I was sitting in the kitchen thinking about something that has been eating up my guts for the last few months. Last October or November I was approached by a staff member from the Crow's Nest (the USF student paper), by a guy called Brian,(now graduated). He asked me when I would be submitting something...I used to be in the journalism program--anyway I didn't want to do any of the typical writing about homecoming, major collegial issues or reporting stuff...It doesn't interest me, so I suggested a graphic novel esque cartoon strip.
Well, to make a long story short I submitted my work and never ever heard a thing. Not a thing. I ran into Brian a few more times, showed him my work and he thought it was pretty good. He . He suggested I apply for a staff position and re-email my strip to the editor--Casey Feldkamp. I did that..Again. I applied both electronically and physically submitted (1) resume, two samples of decent articles, a warm and engaging cover letter describing my strengths and finally, a sample of two comic strips.
I never heard anything. That was December. So I just sort of shrugged it off.But then I thought, "Gee, it's really fucked up how the editor in chief, Casey Feldkamp, never once responded to my emails."
No interview, no standard letter of disinterest....Nothing. Nothing. No closure, no insignificant acknowledgement of my simple existence.
Despite my own feelings, I thought a little more about this issue--who else might get a little irritated? Maybe some of the other journalism, English or professional/technical writing students would appreciate an opportunity to have something published before they graduate. Who is the Crow's Nest really catering to? Their own staff? It seems that way to me. They are compensated and funded by the college $$. they get paid, right?
Yeah, and get this...
The Crow's Nest pays $$ for a syndicated cartoon strip.
Additionally,
I don't see many submissions(actually, not any in this week's issue)from anyone besides those written or contributed by the $ paid $ staff.
Now consider this, who put who in charge? Is their any democratic review on submissions or committee on hiring procedure. How does the hiring process work? Is it merely an act of handing down the crown to the next ordained editor/staff writer within comfortable distance?
I was never interviewed for any position. No phone call, letter of rejection...nothing, Again. What's with these people? They're just like us, right. Students? Perhaps they have glowing robes and halos hiding under their student facades.
Don't get me wrong, I have two close friends over there, with comfy staff positions within the hierarchy--but this is really about business now....
I'm graduating this semester. At this point, I don't want to be published in the Crow's Nest, but I wonder what benefit do they serve the student body or even intend to represent if they are too high up there to even send a goddamned reply. They have ignored every piece of correspondence. Do they answer to no one? take a looksy, what do you think?
"Although The Crow’s Nest is a university-sponsored newspaper of the University of South Florida St. Petersburg, we maintain editorial independence."
Dennissaw
Okay, editorial independence--great. But from what I've heard there's only one person who seems to be making any decisions and a little birdy told me she didn't exactly care for my cartoon. It wasn't to her liking. Apparently she's not only the ordained queen--excuse me, editor in chief-- of the Crow's Nest, but also an art critic. Oh, and then I was offered this delightful morsel--this sage nugget of advice...Perhaps I could meet with the editor in chief so she could tell me exactly what she's looking for--and I could change my cartoon to appeal to her delicate senses? OOOOhhh! the humanity..stomach ache..Maybe I could make it political. grooooan . Oh, okay. Great. Lovely. Very attractive offer.
listen to this manaical laughter
"We strive to reflect a diverse range of student interests, including topics about which there may be dissent or controversy."
BULLSHIT
The only reflection I see is that of the self serving type. In my opinion, There's nothing progressive or interesting or creative about that paper. In fact, I WONDER if half of the USF student body is even aware of its existence.
So, I digress into angry name calling.
My point is-- this MIGHT make for an interesting investigation. I could run a survey on BLACKBOARD to see who is aware of the paper, write some professional letters to find out who is really in charge$$, solicit other universities to see what their submission/hiring process is like, and i will write a letter to Casey Feldkamp, even though I probably won't get a response--I will blog on my findings,draw lots of pictures and make numerous ugly faces--whenever I feel like it. I will have something akin to a weird little case study and I may solicit you to try and submit a piece to the Crow's Nest. Maybe your experience will be different.
Perhaps I'm imbalanced or overly sensitive, but it sounds like a meaningful crusade to me...And the rational part of my brain smells a rat. Besides, where's the professional courtesy and what about all those newbie journalism students hoping for an opportunity? Why do people always go crazy with power and act so goddamned elitist?
Let me know what you think and check out my other depressing links below this one.
my unrequited love
ego is meant for crushing
On another note, perhaps the whole Crow's Nest thing is inane...Maybe it simply isn't the appropriate venue for creativity. Is there some other school publication that caters to USF english and graphic design majors?
If not, maybe that's an issue. Does this matter?
Maybe I should just write a book about talking to lizards and drinking kombucha...
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