magazine Wednesday night at a New York City benefit she hosted for Bent On Learning, a non-profit organization which arranges yoga and meditation classes in the city’s public schools that, “I think the people who are criticizing it or criticizing the idea of it, don’t really get it, because if they did, they would like it”. Paltrow said she believes some of the barbs simply stem from the fact that she’s doing something new and different. “I think that people like people to stay in their ‘box’ – they like people to stay how they are comfortable seeing them.”

I like the site for its creativity. Gwyneth has continued to branch out, and her lifestyle website is good, sorry Goop. On the heels of her new PBS travel/cooking show, the actress launched goop.com. Paltrow, a married mother of two, talks what matters to her. The site also features yet-to-be-filled sections called “Make,” “Go,” “Get,” “Do,” “Be,” and “See.” In the essay she promises everything from tips on dining in London to advice from her “sages.” Sounding a bit like her friend Oprah, with whom she recently shared her exercise routine last week, Paltrow promises to share her life with readers.

The criticism for the site is also lopsided. They say that the advice is at times wacky, and the tone is regularly condescending. As one newspaper said, “Why is it called Goop? Perhaps ‘Any Old Load of Rubbish’ and ‘Learn From Me, Ungrateful Peasant’ were both taken.” The New York Times reported many critics found the ‘new age’ themes “fatuous and a bit puzzling”. With The New York Times asking “why is she suddenly on TV giving dieting and fitness tips, backing a gym, writing a cookbook and an online newsletter full of shopping advice, kabbalistic musings and discussion of the Master Cleanse?,” Paltrow says she decided to launch the Web site, which carries the tagline, “Nourish The Inner Aspect,” “because I felt like I had a lot of really useful information that I was privileged enough to get, because I have this amazing, super, fortunate life.”

In addition, she said, “My friends call me all the time to say, ‘Where should I go?’ or ‘What should I do?’ And I thought, you know maybe some other people would be interested in it as well, so I started it, and it’s doing great.” I agree with you Gwen and don’t let the criticism pull you down. Go lady, GO



Comments

Leave a Reply




  • Weekly newsletter

    Enter your email address:

    Delivered by FeedBurner