Frank Zappa once said, “Rock journalism is people who can't write, interviewing people who can't talk, in order to provide articles for people who can't read.” Discuss. True, there is a lot of crappy music writing, but the best of it can make you excited about listening to a new artist, or rediscovering someone you'd long forgotten. If you are a budding rock journo, here is a sampling of words and terms you are forbidden to use: “seminal,” “sonic landscape,” “riffage” and “Nick Cave's tortured brow.” The L.A. Times' Ann Powers hosts a panel with music scribes Solvej Schou, Jeff Weiss, Brandon Perkins and J. Bennett, among others, in conjunction with the new Best Music Writing 2008. Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Ave., Los Feliz; Fri., Oct. 10, 7:30 p.m.; free, book is $15.95. (323) 660-1175.

Fri., Oct. 10, 7:30 p.m., 2008

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.