Re: Fourth Estate railroad knowledge
Author: Charles Stookey
Date: 10-31-2008 - 14:30
Mr. Goepel has it right. As a retired editor I agree with all his points.
If you see a mistake bring it to the attention of the reporter but remember to be professional with your comments. Anger and humiliation will only bring defensive responses. Everyone I worked with was trying very hard to get things correct. We all felt badly when a mistake was made. If you get no satisfaction from the reporter go up the ladder. No reporter wants to be called to the managing editor's office and really doesn't want to be called to the publisher's office.
Where I worked a reporter was paid only a few dollars more than minimum wage and that was with a degree required. I made a whopping $12.75 an hour and was considered highly paid.
Just as in other businesses there are persons of poor to excellent talent. Walk in their shoes for a month or two. I always appreciated intelligent feedback both good and bad.
Just my two cents also.