Saturday, July 25, 2009

FJ laid-off golf writer makes a timely return

In recent months I've been critical of the Flint Journal's rather weak coverage of local golf, but it appears that a writer that the FJ thought they didn't need during the downsizing has been brought back, at least on a part-time or freelance basis to bail them out.

With recent announcements about the Buick Open at Warwick Hills (this is the last year for the event, a victim of GM's economic woes) and the return of Tiger Woods to the event, it appears the paper now needs their former golf writer back.

In just the past few days I've noticed the former FJ reporter's byline on several stories (he used to cover the Flint Generals hockey team, so maybe he'll get some more work when that season fires up again).

Writers: Can't live with them, but apparently can't live without them either. Hope the paper is paying him well for those stories.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

It's too bad this year's Buick Open will be the last. The golf writer you mention is a walking encyclopedia for not only the Buick Open, but for all of golf. It was smart to bring him back.

I heard they tried to bring back several other folks, including Flint's sports editor. He politely declined. I don't blame him one bit.

Cooley's Dictum said...

Here's hoping the called-back writer has some IT skills in addition to his golfing knowledge. Either the Journal has ongoing problems in the 'comment' arena -- or half the 'regular' bloggers posters have stopped following the paper.

Anonymous said...

eh, writers are a dime o' dozen.

institutional knowledge? relationships and connections? pshaw.

now, high-priced executive talent, with stylish haircuts and and an understanding of expense accounts, company cars and company mortgage plans? that's ANOTHER story ...

Anonymous said...

They tried to bring people back full-time or part-time? I know some people turned down their insulting offer to return as part-timers.

Anonymous said...

By the way, I don't think the golf writer in question is "back." He's freelancing from what I was told.

Anonymous said...

The Journal has tried to bring back a few writers, but with an insulting "freelance" wage. Even those who stayed with the a wage cut are struggling to survive. Why should those tossed out go back? The institutional knowledge, skill and talent they had was easily dismissed. But now they're supposed to be thankful for $50 or $75 a story? Maybe those who go back should think about the message they are sending. I have heard some writers are even sending stories for nothing.