APSE VOTES NO TO CONTEST CHANGES (shocccckerrr!)

I understand the reason for this thread, but it's severely redundant to the other. We've already discussed this stuff there.

 

I know your diatribe isn't about awards. I didn't say it was.

My diatribe is about the unhealthy obsession some people in this business have for awards. My publisher and CEO crow about awards as if that should be the primary motivating factor in doing our jobs. Personally, it'd be nice to win one or two, if only to have something tangible to point to about my tenure at the paper.

But running stories that make a difference in the lives of my readers is more rewarding to me. Knowing I'm putting out the best paper I can in spite of getting criminally fewer resources than the 5K weekly in our group gets is rewarding enough. Looking at where the paper was before I got there and seeing where it is now is rewarding enough.

 

To paraphrase former Olympic weightlifter and pro wrestler Ken Patera: Awards look great, but they make for a lousy meal.

 

Which is why Patera threw a rock through the McDonald's window when they wouldn't let him in.

And how are things on the isle of Malta, Baron?

 

This made me laugh and cry at the same time.

 

I can only wonder how APSE would respond if a bunch of those under-40 papers suddenly sent e-mails letting them know membership will not be renewed until the contest changes. I bet changes would occur quickly since the under-40 group makes up almost half the membership.

 

Because of what Bubbler said or that it came from Bubbler?

 

what was the proposal that got voted down?

 

When I was involved in APSE, I tried very hard to get this idea passed and it didn't go too far.
I was encouraged that it was taken seriously this year.
All I wanted was a level playing field, going up against sections with the close to the same resources as me.
As a 12,000 circ, daily with me, one other FTer, 2 PTers and some freelancers, I knew I had no chance against a paper that was 30,000 with 5 or more FTers.
The one year we took a HM for our Sunday section was the highlight of my career.
My opinions of awards are that they are validation from your peers. For all those parents and coaches we deal with, it is nice to win an award and know the people that know your job, believe you are good at it.
I would be curious to see who voted and how.
As for a massive small paper membership drop, I admit, it may be a good way to get the message across.

 

the annoying part is, more likely than not, several of those 6 view this site regularly, and more than likely read this thread.

please explain yourselves. please give one good reason, besides your own self interest, why you voted the way you did.

 

Will somebody please post the dead horse picture?

Enough, already!