I have been on both sides of the fence. In my early years I was a newspaper reporter, then a city editor, a news editor and finally a managing editor. I'll never forget one time I was sent to interview a man who was opening a stock brokerage firm. I protested, saying I didn't know anything about such things. They told me my ignorance was perfect, I would ask good questions.

I agree that deadline pressures are severe. I still have nightmares about having a desk covered with blank page "dummies" and no news to fill them. The daily beast has to be fed.

I was hired by Union Pacific to join their public relations department because of my news background. I worked hard to help and educate reporters.

In my old age, I know most people don't know anything about railroads. They have no exposure, no trips, no electric trains under the Christmas tree. It shows up in the young reporters and the budget-starved newsrooms. Get used to it. Log on and rant about "conductors" failing to slam on the brakes!

I wish today's railroad PR people would work harder to explain PTC is still in the testing and development stage and is far from fail-safe. Quit @#$%& about the cost. The public doesn't care.

John Bromley - Omaha