When someone unethically steals my story idea
(Well, this has never happened to me. But I imagine I’d go all Gloria on the culprit if it did.)
What I’m like when I read, watch or listen to a news story that’s laden with clichés and unnecessary adjectives
I’m sure I’ve unwittingly been guilty myself (especially if a sub-editor adds the clichés without my knowledge), but still - this is always cringe-worthy.
My most hated cliché: “Mr X passed away”.
For f**k’s sake - just say “Mr X died”. There’s nothing taboo about death - it’s a part of life. And quite frankly, saying “passed away” does not make sense. Where did they pass to?
When a family member or friend is jealous after I receive free tickets to an event or show
It’s not like I’m part of the highest-paid profession, after all…
What I feel like doing to PR contacts who are aggressive, controlling & patronising
Just to clarify: 95 per cent of public relations contacts I deal with are friendly, genuine and overall helpful.
But the remaining five per cent? Stop calling excessively. I am not obligated to publish the story idea(s) you pitch. And most of all, I do not work for you.
So do me and my fellow journalists a favour and go away. You’re only giving your PR peers a bad name.
What I’m like when the photographer starts asking all the questions during a photo shoot
(Lucky I enjoy working with most of them, at least.)
