Comments on: The Big Plunge http://invertedsoapbox.com/2008/10/10/the-big-plunge/ Stories from a freelance writer in Brooklyn Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:55:29 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.com/ By: Happy birthday, you filthy soapbox! « Inverted Soapbox http://invertedsoapbox.com/2008/10/10/the-big-plunge/#comment-228 Tue, 24 Feb 2009 05:17:31 +0000 http://invertedsoapbox.wordpress.com/2008/10/10/the-big-plunge/#comment-228 [...] on the decline of a once-promising local newspaper, then wrote in plain truths about my decision to leave the newspaper industry and to try to pit writing skill against the forces of poverty in New York City. A few times, I even [...]

]]> By: Brian http://invertedsoapbox.com/2008/10/10/the-big-plunge/#comment-87 Sun, 19 Oct 2008 23:58:00 +0000 http://invertedsoapbox.wordpress.com/2008/10/10/the-big-plunge/#comment-87 Good luck to you – and give a shout if you ever wander out to the desert.

]]> By: Jonathan Cribbs http://invertedsoapbox.com/2008/10/10/the-big-plunge/#comment-86 Wed, 15 Oct 2008 01:27:00 +0000 http://invertedsoapbox.wordpress.com/2008/10/10/the-big-plunge/#comment-86 Ginny,

Weren’t you supposed to call me when you came to Atlanta?

]]> By: Jessica http://invertedsoapbox.com/2008/10/10/the-big-plunge/#comment-85 Tue, 14 Oct 2008 21:26:00 +0000 http://invertedsoapbox.wordpress.com/2008/10/10/the-big-plunge/#comment-85 I can’t imagine anything written that echoed my own thoughts on newspapers so clearly. No matter what you do – there will always be ink in your blood, and I think that’s how all of former newsroom-occupants will always be. (Considering there are two in my house currently, I think that’s a solid scientific survey).
It may not be Brooklyn, but we always have a spare bedroom for you to crash in in Pittsburgh (and two comfortable couches also).
Good luck – there will be great things for you in the future.

]]> By: Lauren http://invertedsoapbox.com/2008/10/10/the-big-plunge/#comment-84 Tue, 14 Oct 2008 19:21:00 +0000 http://invertedsoapbox.wordpress.com/2008/10/10/the-big-plunge/#comment-84 I’m coming to live with you, brother after I graduate in a year and a half/2 years. I can’t think of a better place to go and get a job completely unrelated to my psychology degree than NYC.

]]> By: Barry http://invertedsoapbox.com/2008/10/10/the-big-plunge/#comment-83 Tue, 14 Oct 2008 14:47:00 +0000 http://invertedsoapbox.wordpress.com/2008/10/10/the-big-plunge/#comment-83 I’m telling you Tim … Queens is the new Brooklyn.

]]> By: Ginny http://invertedsoapbox.com/2008/10/10/the-big-plunge/#comment-82 Tue, 14 Oct 2008 14:04:00 +0000 http://invertedsoapbox.wordpress.com/2008/10/10/the-big-plunge/#comment-82 My, oh my. I do believe you are doing the right thing. But when I read this sentence, my heart briefly dipped into my stomach:

“So then the big decision lumbered back into the picture: what the hell else are you supposed to do when the only industry you’ve ever had interest in no longer is viable?”

You were always the one who I could count on to hold out hope that there was some way newspapers would find a way to function properly again. It has only been 11 months since I left the newspaper industry, and I’m reminded of its growing naivety every month when I pay my student loan. If only my adviser had warned me that my Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism with a specialty in print and a master’s to match would expire in 10 years.

I can break my heart and send a swarm of evil butterflies into my stomach just thinking about how much newspapers have changed since that day I consulted with you and Pappy in the Packet break room … wondering whether I should take the job.

But, my friend, you will land on your feet. You are more than an outstanding reporter. You also have an incredible talent when it comes to stringing together thoughts, ideas and descriptions. Your writing and other virtues will no doubt take you far. I’m just glad that for two years, I was lucky enough to have crossed paths with you.

I wish you all the best in this endeavor. It’s the right thing to do.

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