On 8/18/05 12:38 AM, in article bhUMe.65754$E95.3190@fed1read01, "Jay
Beckman" wrote:
What's the excuse when a pilot (me) works for a newspaper, the reporter
knows it, and they *still* get a flying-related story wrong? I pointed out
multiple errors in a story before it went to press. Did it make a
difference? Nope.

And to whom did you point out the errors?

If it was to the reporter, then you probably lost out to their ego (Hey, I
checked my facts and my sources tell me it was this way...)
If it was to an editor, I'd guess you lost out to either indifference or a
deadline.

Either way, I'd say that publication was not exactly a paragon of
journalistic integrity. Especially if there was an "excuse" for it and not
a reason.

Maybe you should have sent a memo to the Publisher? Squeeky wheel and all
that...

Jay B


I pointed it out to the reporter. I'm sure indifference to accuracy was the
reason.

Deadline? Don't make me laugh. A pet peeve of mine here is that there is no
such thing as a deadline. Ever since manual paste-up fell by the wayside and
the industry converted to electronic pagination (PDF), our "drop dead
deadline" has now defaulted to whenever the press is scheduled to run,
usually noon. Even then, we miss *that* deadline and hold up the press, as
we did this Monday when we delivered the last page at 1:30 pm.

The publisher is well aware of it. His office is mere steps away from my
desk. Last Monday when we missed the deadline, the AJC complained loudly
(they actually print our paper), so he sent out an email chastising the
editorial and advertising department. Didn't make a bit of difference since
we did again it this week.

I have a lot of pet peeves with this industry and the place I work in
particular. But I don't own it and I've voiced my concerns often enough to
the point I've been told to keep quiet. So be it. I have plenty of freelance
work to keep me occupied when the place folds.
--
Jeff 'The Wizard of Draws' Bucchino

Cartoons with a Touch of Magic�
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