Another week in the life that entitles me to be these listed items has been overwhelming.
I am the Managing Editor for my university newspaper. I have longed for this position my entire college career. Yet, I feel overwhelmed and disappointed in myself and my performance.
I have most of the things I would want in life up to this point and I feel proud of the achievements earned since I began. But, the previous issue of my school newspaper has brought much grief.
“Inflating figures is a sign of lazy journalism. And for someone who wants to do this professionally, it shows how much the industry is changing” says professor X.
One of the stories I allowed to be published had an overinflated figure that seemed utter ridiculous. How can I overcome the critical statements of many? Specifically, those who have vast experience in the field of writing.
I am professional writing major and I feel like a twenty-one-year-old child that can’t talk back to authorities. I understand that everyone (including journalists) make mistakes. Although I don’t want to make excuses, there is only one editor (me) editing a document that is twelve pages in length with 10 stories totaling 10,000 words. This editor also designs, distributes, manages and produces this publication that is currently under scrutiny for a “shameful issue” that has garnered attention from the Deans and administration of the school. How can anyone overcome this?
I believe I can and I believe I will. Along with an issue on stands that contains boasted figures typos, irregular words and mistakes that would shame any writer, there is much appreciation and expectancy for these issues.
The job of a journalist is to present the truth and not advocating for the reader is unacceptable. But, attempting to be a robot or multiple man is impossible.
When do you compromise your goals versus your wants?
Whenever someone holds a position of high interest, there would absolutely be scrutiny. This is expected. With support from actual journos, I know this is my intended field. THIS IS MY GOAL THAT I WANT AND THERE IS NO COMPROMISE. It sucks that a person has to go through needless blabber to wake up. But when this person does wake up, a giant will be awake.
Reasons my I think my mistake (and any for that matter) is a good sign
-I finally have an assistant editor that will be helping me from now on.
-We absolutely check everything more than once lol.
-Lines need to be drawn between student and editor.
-STIRRING UP CONTROVERSY SOLIDIFIES MY JOB AS REPORTER FIRST!
In “Letter to a Young Journalist” it is stated that a journalist is reporter, then writer, then editor. I know I have stirred up controversy for finally using those good ol’ Freedom of Information Act requests in regards to where our public money is being spent in universities. And so, I know I am doing my job.
So whenever I am belittled/humbled by my public, I will be sure to know that I am definitely doing my job first. A job I am proud to say most would never want to attempt.
This is why there are retractions and apologies. I have given both. To my critics, what have you given? To my supporters, I need you help more than ever now.
If you want perfection, go elsewhere and cast a stone to someone who cares. If you want satisfying facts and stories, please support in any way you can.
CHECKS AND BALANCES…USE IT…DON’T ABUSE IT. I WILL BE SURE TO USE MY REPORTING TO CHECK THE INADEQUACIES OF MY SCHOOL. IN THE SPIRIT OF KANYE WEST…IMMA LET YOU FINISH..BUT…I HAVE ONE OF THE BEST JOBS OF ALL TIME. AND I WON’T HAVE ANYONE RUIN THIS FOR ME. I WON’T HAVE YOU RUIN THIS FOR THE STUDENTS…
OUR VOICE WILL BE HEARD AND YOUR GLORIOUS REIGN WILL FALL. IF YOU WANTED PERFECTION, WHY NOT LOOK AT THE SCHOOL WHO STILL HAS A LOT MORE MISTAKES TO FIX.
I WILL DOT AND CROSS MY LETTERS AND SO SHOULD YOU.
I am a journalist.
