I’ve previously complained blogged that a writer can’t always effectively sub/copy-edit their own work due to anticipation – a fresh pair of eyes are needed. And now I add a new thread to this ever-growing ball of (t)whine – a fresh pair of ego. [My ego comes in pairs cos it's so insecure it needs constant affirmation from company.]
My most recent job in Canada was managing and writing articles for 2 news channels. I decided how to compile the articles, and which to highlight. I now see how nepotism arises. After all, the articles I write are my children, and while I can’t choose a favourite between them, I’m biased that my creations are better/walked earlier/prettier than any other article not borne of my pen.
My interests in my sense of work [of managing articles] and sense of worth [of writing articles] started to conflict. Of course I wanted my articles featured as the lead role in the news talent quest. The instinct to ensure the survival of your name [and in this case, byline] is strong.
But as a managing editor who also writes, you have to step away from yourself and anticipate your ego. You need to put the interests of writing and the entire news site first, which is like a big, happy family that you don’t ever want to go against – look what happened to Fredo Corleone.
So while you may want to shine the spotlight on your slightly verbose article that could stand to lose a few paragraphs, and perhaps prettier formatting to standout so it won’t live with you for the next 30 years and you can finally say it made something of itself, you have to put your ego in your pocket. The integrity of my work is hand in hand w/ the integrity of my self-worth – there is no rivalry. I do my job by distributing the news that is most needed, and if it so happens to that even one of my articles is out there, I’m a proud parent.
[At least that’s what I tell myself.]
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