The intro that signalled the end of mag's editor

THE next edition of The Monthly isn't due to be published until May 5, but it will be an issue worth reading.

THE next edition of The Monthly isn't due to be published until May 5, but it will be an issue worth reading.

It's the last to be edited by Sally Warhaft. It's also the one that finally brought tension between Warhaft and The Monthly's editorial board to breaking point.

Although the May edition has not yet been printed, The Australian understands the cover story is called "Was Rudd Right?"

It's not one story so much as a collection of essays by various "thinkers" -- economists, historians, economists -- responding to a now-famous, 8000-word essay by Kevin Rudd.

The Prime Minister's essay, published in The Monthly in February, blamed "extreme capitalism" for the world's economic woes.

For a while, it seemed everybody was talking about the Rudd essay -- was he right, or deluded, or a closet communist, or what?

The Monthly was pleased with the attention. It decided to follow up by getting a group of thinkers to reflect on it. Warhaft wanted to write the introduction to those essays; after all, she was the editor of The Monthly.

Trouble was, Melbourne academic Robert Manne, who is chairman of the The Monthly's editorial board, a dear friend of the publisher Morry Schwartz, and one of the most prominent contributors, also wanted to write the introduction.

Warhaft initially ceded to Manne, but when his introduction came in, she didn't like it. She thought it should be a plain introduction, that the writers should be allowed to speak for themselves, but Manne's piece was full of praise for Mr Rudd.

Warhaft, as editor, wanted to change it, make it more neutral. He wouldn't let her, and so it was on, and it ended with her leaving.

It sounds sharp and sudden, but actually, it was a long, slow train crash. There had been tension for at least eight months.

Some background is necessary: when Schwartz named Warhaft as editor three years ago, many thought it was a superb choice.

She had no background in journalism, it's true, but it is sometimes good to get somebody with fresh eyes and fresh ideas. She had plenty to recommend her: she's a whip-smart, willowy beauty, which makes her a great front for a lively mag. She brims with energy and ideas. She had nous. She was an academic, with a PhDd in anthropology.

She knew Manne from LaTrobe University. She was a tutor in his political science course. He introduced her to Schwartz.

He was deeply impressed by the way she worked and decided she should be the editor of his baby, The Monthly.

Schwartz, Manne, Warhaft and Chris Feik, the other member of the editorial board, would meet at Jimmy Watson's wine bar in Carlton and ideas would float around; it would be fun and informal.

Over time, Warhaft's confidence grew. So, too, did her public profile: she was invited to appear on the ABC's popular Q&A, and, with Manne, to attend Kevin Rudd's 20-20 summit of the "best and brightest".

She commissioned the Rudd essay. She started talking to Malcolm Turnbull about pieces he could write.

The magazine was gaining in reach, and in relevance. But there was conflict over her role. Warhaft carried the title of editor. Ergo, shouldn't she decide what would be on the cover and in the magazine?

Manne and Schwartz thought the decisions should be made collectively and Warhaft often lost the debate. She began to interpret "collegial decision-making" as having to OK everything Manne wanted to write. She had started out being so fond of Manne and his wife, Anne. Now she was often weeping in frustration and anger.

There were significant differences in personal style. Warhaft is a passionate person, and gets excited, and sometimes upset. She fell out with some writers, such as Mark Aarons, formerly of the ABC, who says; "She was raw and unformed and she learned a lot from Morrie and Rob Manne, and she improved but she was by no means the most brilliant editor I've worked with."

Leigh Sales, of ABC's Lateline, has a different view. She says Warhaft was a pleasure to deal with: "She was upfront and lovely about the fact that she'd landed this great job, not having a background in journalism. I put two pieces forward. In both cases, when they came back, I felt they were improved."

Meetings at Jimmy Watson's became more fiery, and then unpleasant. Schwartz and Manne felt they had bent over backwards, that they had been tender, and supportive, and accommodating, but in the end, the well of goodwill ran dry. Warhaft believes she did all she could to drag the magazine into lively, readable territory.

It's risky and brave, to let Warhaft leave; indeed, to encourage her to go. A magazine doesn't normally torpedo the editor when things are going so well. The Monthly has advertised for a new editor, who will understand from the outset: they will be part of Manne and Schwartz's team.