So, today's my last day in the office this year. I'll write more about the ups and downs of the editorial development effort here at RBI during my OM&HB review of the year next week, but I have to say, this has been the single hardest year of my working life. A recent e-mail conversation reminded of how difficult it can be doing a job like this in a traditional publishing company. I asked one of my colleagues the reason behind a comment here that seemed, to me, unusually hostile. And he replied that he was merely playing devil's advocate to my remarks. And in that moment, he caught exactly why I feel so very tired right now.
If you spend your life teaching people in media about social media, about conversational publishing and genuine online community, you will spend a good percentage of your time being told you are wrong. Sometimes it'll be in small ways of the "interesting but... nah" way, and sometimes in all-out confrontation, which I rather like. And sometimes it'll be in the soul-sapping "I'll be all nice to your face and undermine you and your work behind your back" kinda way. But you'll get some element of it every single working day.
And sure, there's nothing there that isn't just part of office politics generally. But you don't get into a job like this unless you're passionate about the thing you're evangelising, and constantly having to defend it against a barrage of negativity can get wearing. Having to defend what you've done is one thing, having to continually defend the existence of your own position is quite another.
So, this is Christmas. I'm off to spend time with my (sadly diminished) family, eat and drink, and rediscover my enthusiasm for this fight. And I really, really need to do that, because 2009 is going to be the hardest year in memory for publishers. And I still, quite genuinely, believe that mixing good, original journalism with genuine community interaction for professional communities is the way that we'll survive this. And that it will be an even tougher year for me than 2008, because the stakes are so very much higher.
For what it is worth, the blog and you have been one of my inspirations over the last six months. Our 100% social media relationship (We have 1)never actually met, 2)commented on eachother's Twitter and blogs, 3)competitors never used to interact in old media) has been really important to me. So, please, have a great break, refind your energy/enthusiasm/iconoclasm because I, at least, need ya'!
Happy and merry ... and all the best for 2009. Rest up, have a drink or three and ... see you next year!
I hate to disappoint you - but I think we did meet, ever so briefly, years ago at a BCO President's dinner in Barcelona, while you were at Property Week and I at EG.
But my memory may be cheating me. :)
Thanks Becky. Hope you have a good one, too. :)
2009 is the year of meritocracy.
Journalism, in 2009, will be returned to the people who produce it. They have simply forgotten that they have (and had) the power all along.
It's not the corporations who rule.
Meritocracy.
Adam, just found this blog by accident, and well I've spent the last 30 minutes reading your posts - enjoyed the photos and videos on Le Web.
Looking forward to reading more in 2009!
I have to say that I know exactly where you're at. I'm almost considering making "not trying to persuade people" one of my New Year's Resolutions - if people don't want to know, leave them be ;)
But like you I'll no doubt be back after a few days off and, if it helps, having your blog, tweets and general activity does often make me feel less like I'm the only one pushing water uphill so please don't pack it in just yet. Here's to 2009!
As an old "journalist" dog desperately trying to find her way in this new world, I can only hope journalism isn't dead. News corporations, aspiring for profit over message, certainly dealt a serious blow to our conventions. But we still believe that message matters. Any help you can provide this old dog is far more appreciated than scorned.
I'll do my best, Claire. The holiday has certainly reinvigorated me. :)