David e-mails to advise us that the Minneapolis Star Tribune has a job opening:
Description:
In the interest of adding more voices and perspectives to the paper, we are seeking candidates for a new Metro columnist position. As with all columnists, the emphasis would be on deeply reported columns, story telling off the news, pieces that can best be told with a columnist's leeway. This columnist would have the added goal of bringing a conservative perspective to the paper in story topics, circles traveled and views explored. Like the other Metro columnists, this person will write 3 columns a week and special projects from time to time.
A conservative perspective to the paper? The saints be praised!
But whoever could fill such a lofty position?
Qualifications:
The columnist must possess excellent writing and reporting skills and knowledge of Twin Cities events, people, culture and politics.
In other words, they must know stuff.
This person must have the ability to write insightful commentary on a variety of subjects, often on deadline.
Sounds like the same qualifications for writing here at Fraters. Which reminds me Atomizer, I need that piece on binge drinking on my desk by 8am tomorrow morning. And I don't care if you have to stay up all night to finish it!
Experience in daily newspaper column writing is preferred.
D'oh!
The columnist should evoke reaction from readers, whether writing humor, hard-hitting commentary or personal profiles.
You mean like Nick Coleman? Except for the humor part I mean.
The columnist should be a strong reporter who can bring new insights and original reporting to the section, who can cultivate sources and occasionally break exclusive news.
An ear for baloney and a built in BS detector is a definite plus.
The columnist should be out in front of the issues of interest to our readers and be able to build a following among readers who both agree and disagree.
Given the Strib's readership, be prepared for a lot of the latter.
The columnist should have the ability to work collaboratively with other members of the Metro staff.
Long lunches with Jeremy Iggers? Clubbin' with CJ? Talking leaf blowers with Doug Grow? Bus rides with Nick Coleman?
Where do I sign up?
In all seriousness, this is a good sign. The Strib has come around to the realization that having Nick Coleman and Doug Grow as your Metro columnists is not exactly the definition of diversity. But you gotta wonder why they didn't just stay in-house and tap the man who is easily the most talented writer in town. And maybe they tried. Who knows?
In lieu of having James join the Metro conservative beat, my next choice would be Craig Westover. He's had some MSM experience and certainly has the reporting chops to handle the gig. Plus the staff meetings with Captain Fishsticks would a riot. And I meant that literally.
And if Craig doesn't fit the Strib's bill, how about our own Saint Paul? He'd probably have to give up the pseudonym as well as his tour of duty here at Fraters, but for the greater good sacrifices have to be made. I might even be willing to let him out of his non-compete without excessive penalties.
No comments:
Post a Comment