Editors

I always give credit where it's due, cuz when you talk openly like me you've got to give the good with the bad ... I may have come across a bit negative here because my perception of this thread is what do you do when your editors suck? ...

Your attitude of shaking everyone's hands just for being them kind of creeps me out a bit and would probably warrant a few eye rolls, at the least. Couple of copy editors I know might f with your copy just cuz they can't stand ass kissers either.

 

Well, adjectives fail me when it comes to your copy editors then.

And if asking people how I can both get better and make their jobs easier makes me an ass-kisser, then hand me a moist towelette to wipe the hemorroid cream off my lips. There are acres of difference between being friendly and respectful and being a suckup, and while I can't rightly bank on what present and past co-workers would say of me, I'd wager a hefty portion of my take-home pay that "suckup" doesn't enter their language.

And incidentally, your qualms with the bad editors of the world sound like so much howling at the moon. You've been given ample examples, advice and even some well-deserved "fuck you's" from some pretty intelligent people here (oops! I'm ass-kissing again!) While shitty bosses are a lousy fact of life, I'm still waiting for the scientific proof of them controlling one's career. Though it may shock you, I have some SE horror stories that could probably rival your own, but ultimately, what's the point?

If you're stuck with a terrible editor, write your ass off and go someplace else. Nobody can control how good you are but you, and while I may throw back a few beers with my colleagues and bitch about so-and-so, it sure as hell isn't going to keep me from going after my goals. And if I don't make those goals, guess who's at fault? Not any editor I've had, that's for damn sure.

If your fascination with terrible editors is a reflection of your own situation, then you're wasting energy that could be spent improving yourself. Which, if you carry yourself with the fuck-you-I'll-say-what's-on-my-mind attitude that you've brought to this thread, is going to have to become direly important to you.

 

Made quite a number of assumptions that were incorrect. Quoting one of my last posts on this thread: "I'm at a fairly big metro now and the editing and attitude is wonderful. I'd take a bullet for my editors because they want quality as much as I do."

Truth is, I put a whole lot more pressure and expectations on myself more than any editor ever could ...

 

Then shut up and keep doing what you're doing.

And congrats on working at a "fairly big metro." Shall the SportsJournalists.com community fellate you now or later?

 

It wasn't a boast, dude. Just a matter of fact statement. Read the original post if you have to.

In fact, I've been at bigger but it's not circulation that matters - it's that you're at a paper that is always trying to get better.

If you're not a kiss ass, then good for you but it sounds like I struck a nerve.

 

I'm not sure how defending my stance in a debate you initiated counts as striking a nerve. Now, if I counter with immature sentiments like "ass-kisser", then that may be a different story.

Anyhow, I'm out. But keep on truckin' and trolling. :

 

hey freakshow. take a valium and STFU. you're making an idiot out of yourself.

 

I don't know, TP...I think Kaylee's making a lot more sense than you two are.

If a writer goes to an editor and asks for help on a piece, should the editor help? Yes. Do I expect my SE to drop what he's doing every time I send something in to impart some higher wisdom? No. I think there should be an open door between writers and the desk, for good and bad. I always find out who did headlines I really enjoyed, and tell them. I thank the people who make good catches on my simple fuckups. When I'm desking, I will sometimes drop a note to a writer if I really enjoyed his story, or I'll call if I have questions or want to fix things.

I think the key is in communication. Not in terming people "kiss-asses" or whatever else, just in working together to EACH get better at doing this insane job we do.

 

agreed IJAG. i just think kaylee's being a sniveling bitch about it.

 

Then we disagree. Wholeheartedly. I see him making a point, and you and write jumping shit and calling names.

But hey, it's a free message board, right?

 

sorry IJAG, you made your valid point and i agreed with you. obviously, as you just proved, it's not a difficult task to accomplish.

on the other hand, if kaylee's attempting to come off as a pencil dick, then job well done.

 

It is?! Hey Tom, give me my $30 back.

Ijag: I made an observation ... Kaylee denied it ... no hard feelings ... I'm a little surprised how sensitive people are on here and the fact that an argument about holding poor editors accountable can continue to be misconstrued ... but I'm not sulking ... not a lot.