Sports writer - Moscow-Pullman Daily News (Ida.-Wa.)

I'll put the over/under on resume packages at 47 1/2... Are you taking over or under?

 

Over. Especially being July with a lot of new grads out there.

 

Over. Way over. And no, Trunkmonkey ain't no damn U-Dub Husky. I've covered plenty of games in the Palouse, including the Apple Cup when Bledsoe threw 4 TDs in a blizzard and it took an hour to walk from the parking lot to the press box, because the ice was so thick on the sidewalks. That area is an acquired taste, no doubt about it. On 23k a year, you better be young, single and -- at the most -- have a small car payment. Or you're feasting on PBJ and Kraft mac every frickin' day, and ordering off the dollar menu on special occasions.

 

I started at the M-P Daily News some 11 years ago, graduating a semester early from WAZZU to take the job. I wasn't on the sports desk, but I can tell you that 3-man desk worked hard. SE didn't get to write much but was plenty busy and the two reporters were always slammed. There are a lot of sports to cover between the two universities and the often-strong prep teams, couldn't imagine doing all that with just two people.
One thing I find interesting about the ad is some photo skills preferable. When I was there, reporters (news or sports) didn't take photos, period. There were two FT photogs on staff that did all photos. I know at least one is still there (thanks to facebook), not sure about the other position.
For whoever gets the job, hopefully the old business editor is still there. Loved chatting with him.

 

As for the cost of living question, IIRC taxes were better in Idaho when I was there, but that could easily have changed in the last 11 years.
The pay wasn't great when I was there, but find a cheap place and stock up on sales (WinCo always had some dirt cheap stuff when I was there). Plus when I was there, a Subway was just down the street from the paper with Turkey Tuesdays: 2 footlong turkey subs for $6. I'd have one for dinner, then had lunch for the next two days. And no, I didn't eat Ramen. See the WinCo comment. ;D

 

I'll chime in on the money debate, since I accepted this job today.

From what I know about the area--a decent amount, due to friends who go to school there--housing is cheap enough to make a semi-comfortable living on the listed salary.

Yes, kids (I'm among that group) are willing to work for less. But to me, that's not about desperation or a willingness to please. That's life. I'm a believer in working your way up. This is a great job for someone starting out. And when you're in that category, that's all that matters. I understand a seasoned vet not wanting to work for an entry-level salary. But I won't apologize for being an eager kid accepting of the circumstances and simply thrilled to work at my first newspaper.

I'm excited.

 

*shhh, nobody tell him, he'll find out in 18 months or so...*

Seriously, though, good luck and congratulations. You've made it further than most grads lately, so go make the most of it.

 

Did you ask about moving expenses?

 

Congrats

 

Congrats. Go buy yourself a beer at The Sports Page or the Coug (or at Mingles or the Corner Club in Moscow). Lots of nice folks in Pullman/Moscow.

 

I second the Sports Page. Really chill atmosphere, plus I loved the Tubs Night Thursdays.

 

Congrats on the hire, man. I'm at the Lewiston Tribune, so we'll be in touch this fall I'm sure. You're working for a great company that takes care of their own. Good people.