There are oft-heard complaints that many of us at The Daily Collegian, as well as in the journalism field, face on a daily basis, and will hear the rest of our lives.
We're insensitive and tasteless and, and we wouldn't know a real story if one smacked us in the face.
We completely missed the point of why a particular meeting was held or why a demonstration was organized.
Anyone with half a brain can write what they see or explain why people should care. Everyone knows that journalism isn't a real degree, right?
It's so easy to be a reporter: All we have to do is record the facts and yet, most of the time, we get them wrong.
We'll do whatever it takes to get a story published -- even if that means making up quotes or sources and doctoring them to ensure they sound 'real good,' รก la the Jayson Blair fiasco from two years ago. After all -- our main intent is to increase circulation. We really don't care about people.
I'm sure you can think of a few choice words for those who practice journalism, just as you can for any other profession, such as law or medicine.
Maybe you're a person who, when a Collegian reporter identifies him or herself as such, you angrily stalk away or after a moment's hesitation, say "uh, no thanks." But, if everyone liked us, then we wouldn't be doing our jobs.
Not really, right?
If there weren't a few angry phone calls each week, a few outraged e-mails or letters to the editor about how the Collegian "screwed up" yet again, then perhaps that means you're not reading us. Or maybe you just don't care.
It's no secret that a newspaper is not supposed to win a popularity contest and be loved by all those who read the stories printed on its pages. In fact, if we received love letters everyday, it would probably be a cause for concern.
Our purpose is to inform, and if that means eliciting emotions, whether it's anger or sadness, then so be it. We've done the best we could at what is supposed to be our job.
If a newspaper doesn't do as it was originally intended, which is to educate readers like you and to make you question the status quo, then it should probably be relegated to the status of a newsletter stapled together on yellow construction paper or become a bi-weekly pamphlet.
Why bother picking up a public relations piece if what you need is the real story.
You say to yourself, "What's the point. I never read the Collegian because I hate it, and that's that."
You say that you've found yourself reading a story on page one time and time again, muttering under your breath, "Well, that's obviously incorrect ... even I know that because..."
Maybe there's a specific area you think we can improve upon. Well, now's your chance to take the opportunity and run with it. Now's your chance to seize the day, so to speak.
The Daily Collegian will be having its annual tryouts for the fall semester next week. Bring a blue book and a pencil with you to the James Building, 123 S. Burrowes St. at any of times listed on the advertisements we've placed in the paper, starting next Tuesday, Sept 6.
Satisfy that curiosity and quell that anger.
Chances are, we want someone like you.
