How to Become a Jaded Journalist

Read this:

http://www.thetelegraph.com/news/alton_16450___article.html/wheeler_hospital.html

And then listen.

I wrote that story yesterday, after having traveled to the 200 block of Mounier Street to investigate what exactly happened with the ATV accident. I touched the ATV, looked at the perimeter, and probably stepped right over the blood. I called the police department and the fire department three times yesterday, and I was the first to know (besides the family) that Crumley "expired" (I am still irate over such a term being used on a dead person) last night. I even drove by the house again this afternoon, looking at all the loved ones sitting outside Crumley's house, smoking cigarettes to relieve stress.

I could use one of those cigarettes right now, to be completely truthful. Because I spoke with Crumley's daughter just now, and I have never felt more miserable in my life.

The poor woman came to our office frustrated and in tears over what our newspaper published yesterday. In my opinion, it was very over the top. A picture of the step-son scratching his head in disbelief as his step-father is rushed to the hospital. A picture of a policeman using a hose to spray blood off the street pavement. A map to the now-widow's house. Directions, if any thieves should choose.

I would have been just as mad if not angrier if I were that woman.

The two editors took two approaches to appeasing her: one decided it was best to comfort her and then tell her the hard truth while the other gave her the hard truth, no feelings barred.

In the end, Dan's way worked and Dennis was able to give me the "eye" to get me into the room.