Advice on the boards...

Is it better to keep your mouth shut or complain when your good copy is laid out in a horrible fashion? Keep your mouth shut for a while...think...then talk.

Despite what we hear about all these rich writers and reporters, newspapers don't pay much, even the Times.

Is it too late to submit an idea to a magazine about a piece related to April '05? Probably but still give it a shot. And when you're done, print this out.

If you're relying heavily on the AP as a source, check with your editor because you might be sharing that byline, son.

Some advice on favorite editing pencils: interesting, once I figure out what a 'pencil' is.

You're not getting paid overtime but you're not really able to leave right at five. What do you do? Take your lunch hour and try to leave at least sometime around five. And talk to your manager if you have to. If he or she says "Welcome to adulthood" the way my boss did when I brought it up, then we can join a club of belittled employees.