The Dark Side

I was honored for two years in the row as the “Friendliest Staff Member” at my college newspaper. I didn’t get “Most Cut-Throat Reporter” Or “Hardest-Nosed Journalist” but “Friendliest.” Again at the trade magazine I was referred to as the “Nicest Person on Staff.” I am not trying to gloat here. I am making a point. I was never cut out for the “do or die” newspaper world. I hate when people hate me and everyone hates a Journalist (at one point or another)

Well, I had a realization today when I got wind of a juicy, news story. This is not typical since I am usually writing profiles and features. I rarely get a good newsy tip but this was pertinent news. So, I jumped on the story, researching all the slimy, little details. My story was getting good. I had color, underlining accusations, and mudslinging quotes. It was a story the newspaper journalists would have eaten up. They would have loved every gossipy little detail backed by all the facts.

Then…I realized the effect this story could have on the association, on the company with the dirty hands, and on me as the writer. The sexy news story, as journalists would call it, was not something I could publish in my newsletter.

So, after a call to the association president to discuss the story and the ethical responsibility we have to inform the public but to also save our face… I re-wrote the story. I took out all the fun stuff. All the colorful quotes and the “they say this, he says that” dialogue. I turned my meaty, news story into a plain old informational PR article.

A part of me was sad to do it. But the other part of me knew it was the right thing to do for my association. Some would say I have crossed into the dark side of journalism. Dark because PR bends the truth and journalism is pure of heart. Well, I have learned that everyone doesn’t have to know every gory little detail in order to understand the situation. I have learned it the hard way before. And I wasn’t going to do it again. I have to worry about the consequences and realize what I say or in this case what I print is going to have an effect on people.

My realization: I am cut out for PR. It took me until now to realize it but I am.
I should have known when they named me “Friendliest” the first time. PR are always friendly.

Now that I got that out I must try to go to bed.

Year in Review 2008

I love the Year in Reviews. When I get to look back at the year and reflect on all that happened. As a news junkie, I love to remember all the big news stories that moved the people. From the economic downturn and the bailout, to the election of the first black president to the astounding Bejing Olympics, this year was incredibly historical.
While the unemployment rate kept rising, Ben and I continued working. While money on Wall Street is slippery, we still have cash in our pockets and food to eat. While the housing market is plummeting, we still have a roof over our heads.
For us in little Lake Tapps, living our simple little lives, I couldn’t call 2008 historical. But it was a good year. This year, Ben climbed his first mountain: Mount Adams. He attempted Mount Baker too late in the season and after his brother fell up to his waist in a crevasse they decided to turn around. All year, REI garage sale after another, Ben has collected enough mountaineering gear to suit him for Mount Rainier for 2009.
Through 2008, I became a pseudo-mom on many levels. House-sitting this spring for two weeks with two teenage girls only gave us a glimpse of what I would have to handle during the summer. Feeding, waking up and motivating, worrying about and loving my 16-year-old nephew all summer was an unforgettable experience. We tried to give him a positive experience with work, the dance festival and youth activities.
When I wasn’t trying to keep Mackay out of trouble, I was helping Becky discipline and entertain here two little kids (Hannah, 6 and Bethany, 4) with free summer fun. We spent a lot of time swimming in the lake, playing at the park, going to free movies, concerts in the park and the library.
If that wasn’t enough “Mom” practice, I spent a week mothering 30, 13-year old girls and 20 Lake Tapps young women at Girl’s Camp. Then there is my title of Puppy Mom of Sadie, the 60-pound lap dog. I don’t care what anyone says; after you spend days feeding, cleaning up after, and waking up in the night with a dog, it sure sounds like mom war stories.
Ben and I made it camping and hiking this summer as well as boating and floating down the river (Ben in his kayak, Mel in her tube). Together we made it to Seaside, OR, this spring and Utah for Memorial Day and Thanksgiving.
I traveled with my friends for a last minute trip to Hollywood, CA for Wicked this summer. And I went to Las Vegas and St. Louis for solo work trips.
Between our families we have three new nieces: Baby McKenzie, Gracie and Isabelle; a new brother Jared; and a new sister Sani. And my Mom and Dad back from Mexico.
Overall 2008, was a good year; a learning year. We tried new things and sometimes we failed to reach the original goal. But is it failure when you gain experiences and learn lessons? I have grown through our experiences and smiled through all of them. We hope 2009 will be another good year.