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Ablind item is anews story, typically in agossip column, in which the details of the matter are reported while the identities of the people involved are not revealed.[1] The invention of the blind item is credited toWilliam d'Alton Mann (1839–1920), publisher ofTown Topics, who often used it forblackmail.[2]Communication privacy management theory relates to the ideas ofinformation privacy, truthful reporting and expression of opinions that influence this form of communication.[3]
Sometimes cryptic clues orgeneric descriptions of the parties involved may be supplied to tease general readers or signal to closeknit communities of celebrities, socialites or insiders. The advent of gossip websites brought about more public debate and speculation about the individual blind item stories, and also about the ethics surrounding the practice.[4] Audiences might use blind item material as a shared topic of conversation with peers, and perhaps even as a conversational entry point to a sensitive topic that is personal to them.[5]
The "reveal" is when the names of theanonymous parties are subsequently published.
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