Towards the end of our tenure as Sports Editors for the Ibis Yearbook at the University of Miami, my co-editor and I were asked to write a letter to the next editor of the section giving our advice, thoughts, reactions, comments, warnings, etc. Being the stellar editors that we were, we both utterly forgot about it (at least, I’m assuming he did too and if he didn’t I’m furious that he did not show me what he wrote).
Per the request of said editor, I have decided to write the letter as a blog, for future and past school editors to enjoy.
Dear Jorge,
I learned more in the year I spent as (co) Sports Editor of the Ibis Yearbook than I did in any other year during my time at the University of Miami. It’s a great hands-on experience. Just the same, it was not a breeze which is probably why it was that useful.
I think more than any other section the sports section allowed us to have a real life experience. We had to deal with red tape, breaking news, and at times a lot of creative freedom.
The most important thing you’ll need is patience and persistence. It sounds cheesy, but its true and I’m not entirely sure we had enough of it. The University of Miami is a very big, important business and as a student publication you are its last thought, especially for the athletic department.
This is not an attack. It’s understandable. We are at the bottom of a hierarchy that includes ESPN, CBS, NBC, The Miami Herald, Sun Sentinnel, etc. We are also, understandably not the most adept at knowing how to request, follow up, etc on our requests.
In my experience, the best approach is to be persistent and early with your requests. Don’t just rely on email. Call, go to the sports media office, cultivate a relationship with the SID’s.
This is not to say you will not get people that seem out to make life difficult beyond just blowing you off/not making you a priority. One SID in particular, who shall remain unnamed, did the following:
*Repeatedly complained, refused to provide information without being allowed to review the article in question. Or complained after the fact that the article was wrong/flawed because we specifically did not run it by him first and let him review it.
*Called my co-editor Jorge. Despite our names showing up in the bottom of all our emails, including the one he was replying to in that specific email. Minor issue really, but in the context of the email absurdly and unnecessarily rude.
*Refused, Ignored, Rejected our requests without reason, at times not acknowledging multiple requests.
Just the same, there were also SID’s that went out of their way to help. Keep those close and be thankful to them. Make it clear that you are there to help them as they help you as well.
Now, regarding the people you are working with. Things go wrong, there’s a lack of organization at times which may be common to publications relying on full time students. The publication cannot, and should not, be the priority of students.
There’s people working there that perhaps do not belong, are disrespectful, etc. This is going to happen in every job you have and honestly dealing with in on a school paper where the repercussions (losing your temper, quitting, biting your tongue) are less dire it is also a great experience. I would propose biting your tongue if you do care about the publication and speak with your actions, also if necessary and possible, go above/around their heads to get what you think is best for your section.
This is not to say this was a bad experience. I loved it and learned a lot and I am extremely thankful for getting the opportunity. I am also extremely thankful for the wonderful plaque I received at the end of the year from the staff, which I will place front and center in my office if I’m ever successful enough to have one.
Sincerely,
Ibis (co) Sports Editor
