[Richard Harwood] describes Laura Blumenfeld's story as brilliantly done. He excuses her for doing nothing to prevent the teenagers' illegal activity. Journalists are pragmatists who are intent on getting the story, says he. Beyond this, there is the "greater good" of shedding light on a neglected problem. He charges Blumenfeld's critics with a question: "How would `The Acid Kids,' their parents and the community be better off if this story had not been written?"

Richard Harwood's analysis of Laura Blumenfeld's story on the "Acid Kids" discusses the conflicts reporters face when passively observing and reporting events that might result in serious injuries or consequences for the participants. Unfortunately, Harwood, after making several relevant points about the questionable professional conduct of the reporter, comes to the conclusion that Blumenfeld performed a public service in reporting on an LSD party firsthand.