That's right. One more day. I'll be here tomorrow for the Melford announcement, and then I drive to Lunenburg tomorrow night, then airport and T.O. on Wednesday. I'm still processing what all has happened over the past three months, as I've always been so busy that I'm not sure whether I'm coming or going most days, but I hope that I got to help out and entertain a few people during my time here.
I've met amazing people, and I understand why people are fighting so hard to get more jobs and facilities here--it's a beautiful place with great people and a lot of potential. You're facing a hard battle, but I know that good things will happen in Guysborough--starting with tomorrow's announcement--and if anyone can turn around the economy it's the Guysborough RDA and the council. People here really care.
I wish you all the best of luck, and will be following events here from Toronto. Some of you may even be subjected to a few more interviews from me:)
Thanks to everyone who helped me out with answers to stupid questions, directions and just being friendly to me on those days when I felt very alone.
For anyone who wants to keep up with my exploits, I've started a new blog as I'll no longer be a Guysborough Girl (though I will always remember it, from the raccoon on the roof and the giant pointsettia to Keltic and Melford and everything in between). You can check it out here: http://jenthejournalist.blogspot.com/
Wish me luck as I set off on another adventure.
Monday, May 28, 2007
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
This Guysborough Girl's days are numbered...
So, I'm leaving the end of this month to head back to cbc.ca in Toronto. Same game, different place, better shoe shopping. It was a really tough decision, and I'll really miss parts of Guysborough. At the same time, I'll be glad to get my hands on sunny weather Starbucks double chocolate chip blended cream frappucinos.
Until then, chocolate pie at the bakery is an excellent substitute.
Life has been busy here at the Journal. Someone stole the alligator from the playground in Mulgrave, Seafreez has said that it won't have any work this summer, the Deep Panuke recommendations are coming in, and, of course, last night was Guysborough Council.
Normally a highly efficient, orderly council, last night was anything but. The first item on the agenda was the presentation from the Concerned Citizens of Lincolnville, same one as last time but this time it was on the agenda and sent to committee for consideration. This went fairly well, until council said it wasn't going to be forcing any resignations or creating any committees during the meeting.
It turned into a screaming match where I'm pretty sure councillors were trying to explain that things have to be done in due process, i.e. sent to committee, notice given, etc. I can't say for sure, because no one stopped to listen. The Concerned Citizens might be better off without their contingent from Halifax, who kept yelling at council to strike a committee instantly. They also kept referring to Robert's Rules of Law--the parliamentary procedures--as governance, but someone should perhaps explain to them that municipal councils operate according to council bylaws.
Looks like someone isn't doing their homework and is misleading the Concerned Citizens. No wonder they're disappointed if they're being told that something can happen instantly and it doesn't. Problem is, councils don't work that way.
Then came a banner. By this point, the council had allowed for a question and answer session to pursue, with a lot of questions but no time for answers. And heckling from the advocates of Robert's rules.
The banner stated five demands, including a public apology for last month's walk out on the unplanned presentation, the resignations of Sheila Pelly and Alonzo Reddick, the closure of the landfill and a new committee.
Council put forward plans to meet in Lincolnville for their regular meeting next month, but were told they wouldn't be welcome in the community, that no one invited them.
So, what happens next? We'll have to see whether any one from the community shows up at the next meeting if council holds it in Lincolnville, or if council backs out and awaits an invitation. Staff is reviewing the demands, so we'll see what happens there. The one thing that can't happen is the removal of Sheila Pelly, unless she chooses to resign--which I think is unlikely--because council can't fire councillors. That's got to wait another year and a bit for the elections in October 2008, but I fear that's not going to be taken well by the Concerned Citizens, who feel like they're not being represented, or by their quasi-advisors who really should take the time to look up due process and the rules governing the operations of council.
I understand the citizens of Lincolnville are upset, no one wants a landfill near their community. What may help them is to play the game, go through the processes of council, and get advisors who can do the necessary research and behave themselves.
Until then, chocolate pie at the bakery is an excellent substitute.
Life has been busy here at the Journal. Someone stole the alligator from the playground in Mulgrave, Seafreez has said that it won't have any work this summer, the Deep Panuke recommendations are coming in, and, of course, last night was Guysborough Council.
Normally a highly efficient, orderly council, last night was anything but. The first item on the agenda was the presentation from the Concerned Citizens of Lincolnville, same one as last time but this time it was on the agenda and sent to committee for consideration. This went fairly well, until council said it wasn't going to be forcing any resignations or creating any committees during the meeting.
It turned into a screaming match where I'm pretty sure councillors were trying to explain that things have to be done in due process, i.e. sent to committee, notice given, etc. I can't say for sure, because no one stopped to listen. The Concerned Citizens might be better off without their contingent from Halifax, who kept yelling at council to strike a committee instantly. They also kept referring to Robert's Rules of Law--the parliamentary procedures--as governance, but someone should perhaps explain to them that municipal councils operate according to council bylaws.
Looks like someone isn't doing their homework and is misleading the Concerned Citizens. No wonder they're disappointed if they're being told that something can happen instantly and it doesn't. Problem is, councils don't work that way.
Then came a banner. By this point, the council had allowed for a question and answer session to pursue, with a lot of questions but no time for answers. And heckling from the advocates of Robert's rules.
The banner stated five demands, including a public apology for last month's walk out on the unplanned presentation, the resignations of Sheila Pelly and Alonzo Reddick, the closure of the landfill and a new committee.
Council put forward plans to meet in Lincolnville for their regular meeting next month, but were told they wouldn't be welcome in the community, that no one invited them.
So, what happens next? We'll have to see whether any one from the community shows up at the next meeting if council holds it in Lincolnville, or if council backs out and awaits an invitation. Staff is reviewing the demands, so we'll see what happens there. The one thing that can't happen is the removal of Sheila Pelly, unless she chooses to resign--which I think is unlikely--because council can't fire councillors. That's got to wait another year and a bit for the elections in October 2008, but I fear that's not going to be taken well by the Concerned Citizens, who feel like they're not being represented, or by their quasi-advisors who really should take the time to look up due process and the rules governing the operations of council.
I understand the citizens of Lincolnville are upset, no one wants a landfill near their community. What may help them is to play the game, go through the processes of council, and get advisors who can do the necessary research and behave themselves.
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
It's May!
I can't believe it snowed on May 1. That's just depressing.
So, I was off for the end of last week to go home, recuperate, and move my fiance to Ontario. I spent my time off packing up my apartment frantically, and didn't get as much work done as I had hoped. So, it was a long, hard start to the week this week, but the paper made it out AND I can breathe through my nose. Things are looking up.
I've already been to Canso twice this week, both on Monday.The first was for the end of the Reading Circle, and the second was for the ever-lively council. Council passed it's code of ethics, so it was actually more quiet than usual, with nothing really controversial on the agenda. They have a meeting Monday with Seafreez, which is pretty exciting, and the light-bulb campaign is starting, but otherwise, things in the Town of Canso are pretty much the status quo. At this rate, Guysborough is going to move up a notch for controversy, as I expect both the civic centre and the Lincolnville demands to return next week.
I feel like I'm starting to get a handle on some of the issues in the county, but I'm still out of the loop on so many things. I feel like being new, and not from here, puts me at a huge disadvantage. And, because of the regular turnover at the Journal, our coverage of some things has been spotty at times, combined with a system of archiving stories based on the reporter's whims for saving documents at the time (i.e. I have named two stories fisherman).
I feel like I'm constantly chasing things down, only to find out they're old, and missing other things because I would have never expected them to be important. As Mayor White told me the other night, coming into Guysborough County is kind of like moving in mid-way through a soap opera--there are a lot of confusing sub-plots, spinoffs, and back stories that a newcomer can't possibly grasp. You can get the gist, but never the whole story unless you've been following for a while.
Also, my interests are pretty different from the main audience, so sometimes I feel like I might miss things. The bulk of the population is considerably older, and sometimes our interests differ. I try, really hard, to catch news on everything I think will interest people, but I haven't been following the Continuing Care Strategy/health/seniors issues beat for very long.
I guess I've just been spending a lot of time feeling like I'm floundering. I get cryptic hints that I can't figure out (PS--If anyone knows what 'Watch if Fletcher buys that building" means, please let me know, and I will be eternally in your debt), and there's a lack of background information available about issues that have been going on for years. Back with the CBC, I could just go to the archives and get more information than I ever could need, while here, I need to talk to three or four people with different stories and memories and try to figure out which is the most reliable.
In addition, I'm feeling quite lonely, with council meetings being the closest thing to a social life. My friends are in Halifax, Toronto, and Calgary, my fiance is in Ontario searching for a job, and I'm working my butt off and still feeling behind in Guysborough, Nova Scotia.
Luckily, the next few days are kind of quiet meetings-wise, so while it does mean I have to work harder to find news stories, it also means that I'll have an evening or two to myself for a change. This whole working all day, all night, and over the weekends thing is getting exhausting. But, for now, my weekend is free and clear. I think I'm going to sleep.
So, I was off for the end of last week to go home, recuperate, and move my fiance to Ontario. I spent my time off packing up my apartment frantically, and didn't get as much work done as I had hoped. So, it was a long, hard start to the week this week, but the paper made it out AND I can breathe through my nose. Things are looking up.
I've already been to Canso twice this week, both on Monday.The first was for the end of the Reading Circle, and the second was for the ever-lively council. Council passed it's code of ethics, so it was actually more quiet than usual, with nothing really controversial on the agenda. They have a meeting Monday with Seafreez, which is pretty exciting, and the light-bulb campaign is starting, but otherwise, things in the Town of Canso are pretty much the status quo. At this rate, Guysborough is going to move up a notch for controversy, as I expect both the civic centre and the Lincolnville demands to return next week.
I feel like I'm starting to get a handle on some of the issues in the county, but I'm still out of the loop on so many things. I feel like being new, and not from here, puts me at a huge disadvantage. And, because of the regular turnover at the Journal, our coverage of some things has been spotty at times, combined with a system of archiving stories based on the reporter's whims for saving documents at the time (i.e. I have named two stories fisherman).
I feel like I'm constantly chasing things down, only to find out they're old, and missing other things because I would have never expected them to be important. As Mayor White told me the other night, coming into Guysborough County is kind of like moving in mid-way through a soap opera--there are a lot of confusing sub-plots, spinoffs, and back stories that a newcomer can't possibly grasp. You can get the gist, but never the whole story unless you've been following for a while.
Also, my interests are pretty different from the main audience, so sometimes I feel like I might miss things. The bulk of the population is considerably older, and sometimes our interests differ. I try, really hard, to catch news on everything I think will interest people, but I haven't been following the Continuing Care Strategy/health/seniors issues beat for very long.
I guess I've just been spending a lot of time feeling like I'm floundering. I get cryptic hints that I can't figure out (PS--If anyone knows what 'Watch if Fletcher buys that building" means, please let me know, and I will be eternally in your debt), and there's a lack of background information available about issues that have been going on for years. Back with the CBC, I could just go to the archives and get more information than I ever could need, while here, I need to talk to three or four people with different stories and memories and try to figure out which is the most reliable.
In addition, I'm feeling quite lonely, with council meetings being the closest thing to a social life. My friends are in Halifax, Toronto, and Calgary, my fiance is in Ontario searching for a job, and I'm working my butt off and still feeling behind in Guysborough, Nova Scotia.
Luckily, the next few days are kind of quiet meetings-wise, so while it does mean I have to work harder to find news stories, it also means that I'll have an evening or two to myself for a change. This whole working all day, all night, and over the weekends thing is getting exhausting. But, for now, my weekend is free and clear. I think I'm going to sleep.
Monday, April 30, 2007
Quick update
Just wanted to let everyone know I'm back on my feet from being sick. I've got a whirlwind next two days to get the paper out, including Canso council tonight, so I should have a good entry for Wednesday!
Monday, April 23, 2007
I've been a bad blogger...
...and unfortunately will continue to be one for the next day or two. This lovely spring weather has come just in time for me to be quite sick. I'm crawling out of bed long enough to work on the paper, but lack the energy and creativity to blog. Hopefully I'll be back online soon.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
I've hit the two month mark!
Wow. In some ways, I feel like I've been here forever, working really hard, in other ways I feel very, very new as I continue to make wrong turns and appear blissfully unaware of the issues that matter in Guysborough County. Today, we got the paper done by supper time (hurrah, though it did mean we didn't order any food in, which was slightly disappointing).
I went to a really interesting meeting tonight. It was a discussion on immigration, the benefits of having immigrants in the community, the ways to attract them, and the hurdles they face.
It must be really scary coming to a new country with a very difficult culture and then have trouble integrating with the community, that is, not feeling accepted or welcomed.
It also really set me to thinking. I'm very new to this community, and have been facing hurdles of my own. I can't imagine how much harder it would be to have culture shock (I mean, beyond the differences from moving from Halifax and Toronto to here!).
For example, I'm currently living in the basement of The Journal. Luckily, the exterminator came over the weekend, so my bunny rabbit Al and I aren't finding cellar bugs (or sow bugs as they're called here) in our beds. However, I'm still living under my work in a one room apartment, which is slightly less than glamourous, or comfortable.
My fiance can't find work in the area, so he's looking West. It's awfully lonely here without him, as we've spent the last three years attached at the hip. We've always planned to return to Ontario, where he's from and where I fell in love with cbc.ca, but the plan was always to go together. Now it looks like he might be moving very soon. Which leaves me in a tricky situation, as I do really like a lot of the people here, the area is beautiful, and am getting great job experience and portfolio pieces, but at the same time, I want to be with him. And be able to afford a place for us to live.
The final hurdle is similar to what the immigrant community voiced tonight. It's a feeling of not being included. I have no family here. I had to look up Guysborough on the map when I took the job! Luckily, a good friend of my Mom's works at the RDA, so I have a bit of a support net. People are very friendly, but I'm generally out of the loop. I don't know who's who or what's what. I have a loose grasp of some of the things happening here in the last two months, but past that, I'm up the creek without a paddle. Or on my way back from Sherbrooke at night without a map. Either way, I'm lost.
I keep intending to go to yoga, but my job keeps me really busy. In some ways, that's a good thing, as I spend less time missing James, my friends, people my own age, malls, and starbucks, but it also means that I lack real roots. Without an address, a private line, or even a changed cell phone number, in many ways I still feel transient, ready to pack up and go when the work or loneliness gets too overwhelming. These last two weeks have been particularly difficult, as we've been quite busy, Sharon, our office manager, is on vacation in Mexico, and Melissa, the graphic designer, put in her notice for this spring. I've started having nightmares about having to come up with story ideas, do them, edit them, and lay out and proof the paper.
I had an opportunity to move to Toronto this week, and work casually for cbc.ca. The job would have started early May. And, it was quite tempting. James could find work, I could get into the mother corp system, and there are an awful lot of fab shoe stores in Toronto. I could spend hours alone at nine west (and well over my year's reporter salary). But, it's also hard. I'm learning so much working here, and I haven't been here very long so would feel really guilty about bailing. There are no guarantees that this casual work could turn into something, either, which would leave James and I high and dry.
When I moved here, I wasn't sure what to expect. In some ways, everything has far exceeded my expectations, while in others, life here is really hard--for newcomers and long-time residents alike. Across the county, work is scarce. Money is tight. Teens and twenty-somethings are packing up and leaving in droves. The county's in a tight spot, and desperately needs positive things to happen. The RDA and all the councils--Guysborough, Mulgrave, St. Mary's and Canso--are working so hard to make positive changes, but economic renewal is a really slow process.
Luckily, for many of the residents, there are tight-knit support groups in the form of family and friends. People are incredibly active in their communities, a fact I'm becoming more and more aware of as volunteer week progresses. People are able to live happily here because of these things, things that newcomers aren't hooked into.
So, even if it takes a while, even if it happens long after I'm gone, I hope someone acts on the recommendation from tonight's meeting to form a newcomer's group--a way to meet people, interact, learn what's what and get involved in the community. It certainly would help any one new to the community, not just those coming from overseas but even those like me coming from the south shore. I'm sure that if/when the Keltic and Melford terminals projects get going, there will be more newcomers, and they will face some of the same hurdles faced tonight, and may too have trouble setting down roots.
To end on a happy note, my school-related work is done! Now I just need to wait on the marks, and hit up the ceremony on May 17. James is packing up our Halifax apartment and selling off our furniture, so things are progressing and my to-do list is getting shorter. And, even better, I have nothing on my calendar for tomorrow. I will get to work on some stories, make some calls, and hopefully have an early night--especially necessary since I'll be at volunteer ceremonies Friday and Saturday nights!
I went to a really interesting meeting tonight. It was a discussion on immigration, the benefits of having immigrants in the community, the ways to attract them, and the hurdles they face.
It must be really scary coming to a new country with a very difficult culture and then have trouble integrating with the community, that is, not feeling accepted or welcomed.
It also really set me to thinking. I'm very new to this community, and have been facing hurdles of my own. I can't imagine how much harder it would be to have culture shock (I mean, beyond the differences from moving from Halifax and Toronto to here!).
For example, I'm currently living in the basement of The Journal. Luckily, the exterminator came over the weekend, so my bunny rabbit Al and I aren't finding cellar bugs (or sow bugs as they're called here) in our beds. However, I'm still living under my work in a one room apartment, which is slightly less than glamourous, or comfortable.
My fiance can't find work in the area, so he's looking West. It's awfully lonely here without him, as we've spent the last three years attached at the hip. We've always planned to return to Ontario, where he's from and where I fell in love with cbc.ca, but the plan was always to go together. Now it looks like he might be moving very soon. Which leaves me in a tricky situation, as I do really like a lot of the people here, the area is beautiful, and am getting great job experience and portfolio pieces, but at the same time, I want to be with him. And be able to afford a place for us to live.
The final hurdle is similar to what the immigrant community voiced tonight. It's a feeling of not being included. I have no family here. I had to look up Guysborough on the map when I took the job! Luckily, a good friend of my Mom's works at the RDA, so I have a bit of a support net. People are very friendly, but I'm generally out of the loop. I don't know who's who or what's what. I have a loose grasp of some of the things happening here in the last two months, but past that, I'm up the creek without a paddle. Or on my way back from Sherbrooke at night without a map. Either way, I'm lost.
I keep intending to go to yoga, but my job keeps me really busy. In some ways, that's a good thing, as I spend less time missing James, my friends, people my own age, malls, and starbucks, but it also means that I lack real roots. Without an address, a private line, or even a changed cell phone number, in many ways I still feel transient, ready to pack up and go when the work or loneliness gets too overwhelming. These last two weeks have been particularly difficult, as we've been quite busy, Sharon, our office manager, is on vacation in Mexico, and Melissa, the graphic designer, put in her notice for this spring. I've started having nightmares about having to come up with story ideas, do them, edit them, and lay out and proof the paper.
I had an opportunity to move to Toronto this week, and work casually for cbc.ca. The job would have started early May. And, it was quite tempting. James could find work, I could get into the mother corp system, and there are an awful lot of fab shoe stores in Toronto. I could spend hours alone at nine west (and well over my year's reporter salary). But, it's also hard. I'm learning so much working here, and I haven't been here very long so would feel really guilty about bailing. There are no guarantees that this casual work could turn into something, either, which would leave James and I high and dry.
When I moved here, I wasn't sure what to expect. In some ways, everything has far exceeded my expectations, while in others, life here is really hard--for newcomers and long-time residents alike. Across the county, work is scarce. Money is tight. Teens and twenty-somethings are packing up and leaving in droves. The county's in a tight spot, and desperately needs positive things to happen. The RDA and all the councils--Guysborough, Mulgrave, St. Mary's and Canso--are working so hard to make positive changes, but economic renewal is a really slow process.
Luckily, for many of the residents, there are tight-knit support groups in the form of family and friends. People are incredibly active in their communities, a fact I'm becoming more and more aware of as volunteer week progresses. People are able to live happily here because of these things, things that newcomers aren't hooked into.
So, even if it takes a while, even if it happens long after I'm gone, I hope someone acts on the recommendation from tonight's meeting to form a newcomer's group--a way to meet people, interact, learn what's what and get involved in the community. It certainly would help any one new to the community, not just those coming from overseas but even those like me coming from the south shore. I'm sure that if/when the Keltic and Melford terminals projects get going, there will be more newcomers, and they will face some of the same hurdles faced tonight, and may too have trouble setting down roots.
To end on a happy note, my school-related work is done! Now I just need to wait on the marks, and hit up the ceremony on May 17. James is packing up our Halifax apartment and selling off our furniture, so things are progressing and my to-do list is getting shorter. And, even better, I have nothing on my calendar for tomorrow. I will get to work on some stories, make some calls, and hopefully have an early night--especially necessary since I'll be at volunteer ceremonies Friday and Saturday nights!
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Week seven--and the blogs are still coming
So, school is technically over for me. I mean, graduation isn't until May, and until the webmaster puts up my new stuff on the journal website (from two weeks ago) I may not feel done. But, it's basically over.
It's a weird feeling. But, I actually felt like a working journalist today when I got an unhappy phone call.
You see, a local school had a health day, and distributed pamphlets to the students about sex. It explained sexual acts pretty explicitly, and at least one parent was unhappy that her 8th grader received this without her permission. So, she wrote us a letter about it and cited some descriptions of sexual acts in detail.
After some talking around the office, we decided not to print the descriptions. We have a lot of older and very religious readers who were going to be offended by the letter anyway. We decided it would be best not to cause any further upset, and replaced the section saying the pamphlets contained graphic descriptions.
Today, the author of the letter called. She was not impressed that we didn't want to print it, saying the point was that she didn't want to read it, or have her daughter read it. I heard her out, and explained that all letters to the editor are subject to editing, and we didn't feel comfortable printing one section of the letter, so either had to omit that part, or omit the whole letter. I then encouraged her to write another letter, if she felt strongly about the omission, explaining how upset she was that The Journal didn't want to present that information to its readers but her daughter was given it at school.
She seemed much calmer when she said goodbye, so now I'm just waiting to see if I get the letter.
I feel like I handled it pretty well, even though my stomach is still is knots every time I have to deal with unhappiness.
Speaking of unhappiness, Guysborough Council last night was wild. Everyone talks about how crazy Canso Council can get, but it really had nothing on last night! The Save Lincolnville Campaign showed up at council and issued its demands for changes in representation, and council adjourned before it was finished. I'm still working on the story for next week's Journal, but it's definitely going to be a hard one. It's a very emotional issue, and I don't think last night went particularly well for either side. Nothing was resolved either, so this may be opening a can of worms with allegations of racism becoming quite prevalent.
It's a weird feeling. But, I actually felt like a working journalist today when I got an unhappy phone call.
You see, a local school had a health day, and distributed pamphlets to the students about sex. It explained sexual acts pretty explicitly, and at least one parent was unhappy that her 8th grader received this without her permission. So, she wrote us a letter about it and cited some descriptions of sexual acts in detail.
After some talking around the office, we decided not to print the descriptions. We have a lot of older and very religious readers who were going to be offended by the letter anyway. We decided it would be best not to cause any further upset, and replaced the section saying the pamphlets contained graphic descriptions.
Today, the author of the letter called. She was not impressed that we didn't want to print it, saying the point was that she didn't want to read it, or have her daughter read it. I heard her out, and explained that all letters to the editor are subject to editing, and we didn't feel comfortable printing one section of the letter, so either had to omit that part, or omit the whole letter. I then encouraged her to write another letter, if she felt strongly about the omission, explaining how upset she was that The Journal didn't want to present that information to its readers but her daughter was given it at school.
She seemed much calmer when she said goodbye, so now I'm just waiting to see if I get the letter.
I feel like I handled it pretty well, even though my stomach is still is knots every time I have to deal with unhappiness.
Speaking of unhappiness, Guysborough Council last night was wild. Everyone talks about how crazy Canso Council can get, but it really had nothing on last night! The Save Lincolnville Campaign showed up at council and issued its demands for changes in representation, and council adjourned before it was finished. I'm still working on the story for next week's Journal, but it's definitely going to be a hard one. It's a very emotional issue, and I don't think last night went particularly well for either side. Nothing was resolved either, so this may be opening a can of worms with allegations of racism becoming quite prevalent.
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Heading into the home stretch
School ends Friday. I've spent thousands (and thousands and thousands) on tuition and rent, devoted hours and hours to classes and homework, studied myself stupid (believe me, it happens. Days when you couldn't find your keys if your life depended on it, but you can list all the sub-acts of the British North America Act in chronological order) and now it's ending.
It's definitely nice to not have to worry about schoolwork anymore--or at least it will be, if the web designer puts up the up-to-date content and my latest round of changes! But, I'm reluctant. This is my sixth week of working at the Journal, and in many ways I'm still stubbornly clinging to my Halifax and student life. I sleep rarely. I eat at weird hours. My cell phone still has a Halifax number. I don't even want to think about paying back my loans.
But, as of Friday, I won't be a student any more. I'll be a full-time, working journalist. I should be happy, right? This is what I've been working towards for the last four years! It's just scary.
I've learned so much in my time here so far, I've made contacts, I've written stories on everything from Elizabeth May to a giant poinsettia and everything in between, I've edited, wrote an editorial, attended every council meeting I could (and regularly managed to get lost), taken pictures, considered lay out options (though luckily my graphic designer is brilliant, so I just have to say what page things should go on and she makes it fit), and received my first complaints.
The worst part, and probably the most valuable lesson, has been the complaints. J-school has not taught me to have a thick skin. As a student, you often try to avoid those iffy touchy situations, because you can. Now, I've got to follow up on them, and sometimes when people are upset and stressed, they say things they don't really mean and call unhappy. Also, people call with complaints that have absolutely nothing to do with you and you have to take it in stride.
I've received two complaints, and 10 or 12 thank yous, so I'm averaging out pretty well, but for some reason the complaints seem to stick. The one was directly concerning an article, where someone later decided (the week after the paper came out) that they would have rather not spoken to me. The second was a change in status for the Keltic project between 2005 and two weeks ago, which aggravated one community member who decided we lied to him in 2005 or now.
I've learned to just listen to complainents and hear them out, because that often seems to be what they want, but it still gets to me. There was no real feedback during J-school, and you could sometimes forget that you had readers (if in fact you ever did!). I don't know if there's something the program could do to help with this or if it's just a harsh wake up call when you enter the real world, but it's certainly hard.
Other challenges I've started to be able to take in stride--empty pages (thanks kids for holding penguin day yesterday!), letters to the editor, unreturned calls, even corrections/clarifications. It's just the complaints that get to me. Even though I'm soon not going to be a student anymore, I still kind of feel like that young, naive, change the world kind of person who wants everyone to like me--qualities that may not be negative, but also don't always float in the real world.
It's definitely nice to not have to worry about schoolwork anymore--or at least it will be, if the web designer puts up the up-to-date content and my latest round of changes! But, I'm reluctant. This is my sixth week of working at the Journal, and in many ways I'm still stubbornly clinging to my Halifax and student life. I sleep rarely. I eat at weird hours. My cell phone still has a Halifax number. I don't even want to think about paying back my loans.
But, as of Friday, I won't be a student any more. I'll be a full-time, working journalist. I should be happy, right? This is what I've been working towards for the last four years! It's just scary.
I've learned so much in my time here so far, I've made contacts, I've written stories on everything from Elizabeth May to a giant poinsettia and everything in between, I've edited, wrote an editorial, attended every council meeting I could (and regularly managed to get lost), taken pictures, considered lay out options (though luckily my graphic designer is brilliant, so I just have to say what page things should go on and she makes it fit), and received my first complaints.
The worst part, and probably the most valuable lesson, has been the complaints. J-school has not taught me to have a thick skin. As a student, you often try to avoid those iffy touchy situations, because you can. Now, I've got to follow up on them, and sometimes when people are upset and stressed, they say things they don't really mean and call unhappy. Also, people call with complaints that have absolutely nothing to do with you and you have to take it in stride.
I've received two complaints, and 10 or 12 thank yous, so I'm averaging out pretty well, but for some reason the complaints seem to stick. The one was directly concerning an article, where someone later decided (the week after the paper came out) that they would have rather not spoken to me. The second was a change in status for the Keltic project between 2005 and two weeks ago, which aggravated one community member who decided we lied to him in 2005 or now.
I've learned to just listen to complainents and hear them out, because that often seems to be what they want, but it still gets to me. There was no real feedback during J-school, and you could sometimes forget that you had readers (if in fact you ever did!). I don't know if there's something the program could do to help with this or if it's just a harsh wake up call when you enter the real world, but it's certainly hard.
Other challenges I've started to be able to take in stride--empty pages (thanks kids for holding penguin day yesterday!), letters to the editor, unreturned calls, even corrections/clarifications. It's just the complaints that get to me. Even though I'm soon not going to be a student anymore, I still kind of feel like that young, naive, change the world kind of person who wants everyone to like me--qualities that may not be negative, but also don't always float in the real world.
Friday, March 30, 2007
What do you do when there's no news?
Well, actually, I have personal news: I'm engaged! I'm very happy!
Unfortunately, I cannot devote next week's paper to my engagement. I don't think that many people here will care enough to read about it. So, there are lots of empty pages to be filled.
And what do you do when there's nothing happening? I know of nothing going on in the community this weekend. There's one council meeting, which is a start, but does not a paper make. It's a slow time of year, and that combined with Easter coming up, means I'm grasping at straws.
I've trolled Communications Nova Scotia releases, the Herald, the Daily News, the CBC, and the Hawk to look for ideas. I read the other local papers, who appear to just be using my ideas from previous weeks.
Still no luck.
And apparently, it is highly unethical to make news, i.e. starting fires, protests, etc. I have lots of stuff that should be happening mid-April, when the paper will be packed full of stories. So, I'm looking at no more than 3 lean weeks. But how do I cope? I'm trying to line up features, I've done one with a kid who competes in the motorcross circuit and have an interview set up with a soldier who's returned from Afghanistan.
But, beyond that, I'm at a loss. I normally don't have trouble coming up with story ideas. I'm still new here, and I feel kind of out of the loop sometimes. I'm doing all the normal things to look for story ideas--talking to people and trolling all sorts of newspapers and news sites, but to no avail. I fear the paper might be shorter next week, which makes me kind of feel like I'm failing.
So, I will continue trolling and grasping for any possible leads, and wait anxiously for something (hopefully nothing major, but something!) to happen.
Unfortunately, I cannot devote next week's paper to my engagement. I don't think that many people here will care enough to read about it. So, there are lots of empty pages to be filled.
And what do you do when there's nothing happening? I know of nothing going on in the community this weekend. There's one council meeting, which is a start, but does not a paper make. It's a slow time of year, and that combined with Easter coming up, means I'm grasping at straws.
I've trolled Communications Nova Scotia releases, the Herald, the Daily News, the CBC, and the Hawk to look for ideas. I read the other local papers, who appear to just be using my ideas from previous weeks.
Still no luck.
And apparently, it is highly unethical to make news, i.e. starting fires, protests, etc. I have lots of stuff that should be happening mid-April, when the paper will be packed full of stories. So, I'm looking at no more than 3 lean weeks. But how do I cope? I'm trying to line up features, I've done one with a kid who competes in the motorcross circuit and have an interview set up with a soldier who's returned from Afghanistan.
But, beyond that, I'm at a loss. I normally don't have trouble coming up with story ideas. I'm still new here, and I feel kind of out of the loop sometimes. I'm doing all the normal things to look for story ideas--talking to people and trolling all sorts of newspapers and news sites, but to no avail. I fear the paper might be shorter next week, which makes me kind of feel like I'm failing.
So, I will continue trolling and grasping for any possible leads, and wait anxiously for something (hopefully nothing major, but something!) to happen.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Life in the G-town
I'm back. And boy, do I have a lot to write about. I don't even know where to start! But, I guess I'll begin where I left off on Thursday. So, the wardrobe issue. I still don't have a good answer. My mom suggests slacks and a blouse, which is great when I'm working in the city, but not quite everyday wear here. My current fix? Jeans and nice sweaters, and a presentable jacket (a fake leather motorcycle jacket, which in itself is pretty darn cool). It's still a problem, though, because some days I feel very young. Some days I look at myself and wonder if I was the one being interviewed, would I take this person seriously? At the same time, I'm a little resistant to changing my look. I like my jacket. I like my (new!) bright pink spring scarf/pashmina. And my pink brimmed hat. It's just scary, because I'm 21, $24,000 in debt, and all I have to make myself seem employable is my credibility and a few months writing experience. Luckily, Helen and Allan seem pretty happy with me, and I'm certainly keeping busy.
I had a great weekend in Halifax, and attempted to relax. I think I may have shopped more than lazed around, but that's theraputic in itself. I went to Starbucks and Orange Julius. I went out for supper with my boyfriend. I shopped at MicMac and Halifax. And I didn't get lost once. OK, well, once, coming back to Halifax from MicMac, but everyone does that. It hardly counts.
Sunday night was back to "the grind." It was kind of a slow news week when I left, which always means a little more work looking for stuff, so you can believe my surprise when I opened my email to find 232 email messages. Yikes. And, me being me, I decided to try to get them all handled that night--i.e. replies, editing, or trashing--so Monday would be easier. I gave up with 50-some left.
So, Monday morning I was exhausted. I stayed up far too late with those blasted emails, and then had trouble sleeping (a weekend in a double bed free of cellar bugs made my return to the single bed that has had a cellar bug on at least one occaision even harder). Plus, I bought the new Shopaholic book (Shopaholic and Baby, for those who care, is not as exciting as previous ones. Shopping for prams is far less satisfying than shopping for Manolo Blahnicks).
So, bright and early, armed with tea, I was back to work facing six blank pages providing that everything went swimmingly with my plans. Yikes.
So, first I was off to take a picture of a giant poinsettia. Now, when you're in j-school, you make fun of the people who gravitate towards animals, giant vegetables, or precocious children. They're generally fluff pieces and there's not always a whole lot to say. Once you've seen one giant pumpkin, or one terrier that knows how to dance, you're pretty much satisfied. But, my life has reached the point that I went looking for a giant plant. It's not cute, it's not edible. Luckily, luck was on my side that day, to be newsworthy things are generally cute or useful, or, my blessing, strange. This plant was massive. I mean like over four feet tall and just as wide massive. So I took some pictures, wrote a little piece about this enormous plant, and was off to the next thing.
As I was struggling to find content (despite a rash of robberies and Ronnie Chisholm's run-in with the media) I heard a fire truck go by. That's right, I was reduced to chasing a fire truck. Worse yet, I was using the paper's truck (which drives a lot differently than my civic!) and almost backed into a fence. With people watching. AND the fire didn't amount to anything even photo-worthy.
Then Canso Council. Always an exciting event (though cookies could help. My mother has accused me of going to meetings just for the food. There's nothing wrong with a cup of tea and a cookie during a long meeting!).
As my stories in this week's paper explain, it was exciting. Discussion ranged from the civic centre (see previous postings on that whole controversy) to the end of Canso as a town to blowing up the Seafreez fish plant. Well, no one said they'd do it, an audience member just said the town might be better off if it happened.
During a break while they were in camera, someone told me they'd read my blog. It still feels strange to have people reading my stuff. I mean, I know I have readers, but it's different to have it interact with my life. Plus, sometimes I feel embarassed about what people who don't know me must think of me from reading my blog. Am I flighty? Crazy? Smart? I have no idea how I come across. And I guess, that's kind of the point.
Another sleepless night, and then into production today. I managed to fill up the paper, but it was a long battle. I wrote my first editorial, so it was a landmark production day. And I'm tired. But, no rest for this weary reporter. It's time to start working on the next one. I think I may sleep all day Saturday, unless a good Easter-related photo opportunity comes my way.
Lessons learned so far this week? Check my email over the weekend. Chasing fire trucks is embarassing, especially when it turns out to be nothing. Trucks do not drive like Honda Civics. I still have a lousy sense of direction, even though I've lived here for a month. Giant plants can be impressive. And going home can sometimes make you miss that special someone even more.
I had a great weekend in Halifax, and attempted to relax. I think I may have shopped more than lazed around, but that's theraputic in itself. I went to Starbucks and Orange Julius. I went out for supper with my boyfriend. I shopped at MicMac and Halifax. And I didn't get lost once. OK, well, once, coming back to Halifax from MicMac, but everyone does that. It hardly counts.
Sunday night was back to "the grind." It was kind of a slow news week when I left, which always means a little more work looking for stuff, so you can believe my surprise when I opened my email to find 232 email messages. Yikes. And, me being me, I decided to try to get them all handled that night--i.e. replies, editing, or trashing--so Monday would be easier. I gave up with 50-some left.
So, Monday morning I was exhausted. I stayed up far too late with those blasted emails, and then had trouble sleeping (a weekend in a double bed free of cellar bugs made my return to the single bed that has had a cellar bug on at least one occaision even harder). Plus, I bought the new Shopaholic book (Shopaholic and Baby, for those who care, is not as exciting as previous ones. Shopping for prams is far less satisfying than shopping for Manolo Blahnicks).
So, bright and early, armed with tea, I was back to work facing six blank pages providing that everything went swimmingly with my plans. Yikes.
So, first I was off to take a picture of a giant poinsettia. Now, when you're in j-school, you make fun of the people who gravitate towards animals, giant vegetables, or precocious children. They're generally fluff pieces and there's not always a whole lot to say. Once you've seen one giant pumpkin, or one terrier that knows how to dance, you're pretty much satisfied. But, my life has reached the point that I went looking for a giant plant. It's not cute, it's not edible. Luckily, luck was on my side that day, to be newsworthy things are generally cute or useful, or, my blessing, strange. This plant was massive. I mean like over four feet tall and just as wide massive. So I took some pictures, wrote a little piece about this enormous plant, and was off to the next thing.
As I was struggling to find content (despite a rash of robberies and Ronnie Chisholm's run-in with the media) I heard a fire truck go by. That's right, I was reduced to chasing a fire truck. Worse yet, I was using the paper's truck (which drives a lot differently than my civic!) and almost backed into a fence. With people watching. AND the fire didn't amount to anything even photo-worthy.
Then Canso Council. Always an exciting event (though cookies could help. My mother has accused me of going to meetings just for the food. There's nothing wrong with a cup of tea and a cookie during a long meeting!).
As my stories in this week's paper explain, it was exciting. Discussion ranged from the civic centre (see previous postings on that whole controversy) to the end of Canso as a town to blowing up the Seafreez fish plant. Well, no one said they'd do it, an audience member just said the town might be better off if it happened.
During a break while they were in camera, someone told me they'd read my blog. It still feels strange to have people reading my stuff. I mean, I know I have readers, but it's different to have it interact with my life. Plus, sometimes I feel embarassed about what people who don't know me must think of me from reading my blog. Am I flighty? Crazy? Smart? I have no idea how I come across. And I guess, that's kind of the point.
Another sleepless night, and then into production today. I managed to fill up the paper, but it was a long battle. I wrote my first editorial, so it was a landmark production day. And I'm tired. But, no rest for this weary reporter. It's time to start working on the next one. I think I may sleep all day Saturday, unless a good Easter-related photo opportunity comes my way.
Lessons learned so far this week? Check my email over the weekend. Chasing fire trucks is embarassing, especially when it turns out to be nothing. Trucks do not drive like Honda Civics. I still have a lousy sense of direction, even though I've lived here for a month. Giant plants can be impressive. And going home can sometimes make you miss that special someone even more.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Looking for answers to the age old question
What do I wear? This may not sound like a serious journalistic query, but it is truly a problem. In the span of a day I can be at the rink, a press conference, and a public meeting. And I never know what I'll be doing in the day until I'm safely curled up at night in my bed in my pjs.
Now, I know, clothes are supposed to matter. But they do. I can't show up to cover a press conference in a band t-shirt, and I don't really want to go to the rink in a suit. So how do you strike that balance? I'm young enough that I worry about people taking me seriously--especially considering my propensity towards mittens on a string and singing along with cds in my car. But, I also don't want to be overdressed, that can make people uncomfortable too. So where's the balance? I'll go to a school board meeting in a denim skirt and sweater, to find all the other media wearing jeans and t-shirts. So, the next time, I'll wear jeans and a sweater and sneakers, and every one will be in suits. Also, as media, I don't want to stand out too much, but I want people to know I'm a reporter.
My current uniform consists of pants, either jeans or khakis, plain t-shirts, and sweaters. And on my feet? Sneakers or boots, depending on the weather. But, I know that it doesn't always work, and apparently I can't always predict when that will be. However, I do know enough not to wear my pink hat during interviews--unless I'm outside:)
And, on another note, we got a very sweet card thanking us for our coverage of provincials and for honouring the Myatts. It made me feel really touched:)
Now, I know, clothes are supposed to matter. But they do. I can't show up to cover a press conference in a band t-shirt, and I don't really want to go to the rink in a suit. So how do you strike that balance? I'm young enough that I worry about people taking me seriously--especially considering my propensity towards mittens on a string and singing along with cds in my car. But, I also don't want to be overdressed, that can make people uncomfortable too. So where's the balance? I'll go to a school board meeting in a denim skirt and sweater, to find all the other media wearing jeans and t-shirts. So, the next time, I'll wear jeans and a sweater and sneakers, and every one will be in suits. Also, as media, I don't want to stand out too much, but I want people to know I'm a reporter.
My current uniform consists of pants, either jeans or khakis, plain t-shirts, and sweaters. And on my feet? Sneakers or boots, depending on the weather. But, I know that it doesn't always work, and apparently I can't always predict when that will be. However, I do know enough not to wear my pink hat during interviews--unless I'm outside:)
And, on another note, we got a very sweet card thanking us for our coverage of provincials and for honouring the Myatts. It made me feel really touched:)
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
The Civic Centre
The last two nights I've gone to meetings about the proposed civic centre for Guysborough. It's actually a really neat facility, with an NHL ice surface, with turf for the summer, a walking track, a library, meeting halls, and such. Pretty cool, and it sounds like the municipality can afford it without having to raise taxes. But, people aren't all happy with it. The first meeting was little more than a screaming match about why it couldn't work--not enough people--and it's affect on the Canso rink--kill it. It's actually part of a plan to bring people to Guysborough as these projects like Keltic, Maple, Melford, and apparently a few others that can't be discussed because of non-disclosure agreements come nearby. The idea is that having a state of the art rec facility, in conjunction with the school (which is really nice) and a new performance centre (which should be done in a few weeks), would help persuade people to move to the area. Last night, the meeting was much more positive, under the general premise that people want things to do. It may not be an ideal proposal--it's not going to create jobs--but, it was nice to see people at least consider the plan at hand.
The first meeting was really hard to write about. It's always difficult to paint people in an unflattering light, even when it's only through their direct quotes. I know I always have said, "Just quote them and let them hang themselves with their words" but this meeting was horrifying. Adults screaming, interupting each other, and not even remotely interested in the presentation, but rather just hollering. This is not an effective way to convey a message or concerns. As a result, when the story was done, I was concerned. I tried to explain their views and worries in the story while giving a sense of tension and anger, but they came off, for the most part, as just angry people and I couldn't elaborate on the concerns or the answers because no one elaborated, or let anyone else finish what they were saying. Essentially, it was a disaster, and as the paper is coming out today, I'm worried about what the people involved will think when they see it. It's a small place, and I told the truth, but I think they'll be upset by the fact that their concerns were overshadowed by their bad behaviour. I worry about the phone calls I'm going to get, while at the same time telling myself that I shouldn't be worried--it's my job to report accurately, and I did that.
I guess I'm still having trouble finding that balance between being professional and being liked. Not enough to not write the story, but enough that it bothers me. I guess we'll see what types of phone messages and emails are waiting for me after my long weekend in Halifax.
My other problem with this story is that I can't help but support the idea of a civic centre. Life in Guysborough isn't exactly happening and James and I will probably end up living closer to Antigonish for that reason. I wake up in the morning to find myself missing weird things from life in Halifax, Toronto, Belleville, and Lunenburg. For example, a white chocolate mochiato from Starbucks, which I never got that regularly (I love the white hot chocolate and whipped cream, but the expresso makes me awfully wired) or Tim Hortons--not anything specific about it, just having the option of going to grab an ice cap, cookie, or croissant--even though the bakery is far superior. I miss SmartSet and Le Chateau and Kick Ass Shoes, for my stressful days when I need retail therapy. I don't need to buy anything, I just need to look and know that I could buy something if I wanted. It's a great distraction--and one the discount store doesn't quite accomplish. I miss the bars. I never went to them (unless one of my favourite bands was playing) but apparently I liked knowing I had the option of going out to see a show or go dancing. And, believe it or not, the 20-something crowd in Guysborough isn't exactly huge, or entertained.
I also love to skate, and can't justify the mileage (or the bumpy drive) to go to Canso just for an hour of public skating. If there was an arena in Guysborough, at least I could do that. And, they make it sound like it's part of a bigger plan to bring things like shopping here, which would be awfully nice.
I feel like it would be a positive thing to have things to do here--for myself as well as the community. And that sentiment combined with the horrible public meeting made me worried about writing the story. The concerns are valid--killing the Canso arena, not being able to support such a big facility, and what happens if these industrial deals fall through? But their concerns were overshadowed by the behaviour, and as a result, the concerns may not get presented in the way the concerned people were hoping for.
But luckily, I won't have much longer to worry about it. The paper is coming out this afternoon, and tomorrow afternoon I'm off to Halifax for the weekend--to shop, drink starbucks, go to restaurants, and see other 20-somethings wandering around doing much the same thing. It's also, more importantly, a chance to see my boyfriend, my bunny, and my friends while getting pre-graduation errands done. And, it's a place where I won't be attending angry public meetings. In fact, after the conference this afternoon (if the causeway opens), I don't have another meeting until Monday, which will give me a chance to relax and be calm--I find these angry situations very draining as someone who admits to sucking with confrontation. And maybe next time, I won't sit at the front, so all the anger won't be focused in my direction.
The first meeting was really hard to write about. It's always difficult to paint people in an unflattering light, even when it's only through their direct quotes. I know I always have said, "Just quote them and let them hang themselves with their words" but this meeting was horrifying. Adults screaming, interupting each other, and not even remotely interested in the presentation, but rather just hollering. This is not an effective way to convey a message or concerns. As a result, when the story was done, I was concerned. I tried to explain their views and worries in the story while giving a sense of tension and anger, but they came off, for the most part, as just angry people and I couldn't elaborate on the concerns or the answers because no one elaborated, or let anyone else finish what they were saying. Essentially, it was a disaster, and as the paper is coming out today, I'm worried about what the people involved will think when they see it. It's a small place, and I told the truth, but I think they'll be upset by the fact that their concerns were overshadowed by their bad behaviour. I worry about the phone calls I'm going to get, while at the same time telling myself that I shouldn't be worried--it's my job to report accurately, and I did that.
I guess I'm still having trouble finding that balance between being professional and being liked. Not enough to not write the story, but enough that it bothers me. I guess we'll see what types of phone messages and emails are waiting for me after my long weekend in Halifax.
My other problem with this story is that I can't help but support the idea of a civic centre. Life in Guysborough isn't exactly happening and James and I will probably end up living closer to Antigonish for that reason. I wake up in the morning to find myself missing weird things from life in Halifax, Toronto, Belleville, and Lunenburg. For example, a white chocolate mochiato from Starbucks, which I never got that regularly (I love the white hot chocolate and whipped cream, but the expresso makes me awfully wired) or Tim Hortons--not anything specific about it, just having the option of going to grab an ice cap, cookie, or croissant--even though the bakery is far superior. I miss SmartSet and Le Chateau and Kick Ass Shoes, for my stressful days when I need retail therapy. I don't need to buy anything, I just need to look and know that I could buy something if I wanted. It's a great distraction--and one the discount store doesn't quite accomplish. I miss the bars. I never went to them (unless one of my favourite bands was playing) but apparently I liked knowing I had the option of going out to see a show or go dancing. And, believe it or not, the 20-something crowd in Guysborough isn't exactly huge, or entertained.
I also love to skate, and can't justify the mileage (or the bumpy drive) to go to Canso just for an hour of public skating. If there was an arena in Guysborough, at least I could do that. And, they make it sound like it's part of a bigger plan to bring things like shopping here, which would be awfully nice.
I feel like it would be a positive thing to have things to do here--for myself as well as the community. And that sentiment combined with the horrible public meeting made me worried about writing the story. The concerns are valid--killing the Canso arena, not being able to support such a big facility, and what happens if these industrial deals fall through? But their concerns were overshadowed by the behaviour, and as a result, the concerns may not get presented in the way the concerned people were hoping for.
But luckily, I won't have much longer to worry about it. The paper is coming out this afternoon, and tomorrow afternoon I'm off to Halifax for the weekend--to shop, drink starbucks, go to restaurants, and see other 20-somethings wandering around doing much the same thing. It's also, more importantly, a chance to see my boyfriend, my bunny, and my friends while getting pre-graduation errands done. And, it's a place where I won't be attending angry public meetings. In fact, after the conference this afternoon (if the causeway opens), I don't have another meeting until Monday, which will give me a chance to relax and be calm--I find these angry situations very draining as someone who admits to sucking with confrontation. And maybe next time, I won't sit at the front, so all the anger won't be focused in my direction.
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Letters to the editor
Letters to the editor seem to be an ever-present thorn in my side, or foot, or whatever would be the most awkward and painful. That's how I feel about them. An active letters section is supposed to indicate a healthy paper, but I think it may also explain why many male editors are bald and many female editors smoke. Political letters, personal letters, advertising letters, letters of criticism. They're all awkward. Firstly, how much do you correct them? Do you fix blatant typos? What about unclear sentences? And what happens when they same something completely outrageous and false?
I'm inclined to print them as is, with typos corrected. If they look like an idiot, it's their own words that hang them. And, if something is wrong, I hope against hope that someone will write in and correct it in time for the printing of the next issue. Of course, there's a line when there's something slanderous (or just incredibly stunned) in the letter. Then, you just don't print it.
But, all the rules change with political letters. First off, Helen and I have come up with a policy for what we're going to print. Nothing from the party press office or campaign members--they can pay for their own advertising. No form letters. But we'll print everything else (applying the no slander and no stunned letters rule from above) as long as it deals with local issues, and is from a local person.
The slander rule is also different for political letters. If someone writes something negative about a person in the community, we automatically reject it. But for people in politics, once the hat is thrown into the ring, there's little the candidate can do to protect themselves.
And this brings me to my latest thorn in my side--really at this point which feels more like it's in my eye, it's that bad--a letter by a lovely lady named Muriel. I received the letter yesterday (Friday) and wasn't sure what to do with it. So I typed it up and sent it to Helen to see what she had to say.
Muriel's very upset because the Harper government hasn't revamped the Veteran's allowance as promised in their election campaign. That's fine. That I can print. But the problem comes with the following paragraph, where she asks:
"How in my electoral district (Cape Breton-Canso) did Alan Murphy of Antigonish (Peter MacKay’s long time personal assistant) manage to be declared candidate by acclamation—decided in Ottawa? Certainly the local riding association were not involved."
Now, Allan owns the paper, and is a lovely man. It's rather slanderous comment, but I know he's not going to sue the paper, and it is the kind of thing that comes with the territory. The other problem (besides her mispelling of Allan's name) is that it's totally false.
There was a public announcement of nominations being open. Allan just happened to be the only person who completed all the steps, i.e. completing documents, getting signatures, by the deadline. So, the riding association was most definitely involved and it wasn't decided in Ottawa.
And secondly, Peter MacKay has never had a personal assistant. He's had lots of help, but no personal assistant. Allan did work for him, a few years ago in Ottawa as Chief of Staff, and briefly last year as regional director.
So, that makes it more complicated. If I don't run it, the lovely Muriel will say that we didn't run it just because Allan owns the paper. If I cut it out, she'll say it's censorship, and same problem. And I don't know if I'd run it if it was someone else, it's just kind of mean. I also don't know how many other papers she sent this to, so if we ran a different copy of it than another paper, people would criticize us as a "tory rag."
And we can't have Allan, his campaign manager, or the riding association reply in this issue of the paper, because then it will look like we're trying to defend him.
So final decision? I guess we're going to run it, in its entirety, then hope that someone replies to correct it before the next issue.
I'm inclined to print them as is, with typos corrected. If they look like an idiot, it's their own words that hang them. And, if something is wrong, I hope against hope that someone will write in and correct it in time for the printing of the next issue. Of course, there's a line when there's something slanderous (or just incredibly stunned) in the letter. Then, you just don't print it.
But, all the rules change with political letters. First off, Helen and I have come up with a policy for what we're going to print. Nothing from the party press office or campaign members--they can pay for their own advertising. No form letters. But we'll print everything else (applying the no slander and no stunned letters rule from above) as long as it deals with local issues, and is from a local person.
The slander rule is also different for political letters. If someone writes something negative about a person in the community, we automatically reject it. But for people in politics, once the hat is thrown into the ring, there's little the candidate can do to protect themselves.
And this brings me to my latest thorn in my side--really at this point which feels more like it's in my eye, it's that bad--a letter by a lovely lady named Muriel. I received the letter yesterday (Friday) and wasn't sure what to do with it. So I typed it up and sent it to Helen to see what she had to say.
Muriel's very upset because the Harper government hasn't revamped the Veteran's allowance as promised in their election campaign. That's fine. That I can print. But the problem comes with the following paragraph, where she asks:
"How in my electoral district (Cape Breton-Canso) did Alan Murphy of Antigonish (Peter MacKay’s long time personal assistant) manage to be declared candidate by acclamation—decided in Ottawa? Certainly the local riding association were not involved."
Now, Allan owns the paper, and is a lovely man. It's rather slanderous comment, but I know he's not going to sue the paper, and it is the kind of thing that comes with the territory. The other problem (besides her mispelling of Allan's name) is that it's totally false.
There was a public announcement of nominations being open. Allan just happened to be the only person who completed all the steps, i.e. completing documents, getting signatures, by the deadline. So, the riding association was most definitely involved and it wasn't decided in Ottawa.
And secondly, Peter MacKay has never had a personal assistant. He's had lots of help, but no personal assistant. Allan did work for him, a few years ago in Ottawa as Chief of Staff, and briefly last year as regional director.
So, that makes it more complicated. If I don't run it, the lovely Muriel will say that we didn't run it just because Allan owns the paper. If I cut it out, she'll say it's censorship, and same problem. And I don't know if I'd run it if it was someone else, it's just kind of mean. I also don't know how many other papers she sent this to, so if we ran a different copy of it than another paper, people would criticize us as a "tory rag."
And we can't have Allan, his campaign manager, or the riding association reply in this issue of the paper, because then it will look like we're trying to defend him.
So final decision? I guess we're going to run it, in its entirety, then hope that someone replies to correct it before the next issue.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Almost Friday...
This week, I'm dreaming of Friday. Normally, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday are days to be a little more relaxed and start working on stories for next week. This week, we had the business paper to put out (going to press on Monday, and if you're in the county pick up your free copy of the East Nova Business Report!). Initially, it didn't seem like it was going to be that much more work. But, after putting out this week's Journal, I had trouble keeping up my momentum. And now, I can almost taste Friday afternoon, where I'll probably do the same thing I'm doing now--hang out on the computer, talk to friends and catch up on work--but know that I'll be able to sleep through most of Saturday. Amazingly, there's nothing going on around here this weekend--yet. So, other than working on a few stories I'm off the hook.
Next week will feel like a huge relief! To celebrate almost hitting the one month mark, I'm going to take Friday off and head to Halifax to take care of some of this graduation stuff and see my boy and bunny. I'm very excited:)
Thanks to this week, we can add being lost in Sherbrooke to my list. Luckily, I'm soon going to have hit all the regular meetings, so I'll start only getting lost when new things are happening. It's very exciting. I may even wash my car in celebration--well, probably not.
I feel like maybe I'm starting to get the hang of all this--and so will offer my evaluation of the monthly meetings. Canso has the best entertainment value, Sherbrooke the best food with Guysborough coming in second. Mulgrave and Guysborough are tied for quickness and efficiency. And the schoolboard...well, we're just not going to go there. They don't even feed us poor media folks! And we do appreciate being fed. We're still talking about the cheesecake from the Strait luncheon (lemon and chocolate with melon on the side--it was fabulous!). Turns out we're an industry of eat on the go people with weird schedules, and there's no fastfood in Guysborough County. So, we're happy to take what we can get!
This was perhaps not my most intelligent analysis of my new job, but in the last two days my media counterparts and I have been discussing food rather than the Keltic decision, Melford, or any other big news stories. Obviously, I'm not the only one in a mid-week slump.
Next week will feel like a huge relief! To celebrate almost hitting the one month mark, I'm going to take Friday off and head to Halifax to take care of some of this graduation stuff and see my boy and bunny. I'm very excited:)
Thanks to this week, we can add being lost in Sherbrooke to my list. Luckily, I'm soon going to have hit all the regular meetings, so I'll start only getting lost when new things are happening. It's very exciting. I may even wash my car in celebration--well, probably not.
I feel like maybe I'm starting to get the hang of all this--and so will offer my evaluation of the monthly meetings. Canso has the best entertainment value, Sherbrooke the best food with Guysborough coming in second. Mulgrave and Guysborough are tied for quickness and efficiency. And the schoolboard...well, we're just not going to go there. They don't even feed us poor media folks! And we do appreciate being fed. We're still talking about the cheesecake from the Strait luncheon (lemon and chocolate with melon on the side--it was fabulous!). Turns out we're an industry of eat on the go people with weird schedules, and there's no fastfood in Guysborough County. So, we're happy to take what we can get!
This was perhaps not my most intelligent analysis of my new job, but in the last two days my media counterparts and I have been discussing food rather than the Keltic decision, Melford, or any other big news stories. Obviously, I'm not the only one in a mid-week slump.
Monday, March 12, 2007
Life is busy in Guysborough County
I am exhausted. Like sit in my chair staring at the screen dozing off exhausted. Exhausted enough to rediscover naps. I have to admit, when I took this job, I was expecting to be busy, but not this busy--after all, Guysborough's supposed to be pretty sleepy! In the last week I've been to six meetings and a hockey tournament. I've been lost in St. Peter's, Port Hastings, Melford, and Mulgrave. In the last 24 hours, I've written a dozen stories, and am waiting on more interviews and tonight's council meeting.
When teachers said that cutting your teeth at a community newspaper was a good idea, we were always a little sceptical. Sure it looks great on a resume and you'll get to do quite a bit of writing, but the real lessons to be learned when you're covering elections for the Globe. Until then, we're just all biding our time.
Or, so we think. Until we step into that community newsroom and find ourselves flooded with community news, issues, press releases, advertising, complaints, letters, layout, photography and so much more. Files upon files of stories we've only heard of in passing but are of the utmost importance to the area. Places that don't make it on to any map I've owned up until now. And, the pressure of fostering meaningful and trusting relationships with sources. You, the journalist are an outsider and need to prove you deserve to be trusted. I never came across that with those smooth talking politicians while at the CBC. I learned so much during my internship, but every day here I feel like I'm doubling or tripling that knowledge. And, am constantly reminding myself to overcome bad habits like commas (oh, how I miss thee) and super short paragraphs (from my love of online journalism.)
And, who ever thought that there would be big scoops and important, life altering stories in small towns? Multimillion dollar deals and heartbreaking tragedies are covered in the same day, and I've had to teach myself to switch between and comprehend the two.
And now, I must move on to story 13. The people here are friendlier than in Toronto and Halifax, the roads a billion times worse, and the social life for a twenty-something pretty much non-existant, but one thing remains the same no matter where you're working in journalism--the deadlines.
When teachers said that cutting your teeth at a community newspaper was a good idea, we were always a little sceptical. Sure it looks great on a resume and you'll get to do quite a bit of writing, but the real lessons to be learned when you're covering elections for the Globe. Until then, we're just all biding our time.
Or, so we think. Until we step into that community newsroom and find ourselves flooded with community news, issues, press releases, advertising, complaints, letters, layout, photography and so much more. Files upon files of stories we've only heard of in passing but are of the utmost importance to the area. Places that don't make it on to any map I've owned up until now. And, the pressure of fostering meaningful and trusting relationships with sources. You, the journalist are an outsider and need to prove you deserve to be trusted. I never came across that with those smooth talking politicians while at the CBC. I learned so much during my internship, but every day here I feel like I'm doubling or tripling that knowledge. And, am constantly reminding myself to overcome bad habits like commas (oh, how I miss thee) and super short paragraphs (from my love of online journalism.)
And, who ever thought that there would be big scoops and important, life altering stories in small towns? Multimillion dollar deals and heartbreaking tragedies are covered in the same day, and I've had to teach myself to switch between and comprehend the two.
And now, I must move on to story 13. The people here are friendlier than in Toronto and Halifax, the roads a billion times worse, and the social life for a twenty-something pretty much non-existant, but one thing remains the same no matter where you're working in journalism--the deadlines.
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
Post-production week 2
This week was very exciting--my first paper that I worked on from start to finish! It was very full. I've been attending a lot of meetings, which has made me a negligent blogger--I'm sorry! Luckily, the long drives on country roads lead to a lot of thoughts about what I'm doing--and debating what to name my car. I first thought Carrie, but didn't want the Sex and the City reference. Cassie? I don't know. Aparently it is a girl.
The one thing that I've really picked up this week is the importance of meeting people and getting stories beyond the CNS. The best stories come from connections I've made in the community, and especially when you're new, it's important to touch base with everyone, introduce yourself, and encourage people to call you. I'm still meeting people, but it really helps to have story ideas coming to you!
I 'met' another journalist this week, at the Mulgrave meeting. I say 'met' because he did not acknowledge my presence! I'm used to other journalists saying hi, sharing nods, rolling eyes while listening to the reading of waste by-laws, but na da. This guy came in late, I nodded and smiled at him which he ignored, then proceeded to plunk himself down and slowly crack his knuckles, run his hands through his firmly gelled hair, and chew on his pen. It was a pleasure to make his acquaintence. After the meeting he ran up to talk to the Mayor, so I just listened to their interview, then after he left asked my own questions.
I'm also starting to get a better grasp of what matters to our readers, and how to edit submissions. We get columns of news from each community (they're cute--it's how I know who's going to Halifax, who's visiting, whose pets are sick...), letters to the editor, and other submissions, and I don't want to over edit them, but I also don't want to leave things vague. It feels like a very fine line.
Well, for now I'm off to the Pub to hear Peter MacKay's announcement. Next week we've got our business paper as well as the regular one going out, so I have got to set to work on the newest issue--the last one is just hitting newstands now.
And I will try to be a better blogger for the rest of the week. Also, if any one has suggestions for car names or a policy for printing political letters--leave a comment!
The one thing that I've really picked up this week is the importance of meeting people and getting stories beyond the CNS. The best stories come from connections I've made in the community, and especially when you're new, it's important to touch base with everyone, introduce yourself, and encourage people to call you. I'm still meeting people, but it really helps to have story ideas coming to you!
I 'met' another journalist this week, at the Mulgrave meeting. I say 'met' because he did not acknowledge my presence! I'm used to other journalists saying hi, sharing nods, rolling eyes while listening to the reading of waste by-laws, but na da. This guy came in late, I nodded and smiled at him which he ignored, then proceeded to plunk himself down and slowly crack his knuckles, run his hands through his firmly gelled hair, and chew on his pen. It was a pleasure to make his acquaintence. After the meeting he ran up to talk to the Mayor, so I just listened to their interview, then after he left asked my own questions.
I'm also starting to get a better grasp of what matters to our readers, and how to edit submissions. We get columns of news from each community (they're cute--it's how I know who's going to Halifax, who's visiting, whose pets are sick...), letters to the editor, and other submissions, and I don't want to over edit them, but I also don't want to leave things vague. It feels like a very fine line.
Well, for now I'm off to the Pub to hear Peter MacKay's announcement. Next week we've got our business paper as well as the regular one going out, so I have got to set to work on the newest issue--the last one is just hitting newstands now.
And I will try to be a better blogger for the rest of the week. Also, if any one has suggestions for car names or a policy for printing political letters--leave a comment!
Friday, March 2, 2007
Week one--Where did it go?
I can't believe it's already Friday! I guess that's the great part about production day being Tuesday, you're so busy on Monday and Tuesday that they just fly by, and then you're halfway through the week and starting the next paper. I'm starting to get settled in a bit, I can now check my messages on my phone, and I think I'm starting to grasp what interests our readers.
School taught me to be a dabbler of news, consume a lot of it on all sorts of subjects and regions but not in much depth. Now, I've got to start going really in depth on regional issues that I must admit I know little to nothing about--and that sort of knowledge takes more than a week to accumulate. Though, I must say, I think I'm off to an OK start.
This week made me think a lot about bias and politics. The owners of the paper are Helen and Allan, and Allan is running federally in the next election for the Conservatives. He's only involved in the business and advertising aspects of the paper as a result, not the editorial decisions. Despite this, the paper still is considered by some a Tory rag. So, we go out of our way to cover other candidates and parties, to the point of downplaying Allan. He announced his candicacy just before I joined the paper. All the other papers did interviews, big photos, but we just put a tiny box announcing it. And, when the election comes, he'll probably receive less coverage than the other candidates from us.
I guess that's the problem with bias. Bias doesn't actually have to exist, it just has to be perceived. I never really considered it in this way, that in trying to avoid appearing biased the paper actually finds itself biased in the other direction.
School taught me to be a dabbler of news, consume a lot of it on all sorts of subjects and regions but not in much depth. Now, I've got to start going really in depth on regional issues that I must admit I know little to nothing about--and that sort of knowledge takes more than a week to accumulate. Though, I must say, I think I'm off to an OK start.
This week made me think a lot about bias and politics. The owners of the paper are Helen and Allan, and Allan is running federally in the next election for the Conservatives. He's only involved in the business and advertising aspects of the paper as a result, not the editorial decisions. Despite this, the paper still is considered by some a Tory rag. So, we go out of our way to cover other candidates and parties, to the point of downplaying Allan. He announced his candicacy just before I joined the paper. All the other papers did interviews, big photos, but we just put a tiny box announcing it. And, when the election comes, he'll probably receive less coverage than the other candidates from us.
I guess that's the problem with bias. Bias doesn't actually have to exist, it just has to be perceived. I never really considered it in this way, that in trying to avoid appearing biased the paper actually finds itself biased in the other direction.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Day two--production day
Today was a little crazy.
The Keltic announcement was delayed, because Mark Parent (minister of environment and labour) went on vacation. I also wrote two stories about the recommendations --one on fishermen, the other on a Black loyalist burial ground--one on the Canadian winter games, and a ton of briefs.
Canso council today was actually a lot of fun, everyone was really nice, and I got a couple great story ideas--a new school zone sign, a new department store, a plaque...ok, it may not sound that cool, but really it was!
I also am very proud because I learned to use the lights on the car. Then, half an hour later, I learned to shut them off, after someone announced that there was a car in the parking lot with its lights still on. Oops.
I also found myself wondering today why no one ever told me that we journalists were insurance risks? Logically it makes sense--we drink too much starbucks/coffee/tea, we're always in a rush, we tend to be at accident scenes, riots, even war zones...but still. Not fair.
As far as my first production day went, I think it was pretty good. My stories seemed to go over well, and I think I'm starting to get a grasp on the community and life in Guysborough. I even fell asleep before midnight last night.
Now, on to tomorrow. Time to start getting ready for the next edition, but at least this time I have a few days of prep work:)
~J
The Keltic announcement was delayed, because Mark Parent (minister of environment and labour) went on vacation. I also wrote two stories about the recommendations --one on fishermen, the other on a Black loyalist burial ground--one on the Canadian winter games, and a ton of briefs.
Canso council today was actually a lot of fun, everyone was really nice, and I got a couple great story ideas--a new school zone sign, a new department store, a plaque...ok, it may not sound that cool, but really it was!
I also am very proud because I learned to use the lights on the car. Then, half an hour later, I learned to shut them off, after someone announced that there was a car in the parking lot with its lights still on. Oops.
I also found myself wondering today why no one ever told me that we journalists were insurance risks? Logically it makes sense--we drink too much starbucks/coffee/tea, we're always in a rush, we tend to be at accident scenes, riots, even war zones...but still. Not fair.
As far as my first production day went, I think it was pretty good. My stories seemed to go over well, and I think I'm starting to get a grasp on the community and life in Guysborough. I even fell asleep before midnight last night.
Now, on to tomorrow. Time to start getting ready for the next edition, but at least this time I have a few days of prep work:)
~J
Monday, February 26, 2007
My first day
So, today was my first day of work. A little scary.
Actually, to be completely honest, I worked for a couple hours last night, preparing research and just trying to get a little comfortably in my office.
I wrote a couple briefs today, and a full page article (about 600 words) on a ceremony honouring the people who helped after the Cormorant crash off Canso last summer. It was a really tough story to write. As students, we don't deal as much with tragic personal stories. I interviewed Fred Munroe, the person steering the boat, he helped bring the four survivors aboard. I felt awkward and unprepared, but I went back to all of those interviewing tips we had hammered into our heads over the years and did the opposite. I figured out the two things I needed to know--what he thought about the ceremony, and what he remembered about the night of the crash--and then just asked him to tell me his story, from the night of the crash right up to the ceremony. I just let him talk, occaisonally asking for more details. I had no prepared questions, because I didn't want it to feel formal. I just wanted to hear what he had to say. And, I think it worked. But it was still hard to write.
I'm also working on the Keltic Petrochemicals recommendations announcement. So, I spent last night reading as much as I could about it! Being the newbie, I can't afford to miss a beat, I need to do all my research, because the locals expect me to know what's going on. And it is my job.
Of course, I am using a lot of stuff I learned in J-school--note taking, verifying names, choosing the right quotes. And, I'm still a workaholic, so it's a good thing I'm not living under the newspaper for an extended period of time! Tonight, I've got an interview, an outline/start of an article to write, and I'm hoping to start my critique of the website. Although currently, the website has a problem in the form of an ad bar blocking all text. Hopefully we'll fix that tomorrow--which is also production day, and I'm going to my first Town Council meeting in Canso. They're discussing a code of conduct to deal with their behaviour issues:)
There are some things I feel like J school didn't prepare me for. Simple things like how to deal with people who want their stories told, how to make a good first impression on interviewees, how to find information when it's not online or clearly listed, and how to deal with tipsters.
I got a call today from an older lady saying that someone who used to live here, but now lives in PEI got an award, and wouldn't it be nice to cover it? She had his last name, so after some google searches with fingers crossed, I found out that he became a member of the Order of Canada. And hadn't lived in Nova Scotia since 1940. It'll be in the paper tomorrow, because apparently, people around here may be old, but have incredible memories. They remember the 91 year old man who left here before my parents were even born!
So, my first day of "keeping an eye on the coast" went well. My co-workers are really nice. I'm starting to get settled, even daring to turn up the heat without asking permission first. My beautiful new car is filthy dirty, but I kind of feel like I fit in. I miss my boy and my bunny, and hope to either visit or get a visit again soon.
Oh, and still no update on the Mazda fiasco. Anyone looking for a story idea?
~J
Actually, to be completely honest, I worked for a couple hours last night, preparing research and just trying to get a little comfortably in my office.
I wrote a couple briefs today, and a full page article (about 600 words) on a ceremony honouring the people who helped after the Cormorant crash off Canso last summer. It was a really tough story to write. As students, we don't deal as much with tragic personal stories. I interviewed Fred Munroe, the person steering the boat, he helped bring the four survivors aboard. I felt awkward and unprepared, but I went back to all of those interviewing tips we had hammered into our heads over the years and did the opposite. I figured out the two things I needed to know--what he thought about the ceremony, and what he remembered about the night of the crash--and then just asked him to tell me his story, from the night of the crash right up to the ceremony. I just let him talk, occaisonally asking for more details. I had no prepared questions, because I didn't want it to feel formal. I just wanted to hear what he had to say. And, I think it worked. But it was still hard to write.
I'm also working on the Keltic Petrochemicals recommendations announcement. So, I spent last night reading as much as I could about it! Being the newbie, I can't afford to miss a beat, I need to do all my research, because the locals expect me to know what's going on. And it is my job.
Of course, I am using a lot of stuff I learned in J-school--note taking, verifying names, choosing the right quotes. And, I'm still a workaholic, so it's a good thing I'm not living under the newspaper for an extended period of time! Tonight, I've got an interview, an outline/start of an article to write, and I'm hoping to start my critique of the website. Although currently, the website has a problem in the form of an ad bar blocking all text. Hopefully we'll fix that tomorrow--which is also production day, and I'm going to my first Town Council meeting in Canso. They're discussing a code of conduct to deal with their behaviour issues:)
There are some things I feel like J school didn't prepare me for. Simple things like how to deal with people who want their stories told, how to make a good first impression on interviewees, how to find information when it's not online or clearly listed, and how to deal with tipsters.
I got a call today from an older lady saying that someone who used to live here, but now lives in PEI got an award, and wouldn't it be nice to cover it? She had his last name, so after some google searches with fingers crossed, I found out that he became a member of the Order of Canada. And hadn't lived in Nova Scotia since 1940. It'll be in the paper tomorrow, because apparently, people around here may be old, but have incredible memories. They remember the 91 year old man who left here before my parents were even born!
So, my first day of "keeping an eye on the coast" went well. My co-workers are really nice. I'm starting to get settled, even daring to turn up the heat without asking permission first. My beautiful new car is filthy dirty, but I kind of feel like I fit in. I miss my boy and my bunny, and hope to either visit or get a visit again soon.
Oh, and still no update on the Mazda fiasco. Anyone looking for a story idea?
~J
Friday, February 23, 2007
Cars and dealers and anger, oh my
I'm moving to Guysborough tomorrow! It's all very exciting and happening very fast--and it's a good thing.
The not good thing? Getting ready for the move and changing from a student to a working woman. There's packing, filling out all of my graduation information, changing to a correspondence course for my last workshop--oh, and buying a car and insuring it.
So, I spent all last weekend test driving cars. A stressful experience in itself. Then, I finally made my decision, picking a Mazda3 at City Mazda. I put a deposit down to get the car ready--a hold on my visa and was told I would get the car Wednesday.
Wednesday came, and I hadn't heard anything. After several calls, I found out that not only hadn't the car started to get ready, but they were going to need a co-signer as well. I complained, and they did nothing. I went in twice with my parents, and was told that I wouldn't get my money back--even though the car hadn't been prepared, service wasn't being delivered, and I was told it was a hold when it was a credit. And, apparently a paper I initialed said it was a charge--but I have no copy of such paper. Or anything from Mazda.
I ended up going across the street to Honda, because they treated me like a person and returned my calls. Now, the people at City Mazda are saying that I'm stuck for the $500 (which of course, as a student I can't afford) and the salesman yelled at me for wasting his time, then the sales manager told me he can't believe that I was treated that way--essentially saying that I'm a liar. He says lots of people are happy with the service they receive, and why should he believe that I'm an exception? He also told me that there's no such thing as a hold.
So, I've gotten a car, I've lost $500 that I can't afford, and City Mazda has lost all of my respect. I'll never walk into that dealership or recommend it to anyone.
But, I'm heart broken. This week was supposed to be fun--after all, I'm on Spring Break!--and I'm starting a new job and all other sorts of marvellous things.
Now I just have to find a way to make some extra money, since Mazda certainly doesn't want to give me my money back as I wasted their time--though they wasted mine.
So, tomorrow when I take off in my pretty Honda Civic--which took less than 24 hours to prepare--I'll be happy to be leaving City Mazda behind.Saturday, February 17, 2007
Getting Ready to Keep an Eye on the Coast
Yesterday was my first trip to Guysborough. I picked up a few copies of the paper, and checked out the office and the town. It's a beautiful place. The office looks right out on the Bay, and I bet it's even more stunning in the summer.
The pub next door is pink and apparently fabulous. And, the guy who owns it flies in a few times a year on his float plane. How cool is that?
And there's a bakery. It smells so good. James and I went there for lunch, and it may be hard to not eat there every day. We even met Aldona, who seems to be one of the pillars of the town.
I didn't get to the Wonder Store, which is apparently the other 'place to be.' I'll have to go there for a cup of tea on my next visit.
As for the job itself, I'm very excited. And very nervous. It's a fabulous opportunity and I look forward to getting tied into the community, but it's a big change! Am I ready to be an adult--with a salary, health plan, car payments, and the like? I know I'll get used to it, but I think it's OK to be a little bit nervous.
I'm so excited to work on the website. I mean, I look forward to writing and lay out and all of those goodies too, but I feel like I can make the website my own, while the other aspects of the paper have been tweaked by many people who did a very good job.
So, it's time to sign off. I plan to look at cars today, and start cramming about Guysborough --the town and the county. I want to be ready to write my first story, and I want to do it justice. For a small, independent paper, the Journal is putting out some high quality stuff, and I don't want to disappoint.
The pub next door is pink and apparently fabulous. And, the guy who owns it flies in a few times a year on his float plane. How cool is that?
And there's a bakery. It smells so good. James and I went there for lunch, and it may be hard to not eat there every day. We even met Aldona, who seems to be one of the pillars of the town.
I didn't get to the Wonder Store, which is apparently the other 'place to be.' I'll have to go there for a cup of tea on my next visit.
As for the job itself, I'm very excited. And very nervous. It's a fabulous opportunity and I look forward to getting tied into the community, but it's a big change! Am I ready to be an adult--with a salary, health plan, car payments, and the like? I know I'll get used to it, but I think it's OK to be a little bit nervous.
I'm so excited to work on the website. I mean, I look forward to writing and lay out and all of those goodies too, but I feel like I can make the website my own, while the other aspects of the paper have been tweaked by many people who did a very good job.
So, it's time to sign off. I plan to look at cars today, and start cramming about Guysborough --the town and the county. I want to be ready to write my first story, and I want to do it justice. For a small, independent paper, the Journal is putting out some high quality stuff, and I don't want to disappoint.
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