#Realtalk — August 16, 2012 06:50 AM

Five types of problem writer

And how to deal with each of them

By Ann Friedman

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Hey look! This is interesting because it is snarky and has lots of gifs! Journalism!

#1 Posted by Tom, CJR on Thu 16 Aug 2012 at 12:00 PM

Though not the point, this also reminds me that I love some editors, and why I love them -- especially the ones who stick with me in my "problem writer" moments (I think we all have problem writer moments looming in our future, even when we're not the newbie.)

(Also, I enjoy almost nothing on the Internet as much as a pitch-perfect GIF. Like Will Ferrell.)

#2 Posted by jina, CJR on Thu 16 Aug 2012 at 12:27 PM

Hey look! This comment is sarcastic and dismissive of the time/energy the writer put into it. Commentary!

#3 Posted by Garland, CJR on Thu 16 Aug 2012 at 12:44 PM

Many writing problems can be solved if editors would make the simple effort to coach writers and reporters BEFORE the story is written, work together to create useful, detailed budget lines, and set firm lengths and deadlines. This goes double for working with freelancers.

Unfortunately, lazy editors who churn up vague, half-considered story ideas then lock in publication dates can't be bothered. They just dump the story on the writer and they're shocked -- shocked! -- when they don't get the story they imaged in their vestigial brains.

If it's a bad writer, setting expectations before hand makes them less bad. If written, it also builds a case for remedial action or pink-slipping. There are some writers who really aren't, and just aren't worth the trouble. Real writers want to get better.

Best source on coaching writers is "Coaching Writers" by Don Fry and Roy Peter Clark. Poynter also used to offer a video (VHS, but you know your newsroom still has one!) that goes with the book.
http://www.amazon.com/Coaching-Writers-Reporters-Together-Platforms/dp/0312402031

#4 Posted by Brian O'Connor, CJR on Thu 16 Aug 2012 at 03:37 PM

Garland, snaps. Hilarious response. Projecting your own snark into the writing (justifying snarkier comments) is some kind of annoying.

#5 Posted by Lily, CJR on Thu 16 Aug 2012 at 03:41 PM

Is there a RSS feed for your column here?

#6 Posted by Holly, CJR on Thu 16 Aug 2012 at 04:36 PM

^Garland, Lily

The difference between the usage of snark is that while my comment added very little, no one goes to comments to find anything. See, for example, your replies. This piece is some platitudes about writers caring too much about their words and showing up late, wrapped in snark and gifs to make it seem more interesting than it is. I'd like Massing's take on this piece. Take it to Buzzfeed where I can enjoy it without further lamenting the state of the media while I read it.

#7 Posted by Tom, CJR on Thu 16 Aug 2012 at 09:53 PM

CJR's site doesn't have RSS feeds for individual columns, but you can subscribe to my Tumblr blog, where I link to each week's column: http://editorrealtalk.tumblr.com.

#8 Posted by Ann Friedman, CJR on Fri 17 Aug 2012 at 04:19 PM

Tom, here's a pro tip: If you don't like something for whatever reason (maybe you don't find it funny, or maybe it merely confounds your expectations), just stop reading it. Click elsewhere. If you prefer your animated GIFs in a clearer context, there are plenty of those on the Web (as you yourself point out, Buzzfeed is an excellent place to start).

Meanwhile, keep nurturing that sarcastic outrage. A recent Pew study found that website comments filled with sarcastic outrage have made a profound difference in elevating online discourse to a level I'm sure even you would find acceptable.

#9 Posted by Bob, CJR on Mon 20 Aug 2012 at 11:58 AM

Great point, Brian O'Connor. The more time you spend on a story in the early stages, the less surprised you are by the final product the writer delivers.
Many editors should look at ourselves before complaining about writers, especially freelancers -- who have such different sets of incentives from salaried workers.
This is something we've been looking at in the office, asking editors to take a look at their own story proposals and editing feedback to see how these impact the writers' work.

#10 Posted by Diego, CJR on Mon 20 Aug 2012 at 10:53 PM

You left out my favorite--the Psycho.

#11 Posted by Expatriated, CJR on Thu 30 Aug 2012 at 05:11 PM

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