Prima donnas in the newsroom

...

 

I've always believed that there's a certain amount of "favored nation status" that's appropriate to talented people who elevate your section, but some of the things you describe -- particularly the lack of communication with other members of the staff -- is not acceptable.

I've only worked at one place where it didn't matter if there were duplicate quotes or coverage angles in the lead columnist's columns -- full disclosure: I only worked directly with him at a couple of events -- and that's because he was so different that there was no way it was going to compromise somebody else's work that day.

And since I doubt your guy is at the same level as Jim Murray, then communicating with others is part of the deal.

But if your management won't do anything about it, you have to A) try to communicate with this person the best you can and/or B) just live with it as reality.

 

I think it is extraordinarily possible that What Deadline and I have worked with the same person. Sigh.

RB

 

I've always found the best writers are some of the most decent people to work with. Their humanity comes through in their writing. The second-rate guy who will never get to the A list has to hang his hat on something so they milk their status and treat people like crap. Anyone who has climbed the ladder knows what is acceptable behavior and what isn't.

 

Listen, assholes, you'll get my copy when it's damn well good and ready.

 

Or not ...

 

That's a heck of a good point, too.

 

I've never been too impressed with Lupica. Of course, I'm a West Coast guy. I like columnists that tell me something I don't know or is a little more thoughtful than what you'd hear on a sports talk show.
Anyone want to recommend something of his that is really good?

 

His first name.

 

Is there any correlation between your avatar and your query?

 

We have a preps guy who thinks his copy is aboved editing after two years in the business, but that's about it.

 

Yeah, does sound like him, doesn't it...