When the editor messes up...

and changes self-deprecating to self-defacating on a story with your byline on it ... he makes a sincere apology, but the readers call in and then Leno uses it on a Tonight Show skit and it becomes the butt of jokes for the entire company ...
what are the reporter's options other than put on a brave face?

 

Laugh your ass off and be happy you have a cool story to tell from now on. Also, remember the many times the editor (assuming he's not a complete toolshed) fixed your mistakes.

 

Don't shit on yourself over this.

 

Good one TSP

 

Upper-deck him. [/obvious]

 

Remind him at review time he owes you one.

 

and make him buy ya a beer or three

 

Yup. And if you're in the position to edit his copy and goof once, the SE might remember his blunder.

 

Remind him he owes you a five percent raise.

Won't happen. But it's fun to ask.

 

Agreed. Although dan's story is pretty funny. But I hate it when reporters grouse over one error and they don't realize how many times the editor has saved them. Everybody makes mistakes. Yes, even editors.

 

Stinkpalm him.

 

It's your fault for using them there big words in the first place, dan.

If the editor owned up to it to everyone and not just you, not much more you can do.