Chasing bylines

Danny Tan

It's been two weeks - well, technically, just one that included real writing - with the B*usiness Times, and the hunt for the elusive byline seems to mirror the search for Mas.

Even so, it's been a real learning experience already, having written four non-accredited stories. What's also been interesting is seeing how journalists work. Some things I've picked up:

1. Don't bother calling before 1pm, at least for B*T - nobody's there...

2. Journalists hate PR people asking what their angle is, and if the story is going to run, and if they are going to attend the event. Because seriously, just check the schedule.

3. Press kits and other paraphernalia are almost always thrown out after stories are written.

4. 90% of news conferences and the like are opportunities for journalists to ask newsmakers about things other than the media event.

5. There's a foosball table at B*T!! Rocks!! Unfortunately, it's right next to the chief ed's office...

One of the big challenges writing for them has been learning to put a business spin on stories. Sometimes, I wonder if I'd do much better at S*T instead. Also, there are a whole buncha smart kids here too.

In any case, it's still only been the first week proper in terms of writing and assignments. We'll have to see how it goes in the next two months.