Blogging on the job: How far is too far?

Yesterday, fellow reporter Marcia Moore said she had an article she wanted me to read and discuss.

It was a Gawker article on a reporter from Alabama who posted 10 “confessions” on her blog and – after refusing to take them down – was fired.

Shea Allen, the reporter in question

Here’s what she said:

1. I’ve gone bra-less during a live broadcast and no one was the wiser.
2. My best sources are the ones who secretly have a crush on me.
3. I am better live when I have no script and no idea what I’m talking about.
4. I’ve mastered the ability to contort my body into a position that makes me appear much skinner in front of the camera than I actually am.
5. I hate the right side of my face.
6. I’m frightened of old people and I refuse to do stories involving them or the places they reside.
7. Happy, fluffy, rainbow stories about good things make me depressed.
8. I’ve taken naps in the news car.
9. If you ramble and I deem you unnecessary for my story, I’ll stop recording but let you think otherwise.
10. I’ve stolen mail and then put it back. (maybe)

My thoughts were: Well……she deserved it.

My approach to blogging is to always make sure that while you’re blogging about what’s going on, you always have to assume that your boss and your sources are going to read it – whether it’s on your personal blog, work blog, Twitter, anything. If you wouldn’t want them to, then don’t post it.

And if you happen to make a boo-boo and your boss says to take it down …. do it. Or you can lose your job.

You have to always assume your boss is out there, reading what you write.

And while I completely support the right to free speech – you have to realize that we’re living in a world where you have to be aware of what you say because these things go global. Sure you can say whatever you want, but if someone decides it’s harmful to their brand, they can fire you.

So, I agree with her boss’ decision. It’s a hard lesson to learn, but sometimes, you need to learn it.

Rain at the Daily Item office

Yesterday was rain-pocolypse here in the Valley.

Just in time for everyone to head home, rain just poured from the sky, making it almost impossible to avoid getting soaked when you ventured outside.

We’ve had quite a few thunderstorms lately, but I have to tell you, I sitll haven’t gotten sick of them.

I like the rain and the thunderstorms, as long as I don’t have to actually go outside.

And of course, as it began to pour, here at the Daily Item, since we are all essentially perpetual 13-year-olds, we were fascinated by looking out our window at the storm.

Here’s what we found:

Here’s a look out our window – those fingers belong to the Daily Item’s own Francis Scarcella.

Brightening up our day

The Daily Item office is a little brighter today, thanks to some flowers delivered to reporter Marcia Moore, after she did a story about a lunch program in Snyder County.

When she was first called downstairs because she had a delivery, we had no idea it was going to be this pretty!

So thank you to the senders for cheering up our day, as Marcia has agreed to let us all enjoy the flowers and keep them in the office.

Bison time out

Whether you were rooting for or against Bucknell, if you were in the Daily Item newsroom yesterday afternoon,  you were watching the Bison game.

Here’s the proof:

Roof Reporting

We had some fun yesterday in search of a story.

Rob and Francis were on the roof to get some shots and have a little fun.

Here’s some photos to show just what you have to do sometimes to get it right.

Back from vacation!

I took a couple days off last week to recharge.

It was nice – I had a great time.

But coming back after several days away can be stressful. Work doesn’t stop because you do.

So how do you come back ready to go?

Luckily the Internet has some Good tips!

Here’s some from Lifehacker.