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Lay-offs aren’t as much fun as they sound

By Wendy Gragg | Monday, February 9, 2009, 02:06 PM

By now, many of you have heard that the Trib announced lay-offs last week. Seven total, three in the newsroom. I have plenty to say about it, but it would turn into a rant and whine about the death of the newspaper industry, and I don’t have the energy for that. Not yet.

What I will say is that (as cliched as it sounds) my heart goes out to those whose positions were eliminated. Someone asked me this weekend, “Were any of those people close friends of yours?” And I didn’t know what to say. I mean, close friends, schmends, our newsroom is a freakish, geekish little family. I may not hang with these people, but I see them, work with them, every day.

Newspaper is a scary place to be right now, indeed. It’s got me wondering what else I could possibly be good for. Like I mentioned to someone on Twitter, my interests include flossing, straightening out paper clips and facebook stalking. My talents include awkward “your mom” jokes, making killer iTunes playlists and alliteration. Just try to find those qualifications on journalismjobs.com!

Anyway, that’s the scoop. Morose enough for you?

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Comments

By Black Sheep Betty

February 10, 2009 9:26 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse

Thanks, Wendy. My sentiments exactly. I’ve never had a job that felt so little like a JOB. We are family up here. But like families, we have our ups and downs. And we have our crises. Let me tell you, in the face of uncertainty, I see more strength in our newsroom than I ever have. I love ALL you guys!

By Cecil 1

February 10, 2009 9:49 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse

This is a ”Catch 22”, not just with the news paper industry but all over, companys lay off pople, and there is less money for people to spend, ergo, companys, and news papers don’t sell their products, so off go more people, so-forth and so-on. But hey you should know this, it will end, all good, and bad things, come to an end, the question, and that is the biggie, when. I don’t think all the money poured in to the economy by the gov’t is going to do it, it may are may not help, only time will tell. What is going to happen is the debt is going to turn around and bite somebody right in the old Kazoo, and that very well maybe worse than the present problems. I personaly hope I am totally wrong, about the Kazoo, because its our, the tax payers Kazoo..

By robert

February 10, 2009 6:08 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse

Wendy, I would like to see you develop other skills besides writing, flossing, paper clip arrangements, etc. I think it would be really cool to see you try your hand as an elementary school teacher. The experience would give you a great deal to blog about and might just be rewarding, as well. You know I would love to have you cover cool events at Waco Charter School. Imagine the things you could learn by covering a school from the inside. Think of the fun it would be. You could even use your talents for alliteration, but the “your mom” jokes might not be such a hit. Consider this a challenge too good to resist.

By KDF

February 11, 2009 9:48 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse

When I was in the Navy, we got stationed at various places and on various ships. Saying goodbye is not easy, but I always had my job. Hail those leaving with Fair winds and following seas, a very postive tribute. And remember, the bible states that with men many things are impossible, but with God all things are possible. <><

By poopsandwich

March 3, 2009 3:00 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse

Where is the Black Sheep Betty blog?!!?!?!??!?!?