I apologize for my handwriting and spelling in a letter I received a few months ago, written on lined notebook paper. This is being written on a log.
Giovanni, don’t be concerned. Your letter and the other notes from Scouts staying at Camp Baldwinin Dufur, south of The Dalles, may be read by me.
Over a dozen letters from Scouts who were all attempting to complete the requirements for a communications merit badge arrived.The inquiries ranged in tone from sage to fanciful.
Most, though, omitted names and return addresses, so I’ll provide my responses here.
In what ways do you sleep at night? How do you feel about semantics? Have you taken a limo ride before? How do you feel about paranthesis?Joe had a lot of questions.
Just so you know, Joe, I don’t believe I’ve ever been in a limousine. Journalists’ vehicles typically have mileage far into the six figures, appear to be in poor condition, and are filled with junk, such as empty coffee cups and fast food wrappers. But I do like palindromes.
Working at a newspaper sounds like a lot of fun. How is your employment going? Are you accepting the $1 million if you may theoretically become bald in return? Lucas enquired. This one question, along with a measure of job happiness, can, in my opinion, be used to identify certain critical skills that editors must possess in order to succeed in the workplace.
I now fear that I will be shown as unqualified if I provide the incorrect response. In actuality, however, editors do lose a lot of hair over the years, primarily from becoming upset with reporters who miss deadlines.
One Scout posed the question, “How is it being an editor?” under a false identity. Is it challenging? In addition, I wanted to know how many people still read newspapers in print. Finally, what is your maximum bench press?
According to Gronk R. Skibidi, many people still read print newspapers, and The Oregonian’s print edition is a significant component of our product range, which also includes OregonLive and the internet edition available at theoregonian.com.It’s true that readers’ habits have shifted online, and as a result, OregonLive’s readership has grown to its highest level ever.
Furthermore, I’m not sure how much I can bench press. It must be a lot (hehe).
A number of correspondents expressed interest in learning more about the day-to-day realities of newspaper editing. Do you mostly offer writing advice or do you deal with spelling errors a lot? What is the most egregious spelling error you have ever seen? A Star Scout wrote, “What have you done to get the position?”
I began working at the copy desk.Before news pieces are published, their editors are the last people to review them. In addition to writing headlines and fixing typos and grammar mistakes, copy editors often pose questions to fill in any gaps in the text.
I still correct spelling errors and offer writing advice today. What is the largest spelling mistake ever? Of course, I have a few that stand out. What do you recall, readers?
I believe that my greatest contribution to obtaining this position was simply persevering for 41 years. I started off as a summer intern, and I’ve had the experience of telling our interns that they might even promote them to editor if they stay long enough.
But really, I was open to adapting as our company changed.You will succeed in any field if you are receptive to new ideas.
A number of Scouts appeared to be aware of the existential shifts in newspapering.
Preston was asked, “What is the better medium for communication—paper or technology?”
Connor asked the same question. Do you believe that social media and newspapers are more, less, or equally important?
Connor, good usage of the Oxford comma! Regarding your inquiry, there are roughly 2 million followers on The Oregonian/OregonLive across all social media channels. News delivery through Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, X, its competitors, Threads, or the emerging Bluesky will remain a key component of our approach.
Since individuals spend a lot of time looking through social media, we want to be where our readers are.
However, to respond to your question, Preston, the mode of transmission is not crucial. The journalism is what matters.
People are hungry for trustworthy local news and information that is unavailable elsewhere. The majority of our readers reside in the Portland metro area, which is the main emphasis of The Oregonian/OregonLive’s reporting. Our goal is to provide insightful investigative journalism together with a comprehensive daily news update.
Additionally, we would like to honor our residence. Our coverage of the people, places, and experiences of Oregon may be found at athereisoregon.com.
Those who appreciate independent news can read us wherever our work appears or subscribe and donate to help us out. We also benefit from that.
Scouts, thank you! My day was made brighter by your letters.
Reach me at oregonian.com/attbottomly.
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