I can't take it anymore!

[Oeditpus Rex]

The local newspaper, for which I was once city editor, is riddled with errors of all kinds — typos, poor writing/reporting, horrible editing and the worst headlines I've ever seen.

It was hardly the NYT when I was there, but this is... embarrassing. I think it reflects poorly on this town of 36,000 that this is the best media representation it can find. (In the 3 1/4 years since I was fired, they've gone through six city editors and five editors in chief.)

Once again, I'm tempted to edit it each day and e-mail my corrections to the editor. Can anyone think of a reason I shouldn't? I harbor no thoughts about working for this paper again.

Thanks for your input.

[Robeson]

1. Go for it....

...obviously, it couldn't hurt.

[MrScorpio]

2. Edit a copy in red ink

Then march down to the Editor in Chief's office and slam the copy on his/her desk

If you have an iPod, make sure that you're playing the appropriate Frank Capra-esque music.


Oh yeah, wear a fedora!

[wildhorses]

3. if it makes you feel better...and you get a positive vibe

then do it...I think that your energy should go to the betterment of you ...after all it is YOUR energy....just my .02

:hug::hi:

[Oeditpus Rex]

5. That's a great point

I think it's the one I'm debating with myself — what would this do for me?

I'd get some smug self-satisfaction out of it, sure. But I also wonder if I wouldn't feel like a bit of an ass for, in a sense, kicking a handicapped person. (I have little doubt they're doing the best they can. More's the pity.)

Thing is, I put my guts into that paper for five and a half years, and it kills me to see what it's become.

[wildhorses]

12. I know it hurts you to see your "baby" being neglected and

misused. However, your journey has seen fit to take you in a dfferent direction, right? I am not sure that a trip to the past is good for you or the paper. If you really wanted, I think reapplying for the editor's position would be the honorable thing to do. I would take several papers that you have "edited" as examples of the work that you are capable of producing. To me that would be the more open, honest thing to do. A win-win solution, so to speak. I do not know enough about the situation to comment any further. I get the feeling that you can not go back there and apply for the editorial position or that you even want it. That would be my advice on the knowledge I have at this point. Good luck whatever road you decide to take:hug:

[fizzgig]

4. do it

because each paper, no matter its size, needs to be reminded of its shortcomings

[billyskank]

7. Hi you!

:hug:

[NMMNG]

6. Go for it

:evilgrin:

[billyskank]

8. If you don't want to work for them again

Why would you want to help them for free?

[Oeditpus Rex]

9. Another excellent point

I would, however, work for them again, because they need me. And I love to go where I'm needed.

But since the same owners fired me once (in a "housecleaning;" they got seven of us), that ain't about to happen.

[Heidi]

10. Three words, Oedi: highly-paid consultant.

That's the _only_ way you should work for them again.

[Oeditpus Rex]

11. Y'know, I've thought of that

But how do I convince them they need one, let alone that it'd be me? :shrug:

They seem quite content in their mediocrity — especially since they bought up their only competition some months ago.

[wildhorses]

14. sorry I posted before I read the whole thread...my response

is slightly redundant at this point:shrug:

[Haole Girl]

13. I can think of one reason you shouldn't.....

...it's a waste of time. They, obviously, don't care.

[ThomCat]

15. Someone should point out to them how badly they're doing.

It sounds like a great idea. :)

[reyd reid reed]

16. I've BEEN saying it.

If nothing else, it'd be cathartic. It's not like you want to work for them any more...what've you got to lose?