Angry journalist: "I check my brain at the door."
I came across a very depressing blurb today at AngryJournalist.com. And before I share it, I do hope that this person is completely in the minority. I mean, we all know that times are dire in many respects and that things are changing, but this comment made me want to go home and go back to bed. This from Angry Journalist #6911:
I have become numb.
After 10 years of working my way up as a reporter, I now do the minimum.
I surf the internet for about five or six hours a day, chat with co-worker for another hour or so, and drive aimlessly around town. Somewhere in between I’ll make a few calls, check the fax and spend 15 minutes writing a story.
Funny thing is - editors love it. I check my brain at the door and just do whatever they say.
Back when I cared and devoted myself to writing the best stories I could, everything was a fight.
Now, I do almost nothing and make $18 an hour.
That makes me very angry.
These are the people we need to invigorate. If you happen to know Angry Journalist #6911, please send them my way. I want to talk to him or her about blogging, crowd-sourcing, friendfeed, twitter and brainstorm some new interesting ideas that will get buy-in from the top. This cannot happen if you give up, as this person has. It makes me sad. And if editors "love it," well shame on them.
What is your advice to this angry journalist? Come on, leave a comment. We need to start a conversation.