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Topic: Regional Pubs Hiring Out-Of-State Writers
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| Author | Message |
| lurker | Posted – 2/22/2005 1:59:02 PM | show profile Most of my clients are regional business magazines, and many of them are out of my home state. Just last week, I learned that an interviewee called the publisher of one of the mag’s I write for and questioned why he hired an out-of-state writer (me) to write the piece. The publisher showed him my previous clips and told him I had years of experience writing about this particular topic and explained that I was more than qualified to write the piece. The interviewee told him it was unethical to do so, and that he should stick to hiring writers within the state. Do you agree or disagree? (And, for the record, the topic was not a travel piece or about a controversial subject that only a local person would understand. The topic was very generic; it could have been written for any state with the exception of the sources, which of course, were from this particular state.) Thoughts? |
| whosays | Posted – 2/22/2005 2:40:08 PM | show profile Sounds like the caller doesn't know his ethics from his elbows. Don't give it another thought. |
| yesvirginia | Posted – 2/22/2005 2:43:01 PM | show profile I think it's refreshing and very wise to use the best possible freelancers one can. I wish every editor showed such good sense. There are several lifestyle mags in my area and they not only use local writers only, but the same ones over and over. Never give new voices a chance. Their copy is stale and predictable. Guess they like it that way. I say, good for your editor. I'm curious, though, why the editor felt the need to tell you this. It's nice that he stuck up for you, but why did he feel he had to tell you? Is the publisher annoyed about this? If so, hope said editor went to bat for you with his boss, too. |
| lurker | Posted – 2/22/2005 3:04:57 PM | show profile Thanks WhoSays! Well, YesVirginia, this is how I found out: I had scheduled an interview with this person in advance and when I called him for the interview, he mentioned that my deadline wasn’t my deadline anymore. He told me that he “took the liberty” of calling my publisher (not me, not my editor, but the publisher!) to ask that he extend my deadline b/c he would be out of town for two weeks and really wanted to talk with me for a “second interview” to make sure he didn’t leave anything out during the first round. I was appalled, but tried to remain professional. After we hung up, I wrote a note to my editor explaining that this person called her boss--the publisher--on my behalf without my knowing. I told her that I couldn’t figure out why he would do such a thing and I apologized for any confusion. (I usually don’t give the “real” deadline to my interviewees anyway; I always leave myself room for writing and rewriting). I assured her I didn’t need an extension. That’s when she told me the real story of why he called the publisher. I’m shocked that this person would be so arrogant, not to mention, inappropriate, especially when dealing with a writer. Also, who is he to insist that he get a second interview… there is no need! I have all the information I need. It’s not like I get paid by the hour! It really annoys me that people can be so pushy and rude. And they say New Yorkers are pushy—ha! This place couldn't be further away from NY. Sorry to get off track.. just need to vent. Thanks, everyone, for listening. |
| mkelly | Posted – 2/22/2005 3:50:46 PM | show profile Well, I've interview many stupid sources in my time, and it sounds like yours might well take the cake. His audacity is almost impressive. My real dilemma would be whether I tell him... 1) 'I'm sorry there's been so much confusion, it sounds like I should find another source for the story and not trouble you any more' or some similar diplomatic 'f--k off' 2) nothing, do the interview politely, and then cut him from the story completely. I really don't know. |
| clare04 | Posted – 2/22/2005 4:18:54 PM | show profile nepotism? wow, what bad luck. whosays, me two. and i agree mkelly, your sugg #2 is so brilliant if you can keep your stealth that long. since it's about as far as you can get from new york, could be a case of publishers in bed with source etc. you know, smalltown usa. -- philippa |
| whosays | Posted – 2/22/2005 10:08:05 PM | show profile Huh? |
| clare04 | Posted – 2/23/2005 9:32:08 AM | show profile i second that >>>Sounds like the caller doesn't know his ethics from his elbows. Don't give it another thought.<<< me, too - i agree. |
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