Tuesday, March 24, 2009
And there's more where this came from ...
I just keeps pouring. Or do I mean flooding? More news from Gannett for those of you who haven't heard yet (though I hardly think that's possible). And it's not like this is totally unexpected. For details see Jim Hopkins here or read this. I have nothing more to add.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Life gets in the way
So, it's been a rrreeealllyyy long time since posted - my apologies. I truly have no excuse other than I was just too weary to post. These days, I fall asleep at the slightest provocation. I kid you not.
A lot has happened in the mean- while. Danielle got engaged and we met her fiance and her in Poughkeepsie (as you know already). But here's a photo of the happy couple and the ring.
The famous Oscar pool was held at the Journal and the winner was ... NOT "Orlando B. de Mille." Actually it was your's truly who won the princely sum of $16 and a beautiful trophy. (I get to keep the trophy for a year!) Check out this photo.
And while most of us are still employed at the same place, we don't know if that place will be the same in the future. Yes 85 Civic Center Plaza is up for sale. The asking price is $5 million. There had been a lot of speculation about it and some of the reporters were even asked about the PoJo building's status. Now we can confirm it's on the market. No buyer yet. Os so they say ... but then I'm usually the last person to know.
But on a more happy note, I did get to celebrate two really happy occasions -- Judith's husband, Doug, celebrated a birthday and Dugan and John Penney had a whole bunch of people over at their new house in Rhinebeck -- and I drove there all by myself. No one died.
Kathy Norton became a grandma and visited the Journal (the two events are NOT related) with her class from Vassar. The students came up with good picks for 1A. And talking of 1A, man, there's just been a glut of news happening around here. Did anyone else notice?
A lot has happened in the mean- while. Danielle got engaged and we met her fiance and her in Poughkeepsie (as you know already). But here's a photo of the happy couple and the ring.
The famous Oscar pool was held at the Journal and the winner was ... NOT "Orlando B. de Mille." Actually it was your's truly who won the princely sum of $16 and a beautiful trophy. (I get to keep the trophy for a year!) Check out this photo.
And while most of us are still employed at the same place, we don't know if that place will be the same in the future. Yes 85 Civic Center Plaza is up for sale. The asking price is $5 million. There had been a lot of speculation about it and some of the reporters were even asked about the PoJo building's status. Now we can confirm it's on the market. No buyer yet. Os so they say ... but then I'm usually the last person to know.
But on a more happy note, I did get to celebrate two really happy occasions -- Judith's husband, Doug, celebrated a birthday and Dugan and John Penney had a whole bunch of people over at their new house in Rhinebeck -- and I drove there all by myself. No one died.
Kathy Norton became a grandma and visited the Journal (the two events are NOT related) with her class from Vassar. The students came up with good picks for 1A. And talking of 1A, man, there's just been a glut of news happening around here. Did anyone else notice?
Ode to journalists
Journalists are people too .. and they're good at their jobs. OK so I'm biased, but here's a real objective viewpoint that brings comfort in turbulent times: (The original e-mail was sent out by Liz Lynch:D)
Ten Reasons You Should Hire a Journalist
Dear Potential Employer:
Please accept this letter of recommendation for the journalist applying for your job opening. I know this is unorthodox -- a generic reference letter. But permit me to explain. Thousands of men and women who made journalism their vocation have lost their jobs. For many, telling a community's stories through words and images is the only career they've known.
They didn't leave their jobs; their jobs left them. Many are still shell-shocked, wondering if potential employers in other fields will place any value on the things they do best.
That's why I write this letter. I don't pretend to know the individual who's applying to you, and certainly, every journalist is unique. But as someone who has spent decades hiring and firing, coaching and mentoring journalists, I know a bit about their skills and values and what they could mean to your organization.
I also know that journalists may not be comfortable appearing to brag about what they do well; self-esteem can get downsized pretty easily these days.
So permit me to make their case to you. Here are 10 reasons you should hire a journalist.
1. Journalists will improve the writing, photography or design in your organization. When journalists volunteer for church, school or civic organizations, they are inevitably asked to work on communications projects. Their writing is clear and succinct; their photography and design skills make whatever they're working on look more polished and professional. They're sticklers about copy editing and will raise the quality of even your internal memos.
2. Journalists deliver on deadline. Their work lives have been defined by deadlines. Blowing a deadline is a cardinal sin in the newsroom culture. Tell them when something is due and you'll get it -- or you'll get a bulletproof reason from a nonetheless-contrite employee.
3. Journalists are multitaskers. In recent years, journalists have been required to do more with less. Reporters and photographers took up videography, editing and blogging. They file stories for print, broadcast and online, some while also tweeting. (If you don't know what tweeting is, ask during the interview. Don't worry. It does not involve stomach upset.)
4. Journalists are quick studies. Imagine a job in which you have to learn things every day, then turn around and teach those things to others. That's exactly how I've described the challenge and absolute joy of journalism at student career fairs. That skill set demands that journalists take in and process information with extraordinary efficiency and clarity, a benefit in any line of work.
5. Journalists are critical thinkers. They've been trained that "If your mother says she loves you, check it out." Journalists know that asking why and why not, looking at multiple perspectives, digging beneath the surface, challenging conventional wisdom, discerning patterns, finding context and thinking about "what's next" improves any story. Just as it improves job performance in most any field.
6. Journalists get answers faster than most. Even in social situations, you'll find friends rely on their journalist buddies to gather information. Scout the restaurant. Get the background on the car I'm thinking of buying. Vet the new school superintendent. Help me find the best doctor for my condition. Journalists know how to do research -- fast.
7. Journalists know how to use the Web. Your organization may or may not have embraced all of its online opportunities, but journalists know firsthand why the Internet matters. Sure, some news folks adopted an online mindset more slowly than others, but now many are well-equipped to help you execute online strategies -- blogging, creating video and audio, connecting through social networks. They've been brought up to speed in the past several years as their newsrooms expanded their horizons.
8. Journalists have a great work ethic. If you've ever complained that your team has a 9-to-5 approach to the job, hire a journalist. Some may think they're crazy, but they've often followed stories, not schedules. They've dropped everything for breaking news. They've gotten up in the middle of the night to catch a perfect picture of the moon or listen to a source who could talk only in darkness. They took on the work of laid-off colleagues while still doing their own, for as long as they could. And they still have energy.
9. Journalists have a solid moral compass. Imagine signing on to a job where you promise not to accept gifts that others could, must take pains to avoid real or perceived conflicts of interest, should keep your opinions to yourself, are expected to question authority while respecting the law and to recognize that your work carries the opportunity every day to do good or harm.
Journalists didn't just sign some statement saying they'll comply with the organization's policies, file it and forget it; they chose a profession that embraces a code of ethics and wrestles with its obligations daily. You might think they've fallen short over the years. But if you want to ask a great job interview question, ask journalists about some of the ethical minefields they've successfully walked and how they made it through while minimizing harm.
10. Journalists are loyal. That's why they're hurting right now. The journalists you may hire have been faithful to their vocation, even when the going got more than tough. They've adapted, learned new skills, added duties, taken pay cuts and furloughs, mourned the loss of colleagues and coverage, and kept on doing work that mattered. What does that mean to you? Speaking as a management coach, I say it means this: hiring journalists presents you a terrific opportunity. Give them a job they believe in and they'll work like hell to help you succeed.
Sincerely,
Jill Geisler
Group Leader, Leadership and Management Programs
The Poynter Institute
Ten Reasons You Should Hire a Journalist
Dear Potential Employer:
Please accept this letter of recommendation for the journalist applying for your job opening. I know this is unorthodox -- a generic reference letter. But permit me to explain. Thousands of men and women who made journalism their vocation have lost their jobs. For many, telling a community's stories through words and images is the only career they've known.
They didn't leave their jobs; their jobs left them. Many are still shell-shocked, wondering if potential employers in other fields will place any value on the things they do best.
That's why I write this letter. I don't pretend to know the individual who's applying to you, and certainly, every journalist is unique. But as someone who has spent decades hiring and firing, coaching and mentoring journalists, I know a bit about their skills and values and what they could mean to your organization.
I also know that journalists may not be comfortable appearing to brag about what they do well; self-esteem can get downsized pretty easily these days.
So permit me to make their case to you. Here are 10 reasons you should hire a journalist.
1. Journalists will improve the writing, photography or design in your organization. When journalists volunteer for church, school or civic organizations, they are inevitably asked to work on communications projects. Their writing is clear and succinct; their photography and design skills make whatever they're working on look more polished and professional. They're sticklers about copy editing and will raise the quality of even your internal memos.
2. Journalists deliver on deadline. Their work lives have been defined by deadlines. Blowing a deadline is a cardinal sin in the newsroom culture. Tell them when something is due and you'll get it -- or you'll get a bulletproof reason from a nonetheless-contrite employee.
3. Journalists are multitaskers. In recent years, journalists have been required to do more with less. Reporters and photographers took up videography, editing and blogging. They file stories for print, broadcast and online, some while also tweeting. (If you don't know what tweeting is, ask during the interview. Don't worry. It does not involve stomach upset.)
4. Journalists are quick studies. Imagine a job in which you have to learn things every day, then turn around and teach those things to others. That's exactly how I've described the challenge and absolute joy of journalism at student career fairs. That skill set demands that journalists take in and process information with extraordinary efficiency and clarity, a benefit in any line of work.
5. Journalists are critical thinkers. They've been trained that "If your mother says she loves you, check it out." Journalists know that asking why and why not, looking at multiple perspectives, digging beneath the surface, challenging conventional wisdom, discerning patterns, finding context and thinking about "what's next" improves any story. Just as it improves job performance in most any field.
6. Journalists get answers faster than most. Even in social situations, you'll find friends rely on their journalist buddies to gather information. Scout the restaurant. Get the background on the car I'm thinking of buying. Vet the new school superintendent. Help me find the best doctor for my condition. Journalists know how to do research -- fast.
7. Journalists know how to use the Web. Your organization may or may not have embraced all of its online opportunities, but journalists know firsthand why the Internet matters. Sure, some news folks adopted an online mindset more slowly than others, but now many are well-equipped to help you execute online strategies -- blogging, creating video and audio, connecting through social networks. They've been brought up to speed in the past several years as their newsrooms expanded their horizons.
8. Journalists have a great work ethic. If you've ever complained that your team has a 9-to-5 approach to the job, hire a journalist. Some may think they're crazy, but they've often followed stories, not schedules. They've dropped everything for breaking news. They've gotten up in the middle of the night to catch a perfect picture of the moon or listen to a source who could talk only in darkness. They took on the work of laid-off colleagues while still doing their own, for as long as they could. And they still have energy.
9. Journalists have a solid moral compass. Imagine signing on to a job where you promise not to accept gifts that others could, must take pains to avoid real or perceived conflicts of interest, should keep your opinions to yourself, are expected to question authority while respecting the law and to recognize that your work carries the opportunity every day to do good or harm.
Journalists didn't just sign some statement saying they'll comply with the organization's policies, file it and forget it; they chose a profession that embraces a code of ethics and wrestles with its obligations daily. You might think they've fallen short over the years. But if you want to ask a great job interview question, ask journalists about some of the ethical minefields they've successfully walked and how they made it through while minimizing harm.
10. Journalists are loyal. That's why they're hurting right now. The journalists you may hire have been faithful to their vocation, even when the going got more than tough. They've adapted, learned new skills, added duties, taken pay cuts and furloughs, mourned the loss of colleagues and coverage, and kept on doing work that mattered. What does that mean to you? Speaking as a management coach, I say it means this: hiring journalists presents you a terrific opportunity. Give them a job they believe in and they'll work like hell to help you succeed.
Sincerely,
Jill Geisler
Group Leader, Leadership and Management Programs
The Poynter Institute
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Kleban makes Journal
All the avid PoJo readers obviously didn't miss this, but for those of you who did, here's a tidbit: Former Managing Editor Richard L. Kleban made the paper's business section under "What's new in the business scene." And yes, they did mention his years of service at PoJo. Check it out online here. If you ask me, Kleban's looking real happy!
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Moving on
Some good news in this time of gloom:
Monday, February 2, 2009
Alumni reunion
So some of us gathered at the Coyote Grill - it's getting to be quite popular with the alumni - to toast Danielle Bermingham and her fiance Niels Hayden on a cold winter afternoon.
Yes, our girl is engaged. The ring is from Tiffany's and is absolutely dazzling. Surprisingly it's got nothing to do with her fave "Hello Kitty" though her credit card does (and it's pink, too).
Danielle, now a brunette (personally, I loved the redhead), was glowing and happy to see us all (or at least that's what she said). The marriage is set for October, in Hawaii and just the two of them.
A short post - for nostalgia
Folks:
Now I know I usually don't go around recommending articles from your erstwhile employer, but after reading these I felt compelled to share. (I suffer, you suffer.)
This one has something many of you will find familiar.
And this one is a commuting column that has me scratching my head.
Hint Alice, you seriously need to churn out some more columns. And be sure to get the names of people you quote. ;D
Now I know I usually don't go around recommending articles from your erstwhile employer, but after reading these I felt compelled to share. (I suffer, you suffer.)
This one has something many of you will find familiar.
And this one is a commuting column that has me scratching my head.
Hint Alice, you seriously need to churn out some more columns. And be sure to get the names of people you quote. ;D
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Breaking news:Knife-wielding person sighted in newsroom
It was just another Wednesday. Now usually, I'm off on Wednesdays, but this one time I was working. I walked into the newsroom, ready for any challenge that came my way. But this was not what I was expecting.
Minutes after I got out of the elevator - I hadn't even taken off my coat yet - I spotted a glint. It was an unmistakable glint - the lights were reflecting off the blade of a knife.
The blade was gleaming as the person who wielded it brandished it about, gesturing wildly. It was an almost brand new knife with a sharp edge. And I screamed.
Only, I screamed in delight for the knife-wielding person was none other than Kathy McLaughlin. And she came bearing gifts!
Kathy bought in a very delicious bundt cake for the folks hard at work. I managed to grab a couple of slices and I can assure you every morsel was super.
Learn something from this, folks: Keep the cakes coming. We'll be happy to provide the knife!
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Change is here!
Here's a complete turnaround. Former cops reporter Kathianne Boniello, who would start climbing walls if there wasn't a drug bust or killing or fire in the city for a few days, has found a new calling -- as a canine fashionista!
I'm not kidding. She recently bought a really cute ensemble for Roxy, the dog she shares with her boyfriend, Dylan.
In Boniello's words:
"Whatever people have been using to melt the ice in my neighborhood lately, it hurts Roxy's feet. She's been limping when we walk and it makes me so sad! So I finally went out and got her some winter boots.
I'm not sure they fit correctly - our first foray outside, she walked funky, then kind of sideways/diagonal for a while, and then two of them fell off and I didn't know it until we were down the block :-) But, we put them back on and seemed to get the hang of it after a while and there was no more limping.
She looks kind of snazzy, huh?"
Seriously, dude, there's possibility of minting money here. Have you considered becoming a pet fashion consultant? After seeing Roxy's jazzy ensemble, I'm sure you'll have no problems attracting clients and then you can charge them to dress up their pets ...
Just sayin'.
It probably will pay better than journalism. But then, doesn't everything?
BTW, for more on Roxy's ensemble, visit Michael Woyton's blog on PoJo. I'm going to try and link it here - hope it works!
Kathianne Boniello/Courtesy photo
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Frrrrrreezing no more
Ah the warmth!
That may seem strange coming from me, but it's true. In my freezing workplace, I've found a natural source of warmth -- a fleece jacket bequeathed to me by Kathy McLaughlin. I only just found out about this valuable gift.
Many of you may be quite familiar with this jacket -- I've borrowed it so many times from Kathy when I've been freezing at work. It big, black, warm and comfy. And did i mention it's warm?
I discovered the jacket after the whole space heater fiasco, that blew the fuse on the copy desk side. I realized maybe the space heater wasn't such a good idea after all!
Actually, I didn't even know Kathy had left the jacket behind until she reminded me of it. So thanks a million Kathy. There's at least one thing to look forward to when I go to work ;o
Photo: DARRYL BAUTISTA/Poughkeepsie Journal
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Boomer Gal's back
Here's some good news (and we surely need it): Kathy Norton's column is back. No, not at PoJo, but on the air at WAMC, the NPR station in Albany.
The station asked her to stay on as a contributor, so she's continuing the column under another title (Boomer Times) on the airwaves. Check out their Web site, www.wamc.org, search for Norton and you'll find one or two new ones posted there. Or you can simply check this - the latest I could find
Kathy is also starting to put together a Web site for "new columns, and other related features, with a long-range biz plan."
A teaser: Her next column is: "Accessorizing for your downsizing. ... Drop that cardboard box! Go out with a flair!"
For those who missed it, Kathy bought in a "stylish bag" to carry out her stuff from work.
Other updates:
Kathy McLaughlin is doing a volunteer photo gig for the American Heart Association.
Mike Eagleson is celebrating he's not on the local roads the same time as I am.
Jim Sheahan is probably destroying many futures by speaking at a Media Writing class at RCK.
Danielle Bermingham is visiting the Hudson Valley near the end of Jan.
Dave Webb, John Ferro, Dan Shapley, Alice Hunt and Kathianne Bonielloe are my friends of Facebook.
The station asked her to stay on as a contributor, so she's continuing the column under another title (Boomer Times) on the airwaves. Check out their Web site, www.wamc.org, search for Norton and you'll find one or two new ones posted there. Or you can simply check this - the latest I could find
Kathy is also starting to put together a Web site for "new columns, and other related features, with a long-range biz plan."
A teaser: Her next column is: "Accessorizing for your downsizing. ... Drop that cardboard box! Go out with a flair!"
For those who missed it, Kathy bought in a "stylish bag" to carry out her stuff from work.
Other updates:
Kathy McLaughlin is doing a volunteer photo gig for the American Heart Association.
Mike Eagleson is celebrating he's not on the local roads the same time as I am.
Jim Sheahan is probably destroying many futures by speaking at a Media Writing class at RCK.
Danielle Bermingham is visiting the Hudson Valley near the end of Jan.
Dave Webb, John Ferro, Dan Shapley, Alice Hunt and Kathianne Bonielloe are my friends of Facebook.
Looking for a place to go
Now that I have a week's "vacation," I'm looking for a place to go.
Sure, I've a car now and "new found freedom" (quote, Mike Eagleson), but the irony is I've no cash -- probably not even enough to fill gas (yes, I know prices are down!!)
The challenge is to balance my budget and pick a place that's interesting. Which probably means visiting family in Jersey or Buffalo and if I'm adventurous enough -- D.C. But I'm open to any and all suggestions.
Here's another good idea courtesy Michael Woyton: Let's all take a vacation together. We sure need it.
Sure, I've a car now and "new found freedom" (quote, Mike Eagleson), but the irony is I've no cash -- probably not even enough to fill gas (yes, I know prices are down!!)
The challenge is to balance my budget and pick a place that's interesting. Which probably means visiting family in Jersey or Buffalo and if I'm adventurous enough -- D.C. But I'm open to any and all suggestions.
Here's another good idea courtesy Michael Woyton: Let's all take a vacation together. We sure need it.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Breaking news at work
Some more sad news at work, as some of you might already know. For detailed info check out Jim Hopkins. I guess maybe this is a better way to go than more layoffs. Anymore people go and I guess we won't be able to function properly. But then that's what I thought the last time.
Monday, January 12, 2009
The Boss is being honored
OK, so this is not a suck up. Seriously.
The Boss is one of 15 Information Center Supervisor Recognition Award winners across Gannett. Among other things, the award recognizes her efforts to move us to the Universal Desk era and the RTC age. Also, it makes note of her grooming copy editors into new roles "while losing copy editors with more than 50 years of experience." (Guess who??) She gets a certificate and $1K.
On a more somber note, her mom's not doing so well and was hospitalized recently for an irregular heart beat.
Many changes in 2009
Hi all. Happy New Year. Made it back from a hectic trip to India and Pakistan and a glorious wedding. More on that later. But just wanted to update you on all the happenings at PoJo.
So, we moved printing to Westchester. I wasn't here, but those who were bid a tearful farewell to the ol' printing press. Also, deadlines are earlier, which is good in a way because you still have time to go out after. So if anyone's free after 10 ...
And as for other changes, the regular and dedicated readers of PoJo may have noticed those already. Judith, SundayBiz will now be part of B and For Kids won't be a full page Mondays. Stay tuned for more to come.
But the silver lining is we've got new commuting columnists. Orlando will truly appreciate this. Tony's back but most importantly Alice is taking over -- gee, a real writer writing a column!!! We love Alice. Promise me you won't write about train rides to Yankee Stadium. Please ... pretty please?
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