A blog topic has been itching to get out of my brain and onto the printed page (or in this case, the blank, white computer screen).
First, I want to thank Samantha C. for her letter to the editor in Wednesday’s Daily Globe. It isn’t often that someone will go to bat, so to speak, for a newspaper reporter in print. As journalists, we don’t expect it. We are simply doing our jobs.
Certainly, I didn’t expect to see 30 comments on the Web site pertaining to Samantha’s letter by early Wednesday evening! How disappointing it was to see the comments had come down to three people doing nothing more than offending each other.
While I find it infuriating that some commenters refer to the product we bring to people’s doorsteps and computer monitors six days a week as the Glob, people are entitled to their opinion. If it wasn’t for freedom of speech, we wouldn’t have newspapers worth reading.
That said, I feel the need to talk a little bit about being a reporter.
We are regular, common folks who struggle to find time to spend with our families, mow the lawn, do the dishes, read a book or go to a ball game. We are private citizens with very public jobs that are open to criticism.
As reporters, we ask questions and we expect honest answers. We write stories based on facts given to us, not rumors or unconfirmed reports.
We work hard each day to bring our readers the news of their communities. With nine counties in our coverage area it’s impossible to report on everything with our limited staff, but we do what we can.
We put in long hours. We work mornings, afternoons, evenings, weekends and holidays to make sure our readers are informed.
Lest you think I’m complaining, I certainly am not.
I chose this profession … I might even say this profession chose me.
As a journalist, my job is to report the news. I know I’m not going to make everyone happy with what I write, but after 16 years of journalism experience I’ve developed a rather thick skin and a good support system.
So, whether I’m heading out in the middle of the night to bring our readers breaking news on a potentially dangerous situation, covering an important meeting or transforming a refugee’s journey to America into a story that can make our community a little more accepting of its neighbors, I will do my job. The same can be said for those around me in the Daily Globe newsroom.
And as far as commenters go, I do appreciate what each of you has to say … whether it’s praise or criticism. You have proven, on occasion, that there are questions we, as reporters, need to be asking. When you can stay on topic, stop bashing other people for their comments and add information to a story, I think all of our readers will benefit.
Happy Friday to you. I think you get an important concept that I was sure was lost upon everyone at the Globe. That you as reporters should be asking yourself some of the questions that arise within comments. Taking a good hard look at yourself and the criticism, as hurtful as it may be, can be turned into something better if it’s used to better oneself. I actually like most of the stories in The Globe believe it or not. There is just one particular reporter who’s writing habits really fall short of my taste. If only there was another choice because I am really interested in crime. As far as Da Glob reference goes, well, it’s not new. It’s been around for as long as I can remember. I didn’t make it up. About staying on topic, I have to say you are expecting miracles, just like Sammy is. People come from all walks of life. I used to want things a certain way but quickly discovered years ago that you can’t change other people, you can only change yourself and your attitude. I am respectful as long as I am respected. As soon as it turns into something else, I am going to give it back. I’m not going to lie down like a mat and let them wipe their feet on me. I have more respect for myself then that. Have a good weekend.
I’m sure glad in my line of work I don’t have to open my results up to 10,000 people for critisism. Surely a journilest knows that while reporting the news not everone will be satisfied. It must be tough to go to work every day knowing some short and fat woman is out there just waiting to launch her criticism at your work. Kudos to all at the Globe who do their best to report what they see in a fair and objective manner.
I couldn’t do it. Good for all of yous who do!!!!!
Criticism is all around us. We can either learn from it or ignore it. I waiver somewhere between the two, because it always depends on the source!
Thanks “Just a Guy” for recognizing all of us at the Daily Globe. The work we do is a team effort … it takes all of us doing our jobs to bring you the news.