Need a new newsroom in Vicksburg, Miss.

i'm going to bookmark this because i don't think it will end well.

 

Just a couple of old friends talking, Tom. Nothing more. A long time ago, John Carney (the poster, not the Saints kicker) was on the Alcorn State beat with me. For a while, that place was like a sitcom.
At football media day one year, the defensive coordinator is answering a question about the team's struggles the previous year. He starts off with a normal answer, but quickly gets off on some tangent about them needing to be warriors, and he referenced Shaka Zulu and Genghis Khan, saying something like his players need to be more like them. John Carney and I just kind of looked at each other in bewilderment. It was odd.
Hence, the reference.

 

This was my first gig after college, and although I prefer bigger towns, the casinos are pretty entertaining. As for the newspaper, I can say the ME Karen Gamble made me a better reporter, even if I was a little scared of her. Actually, she knows her stuff and how to get less-experienced writers to put out their best work. It was definitely a learning experience working for her, so it could absolutely benefit someone just starting out. Also, I have to concur with the comments about Sean. The sports department with Sean and Bowker was always a good place to hang out if you wanted someone to make you laugh.

 

Yeah, but at least people didn't get maced at my assignments.

 

That's because you hid behind that desk the whole time. Why don't you get out and do some real work, you slacker.

I'll agree with this 110 percent, while I'm here. Writing the occasional news story for Karen has always scared me, but only because I knew every t had to be crossed and every i dotted, or else she'd let me know. There has never been a minute, though, where I thought I wouldn't become a better reporter if I worked for her full-time for six months.

 

Just wanted to give this a bump since it was about to slide to page three. We still need folks. Apply early and often. Thank you.

 

I worked here in mid 90s and was fortunate to be the beat writer for Steve McNair's final season at Alcorn.
Heisman campaign and all. Great, great memories and experiences.
Charlie Mitchell and Karen Gamble are very knowledgeable newspeople there.
The paper moved to an ultramodern building along I-20, but it was after I left.
Have filed from there before and it's nice digs, for sure.
This is a good job for someone to take.
Plug into Vicksburg's history, be close to state capital of Jackson.
Head to Shreveport if you get itch for other means of gambling.
Vicksburg would be a good job these days - sports or news.

And yes, Sean is good people.

 

Charlie's a good dude, too. I went on a sailboat cruise with him once after the press association awards and had a blast.

 

Just another little bump to keep this near the top for a while. We've had a couple people in for interviews the last week or so (one reporter and one photog, I know for sure) but we're still short a couple reporters.
Again, send early and send often. Tell your friends.

 

I let a friend of a friend know about it. Don't know anything about Vicksburg's newsroom, but I know the sports guys were good guys in my dealings with them.

 

Last bump and then I'll let this posting slip quietly into the night for a while. I promise.
We've hired one reporter, which brings us to a total of four on the news side. We had five before the departures that led to this ordeal, and our ideal staff size is seven or eight. So we still have a few openings.
Thanks to all for the kind words, and especially to those that have passed the word or applied theirownselves. All of your help and interest is greatly appreciated.

 

My first daily newspaper job was on the sports staff at Vicksburg. If you want to be part of a quality staff, the Post is a great place to be.

Eventually you may want to venture off to bigger and / or better things -- but the Vicksburg experience will stick with you.

As far as newsroom managers go, Charlie Mitchell and Karen Gamble are top-shelf journalists. More than 10 years later, I still have them in my top five among influences on my career -- and neither of them worked sports. Charlie and Karen are quality people, and you will be better for knowing them and working with them.