Sports Editor - Bristol, VA

Class act. I know people with secure jobs are going to jump all over this gig, leaving for an unstable newspaper chain and a boss who is so professional.

 

the sad thing is, some people will actually jump all over this. i thought about it, but asking to make that type of a decision in three weeks is ridiculous.

 

I agree, Riddick. There are enough out-of-work journalists (unfortunately) that Bristol can probably still lure a quality sports editor. But I'd enter this job with trepidation for the reasons myself and others have posted. I know the best thing about my current job is having bosses I can trust, and because of that, I'm extremely loyal to them. I don't know if you get that in Bristol.

 

This is a good position, I've said it before. For someone who has been an ASE or SE at a smaller paper, this is a good chance to move up that ladder. The guys you'll work with are top notch. Allen Gregory and Tim Hayes are not only great journalists, but great people.
There are opportunities to do some good design work, not only daily, but with special sections. Past designers from the sports department have moved on to other positions in larger markets. There are also writing opportunities available.
If you're willing to work hard and want to make a difference, I can't stress enough that this is a great opportunity.

 

Sounds like you not only made the logical choice but were super cool about letting him know your decision ASAP.

Seems to me this guy's true colors have come out ... in a job listing, no less. Hard to imagine he'd be tactful to work under.

 

Let me clarify a few things from before ...
1. I still believe this is a good job for someone. It just wasn't right for me.
2. "I'm so vain, I probably thought this ad was about me." But it probably wasn't. After communication from SEVERAL people, there are too many people who have girlfriends who want them to get out of the industry.
3. I wasn't serious about stringing anyone along. I'm a straightforward person. I expect the same from those around me.
4. I did actually mean "sophomoric." I should be more careful.

 

the guy that posted the ad seems pretty upfront to me.

 

thanks for creating a screen name, Todd.

 

I'm still trying to figure out how jmb could possibly think the ad WASN'T a shot at him.

 

Wait. Wait. Wait.

I wouldn't know the editor of the Bristol paper or "jmb" - the new sports editor who wasn't - from any other schmuck on the street ... but let me get this straight.

1) You sent in an application.

2) You interviewed with these folks.

3) You accepted a job offer as Bristol's new sports editor and a start date and informed your current employer of your decision.

4) You bailed on these people just before you were scheduled to start, backing out of your commitment because your fiance wouldn't move, which screws the paper as it prepares for a huge NASCAR race and the fall sports season.

5) You're a "straightforward person and expect the same" from those around you?

Are you kidding? Please correct me if I'm mistaken, because, again, I'm just trying to get this straight, but from my vantage point you had no business whatsoever accepting this job in the first place.

Put the new, snarky job ad aside for a moment.

I do not see how you're "super cool about letting them know your decision ASAP." Your situation with your fiance needed to be taken into account long before you bent these people in Bristol over a barrel.

Now the Bristol paper has an emergency situation where they're basically back to square one and need a new SE in the office in three weeks. And the editor of that paper is catching grief on this board for showing "his true colors" while you're apparently the good guy?

The new ad is tasteless, without a doubt.

But that's fucked up.

 

I don't think jmb and the person who accepted the job at Bristol and later reneged are the same person, but I could be wrong.