It is Thursday. I am supposed to be reading my article in the Collegian newspaper. However, after seeing a copy of it, I was devastated. The news editor, named Y, decided at the last minute not to run my article after there was a shortage of space. I could have accepted the fate, yet, there was no word from her about the cancellation of my weekly column. Days ago, she was even the one asking if I would have an article for this week's issue. Of course I said yes and submitted it on time -- before her set deadline.I sent her this email:
Hello Y,
I've seen the copy of this week's issue.
First, I am wondering why my article didn't get through the publication. It was submitted on time as you have noted in your previous email (see below)regarding column deadlines.
Second, I think you should inform the columnist if entries don't get published, shouldn't you? I had an article few months ago that suffered the same fate.
However, Jeremy was so kind to inform me of the lack of space, which of course I accepted with no remorse, at all.
I have been expecting mine to come out this week and was completely disappointed that not even a note from the Collegian staff (or from you) that the article was pushed aside. I find it a little ironic for you to send me an email asking if I would have an article for this week and yet you didn't run my submission.
Can you please send me a copy of the responsibilities and rights of a Collegian columnist as probably mentioned in your by-laws?
I hope to get a clarity on this column editing lapses.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Eric
She answered:
Hello, Eric,
First, my apologies for not letting you know sooner. Earlier in the week when I contacted you, I had been planning for two pages of opinion material. However, the decision was made to cut back to one page, and I couldn't run all the material I had originally planned.
Second, I apologize for not letting you know sooner about your column not running. Please know that I intended to e-mail you about this, but I didn't know for sure until late yesterday. Again, my apologies for not letting you know sooner.
Please know that I would like you to continue submitting a weekly column (if you want to send another one for next week, that would be fine. If not, that's OK, too). I will, in the future, do my best to immediately e-mail you if we run out of space again.
Again, my apologies. Let me know if you want to visit further, or have any more concerns.
Y
This is just part of what I wrote back:
Y,
I just want professionalism. We are both students and for sure we both love what we do in the Collegian. I've read your previous articles and see a bright future for you as a writer. But we always have to act professionally and not put aside our journalistic responsibilities. Otherwise, nobody would trust us. Nobody will believe what we write.
Maybe it would be best that in your next staff meeting, you could suggest to just assign a week when a columnist should submit his/her piece. This way, we will all
have individual responsibility to take care of. I can sense at present that columnists just give an article whenever they feel like, which I think is risky.
I would reiterate that I am capable of producing one article weekly, but if assigning one week a month for every columnist is best for the Collegian, then I'd fully support it.
Eric
I am thinking, is there a specific law that I could bank on to protect my rights as a student journalist? I studied law in the Philippines. Now that I am in the U.S. I am not sure how the laws work here. One more thing, is there something as racial discrimination in journalism?
Update: I deleted the name of the person involved here. It is time to move on and I want to make peace with everyone, and to Ms. Y.
Labels: Essay
4 Comments:
Racial discrimination! Americans look down on Asians!!! Too bad for you.
September 22, 2008 10:53 PM
Hi, Eric,
When I found this entry, I have to admit I was surprised. I deeply apologize if you felt that this was discrimination. I want you to know I never intended this, and I apologize for what happened as poor communication on my part, as well as making mistakes while learning my role as editor. Denise
October 13, 2008 3:22 PM
Hi. I admit I really felt discriminated. But I have managed to forget that incident and have already forgiven you long time ago. It is time to heal things and I wish you more blessings wherever you are.
October 13, 2008 4:34 PM
By the way, I have updated the post. I am sorry too if I posted this rant on my blog.
October 13, 2008 4:37 PM
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