Rev. Erudite Redneck, B.S., B.S., M.A., M.Div.

I recognize those urinals.
 

Well, I don't exactly recognize the urinals, but I know that tile. I think bathrooms are a critical part of the work of journalists.

I guess they'll keep packing you down with equipment until you just snap like a green bean.
 

Whew! I was beginning to worry about your "office space!"

The notebook and pen are a little archaic, don't you think? Haven't upgraded to a voice recorder?? ;)
 

Fie on recorders, unless you need the audio. Ugh. You think any of us wants to listen to stuff twice?? :-)
 

I refuse to use a recorder too. A younger co-worker would be rendered completely useless without hers. Her reporting is less precise as a result because she skims over the tape. My professors always taught against being dependent on them because they make you lazy.
 

Yep. You gotta be listenin' to hear when somebody's tryin' to snow you. If you notice back at the office, it's usually too late.
 

Okay, hadn't thought of that angle. I assumed I'd be listening WHILE recording, but I guess I can see how easy it would be to zone out.
 

Well, the danger isn't listening at all, as much as it's in letting people ramble on and on and not asking meaningful questions. I want to have a driven conversation with people -- with me drivin' -- not an "interview," which means I politely ask a question and let them answer until they run out of steam -- which is a lot easier to fall into with a recorder running. Plus, it's easier to flip back a few pages in a notebook and say, "now you told me X," I have it right here, but now you're saying Y. Which is it?
 

The lessons the older sect in journalism were taught are different than the teachings of the more recent grads.

We were taught to pay attention to the conversation, take accurate notes, make sure everything was taken in context. The younger group is told to get quotes and get 'em right, so only use a recorder.

It's a sad state when you read some of this stuff where the path of a news story takes left and right turns and has no real direction. Why? Because the journalist failed to be a reporter and focused on only one aspect of the job that's important in telling an accurate, entertaining story.

They also lose the ability to pay attention to the conversation, taking ACCURATE notes that reflect not only the exact words but also the tone of the interview.

Once you start using a crutch and can get by with a limp, it's hard to go back to standing up straight and walking by yourself.

I laugh at the photo, because it brings back memories. On the night desk in said "office space," there was always such a push to meet those deadlines. But what if nature calls?

I always thought it would've been wise to have pull-down mini-desks in the stalls, that way the editing and such could take place while "relaxing," allowing for a more pleasant working experience.

But that's just me.
 

:-)