Agate Editor, Dallasssssssssssssss

Uh, ok? Ugh!!

 

Need the Heimlich, dude?

I believe he was making the point that a paper like the DMN should already have so many resumes on file, and have so many tentacles everywhere, that filling an agate position with someone who just wants to get their foot in the door at a great newspaper, would be quite easy.

 

I got a call from an editor at the DMN as a reference for someone up for this gig. It is surprising that a section that reinvented the display of agate 25 years ago is trolling to fill an agate spot with fairly low expectations.

 

Not exactly surprising, E. The most recent buyout claimed many of their best assigning and copydesk editors, as well as four very high-profile writers among other losses. It's a case of buyer beware. Sad to see, because in the Division I of newspapers, they have slid from major to mid-major and are no longer a destination newspaper. Just another rung on the ladder.

 

At least until Belo wises up and sells. In the hands of the right company, the DMN can be a player again.

Until then, FWST kicks butt. And no, I don't work there.

 

This I can live with, except for the Heimlich.

 

I'm still wondering about all the "sssss's" in the thread title. Is that supposed to signify hissing like a snake, or like the air being let out of a tire?

 

It's probably Yates trying to catch his breath from his dual roles of SE and overseer of the business section. The descent of that place is, uh, breathtaking.

 

Just because the Dallas Morning News is posting its agate clerk ad, doesn't mean it has to post it to fill the job.

I also would contend that doing a good job as a full-time clerk at a big paper like Dallas will move you up in the business faster than starting out at some weekly.

'Course if you want to write, you have to bust your ass on the agate and still find time to keep your hand in the writing side.

 

It's a pretty sad state of affairs when people start thinking of the DMN as a resume-builder.

 

Ace, in theory, you are right. But can you imagine the environment there? I am sure everyone is putting in their best effort to do the best with what they have still, but I'm sure it's not the good ship lollipop, either. Somehow, I'm thinking that may not be the best environment for someone breaking into the business.

 

In the days of Dave Smith, you would certainly have a great pedigree coming from Dallas. But now, everybody seems to know about the current disarray. And besides, unless you already live there, it's a pretty big and expensive area to go to in order to try to get by as an agate clerk.