The following is a copy of the e-mail I recently sent every person on the editorial staff of the Rocky Mountain News on the day of its final edition. Click here to read the results of the survey. I think you'll also find it worthwhile to read comments from managers, content originators and editors/in-house staff. I plan to send out the same survey at the one-year mark. I believe it's worthwhile to learn what the economic downturn and the shriveling/death of some American newspapers means to the people who've lost their jobs - and what better place to examine that story than the Rocky, the first major newspaper to close in 2009?
Dear former colleagues:
Today is the six month anniversary of the day we produced the final edition of the Rocky Mountain News. I hope you are all doing well. I've been wondering what's happened to many of you and I think there are many in the industry and outside who would be interested in knowing what's become of the people who lost their jobs at the Rocky. So I'd like to ask your help with a quick survey I'm doing for my blog. I'd appreciate it if you could respond to the following few questions and send your answers back to me as soon as possible. It should just take a few secs. I'd like to post the results on my blog, www.johntemple.net, next week. I hope to do the same at the one-year mark. Thanks for your help with this.
Again, my best to all.
J
Questions:
1. What are you doing today? (If a new job, please say what it is. In journalism? Outside?)
a) a new full-time job
b) a new part-time job
c) freelancing/started your own business
d) going to school
e) collecting unemployment
f) other
2. If you are working, would you say what you're doing is:
a) better than your job at the Rocky
b) about the same
c) worse
3. If you are working, are you earning:
a) more than you made at the Rocky
b) the same
c) less
4. What department were you in at the Rocky?
5. Were you in the bargaining unit or management?
6. Do you have any comments you'd like to share about your experience post-Rocky Mountain News?
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Reflections from Rocky Mountain News reporters, photographers, artists, videographers and cartoonists six months after the paper's final edition
The following are comments I received from former Rocky Mountain News staffers in response to this question in my survey about life six months after the paper published its final edition: Do you have any comments you'd like to share about your experience post-Rocky Mountain News?
These responses came from staff who were in the bargaining unit - the Denver Newspaper Guild - who worked as reporters, columnists, artists, photographers and videographers. You can also read a collection of comments from staff who were in the bargaining unit and worked in the newsroom as editors, imagers, technical staff, editorial assistants and a collection of responses from non-bargaining unit managers. Click here to read a story summarizing the results of the survey and here to read the e-mail survey I sent former staffers.
“I feel like the cadaver being asked by the funeral director, how did you like the flowers?” - Bernie Lincicome, sports columnist
“I'm truly enjoying my new life. I love working for myself and discovering a different world out there. I'm fortunate to have had the experience at the Rocky to set me up for this new life, and couldn't have had such a great start at my own business if it wasn't for the Rocky and its great reputation. The Rocky has meant so much to the public, and I'm benefitting from that. I know that our separation package has allowed me to work for myself with a more calm and confident approach--I think that makes a difference in my interactions with clients.” - Ellen Jaskol, photographer
“After almost 22 years at the News, and 39 years in the business, life post-Rocky has had its wrenching moments. I miss my public voice, and covering issues and people I thought were important for the community to learn about. I am heartened when I hear people say they miss the News, and I think the city has suffered because of the loss of a strong news and information voice that seemed to care more about what is going on here than, shall we say, other media outlets. I also think I am really lucky to be in a situation where I am learning new skills every day and working with a great group of people. It’s just been one of the oddest years of my life. I hate to rush the year, but I’m ready to kiss 2009 goodbye.” - Mary Chandler, art and architecture writer
“Like so many people, I simply miss the Rocky, its folksiness, the camaraderie that was its hallmark. I am fortunate that I simply got to change floors and keep essentially the same job. Thing is, even though the Rocky is gone, I still kind of feel like a traitor. Maybe it is just part of the mourning process of losing something that was a part of my life for over a dozen years, of feeling a deep sense of survivor guilt with so many former colleagues out of work, why I can't seem to delete "The Rocky" from my laptop's list of favorites”. - Bill Johnson, local columnist
“After 31 years at the RMN, the closure -- the announcement of the possibility, the waiting, the swiftness when it finally happened -- still seems surreal. I'm fortunate to have found something fairly fast (I was hired by CU in mid-July) in this area, and in a position that allows me to write. I feel like I've walked away from the crash, but I hurt for so many good people that haven't found anything yet.” - B.G. Brooks, sportswriter
“After the closing of the Rocky I went to work right away putting together 3 web sites, one to host cartoons, another to host my portfolio, and another site with tips, techniques and insight into the creative process. That's been a blast to do and I think has some real potential. I also put together promotional materials for my freelance business, attended a few conventions relating to the freelance industry and I'm slowly adding clients to my list. It will take time. The market is obviously challenging right now. But I am optimistic about it rebounding in the 2nd or 3rd quarter of 2010. I'm also seeking to move more into the world of Children's product development: children's books, animation and graphic novels. I'm continuing to pursue avenues for my sports content in various ways. More than anything else I'm enjoying the creative freedom to create whatever I want and work on my own time frame (late, late nights for me) to meet deadlines. I'm nowhere near making what I made at the Rocky and I know lifestyle changes are on the horizon. I also know I must come up with ways to pay for health care and the myriad of expenses that come with day to day living and, at times, it seems somewhat daunting. But it's no use worrying day to day. I'm confident a path will come clear as time rolls on. While I miss the Rocky, and my many friends who were a part of producing a great paper, I prefer to look ahead rather than behind. You can't get to second with your foot on first.” - Drew Litton, cartoonist
Go to http://www.drewlitton.com for my sports cartoons.
Go to http://www.littoonzstudios.com for my portfolio
Go to http://creatorsincubator.wordpress.com for creative tips, techniques and insight.
“I tell people, ‘I make less money and have less ‘security’ than before, but I'm happier.’ I didn't realize the wearing-down I was feeling, as the Rocky wore down. I'd pick up the Rocky from my driveway, and as it got slimmer and slighter, I realized ---- but only afterwards ---- that I was starting each day with this growing uneasiness, like, geez, this is my livelihood; but how can it survive? In the last few years, I tried to think of other things I wanted to do, but my mind was a blank. I really loved working for a newspaper. But it had become like seeing somebody you love waste away. Today, I'm glad for the new opportunities. It feels absolutely right. But there's still this stab of loss that happens when I least expect it -- like somebody on the radio will quote something from the Post and I'll think, ‘Damn it, where's the Rocky?? We should be there!’ or I'll hear the name of somebody I've interviewed over the years, or something will happen on my former beat and I'll just reflexively think -- ‘OK, how am I going to cover that?’
Over time, I've come to be grateful to have the Rocky as part of my past, and glad to have seen it through. In a weird way, it was a real privilege, not to mention historic, to be there for the end of a 150-year-old institution, which had been loved by so many people. Now, on to a new day.” - Jean Torkelson, reporter
“I am grateful to have been part of such a great paper. In my three years at the Rocky, I contributed to most of the departments and got to know great people who cared about their craft. My greatest joy was to be part of the team that developed the video presence on the Rocky’s Web site, and who can forget working with Sam Adams on a weekly sports video column? By surrounding myself with great talent, I became a better multimedia journalist.” - Laressa Bachelor, videographer
“I was fortunate to get a decent amount of freelance work during the Nuggets' deep playoff run. However, you spend as much time trying to get paid for freelance work as you do on the work. I also was part of the failed InDenverTimes venture. We began with great optimism, but were hit hard with reality when we got only about 3,000 subscriptions, well short of the hoped-for 50,000.” - Chris Tomasson, NBA reporter
“I'm very fortunate. I received and accepted an offer for my current job (managing editor of the Carolina Journal) a few days after the Rocky closed. My wife and I had to sell a house, move across the country, leave a network of friends we had quickly and actively developed.
“But we're happy here. I'm nourishing my roots. I do not miss the combination of certainty and uncertainty accompanying every day at the paper from early December until the end of February. By late December, I was fairly certain the paper was going to close. But I didn't know when, and I had convinced myself that I would probably leave journalism rather than leave Denver to seek another job in dailies unless an ideal opportunity came along. It did. So again, I'm very lucky.” - Rick Henderson, editorial writer
“During nearly three decades in journalism, I found the Rocky had the best team-work of any newspaper for which I'd worked. It was just an unofficial credo of the Rocky that you put your ego aside, dived and helped your colleagues do the best possible journalism.
“Of course, I'm saddened that this scrappy, historic newspaper was taken down by a perfect storm: a double-tsunami of nose-diving revenues in the changing newspaper industry and the Wall Street and housing industry collapse.
“Often, my Denver neighbors tell me with genuine sorrow how much ‘We miss our Rocky.’ I wish Scripps had fought to make the Rocky the top paper in the 2000 JOA negotiations. It could have bought the Rocky, which remained the circulation leader to the end, time to continue evolving toward a Web-based platform.
“We had a helluva team: great thinkers and writing voices, dogged reporters, stunning photographers and gifted designers.
“It burns me that a great ride was cut short.
“But Rocky journalists continue to do strong work -- on the Web, at other newspapers, in broadcasting and at myriad new venues.
“My hope for accountability journalism and the open, healthy democracy it nurtures, is that a new generation of technology-savvy, multi-media Web journalists will create a thriving forum to muck-rake, inspire and outrage local communities. Without local reporters digging out the real story, our democracy will suffer.
“Best of luck to everyone in the Rocky family, it is an honor to have worked with you.” - Alan Gathright, reporter
"I think we obviously all have a lot to offer in other fields and that was reaffirmed in the process of interviewing for something new. The Rocky's closing, while wrenching for me and all of us, offered me the opportunity to make a break into something totally different. Leaving journalism doesn't mean I can't make a difference in some way. I decided to pursue a leadership role because I hoped it would allow me to have a significant impact as quickly as possible, as well as a little more control over my future success. I'm not as much of a fan of the phrase, 'When one door closes, another one opens,' as much as I like the saying, 'What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.' One thing has become clear to me over the years: 'Change is good.' I wouldn't have come to the Rocky if I hadn't been looking for a new opportunity. If I hadn't been at the Rocky, I wouldn't have been out learning new things and meeting new people. All of the relationships I developed in Denver made the transition easier. That ability to quickly develop new relationships and get up to speed in new areas - two of the things you need to 'do' good journalism - are some of the things I hope will help me in my new adventure. Two weeks in - so far, so good!" - Joanne Kelley, reporter
“It was a wake-up call to figure out whether to turn right or left or maybe to go forward or shift into reverse.” - Jim Benton, sports reporter
“It's been a very difficult transition. Obviously, it's hard to move to a new country; there are certain romantic aspects to living in Italy and the food is great, but at the end of the day, everything is harder.
“There's not a day that goes by that I don't miss The Rocky and being a journalist. I loved everything about the place—my cluttered, map-filled desk, the new building's HVAC system that seemingly targeted Mark Christopher and would blow super-chilled air on his neck, cranky colleagues on deadline, Dean Lindoerfer—never giving up the faith—wheeling by in yet another Bronco's jersey, Nancy Mitchell working the refs (read Armando Arrieta) about who chopped her story. I could go on and on.
“My wife keeps asking me why—when people query me as to where I'm from and what I do—I say I'm from Denver, Colorado (when I was born and raised in Kansas City) and a journalist. I reply, "Because I am and I am." The Rocky is a hard habit to break, I guess.
“It's just so hard to see journalism "contract" and graphics almost disappear. I understand that the Atlanta Journal Constitution laid off its entire graphics staff while the Houston Chronicle slashed a mere 50% from its stable, to name just a few. Not only is it a severe body blow to lose your own job but it is doubly wrenching to see a profession that is so important to society and that you love so much fade away. This time, I don't know if these lost jobs and the talented people that defined them are ever coming back.” - John Sopinski, graphic artist
“Today is the six-month anniversary of the last edition of the Rocky Mountain News. When I was a student at the University of Denver, Chancellor Maurice Mitchell shared with me his theory of the evolution of media. He believed that the more intimate medium would inevitably supplant the less. Thus, the extremely portable 35 mm camera led to large format magazines like Life and Look, which replaced the text-based magazines like Colliers. Television, in turn, ruined the large format mags. That conversation took place more than 40 years ago, but I’m convinced Mitchell was right. It took a while, but 24-hour cable news and the internet have taken their toll on newspapers. Those of us whose careers have been cut short by the demise of the Rocky and the cutbacks at other papers have been justifiably critical of newspaper management for not responding aggressively to the reshaping of the media landscape, but I wonder if we haven’t been a little too harsh. Buggy whip manufacturers may well have seen the end coming when the automobile arrived, but it’s hard to know how they could have saved their industry. The truth is, there’s no way for newspapers to recover the ad revenue lost to other venues, or to reclaim their power with readers who have access to so many other choices. I find myself wondering how the health care debate would play out if newspapers were still the dominant news source, and equally, whether this country ever would have passed Social Security or Medicare if the shouting heads of cable tv and the insidious disinformation of the internet had been in play then. The sad truth is that, even if newspapers, with budget cuts, restructuring, and more aggressive use of social networking tools and video, find a way to remain profitable, they have lost forever their pre-eminent position as public persuaders. I’ve seen this coming in my own journalistic niche. When I first joined the Association of Editorial Cartoonists, our annual meetings were attended by senators and congressmen eager to have out ears. We routinely were invited to the White House when we convened in Washington. The men and women in power feared our pens. Now they fear Jon Stewart. I don’t know what the future holds for our profession. Perhaps the printed word will rise again in triumph. Or maybe the New York Times or the Washington Post or some unexpected player will create a new, hybrid multimedia form of journalism that will have the power newspapers used to wield. And maybe in that mythical medium my caricatures will again make the movers and shakers quake. They’d better hurry. I’m not getting any younger. To see more cartoons like The Future of Newspapers?, have them delivered to your email, join the discussion, and more, visit EdSteinInk.com” - Ed Stein, cartoonist
“Soon after the Rocky closed, I attended a living history event with my children at the Colorado History Museum. A wonderful storyteller dressed as Augusta Tabor enlightened us about life in 1859 as she and her husband crossed the prairie and arrived in what was then known as Denver City. She spoke of her family's struggle to survive and riding a ferry across the Platte River before heading into the mountains to search for elusive riches in mines. As I listened to her story, I thought of the Rocky's humble beginnings and how intertwined the Rocky is with Denver. And all I could think was, "What a waste. What a waste that we threw away so much history." I'm still sad that our paper died before a new model could emerge to save it. I have come to believe that for-profit corporations can no longer be entrusted to run newspapers.
“While I am personally doing well and look forward to reinventing myself, I am very sentimental about all the interesting people I interviewed over the years and all the great stories we told. I miss chatting with funny, brilliant colleagues like Mark Wolf and Mike Littwin. And clearly, I am still grieving over the demise of newspapers.” - Katie Kerwin McCrimmon, reporter
“I miss all the great people at the Rocky, as well as speaking with and reporting about the great people in Colorado. But I was ready for a change. And the Rocky's unfortunate demise helped bring about that change. I like working for myself and working from home. On the plus side: I set my own hours and have more time with the family. I'm also writing about a topic I feel particularly passionate about: food. I've done this type of work before and the challenge is managing the times when I have too much client work and the times when I don't have enough. Finally, I enjoy having my hands in a few different pots: journalism, blogging, marketing and book editing.” - Roger Fillion, reporter
“I feel very lucky to have a lawn mowing business to fall back on right now. After watching talented people with families to support lose their job at the Rocky and seeing the disappointment in my father's eyes when he lost his job after 19 years, it has emphasized the importance of having a plan 'b' or even 'c' in life. Having witnessing this difficult experience at such a young age will help me as I propel into the future.” - Brian Lehmann, photographer
“I did not know whether I would continue in journalism after the Rocky closed. But my book, Columbine: A True Crime Story (Ghost Road Press, 2009), was released one month later, which allowed me to focus full time on interviews, a book tour, and other book promoting. It was however sad not to have the support of the Rocky during the release of the book. Two days after my last book signing in Houston, I started my job as associate editor at Denver Magazine.” - Jeff Kass
“It’s up to me to create options, day by day. The Rocky gave me a great platform from which to launch what's next. Something's always next!”- Sonya Doctorian, video journalist
“It's been an interesting six months. At one time I was working for six different outlets: an online travel magazine, colorado avid golfer, colorado triathlete magazine, AP, Denver Post, as well as a private promotions company that commissioned a golf story. plus I was shooting photos for real estate friend. luckily all have paid up., save the Post. go figure. they send a bill but not payment. I've also found work with Australia AP while covering U.S. Women's Open in my hometown. And don't forget writing for free for InDenverTimes while covering the Masters. It hasn't been easy. I must have called two dozen outlets before i got one to bite on a great story about half brothers bonding in Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon. Nobodies has any freelance money these days, even some of the bigger publications who have expressed an interest. When the Post finally called back 10 minutes (but one week) after i sold the story I talked then into more of a follow focusing on local brother I haven't ruled out a few books. Or maybe it's time for those photography classes or even cooking school, which makes sense if you know my obsession with the food network. The good part is freedom to explore, take time to travel, golf and enjoy life a little more. Be sure to include that i have a website, which is up though still under construction it's lynndebruin.com with emails at ldebruin1@gmail.com” - Lynn DeBruin, sports reporter
“In some ways it seems much longer than six months. We've talked about this, but I'll say it again: The loss of the Rocky has made me realize how much value there is in an organization of such caliber. The whole truly was greater than the sum of its parts. For the future of journalism, I think we're going to have to find ways to recreate that collaboration and depth -- even if it doesn't exist in traditional newsrooms.” - Laura Frank, reporter
“Enjoying the next and final phase of my career. Steadily building freelance business ... .assignments have taken me to Norway and Chicago ...Enjoy the process of landing assignments ...At 57, this is what I want to do.” - Clay Latimer, sports reporter
“I'm trying new things that I also enjoy involving helping the less fortunate.” - Hector Gutierrez, reporter
“I want everyone to know how special we had it at the Rocky. I miss my former work life and my former colleagues. We had a truly professional operation that we should all be proud of. I enjoy my new job but I am sad about the trajectory of journalism and about the loss of the Rocky. It is a true blow to a healthy vibrant democracy.” - Myung Oak Kim, reporter
“Grad school has been both harder and more rewarding than expected.... Oh, yeah, I also got married in May... my wife, Kate Szrom (a sometimes Rocky freelancer) is also working on her M.A. here at Syracuse.” - Wes Pope, videographer
“I didn’t have to reinvent myself, but rather repurpose my skills. It’s been strange adapting to the culture of a large corporation after being in a smaller dynamic workplace with daily deadlines.” - Charles Chamberlin, assistant design director/graphics
“I have relocated to Boston and work from home for an energy-related company. As much as I loved working at the Rocky, I am not sure I want to re-enter the newspaper industry at this point.” - Gargi Chakrabarty, business reporter
“I'm fortunate to be doing many of the same things on the ‘outside’ as I was at the paper. I'm in touch with a lot of the folks from the paper and working on some projects with a few of them. I have much more time for my family. It's tough to ask for more than that.
“The downsides are that I'm no longer doing a lot of things that I really enjoyed and was fortunate to do at the paper. I miss the daily pace (sort of), the energy of being around really sharp, creative and energetic people and not knowing exactly what was behind Door #1 on any given day.
“Even the worst days at the paper (and there were a few, eh) were still days spent working for a good newspaper. There's no denying that was a pretty sweet deal. If the paper were to magically start again tomorrow, I'd jump back into the mix. At the same time, this is a very interesting time given the tools available to create multimedia and the environment for independent producers is probably as strong as it has ever been. I'm anxious to see how I can make a place for myself in that world. As soon as the learning curve flattens out a bit more, I think I'll be even more excited.” - Joe Mahoney, Assistant multimedia editor
“It's nice not working for the ‘man.’” - John Rebchook, real estate editor
“I feel very lucky to have full-time employment after six months. I still miss reading the paper and being around the newsroom and my friends and colleagues. But I do think we're starting to see our abilities applied at many new venues, and hopefully that's a good thing for us and the community.” - Jay Dedrick, feature writer
“The experience of the last six months has taught me how important journalism is to me. You really come to appreciate the things you love about the job after it's been ripped away from you. I'm lucky to have landed at The Gazette. However, had that not materialized, I would have gone where ever I needed to go to keep practicing this craft.” - John Ensslin, reporter
“When I explain my journalistic history to new sources, even six months after the closing, I am constantly met with the comment, ‘I'm so sorry. We were Rocky readers and we really miss the paper.’ Such comments remind me that even though I only worked there for 7-1/2 months, I will always be a ‘former Rocky reporter,’ a title of which I am very proud.” - Ed Sealover, reporter
“I can't say how badly I wish we were all doing what we love best, still working for the Rocky. And my loathing for Scripps grows stronger each and every day, not just for closing the paper but for all the damage the decision continues to inflict on real human beings and their families, especially in these economic times.” - Rick Sadowski, NHL reporter
“I spent 18 years in news, and I had the time of my life. When I moved to Colorado last summer, I immediately fell in love with the staff and the energy that was the Rocky. I remember telling my husband I wanted to retire here. Little did we know that that would be forced on us just seven short months later. Losing the Rocky was losing a career and an identity. It was losing a passion and, really, a life. But I was lucky. The Rocky put out its last edition on Friday, and I started my new job on Monday. Since then, I have learned all about social networking and marketing, and I have written a manuscript that will be published in a nursing publication. I have transferred my skills to a new passion that can benefit others. I think I will always miss what news used to be and that energy that you only find in a newsroom. But we have to play the hand we're dealt in life. I made some great friends at the Rocky, and I hope they continue to be part of my life for many, many years. Personally, I have embraced a new lifestyle, one that is more about family and less about daily deadlines. I have made my peace with the Rocky closing. And I am happy with my new life. I wish the same for everyone in the Rocky family.” - Judi Villa, police reporter
“I loved working for the Rocky and doing Rocky Preps. I'm just glad I can still do something in high school and motors ports. My best wishes to all out there - hang in there.” - Scott Stocker, prep sports and motor sports reporter
“Overall, my post Rocky life is good. I will say it took time for the reality of the Rocky closing to sink in for me. That may be because I have worked part-time for so many years - since our daughter was born and she's now almost 7 - that I wasn't used to being in the newsroom every day anyway. I still feel a hole in my gut since newspapering has been a major part of my identity as an adult. I am very glad now that I started teaching a couple years ago and expanded my skill set. I really enjoy teaching and working with students at CU. I have also forced myself to learn lots of new skills. I've created a Wordpress blog for my class, just bought a Flip camera, and signed on to Facebook and Twitter. All that is fun, but I'm still pondering how to best use my skills in this environment. I am lucky that my husband has a full-time job so I can mess around and find a good fit for myself. One tough part for me has been the lack of a regular schedule. But I'm getting better at juggling my various gigs. I am writing for EdNews Colorado with my former Rocky colleague Nancy Mitchell; I've been meeting with some folks here in Boulder as we attempt to create an in-depth news/neighborhood social networking platform; I've got a couple freelance gigs with CU and a Colorado bank. The thing I need now is a white board so I can stay organized! My life still feels more fragmented than I'd like it to be, but as time passes, certain things fall away and other things are beginning to gel. Thanks for asking about us.” - Julie Poppen, reporter
“I am disappointed that both Scripps and the guild seemed caught off guard by the change in Colorado law that made ex-RMN staffers ineligible to collect unemployment for the period their "separation" payments were deemed to be in lieu of wages. I can't argue that we are as deserving of unemployment as other workers who did not get separation/severance. It's just that had the process been completed just a couple weeks earlier, we would have received different treatment. - David Milstead, finance editor
“I spent a couple of weeks in Japan, traveling with my mother. Also spent some time visiting my siblings in California, and attending workshops on job seeking in Denver. But mostly, I'm finding it difficult to stop being a journalist - hence my stint with InDenverTimes.com and RockyMountainIndependent.com, even though I'm not getting paid. I will have to find a paying job soon - just not sure if I can find something that will be as fulfilling as being a journalist. In many ways, much of my identity has been based on being a reporter, and now, I'm trying to figure out if there is something else that I would like to be. In the meantime, I've been following stories and blogs about the newspaper industry with great interest, and wondering if there is still a place for me in the media business.” - Tillie Fong, reporter
These responses came from staff who were in the bargaining unit - the Denver Newspaper Guild - who worked as reporters, columnists, artists, photographers and videographers. You can also read a collection of comments from staff who were in the bargaining unit and worked in the newsroom as editors, imagers, technical staff, editorial assistants and a collection of responses from non-bargaining unit managers. Click here to read a story summarizing the results of the survey and here to read the e-mail survey I sent former staffers.
“I feel like the cadaver being asked by the funeral director, how did you like the flowers?” - Bernie Lincicome, sports columnist
“I'm truly enjoying my new life. I love working for myself and discovering a different world out there. I'm fortunate to have had the experience at the Rocky to set me up for this new life, and couldn't have had such a great start at my own business if it wasn't for the Rocky and its great reputation. The Rocky has meant so much to the public, and I'm benefitting from that. I know that our separation package has allowed me to work for myself with a more calm and confident approach--I think that makes a difference in my interactions with clients.” - Ellen Jaskol, photographer
“After almost 22 years at the News, and 39 years in the business, life post-Rocky has had its wrenching moments. I miss my public voice, and covering issues and people I thought were important for the community to learn about. I am heartened when I hear people say they miss the News, and I think the city has suffered because of the loss of a strong news and information voice that seemed to care more about what is going on here than, shall we say, other media outlets. I also think I am really lucky to be in a situation where I am learning new skills every day and working with a great group of people. It’s just been one of the oddest years of my life. I hate to rush the year, but I’m ready to kiss 2009 goodbye.” - Mary Chandler, art and architecture writer
“Like so many people, I simply miss the Rocky, its folksiness, the camaraderie that was its hallmark. I am fortunate that I simply got to change floors and keep essentially the same job. Thing is, even though the Rocky is gone, I still kind of feel like a traitor. Maybe it is just part of the mourning process of losing something that was a part of my life for over a dozen years, of feeling a deep sense of survivor guilt with so many former colleagues out of work, why I can't seem to delete "The Rocky" from my laptop's list of favorites”. - Bill Johnson, local columnist
“After 31 years at the RMN, the closure -- the announcement of the possibility, the waiting, the swiftness when it finally happened -- still seems surreal. I'm fortunate to have found something fairly fast (I was hired by CU in mid-July) in this area, and in a position that allows me to write. I feel like I've walked away from the crash, but I hurt for so many good people that haven't found anything yet.” - B.G. Brooks, sportswriter
“After the closing of the Rocky I went to work right away putting together 3 web sites, one to host cartoons, another to host my portfolio, and another site with tips, techniques and insight into the creative process. That's been a blast to do and I think has some real potential. I also put together promotional materials for my freelance business, attended a few conventions relating to the freelance industry and I'm slowly adding clients to my list. It will take time. The market is obviously challenging right now. But I am optimistic about it rebounding in the 2nd or 3rd quarter of 2010. I'm also seeking to move more into the world of Children's product development: children's books, animation and graphic novels. I'm continuing to pursue avenues for my sports content in various ways. More than anything else I'm enjoying the creative freedom to create whatever I want and work on my own time frame (late, late nights for me) to meet deadlines. I'm nowhere near making what I made at the Rocky and I know lifestyle changes are on the horizon. I also know I must come up with ways to pay for health care and the myriad of expenses that come with day to day living and, at times, it seems somewhat daunting. But it's no use worrying day to day. I'm confident a path will come clear as time rolls on. While I miss the Rocky, and my many friends who were a part of producing a great paper, I prefer to look ahead rather than behind. You can't get to second with your foot on first.” - Drew Litton, cartoonist
Go to http://www.drewlitton.com for my sports cartoons.
Go to http://www.littoonzstudios.com for my portfolio
Go to http://creatorsincubator.wordpress.com for creative tips, techniques and insight.
“I tell people, ‘I make less money and have less ‘security’ than before, but I'm happier.’ I didn't realize the wearing-down I was feeling, as the Rocky wore down. I'd pick up the Rocky from my driveway, and as it got slimmer and slighter, I realized ---- but only afterwards ---- that I was starting each day with this growing uneasiness, like, geez, this is my livelihood; but how can it survive? In the last few years, I tried to think of other things I wanted to do, but my mind was a blank. I really loved working for a newspaper. But it had become like seeing somebody you love waste away. Today, I'm glad for the new opportunities. It feels absolutely right. But there's still this stab of loss that happens when I least expect it -- like somebody on the radio will quote something from the Post and I'll think, ‘Damn it, where's the Rocky?? We should be there!’ or I'll hear the name of somebody I've interviewed over the years, or something will happen on my former beat and I'll just reflexively think -- ‘OK, how am I going to cover that?’
Over time, I've come to be grateful to have the Rocky as part of my past, and glad to have seen it through. In a weird way, it was a real privilege, not to mention historic, to be there for the end of a 150-year-old institution, which had been loved by so many people. Now, on to a new day.” - Jean Torkelson, reporter
“I am grateful to have been part of such a great paper. In my three years at the Rocky, I contributed to most of the departments and got to know great people who cared about their craft. My greatest joy was to be part of the team that developed the video presence on the Rocky’s Web site, and who can forget working with Sam Adams on a weekly sports video column? By surrounding myself with great talent, I became a better multimedia journalist.” - Laressa Bachelor, videographer
“I was fortunate to get a decent amount of freelance work during the Nuggets' deep playoff run. However, you spend as much time trying to get paid for freelance work as you do on the work. I also was part of the failed InDenverTimes venture. We began with great optimism, but were hit hard with reality when we got only about 3,000 subscriptions, well short of the hoped-for 50,000.” - Chris Tomasson, NBA reporter
“I'm very fortunate. I received and accepted an offer for my current job (managing editor of the Carolina Journal) a few days after the Rocky closed. My wife and I had to sell a house, move across the country, leave a network of friends we had quickly and actively developed.
“But we're happy here. I'm nourishing my roots. I do not miss the combination of certainty and uncertainty accompanying every day at the paper from early December until the end of February. By late December, I was fairly certain the paper was going to close. But I didn't know when, and I had convinced myself that I would probably leave journalism rather than leave Denver to seek another job in dailies unless an ideal opportunity came along. It did. So again, I'm very lucky.” - Rick Henderson, editorial writer
“During nearly three decades in journalism, I found the Rocky had the best team-work of any newspaper for which I'd worked. It was just an unofficial credo of the Rocky that you put your ego aside, dived and helped your colleagues do the best possible journalism.
“Of course, I'm saddened that this scrappy, historic newspaper was taken down by a perfect storm: a double-tsunami of nose-diving revenues in the changing newspaper industry and the Wall Street and housing industry collapse.
“Often, my Denver neighbors tell me with genuine sorrow how much ‘We miss our Rocky.’ I wish Scripps had fought to make the Rocky the top paper in the 2000 JOA negotiations. It could have bought the Rocky, which remained the circulation leader to the end, time to continue evolving toward a Web-based platform.
“We had a helluva team: great thinkers and writing voices, dogged reporters, stunning photographers and gifted designers.
“It burns me that a great ride was cut short.
“But Rocky journalists continue to do strong work -- on the Web, at other newspapers, in broadcasting and at myriad new venues.
“My hope for accountability journalism and the open, healthy democracy it nurtures, is that a new generation of technology-savvy, multi-media Web journalists will create a thriving forum to muck-rake, inspire and outrage local communities. Without local reporters digging out the real story, our democracy will suffer.
“Best of luck to everyone in the Rocky family, it is an honor to have worked with you.” - Alan Gathright, reporter
"I think we obviously all have a lot to offer in other fields and that was reaffirmed in the process of interviewing for something new. The Rocky's closing, while wrenching for me and all of us, offered me the opportunity to make a break into something totally different. Leaving journalism doesn't mean I can't make a difference in some way. I decided to pursue a leadership role because I hoped it would allow me to have a significant impact as quickly as possible, as well as a little more control over my future success. I'm not as much of a fan of the phrase, 'When one door closes, another one opens,' as much as I like the saying, 'What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.' One thing has become clear to me over the years: 'Change is good.' I wouldn't have come to the Rocky if I hadn't been looking for a new opportunity. If I hadn't been at the Rocky, I wouldn't have been out learning new things and meeting new people. All of the relationships I developed in Denver made the transition easier. That ability to quickly develop new relationships and get up to speed in new areas - two of the things you need to 'do' good journalism - are some of the things I hope will help me in my new adventure. Two weeks in - so far, so good!" - Joanne Kelley, reporter
“It was a wake-up call to figure out whether to turn right or left or maybe to go forward or shift into reverse.” - Jim Benton, sports reporter
“It's been a very difficult transition. Obviously, it's hard to move to a new country; there are certain romantic aspects to living in Italy and the food is great, but at the end of the day, everything is harder.
“There's not a day that goes by that I don't miss The Rocky and being a journalist. I loved everything about the place—my cluttered, map-filled desk, the new building's HVAC system that seemingly targeted Mark Christopher and would blow super-chilled air on his neck, cranky colleagues on deadline, Dean Lindoerfer—never giving up the faith—wheeling by in yet another Bronco's jersey, Nancy Mitchell working the refs (read Armando Arrieta) about who chopped her story. I could go on and on.
“My wife keeps asking me why—when people query me as to where I'm from and what I do—I say I'm from Denver, Colorado (when I was born and raised in Kansas City) and a journalist. I reply, "Because I am and I am." The Rocky is a hard habit to break, I guess.
“It's just so hard to see journalism "contract" and graphics almost disappear. I understand that the Atlanta Journal Constitution laid off its entire graphics staff while the Houston Chronicle slashed a mere 50% from its stable, to name just a few. Not only is it a severe body blow to lose your own job but it is doubly wrenching to see a profession that is so important to society and that you love so much fade away. This time, I don't know if these lost jobs and the talented people that defined them are ever coming back.” - John Sopinski, graphic artist
“Today is the six-month anniversary of the last edition of the Rocky Mountain News. When I was a student at the University of Denver, Chancellor Maurice Mitchell shared with me his theory of the evolution of media. He believed that the more intimate medium would inevitably supplant the less. Thus, the extremely portable 35 mm camera led to large format magazines like Life and Look, which replaced the text-based magazines like Colliers. Television, in turn, ruined the large format mags. That conversation took place more than 40 years ago, but I’m convinced Mitchell was right. It took a while, but 24-hour cable news and the internet have taken their toll on newspapers. Those of us whose careers have been cut short by the demise of the Rocky and the cutbacks at other papers have been justifiably critical of newspaper management for not responding aggressively to the reshaping of the media landscape, but I wonder if we haven’t been a little too harsh. Buggy whip manufacturers may well have seen the end coming when the automobile arrived, but it’s hard to know how they could have saved their industry. The truth is, there’s no way for newspapers to recover the ad revenue lost to other venues, or to reclaim their power with readers who have access to so many other choices. I find myself wondering how the health care debate would play out if newspapers were still the dominant news source, and equally, whether this country ever would have passed Social Security or Medicare if the shouting heads of cable tv and the insidious disinformation of the internet had been in play then. The sad truth is that, even if newspapers, with budget cuts, restructuring, and more aggressive use of social networking tools and video, find a way to remain profitable, they have lost forever their pre-eminent position as public persuaders. I’ve seen this coming in my own journalistic niche. When I first joined the Association of Editorial Cartoonists, our annual meetings were attended by senators and congressmen eager to have out ears. We routinely were invited to the White House when we convened in Washington. The men and women in power feared our pens. Now they fear Jon Stewart. I don’t know what the future holds for our profession. Perhaps the printed word will rise again in triumph. Or maybe the New York Times or the Washington Post or some unexpected player will create a new, hybrid multimedia form of journalism that will have the power newspapers used to wield. And maybe in that mythical medium my caricatures will again make the movers and shakers quake. They’d better hurry. I’m not getting any younger. To see more cartoons like The Future of Newspapers?, have them delivered to your email, join the discussion, and more, visit EdSteinInk.com” - Ed Stein, cartoonist
“Soon after the Rocky closed, I attended a living history event with my children at the Colorado History Museum. A wonderful storyteller dressed as Augusta Tabor enlightened us about life in 1859 as she and her husband crossed the prairie and arrived in what was then known as Denver City. She spoke of her family's struggle to survive and riding a ferry across the Platte River before heading into the mountains to search for elusive riches in mines. As I listened to her story, I thought of the Rocky's humble beginnings and how intertwined the Rocky is with Denver. And all I could think was, "What a waste. What a waste that we threw away so much history." I'm still sad that our paper died before a new model could emerge to save it. I have come to believe that for-profit corporations can no longer be entrusted to run newspapers.
“While I am personally doing well and look forward to reinventing myself, I am very sentimental about all the interesting people I interviewed over the years and all the great stories we told. I miss chatting with funny, brilliant colleagues like Mark Wolf and Mike Littwin. And clearly, I am still grieving over the demise of newspapers.” - Katie Kerwin McCrimmon, reporter
“I miss all the great people at the Rocky, as well as speaking with and reporting about the great people in Colorado. But I was ready for a change. And the Rocky's unfortunate demise helped bring about that change. I like working for myself and working from home. On the plus side: I set my own hours and have more time with the family. I'm also writing about a topic I feel particularly passionate about: food. I've done this type of work before and the challenge is managing the times when I have too much client work and the times when I don't have enough. Finally, I enjoy having my hands in a few different pots: journalism, blogging, marketing and book editing.” - Roger Fillion, reporter
“I feel very lucky to have a lawn mowing business to fall back on right now. After watching talented people with families to support lose their job at the Rocky and seeing the disappointment in my father's eyes when he lost his job after 19 years, it has emphasized the importance of having a plan 'b' or even 'c' in life. Having witnessing this difficult experience at such a young age will help me as I propel into the future.” - Brian Lehmann, photographer
“I did not know whether I would continue in journalism after the Rocky closed. But my book, Columbine: A True Crime Story (Ghost Road Press, 2009), was released one month later, which allowed me to focus full time on interviews, a book tour, and other book promoting. It was however sad not to have the support of the Rocky during the release of the book. Two days after my last book signing in Houston, I started my job as associate editor at Denver Magazine.” - Jeff Kass
“It’s up to me to create options, day by day. The Rocky gave me a great platform from which to launch what's next. Something's always next!”- Sonya Doctorian, video journalist
“It's been an interesting six months. At one time I was working for six different outlets: an online travel magazine, colorado avid golfer, colorado triathlete magazine, AP, Denver Post, as well as a private promotions company that commissioned a golf story. plus I was shooting photos for real estate friend. luckily all have paid up., save the Post. go figure. they send a bill but not payment. I've also found work with Australia AP while covering U.S. Women's Open in my hometown. And don't forget writing for free for InDenverTimes while covering the Masters. It hasn't been easy. I must have called two dozen outlets before i got one to bite on a great story about half brothers bonding in Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon. Nobodies has any freelance money these days, even some of the bigger publications who have expressed an interest. When the Post finally called back 10 minutes (but one week) after i sold the story I talked then into more of a follow focusing on local brother I haven't ruled out a few books. Or maybe it's time for those photography classes or even cooking school, which makes sense if you know my obsession with the food network. The good part is freedom to explore, take time to travel, golf and enjoy life a little more. Be sure to include that i have a website, which is up though still under construction it's lynndebruin.com with emails at ldebruin1@gmail.com” - Lynn DeBruin, sports reporter
“In some ways it seems much longer than six months. We've talked about this, but I'll say it again: The loss of the Rocky has made me realize how much value there is in an organization of such caliber. The whole truly was greater than the sum of its parts. For the future of journalism, I think we're going to have to find ways to recreate that collaboration and depth -- even if it doesn't exist in traditional newsrooms.” - Laura Frank, reporter
“Enjoying the next and final phase of my career. Steadily building freelance business ... .assignments have taken me to Norway and Chicago ...Enjoy the process of landing assignments ...At 57, this is what I want to do.” - Clay Latimer, sports reporter
“I'm trying new things that I also enjoy involving helping the less fortunate.” - Hector Gutierrez, reporter
“I want everyone to know how special we had it at the Rocky. I miss my former work life and my former colleagues. We had a truly professional operation that we should all be proud of. I enjoy my new job but I am sad about the trajectory of journalism and about the loss of the Rocky. It is a true blow to a healthy vibrant democracy.” - Myung Oak Kim, reporter
“Grad school has been both harder and more rewarding than expected.... Oh, yeah, I also got married in May... my wife, Kate Szrom (a sometimes Rocky freelancer) is also working on her M.A. here at Syracuse.” - Wes Pope, videographer
“I didn’t have to reinvent myself, but rather repurpose my skills. It’s been strange adapting to the culture of a large corporation after being in a smaller dynamic workplace with daily deadlines.” - Charles Chamberlin, assistant design director/graphics
“I have relocated to Boston and work from home for an energy-related company. As much as I loved working at the Rocky, I am not sure I want to re-enter the newspaper industry at this point.” - Gargi Chakrabarty, business reporter
“I'm fortunate to be doing many of the same things on the ‘outside’ as I was at the paper. I'm in touch with a lot of the folks from the paper and working on some projects with a few of them. I have much more time for my family. It's tough to ask for more than that.
“The downsides are that I'm no longer doing a lot of things that I really enjoyed and was fortunate to do at the paper. I miss the daily pace (sort of), the energy of being around really sharp, creative and energetic people and not knowing exactly what was behind Door #1 on any given day.
“Even the worst days at the paper (and there were a few, eh) were still days spent working for a good newspaper. There's no denying that was a pretty sweet deal. If the paper were to magically start again tomorrow, I'd jump back into the mix. At the same time, this is a very interesting time given the tools available to create multimedia and the environment for independent producers is probably as strong as it has ever been. I'm anxious to see how I can make a place for myself in that world. As soon as the learning curve flattens out a bit more, I think I'll be even more excited.” - Joe Mahoney, Assistant multimedia editor
“It's nice not working for the ‘man.’” - John Rebchook, real estate editor
“I feel very lucky to have full-time employment after six months. I still miss reading the paper and being around the newsroom and my friends and colleagues. But I do think we're starting to see our abilities applied at many new venues, and hopefully that's a good thing for us and the community.” - Jay Dedrick, feature writer
“The experience of the last six months has taught me how important journalism is to me. You really come to appreciate the things you love about the job after it's been ripped away from you. I'm lucky to have landed at The Gazette. However, had that not materialized, I would have gone where ever I needed to go to keep practicing this craft.” - John Ensslin, reporter
“When I explain my journalistic history to new sources, even six months after the closing, I am constantly met with the comment, ‘I'm so sorry. We were Rocky readers and we really miss the paper.’ Such comments remind me that even though I only worked there for 7-1/2 months, I will always be a ‘former Rocky reporter,’ a title of which I am very proud.” - Ed Sealover, reporter
“I can't say how badly I wish we were all doing what we love best, still working for the Rocky. And my loathing for Scripps grows stronger each and every day, not just for closing the paper but for all the damage the decision continues to inflict on real human beings and their families, especially in these economic times.” - Rick Sadowski, NHL reporter
“I spent 18 years in news, and I had the time of my life. When I moved to Colorado last summer, I immediately fell in love with the staff and the energy that was the Rocky. I remember telling my husband I wanted to retire here. Little did we know that that would be forced on us just seven short months later. Losing the Rocky was losing a career and an identity. It was losing a passion and, really, a life. But I was lucky. The Rocky put out its last edition on Friday, and I started my new job on Monday. Since then, I have learned all about social networking and marketing, and I have written a manuscript that will be published in a nursing publication. I have transferred my skills to a new passion that can benefit others. I think I will always miss what news used to be and that energy that you only find in a newsroom. But we have to play the hand we're dealt in life. I made some great friends at the Rocky, and I hope they continue to be part of my life for many, many years. Personally, I have embraced a new lifestyle, one that is more about family and less about daily deadlines. I have made my peace with the Rocky closing. And I am happy with my new life. I wish the same for everyone in the Rocky family.” - Judi Villa, police reporter
“I loved working for the Rocky and doing Rocky Preps. I'm just glad I can still do something in high school and motors ports. My best wishes to all out there - hang in there.” - Scott Stocker, prep sports and motor sports reporter
“Overall, my post Rocky life is good. I will say it took time for the reality of the Rocky closing to sink in for me. That may be because I have worked part-time for so many years - since our daughter was born and she's now almost 7 - that I wasn't used to being in the newsroom every day anyway. I still feel a hole in my gut since newspapering has been a major part of my identity as an adult. I am very glad now that I started teaching a couple years ago and expanded my skill set. I really enjoy teaching and working with students at CU. I have also forced myself to learn lots of new skills. I've created a Wordpress blog for my class, just bought a Flip camera, and signed on to Facebook and Twitter. All that is fun, but I'm still pondering how to best use my skills in this environment. I am lucky that my husband has a full-time job so I can mess around and find a good fit for myself. One tough part for me has been the lack of a regular schedule. But I'm getting better at juggling my various gigs. I am writing for EdNews Colorado with my former Rocky colleague Nancy Mitchell; I've been meeting with some folks here in Boulder as we attempt to create an in-depth news/neighborhood social networking platform; I've got a couple freelance gigs with CU and a Colorado bank. The thing I need now is a white board so I can stay organized! My life still feels more fragmented than I'd like it to be, but as time passes, certain things fall away and other things are beginning to gel. Thanks for asking about us.” - Julie Poppen, reporter
“I am disappointed that both Scripps and the guild seemed caught off guard by the change in Colorado law that made ex-RMN staffers ineligible to collect unemployment for the period their "separation" payments were deemed to be in lieu of wages. I can't argue that we are as deserving of unemployment as other workers who did not get separation/severance. It's just that had the process been completed just a couple weeks earlier, we would have received different treatment. - David Milstead, finance editor
“I spent a couple of weeks in Japan, traveling with my mother. Also spent some time visiting my siblings in California, and attending workshops on job seeking in Denver. But mostly, I'm finding it difficult to stop being a journalist - hence my stint with InDenverTimes.com and RockyMountainIndependent.com, even though I'm not getting paid. I will have to find a paying job soon - just not sure if I can find something that will be as fulfilling as being a journalist. In many ways, much of my identity has been based on being a reporter, and now, I'm trying to figure out if there is something else that I would like to be. In the meantime, I've been following stories and blogs about the newspaper industry with great interest, and wondering if there is still a place for me in the media business.” - Tillie Fong, reporter
Reflections from Rocky Mountain News copy editors, designers, clerks and imagers six months after the paper's final edition
The following are comments I received from former Rocky Mountain News staffers in response to this question in my survey about life six months after the paper published its final edition: Do you have any comments you'd like to share about your experience post-Rocky Mountain News?
These responses came from staff who were in the bargaining unit - the Denver Newspaper Guild - who worked in the newsroom as editors, imagers, technical staff, editorial assistants. You can also read a collection of responses from staff who were in the bargaining unit and worked as reporters, columnists, photographers and videographers and a collection of responses from non-bargaining unit managers. To read a story summarizing the results of the survey, click here. To read the e-mail survey I sent former staffers, click here.
“Despite an impossibly positive outcome for me in the wake of the Rocky's closing, I still mourn the loss of the organization and am saddened that my time there was cut so short. The Las Vegas Sun is a better place for me as a web nerd, but I know there was much I still had to learn from the incredible staff in Denver. There was something transcendent about that newspaper and its staff.
“Everyone loved what they did and was exceedingly talented in their field, and the quality of the product never ceased to reflect these truths, even to the bitter end.” - Danny DeBelius, Web designer
“No matter how bad things might seem, enjoy the time you have because life is good. I spent too much time during the first few months freaking out about the situation and failing to fully enjoy the free time I had. I kept telling myself to let it go. I mean, look at all the awesome uninterrupted time I got to spend with my kids. The job stuff will work itself out, but I will always look back at this time and remember how incredible it was to be around so much during this time in their lives. Plus, I got to spend almost the entire summer at the pool.
“The main thing the paper closing showed me is that it is way more fun to do things that you want to do. I loved working at the Rocky because it was such a special place filled with amazing people doing amazing things. Once that was taken away I had a great opportunity to figure out my priorities. It’s very exciting to reboot your professional life and take such an active role.
“One last thing I'd like people to know, the Post has been an incredibly welcoming environment. People are genuinely sad about the Rocky closing and I get a lot of people asking me how friends they knew at the Rocky are doing. I think they realize what a crappy time it was, and maybe even a slight change in the wind could have led to a different outcome.” - Brian Clark, assistant design director
“As Joni Mitchell sang, ‘You don't know what you've got till it's gone.’ That becomes more apparent with each passing day -- not just over the loss of my livelihood, but with the loss as well of a significant part of my identity -- journalist -- and my association with the people who shared that identity with me. For a lot of us, it wasn't just a career, it was a calling. It's hard to imagine anything taking its place. I'm fortunate in that I'm closer to retirement age than many of my colleagues. I know that whatever I find to do to help pay the bills will be only temporary, which makes the transition a bit easier.
“As to the ‘whatever I find to do to help pay the bills,’ at this point it isn't anything. I remain jobless, though not for lack of trying. I continue to apply for just about anything I'm remotely qualified to do -- and many for which I'm way overqualified -- but it hasn't led to anything so far. I know the economy is partly to blame, as is the sudden glut of highly skilled people in the job market. I can't help but think that age is a huge factor as well.
“In the meantime, I'm trying my best to enjoy this period of "funemployment" -- traveling, visiting family, doing fix-up projects, camping, riding and running, and just kicking back on the deck with book in hand and glass of wine nearby. So, while I mourn the loss of what I (we) had, I'm doing my best to stay positive and to appreciate the good fortune I do have: a wonderful wife who is employed and whose health benefits are available to me, a supportive family and friends, and a cluster of former colleagues with whom I keep in touch (thanks in large part to Facebook and e-mail) and who keep me centered. Miss you all.” - Tim Burroughs, copy editor
“Being unemployed sucks. Period.
“Losing my job has pushed me to do things that I wouldn't have done because I wouldn't have taken the chances. Now I am, and the path keeps opening up before me. By next spring, I hope to have my new store open in the Brighton area catering to cyclists in the north Denver, Brighton, Thornton, Lafayette areas. I wouldn't have tried it if the Rocky didn't close.” - Jay Quadracci, assistant photo editor
“It feels like I've been busier than when I was working full-time. I put in a lot of time with InDenverTimes.com and now RockyMountainIndependent.com, revived my blog, cranked up my volunteer involvement with trail-building, started a weekly woodworking class to build custom furniture for the house, kept up my long-distance running, and continue to look for work.” - Bob Findlay, copy editor
“It's only been six months, but it feels like three years since we left the Rocky. Something about the prolonged circumstances of the sale and the closing, the WARN period, the attempts to starting something in the aftermath, it feels like years of ups and downs instead of just a few months.” - Steve Foster, assistant sports editor/interactive
“I often compare myself to a resident of the Ninth Ward. I miss my old home, but I try not to think about or pine for it too much. Because it's gone. I'm sure journalism's equivalent of Brad and Angelina will try to rebuild some sort of equivalent in due time, but that will take too long and won't come close to replicating what was my professional home - complete with the hassles, stains, stench and Massaros wandering about - for two decades. The analogy is harsh, but it helps to move forward if you acknowledge that you can't go back.” - Michael Mehle, assistant features editor
“I think disheartening is the word that best sums up my post-Rocky life. Maybe I was delusional about landing another job in journalism. Delusional in the sense that I thought it would have been much easier. Delusional in the sense that I thought employers in journalism – journalism even in the broadest sense of the word -- would have been eager to hire someone with 35-plus years in the field. Therein lies the problem. So far I’ve found no one eager to hire a battle-scarred veteran. Even without stating your age in a resume, logic and first-grade math tell the employer that at the other end of the resume is a fossil. Too much experience is almost a detriment. Why hire an old-timer when you can get a novice at bargain-basement prices? At this point I honestly have say that my heart just isn’t in it anymore and I’ll probably look for full-time work outside journalism. In addition, my post-Rocky experience has been one of anxiety and frustration in dealing with medical insurance bureaucrats and unemployment insurance bureaucrats. Most, if not all, of us in the newsroom took the shutdown very hard. But having spent nearly 30 years at the Rocky, I’m still not having a very easy time coming to grips with the closure. It’s one thing to go out on your own terms. It’s something entirely different when you don’t have a say as your job -- and a 150-year-old institution -- comes to a fiery conclusion. On a positive note, I’m still playing hockey. It’s tough on the body, but it’s good for the soul. Sorry for rambling, but this has been somewhat cathartic.” - Mark Christopher, copy editor
“Some days are good; some not so much. I walked by the building today, looked up and thought: This sucks. I still feel sad, not only that my job is gone, but that the Rocky Mountain News is gone. On the other hand, retirement or semi-retirement is not so bad. In some ways I was ready. I'm still exploring options and may decide next year that it's time to find at least a part-time job. For now, I'm having a pretty good time.” - Kathye Thomas, copy editor
“Not much to say except that after 37 years as a journalist, this was an awful way for it to end.” - Richard Lord, copy editor
“I am sorry for the loss of the Rocky - which was the better product in Denver - but not especially sorry for myself. I feel sympathy for those journalists and readers who had a deep love for, and personal sense of loss in, the closing of the Rocky - especially those for whom it was a financial loss as well as a professional loss.
“Thanks to the settlements from Scripps, I have been able to step back and take a larger, longer look at journalism and photojournalism in these unstable times without a strong vested interest in any particular product or medium. It has been great fun working and sharing with former Rocky colleagues in creating the Independent - whether it ultimately succeeds or not. If it doesn't, I will continue the process of reinventing and rediscovering myself through other means.” - Andy Piper, designer
“Like many of us, I have had days - probably more than I care to admit - when I've been sad or angry or lost or confused about losing the Rocky. I miss my friends - the best damn journalists I've ever worked with. I miss the craziness of deadline. I miss leafing through the regional edition then having to wash the nearly fresh ink off my hands and start all over again for the next edition. I don't know if I'll ever work in another newsroom again - that's not melodrama; that's reality. The number of employed professional journalists is dwindling and the industry is evolving. What I believe will remain a constant is the importance of newspapers to communities. Employed or unemployed, it is our responsibility to raise awareness and continually advocate for a free press. To that end, I've decided to pursue a master's degree in education so that I can contribute to a new generation of writers and editors. It was an incredible gift to be able to spend the summer healing; reacquainting myself with family, friends and neighbors; floating in the pool; and reading books I was too tired to pick up after a long day of working with inches upon inches of copy. I'll forever miss the Rocky, but I'm ready to store away this special time in my life, wash just a little of the ink off my hands and start all over again.” - Melissa Pomponio, designer/copy editor
“Every week we still see e-mails from former readers and subscribers who send their best wishes for the success of INDenverTimes.com and online journalism, as well as the Rocky family in general. This business is still fun, and I wish more of us could be involved.” - Steve Haigh, copy editor/designer
“It appears that writers/reporters have had a slightly easier time finding new positions, inside and outside journalism. For editors and designers like me, not so much. The few journalism jobs that are available seem to be seriously undervaluing these skills, which are critical for an off- or online publication seeking to establish a reputation for quality, trust and user-friendliness.” - Cindy House, copy editor/designer
“Having the time off has given me the chance to get out and about a little bit. I've done various short trips around Colorado, a road trip to Lake Tahoe and one to Glacier National Park by way of Teton and Yellowstone national parks. And of course, shooting some photos along the way.
I like to use the term coined by Liz Nayadley – Funemployment. My dog seems to be enjoying my time off. Hopefully something job-wise works out fairly soon – but then again, ski season is fast approaching.” - Vern Slocum, imager
“Before I joined the Rocky, my newsroom roles had been leadership-oriented, both in the newsrooms and in the communities they served. My role at the Rocky was small and contained, but it was deeply satisfying in other ways. As the Rocky's story unfolded, I started to look at how public policy and economics are affecting the news industry as a whole. I see rich opportunities to rethink revenue models and ownership structures, and the policies that support them. I Want My Rocky has partnered with a handful of organizations or projects, including Free Press, to quantify the crisis in journalism and work with other journalists, the public and policy makers to find solutions to the problems that have led us here. In the process, I've re-engaged a skill set I didn't use at the Rocky but wish I could have: writing, advocating, leading and organizing. It's been an exciting time but rather perilous as I attempt to reform my personal revenue model!” - Kim Humphreys, copy editor
“Finding work has been more challenging than I expected.” - Scott Gilbert, copy editor
“I still think I'm a newspaper guy at heart, and that's a tough itch to scratch these day.” - Mike Rudeen, copy editor
“While I had been freelancing part-time for the (Pikes Peak) Bulletin before this job came open, I had no formal interview for the editor position. My bosses were impressed with my resume, especially my stint at the Rocky, and I was just given the job. I'm damn proud to have the Rocky on my resume.” - Anthony Welch, designer
“Denver is a really hard market for creative freelancers. I'm going to continue trying to make things work, but I may be facing a career change in the future. I'm hoping that's not the case.” - Matthew Roberts, multimedia producer
“I love my kids but I miss my Rocky! The tots are cute and all, but they are more demanding than a news editor on Election Night. It's been six months since I slotted a hed, trimmed a story or raided Marty's file cabinet for chocolate. I still have dreams that we are open but stuck in that nightmarish dead zone of "are we going to shut down or not?" I miss newspapering so much that I have applied for jobs from Alaska to Florida. (Yes, Alaska. It can't be that cold, can it?) I want to work with folks who understand "TK" and "-30-" and my sense of humor. I want to beat the pants off our competition and savor it all day long. Most of all, I want to be part of a team of professional journalists again. The Rocky is the second major newspaper that was shot out from under me. Call me a fool but I'm ready to saddle up again.” - Dianne Rose, copy editor
“I feel lucky with my post RMN experience. I got this job (teaching English in South Korea) lined up about a week before the final edition was printed so I was fortunate to move from one job to the next without much hassle. I was shocked and disappointed when the RMN was so abruptly closed, but I still follow the local news from the other side of the world on a daily basis.” - Gary Damrell, preps/sports clerk
“Mixed feelings -- I really needed a break, but not for this long! However, no matter what, I was planning on finishing my novel and marketing it, so it's a great opportunity to fulfill that goal.” - Christina Guerrero, city desk editorial assistant
“I miss the everyday challenge of coming up with ways to visually tell a story. Every day I felt like I was learning things about the world as I was sifting through stories and coming up with ideas for page design. Each day that I came to work was a new and different challenge, and there was never a dull moment. I definitely miss many of the people I worked with.” - Amy Speer, designer
“I miss the energy and enthusiasm that our Rocky staff provided for breaking news and projects that made me never lose sight of protecting our democracy and public service to our readers. For a majority of my over 20 years with Scripps and the Rocky, leadership from the top on down was a terrific experience. After being associated with two newspapers that won Pulitzers, my career is complete and ended it with pride.” - Dean Lindoerfer, designer
“I realize after leaving the Rocky that I will never experience anything like I did working there. The intensity, the people and the feeling that what we did was important. Sure there were ups and downs - nothing is perfect, but the dedication kept things going.” - Liz Nayadley, imager
“I began working for the Rocky when I was still in high school. Up until its closure it was the only work experience I'd known as an adult. Once the Rocky closed I realized that I no longer wanted to work in journalism despite the fact that I was finishing up my journalism degree. It's odd, but I've never felt so liberated since the Rocky's closure, as if I was beginning a new chapter in my life. I'm sure for many former Rocky employees that's a scary feeling. But I'm so proud of the Rocky and the people who worked for it that I still hold my head high because I get to tell future employers that I was apart of greatness.” - Jonathan Garcia, part-time preps clerk and part-time interactive assistant
“Honestly, I miss the people more than I even expected, the common bond we shared about putting out the best paper we could every day. I also miss the atmosphere of the newsroom, especially on those days when major news is breaking. There is nothing like that, and I know nothing could replace it. “ - Gerry Valerio, assistant sports editor/preps
“It is terrible not being able to work in a journalism field you were born to do. It is compounded by the feeling that The Rocky was taken away from us and such a great paper fell victim to a Scripps company that showed a willingness to take chances and trust their journalists, but did not have the patience or courage to ride out a bad economic situation.” - Jon Perez, designer
“I LOVE the web site I've started, but it's extremely difficult in this economy to convince advertisers to support an online product. Even though advertisers are cutting way back on their newspaper ad budgets, they're not shifting all of that savings to web-based advertising. It's ironic; web-based information sources are taking a deep cut out of newspaper profits, but advertisers aren't placing a commensurate priority on supporting internet sites. At least that's what I'm seeing six months out.” - George Tanner, copy editor
“I'm disappointed the paper closed and I lost my job, one that I'd worked hard for years to land, and I'm disappointed I've been unable to land another journalism job in the Denver/Boulder area. I'm still trying.” - Bruce Leaf, copy editor
“No. 1. It was a jolt to suddenly have no income after pretty much holding down a job since I was 15. With that went a new feeling of no longer being "relevant," if you will, since my dedicated years in newspaper journalism no longer seemed to matter. So life post-Rocky has meant taking a hard look at the future.
“No. 2. Just last night I was at a happy hour with perhaps 20 former Rocky people, which I think speaks to the good feelings that existed in the newsroom and how former colleagues are trying to keep those connections. We all still lament the loss of the Rocky and the energy it brought not only to us, but to the city. “ - Shirl Kasper, copy editor
“I am going to school to become a physical therapist assistant, moving from the "toy department" (sports) of a newsroom to the toy department of the medical community. It will be a rewarding career, getting to help people back on the path to physical wellness. I miss being in the newsroom and being in the Rocky's sports department. It's still hard for me to believe the Rocky is gone. I feel fortunate to have gotten to work at the Rocky but also fortunate to be a student at Arapahoe Community College.” - Todd Burgess, designer/copy editor
“If it was not for the standards of storytelling, the immediacy of the web, the quality of visual media and the influential leaders of the Rocky, I would not have landed this current job here at The Fund. I feel like I owe everyone in the newsroom a job for teaching me by example by doing what they all did - really well. When we were closed, I was in a panic and went back to my first job in Colorado at Castle Pines Golf Club because it was easy, relaxing, good for my health( and did not require an application, resume and/or someone not calling you back). I never really expected to find a job that was not service or golf related and I was actually preparing to find my place in the freelance world with Aguilar Media - which is on the back burner, but still simmering.” - Jaime Aguilar - imager
“One of my part time jobs? Teaching journalism at CU. And here's what I tell the students. What's journalism? It might not be a paper product. But the roles of the journalist remain the same, and a good writer/reporter/editor will always be in need. Those roles? To enlighten. To inform. To entertain. To be a sleuth. To make people laugh. To make people cry. To document a little piece of history, whether it seems insignificant at the time, or is clearly a moment people will talk about for years.” - Maria Cote, assistant features editor
“I'm enjoying the chance to travel, and the time to consider what direction I want to take next in life.” - Amy Burke, web producer
“It would compromise my severance agreement with Scripps, which I see was profitable the last quarter. But beyond that, it's been miserable.” - Chuck Hickey, copy editor
“The job hunt is so different than just nine years ago. I like the ease of applying online but am frustrated by the lack of response. I would like to know why I didn't make the cut.” - Paula Lentini, designer
“Being unemployed has been very hard. I was always used to being very busy in my life and now I felt like I had nothing going on.” - Chris Schmaedeke, sports editorial assistant
“It has been a more difficult adjustment than I would have believed at the start of the year. I am now 60, so unless I plan to move out of the city or the state for a newspaper job, I have pretty much concluded that my journalism career is over. I now find myself in this quasi-retirement state (I'm on my second part-time job) feeling as if I'm too young to call it quits in the workplace and not having the energy to continue the daily grind. I'm still sorting it out, but my feelings -- call it mental exhaustion -- might have something to do with the emotionally charged battle we all fought during the last months at the Rocky, and then the battles we continued fighting after the paper closed. Even during the best of times the job could be stressful, but the last three months at the paper took its toll. I am lucky to have a wonderful wife with a full-time job, so we're not facing eviction or the poorhouse. But for me, it's been a struggle to adjust to this life-changing event, and to accept the fact that a Denver institution that I worked at for so many years no longer exists. I eventually will get over it. I just have to stop looking back.” - Hereward Bradley, copy editor
“I loved being part of the of the newsroom. I don't think I could ever find another job that could ever match that of the Rocky. The rush of the city desk and the way everyone worked together was unbelievable. It truly was my home away from home and I miss my Rocky family.” - Karen Ziegler, city desk editorial assistant
“I'm glad that I'm still in "communications" and glad that my experience as a journalist helps me do my current job better, but knowing that I probably won't ever work in a newsroom again is tough.” - Alexandra Foster, copy editor
These responses came from staff who were in the bargaining unit - the Denver Newspaper Guild - who worked in the newsroom as editors, imagers, technical staff, editorial assistants. You can also read a collection of responses from staff who were in the bargaining unit and worked as reporters, columnists, photographers and videographers and a collection of responses from non-bargaining unit managers. To read a story summarizing the results of the survey, click here. To read the e-mail survey I sent former staffers, click here.
“Despite an impossibly positive outcome for me in the wake of the Rocky's closing, I still mourn the loss of the organization and am saddened that my time there was cut so short. The Las Vegas Sun is a better place for me as a web nerd, but I know there was much I still had to learn from the incredible staff in Denver. There was something transcendent about that newspaper and its staff.
“Everyone loved what they did and was exceedingly talented in their field, and the quality of the product never ceased to reflect these truths, even to the bitter end.” - Danny DeBelius, Web designer
“No matter how bad things might seem, enjoy the time you have because life is good. I spent too much time during the first few months freaking out about the situation and failing to fully enjoy the free time I had. I kept telling myself to let it go. I mean, look at all the awesome uninterrupted time I got to spend with my kids. The job stuff will work itself out, but I will always look back at this time and remember how incredible it was to be around so much during this time in their lives. Plus, I got to spend almost the entire summer at the pool.
“The main thing the paper closing showed me is that it is way more fun to do things that you want to do. I loved working at the Rocky because it was such a special place filled with amazing people doing amazing things. Once that was taken away I had a great opportunity to figure out my priorities. It’s very exciting to reboot your professional life and take such an active role.
“One last thing I'd like people to know, the Post has been an incredibly welcoming environment. People are genuinely sad about the Rocky closing and I get a lot of people asking me how friends they knew at the Rocky are doing. I think they realize what a crappy time it was, and maybe even a slight change in the wind could have led to a different outcome.” - Brian Clark, assistant design director
“As Joni Mitchell sang, ‘You don't know what you've got till it's gone.’ That becomes more apparent with each passing day -- not just over the loss of my livelihood, but with the loss as well of a significant part of my identity -- journalist -- and my association with the people who shared that identity with me. For a lot of us, it wasn't just a career, it was a calling. It's hard to imagine anything taking its place. I'm fortunate in that I'm closer to retirement age than many of my colleagues. I know that whatever I find to do to help pay the bills will be only temporary, which makes the transition a bit easier.
“As to the ‘whatever I find to do to help pay the bills,’ at this point it isn't anything. I remain jobless, though not for lack of trying. I continue to apply for just about anything I'm remotely qualified to do -- and many for which I'm way overqualified -- but it hasn't led to anything so far. I know the economy is partly to blame, as is the sudden glut of highly skilled people in the job market. I can't help but think that age is a huge factor as well.
“In the meantime, I'm trying my best to enjoy this period of "funemployment" -- traveling, visiting family, doing fix-up projects, camping, riding and running, and just kicking back on the deck with book in hand and glass of wine nearby. So, while I mourn the loss of what I (we) had, I'm doing my best to stay positive and to appreciate the good fortune I do have: a wonderful wife who is employed and whose health benefits are available to me, a supportive family and friends, and a cluster of former colleagues with whom I keep in touch (thanks in large part to Facebook and e-mail) and who keep me centered. Miss you all.” - Tim Burroughs, copy editor
“Being unemployed sucks. Period.
“Losing my job has pushed me to do things that I wouldn't have done because I wouldn't have taken the chances. Now I am, and the path keeps opening up before me. By next spring, I hope to have my new store open in the Brighton area catering to cyclists in the north Denver, Brighton, Thornton, Lafayette areas. I wouldn't have tried it if the Rocky didn't close.” - Jay Quadracci, assistant photo editor
“It feels like I've been busier than when I was working full-time. I put in a lot of time with InDenverTimes.com and now RockyMountainIndependent.com, revived my blog, cranked up my volunteer involvement with trail-building, started a weekly woodworking class to build custom furniture for the house, kept up my long-distance running, and continue to look for work.” - Bob Findlay, copy editor
“It's only been six months, but it feels like three years since we left the Rocky. Something about the prolonged circumstances of the sale and the closing, the WARN period, the attempts to starting something in the aftermath, it feels like years of ups and downs instead of just a few months.” - Steve Foster, assistant sports editor/interactive
“I often compare myself to a resident of the Ninth Ward. I miss my old home, but I try not to think about or pine for it too much. Because it's gone. I'm sure journalism's equivalent of Brad and Angelina will try to rebuild some sort of equivalent in due time, but that will take too long and won't come close to replicating what was my professional home - complete with the hassles, stains, stench and Massaros wandering about - for two decades. The analogy is harsh, but it helps to move forward if you acknowledge that you can't go back.” - Michael Mehle, assistant features editor
“I think disheartening is the word that best sums up my post-Rocky life. Maybe I was delusional about landing another job in journalism. Delusional in the sense that I thought it would have been much easier. Delusional in the sense that I thought employers in journalism – journalism even in the broadest sense of the word -- would have been eager to hire someone with 35-plus years in the field. Therein lies the problem. So far I’ve found no one eager to hire a battle-scarred veteran. Even without stating your age in a resume, logic and first-grade math tell the employer that at the other end of the resume is a fossil. Too much experience is almost a detriment. Why hire an old-timer when you can get a novice at bargain-basement prices? At this point I honestly have say that my heart just isn’t in it anymore and I’ll probably look for full-time work outside journalism. In addition, my post-Rocky experience has been one of anxiety and frustration in dealing with medical insurance bureaucrats and unemployment insurance bureaucrats. Most, if not all, of us in the newsroom took the shutdown very hard. But having spent nearly 30 years at the Rocky, I’m still not having a very easy time coming to grips with the closure. It’s one thing to go out on your own terms. It’s something entirely different when you don’t have a say as your job -- and a 150-year-old institution -- comes to a fiery conclusion. On a positive note, I’m still playing hockey. It’s tough on the body, but it’s good for the soul. Sorry for rambling, but this has been somewhat cathartic.” - Mark Christopher, copy editor
“Some days are good; some not so much. I walked by the building today, looked up and thought: This sucks. I still feel sad, not only that my job is gone, but that the Rocky Mountain News is gone. On the other hand, retirement or semi-retirement is not so bad. In some ways I was ready. I'm still exploring options and may decide next year that it's time to find at least a part-time job. For now, I'm having a pretty good time.” - Kathye Thomas, copy editor
“Not much to say except that after 37 years as a journalist, this was an awful way for it to end.” - Richard Lord, copy editor
“I am sorry for the loss of the Rocky - which was the better product in Denver - but not especially sorry for myself. I feel sympathy for those journalists and readers who had a deep love for, and personal sense of loss in, the closing of the Rocky - especially those for whom it was a financial loss as well as a professional loss.
“Thanks to the settlements from Scripps, I have been able to step back and take a larger, longer look at journalism and photojournalism in these unstable times without a strong vested interest in any particular product or medium. It has been great fun working and sharing with former Rocky colleagues in creating the Independent - whether it ultimately succeeds or not. If it doesn't, I will continue the process of reinventing and rediscovering myself through other means.” - Andy Piper, designer
“Like many of us, I have had days - probably more than I care to admit - when I've been sad or angry or lost or confused about losing the Rocky. I miss my friends - the best damn journalists I've ever worked with. I miss the craziness of deadline. I miss leafing through the regional edition then having to wash the nearly fresh ink off my hands and start all over again for the next edition. I don't know if I'll ever work in another newsroom again - that's not melodrama; that's reality. The number of employed professional journalists is dwindling and the industry is evolving. What I believe will remain a constant is the importance of newspapers to communities. Employed or unemployed, it is our responsibility to raise awareness and continually advocate for a free press. To that end, I've decided to pursue a master's degree in education so that I can contribute to a new generation of writers and editors. It was an incredible gift to be able to spend the summer healing; reacquainting myself with family, friends and neighbors; floating in the pool; and reading books I was too tired to pick up after a long day of working with inches upon inches of copy. I'll forever miss the Rocky, but I'm ready to store away this special time in my life, wash just a little of the ink off my hands and start all over again.” - Melissa Pomponio, designer/copy editor
“Every week we still see e-mails from former readers and subscribers who send their best wishes for the success of INDenverTimes.com and online journalism, as well as the Rocky family in general. This business is still fun, and I wish more of us could be involved.” - Steve Haigh, copy editor/designer
“It appears that writers/reporters have had a slightly easier time finding new positions, inside and outside journalism. For editors and designers like me, not so much. The few journalism jobs that are available seem to be seriously undervaluing these skills, which are critical for an off- or online publication seeking to establish a reputation for quality, trust and user-friendliness.” - Cindy House, copy editor/designer
“Having the time off has given me the chance to get out and about a little bit. I've done various short trips around Colorado, a road trip to Lake Tahoe and one to Glacier National Park by way of Teton and Yellowstone national parks. And of course, shooting some photos along the way.
I like to use the term coined by Liz Nayadley – Funemployment. My dog seems to be enjoying my time off. Hopefully something job-wise works out fairly soon – but then again, ski season is fast approaching.” - Vern Slocum, imager
“Before I joined the Rocky, my newsroom roles had been leadership-oriented, both in the newsrooms and in the communities they served. My role at the Rocky was small and contained, but it was deeply satisfying in other ways. As the Rocky's story unfolded, I started to look at how public policy and economics are affecting the news industry as a whole. I see rich opportunities to rethink revenue models and ownership structures, and the policies that support them. I Want My Rocky has partnered with a handful of organizations or projects, including Free Press, to quantify the crisis in journalism and work with other journalists, the public and policy makers to find solutions to the problems that have led us here. In the process, I've re-engaged a skill set I didn't use at the Rocky but wish I could have: writing, advocating, leading and organizing. It's been an exciting time but rather perilous as I attempt to reform my personal revenue model!” - Kim Humphreys, copy editor
“Finding work has been more challenging than I expected.” - Scott Gilbert, copy editor
“I still think I'm a newspaper guy at heart, and that's a tough itch to scratch these day.” - Mike Rudeen, copy editor
“While I had been freelancing part-time for the (Pikes Peak) Bulletin before this job came open, I had no formal interview for the editor position. My bosses were impressed with my resume, especially my stint at the Rocky, and I was just given the job. I'm damn proud to have the Rocky on my resume.” - Anthony Welch, designer
“Denver is a really hard market for creative freelancers. I'm going to continue trying to make things work, but I may be facing a career change in the future. I'm hoping that's not the case.” - Matthew Roberts, multimedia producer
“I love my kids but I miss my Rocky! The tots are cute and all, but they are more demanding than a news editor on Election Night. It's been six months since I slotted a hed, trimmed a story or raided Marty's file cabinet for chocolate. I still have dreams that we are open but stuck in that nightmarish dead zone of "are we going to shut down or not?" I miss newspapering so much that I have applied for jobs from Alaska to Florida. (Yes, Alaska. It can't be that cold, can it?) I want to work with folks who understand "TK" and "-30-" and my sense of humor. I want to beat the pants off our competition and savor it all day long. Most of all, I want to be part of a team of professional journalists again. The Rocky is the second major newspaper that was shot out from under me. Call me a fool but I'm ready to saddle up again.” - Dianne Rose, copy editor
“I feel lucky with my post RMN experience. I got this job (teaching English in South Korea) lined up about a week before the final edition was printed so I was fortunate to move from one job to the next without much hassle. I was shocked and disappointed when the RMN was so abruptly closed, but I still follow the local news from the other side of the world on a daily basis.” - Gary Damrell, preps/sports clerk
“Mixed feelings -- I really needed a break, but not for this long! However, no matter what, I was planning on finishing my novel and marketing it, so it's a great opportunity to fulfill that goal.” - Christina Guerrero, city desk editorial assistant
“I miss the everyday challenge of coming up with ways to visually tell a story. Every day I felt like I was learning things about the world as I was sifting through stories and coming up with ideas for page design. Each day that I came to work was a new and different challenge, and there was never a dull moment. I definitely miss many of the people I worked with.” - Amy Speer, designer
“I miss the energy and enthusiasm that our Rocky staff provided for breaking news and projects that made me never lose sight of protecting our democracy and public service to our readers. For a majority of my over 20 years with Scripps and the Rocky, leadership from the top on down was a terrific experience. After being associated with two newspapers that won Pulitzers, my career is complete and ended it with pride.” - Dean Lindoerfer, designer
“I realize after leaving the Rocky that I will never experience anything like I did working there. The intensity, the people and the feeling that what we did was important. Sure there were ups and downs - nothing is perfect, but the dedication kept things going.” - Liz Nayadley, imager
“I began working for the Rocky when I was still in high school. Up until its closure it was the only work experience I'd known as an adult. Once the Rocky closed I realized that I no longer wanted to work in journalism despite the fact that I was finishing up my journalism degree. It's odd, but I've never felt so liberated since the Rocky's closure, as if I was beginning a new chapter in my life. I'm sure for many former Rocky employees that's a scary feeling. But I'm so proud of the Rocky and the people who worked for it that I still hold my head high because I get to tell future employers that I was apart of greatness.” - Jonathan Garcia, part-time preps clerk and part-time interactive assistant
“Honestly, I miss the people more than I even expected, the common bond we shared about putting out the best paper we could every day. I also miss the atmosphere of the newsroom, especially on those days when major news is breaking. There is nothing like that, and I know nothing could replace it. “ - Gerry Valerio, assistant sports editor/preps
“It is terrible not being able to work in a journalism field you were born to do. It is compounded by the feeling that The Rocky was taken away from us and such a great paper fell victim to a Scripps company that showed a willingness to take chances and trust their journalists, but did not have the patience or courage to ride out a bad economic situation.” - Jon Perez, designer
“I LOVE the web site I've started, but it's extremely difficult in this economy to convince advertisers to support an online product. Even though advertisers are cutting way back on their newspaper ad budgets, they're not shifting all of that savings to web-based advertising. It's ironic; web-based information sources are taking a deep cut out of newspaper profits, but advertisers aren't placing a commensurate priority on supporting internet sites. At least that's what I'm seeing six months out.” - George Tanner, copy editor
“I'm disappointed the paper closed and I lost my job, one that I'd worked hard for years to land, and I'm disappointed I've been unable to land another journalism job in the Denver/Boulder area. I'm still trying.” - Bruce Leaf, copy editor
“No. 1. It was a jolt to suddenly have no income after pretty much holding down a job since I was 15. With that went a new feeling of no longer being "relevant," if you will, since my dedicated years in newspaper journalism no longer seemed to matter. So life post-Rocky has meant taking a hard look at the future.
“No. 2. Just last night I was at a happy hour with perhaps 20 former Rocky people, which I think speaks to the good feelings that existed in the newsroom and how former colleagues are trying to keep those connections. We all still lament the loss of the Rocky and the energy it brought not only to us, but to the city. “ - Shirl Kasper, copy editor
“I am going to school to become a physical therapist assistant, moving from the "toy department" (sports) of a newsroom to the toy department of the medical community. It will be a rewarding career, getting to help people back on the path to physical wellness. I miss being in the newsroom and being in the Rocky's sports department. It's still hard for me to believe the Rocky is gone. I feel fortunate to have gotten to work at the Rocky but also fortunate to be a student at Arapahoe Community College.” - Todd Burgess, designer/copy editor
“If it was not for the standards of storytelling, the immediacy of the web, the quality of visual media and the influential leaders of the Rocky, I would not have landed this current job here at The Fund. I feel like I owe everyone in the newsroom a job for teaching me by example by doing what they all did - really well. When we were closed, I was in a panic and went back to my first job in Colorado at Castle Pines Golf Club because it was easy, relaxing, good for my health( and did not require an application, resume and/or someone not calling you back). I never really expected to find a job that was not service or golf related and I was actually preparing to find my place in the freelance world with Aguilar Media - which is on the back burner, but still simmering.” - Jaime Aguilar - imager
“One of my part time jobs? Teaching journalism at CU. And here's what I tell the students. What's journalism? It might not be a paper product. But the roles of the journalist remain the same, and a good writer/reporter/editor will always be in need. Those roles? To enlighten. To inform. To entertain. To be a sleuth. To make people laugh. To make people cry. To document a little piece of history, whether it seems insignificant at the time, or is clearly a moment people will talk about for years.” - Maria Cote, assistant features editor
“I'm enjoying the chance to travel, and the time to consider what direction I want to take next in life.” - Amy Burke, web producer
“It would compromise my severance agreement with Scripps, which I see was profitable the last quarter. But beyond that, it's been miserable.” - Chuck Hickey, copy editor
“The job hunt is so different than just nine years ago. I like the ease of applying online but am frustrated by the lack of response. I would like to know why I didn't make the cut.” - Paula Lentini, designer
“Being unemployed has been very hard. I was always used to being very busy in my life and now I felt like I had nothing going on.” - Chris Schmaedeke, sports editorial assistant
“It has been a more difficult adjustment than I would have believed at the start of the year. I am now 60, so unless I plan to move out of the city or the state for a newspaper job, I have pretty much concluded that my journalism career is over. I now find myself in this quasi-retirement state (I'm on my second part-time job) feeling as if I'm too young to call it quits in the workplace and not having the energy to continue the daily grind. I'm still sorting it out, but my feelings -- call it mental exhaustion -- might have something to do with the emotionally charged battle we all fought during the last months at the Rocky, and then the battles we continued fighting after the paper closed. Even during the best of times the job could be stressful, but the last three months at the paper took its toll. I am lucky to have a wonderful wife with a full-time job, so we're not facing eviction or the poorhouse. But for me, it's been a struggle to adjust to this life-changing event, and to accept the fact that a Denver institution that I worked at for so many years no longer exists. I eventually will get over it. I just have to stop looking back.” - Hereward Bradley, copy editor
“I loved being part of the of the newsroom. I don't think I could ever find another job that could ever match that of the Rocky. The rush of the city desk and the way everyone worked together was unbelievable. It truly was my home away from home and I miss my Rocky family.” - Karen Ziegler, city desk editorial assistant
“I'm glad that I'm still in "communications" and glad that my experience as a journalist helps me do my current job better, but knowing that I probably won't ever work in a newsroom again is tough.” - Alexandra Foster, copy editor
Reflections from Rocky Mountain News managers on life six months after the paper's final edition
The following are comments I received from former Rocky Mountain News managers in response to this question in my survey about life six months after the paper published its final edition: Do you have any comments you'd like to share about your experience post-Rocky Mountain News?
These responses came from staff who were not in the bargaining unit - the Denver Newspaper Guild. You can also read a collection of comments from staff who were in the bargaining unit and worked as reporters, columnists, photographers, artists, cartoonists and videographers and a collection of comments from staff who were in the bargaining unit and worked in the newsroom as editors, imagers, technical staff and editorial assistants. To read a story summarizing the results of the survey, click here. To read a copy of the e-mail survey I sent former Rocky staffers, click here.
“Business leaders say to think outside the box, but don't expect them to do it when they're looking at former journalists as job candidates.” - Kevin Huhn, deputy sports editor
"I think I share what has been commonly expressed, an initial sense of grief and loss, but a growing sense of amazement as I come to more fully understand how losing the Rocky will continue to impact us. For me, as time went along, there was some sense of losing my place in life's line, even though friends and family, and that certainly includes Rocky family, were wonderfully supportive. When I awoke Wednesday morning to the news that Teddy had left the building, one comment really sort of stung. They said it had been exactly one year ago to that day when he had made his swan-song speech at the Democratic National Convention in Denver. My thoughts went immediately to that time at the Rocky, and how we all put our best into it, and how we really, I think, nailed it--Internet first, great papers, a tremendous accomplishment up and down the line, of which I think we all should always be proud. And how we were less than four months away on those brilliant sunny days from learning that it was all over. I'll always be grateful for my nine-plus years with the Rocky and its people. I've lived awhile now and seen some ups and downs. I've always held to the idea that anything that doesn't kill you is going to make you stronger. I hope we all get to realize that truth again. We're on our way." - Jim Trotter, senior editor for enterprise and projects
“I never imagined making a living in the online world.” - Cliff Foster, assistant city editor, now working as editor for PoliticsDaily.com, an AOL Web site.
“I have decided to commit myself to photography, full time. I have started Randall K. Roberts Photography, LLC in an effort to market and sell my photographs.
“As you know, for 22 years I have been spending most of my vacation time and spare moments making nature, landscape and travel photos, of the Western U.S and elsewhere. I truly love doing this.
“One week after I turned out the lights at the Rocky, I was making pictures in Yellowstone and Grand Tetons National Parks. It felt great. Despite the fact that it rained nearly every day, I made more great pictures on that one trip than I had in several years. And I enjoyed it so much I found myself giggling.
“I have spent most of the summer editing and scanning pictures, and working on my new Web site: http://archive.randallkroberts.com
“I find myself still at my computer late at night, enjoying every minute and having to force myself to quit and go to bed, much to my wife’s chagrin. I am working day and night, and enjoying every minute.
“For many years I have worked to sell my photos commercially – to book publishers, magazines, etc. I am still doing that, however, now I am placing most of my emphasis on selling my framed and matted photos directly to the public at art shows. I will be in booth number 355 at the Colorado Country Christmas art show at the Denver Merchandise Mart November 6 through 8. That is one of the largest holiday art shows in the area. Now I am working to print and mat or frame scores of pictures so I have something to sell, as well as set up a merchant account for VISA/MC, buy walls and bins for the booth and figure out how I'm going to get it all there. Another deadline looms.
“The day after the show ends at the Merchandise Mart, my wife Sharaine and I will be boarding a plane for Alaska to photograph the largest annual gathering of bald eagles in the world. Four thousand eagles converge on the town of Haines each November to feast on a late run of salmon in the Chilkat River. It’s something I’ve always wanted to photograph and now I’m doing it. That’s a great feeling. (In my former job, I’d be probably be on a conference call with you and Cincinnati going over next year's budget right about then).
“My delight is not without some worry. So far, all the money is going out and nothing is coming in. My long hours at the computer are fueled by the knowledge that I have to work quickly so I can start making sales.
“Despite the financial concerns, I am more relaxed and focused than ever. I am putting to the test the old adage that says: ‘do what you love and the money will follow.’
“Here's to true love.” - Randall Roberts, Senior Editor for administration
“Hmm. How can I say this? The experience of being shut down and kicked out onto the street pretty much sucked. No two ways about it. There are parts that still do suck and losing insurance in the future will really really suck, but overall, the experience has been positive. It launched me out on a great life adventure at a time in my life when I wouldn’t have done it on my own. The experience has moved me out of my comfort zone. It has also made my life enter the realm of all possibilities. Anything can happen and it’s pretty much up to me.” - Dean Krakel, director of photography
“I’ve learned that you are never to take a job or paycheck for granted. Appreciate every moment and every bit of work presented to you, as well as payday. I've also learned that I had the best boss and co-workers in the world. I don't believe I ever really took my job for granted, but in the event I ever did, I certainly will never do that again!” - Lizzy McCormick, office manager
“I couldn't buy into the wave of the ‘reinvention’ overhauls of former journalists after the Rocky closed. Rather, I stepped back and thought carefully about why I got into this business in the first place, thought about the odd appeal of the stress and the noisy newsroom and the long hours. I thought about the sense of accomplishment after getting the story, and how newspapering is what I've wanted to do since I was a kid - something I was unwilling to give up.
“While it was extremely hard to pack up my home in Denver and haul my life to New Jersey, three months later I think I've ended up exactly where I should be: In a fast-paced, forward-thinking newsroom full of talented reporters and editors who make quantifiable differences in the lives of our readers.
“And though the Rocky may have died, I remain in the industry to keep its ideals alive.” - Armando Arrieta, assistant city editor
“I miss the thrill, the rush, of breaking news, and am doing everything in my power to again sit in the hottest seat I can find -- in the middle of the fire -- in a newsroom.” - John Boogert, Internet news editor
“I'd say it was traumatic at first, then just sad. Now, I'm looking forward to building on my journalism skills in a new way. And it has been eye-opening in the sense that I think I look at newspapers through the eyes of a consumer now rather than solely a journalist, and it often isn't pretty. I never understood people who said they could get by without a newspaper. Now I do. Newspapers often feel disconnected and stale to me - not interesting enough to pull me in. I do way more of my newspaper reading on-line, just like everyone else. It saddens me, but I understand more than ever why this is so.” - Deb Goeken, managing editor
“I continue to receive almost universally supportive, warm response from people in the community when I contact them for advice and networking help. For the most part, these are people with whom I had not had contact. The regard for the the Rocky and the professionalism of the staff is high and helpful to me as I explore a career change.” - Luke Clarke, assistant city editor
“Six months off work has been great - valuable time to think, read, rest, study, travel, reconnect, evaluate. Staying in Denver and staying in journalism will be tough goals to reconcile.” - Rob Reuteman, business editor
“Searching for a ‘regular’ job was getting me nowhere -- and I'm sorry -- I'm stubborn, and I don't want a "regular" job. I want to write and edit and design and think up funny, crazy, interesting stories. I miss my job at the Rocky every day, but I'm trying to stay creative by freelancing and doing my own thing.
“Denveralamode.com has been a lot of work, but a lot of fun. I don't know if we'll make any money doing it, but it's been a great creative outlet, and our readership does continue to grow each week. I have been writing for AOL's StyleList.com for a few weeks now, and it has been great. I will also be the kids fashion reporter for AOL's ParentDish.com site, once the paperwork goes through. I've done some other writing and editing and have been approached about some other blogging opportunities. I'm hoping I can cobble enough freelance together to earn close to my former salary.
“It's nice to sit on my patio as I work, but, man, I'd rather be in the newsroom.” - Lesley Kennedy, deputy features editor
“Doors close and doors open. I dearly miss the people at the Rocky, but I'm aware that I would have never had the job I do now nor met the same people if the Rocky was still publishing. Change creates opportunity and I'm thankful for the opportunities I've had in the past six months.” - Eric Brown, city editor
“It was the best job I ever had. I hope to work with a team like that again.” - Mike Noe, interactive editor
“No matter how many times you said to yourself ‘The closing of the paper is inevitable, I'll just move on when it happens,’ the closing and the loss of the job knocks you for a loop. Your daily pattern, shaped over decades of work, doesn't just wind down -- it snaps shut. You're done. You lose the day-to-day interaction with a lot of fun and talented people. You need to figure out a new pattern that allows you to start a job search while also making sure you enjoy some of the free time you suddenly have. For many of us, you have to explain the situation to your kids (good luck with that). I have certainly hit some dead ends trying to navigate a new course. Still am.
“And let's face it: The fact that the paper closed just shy of its 150th birthday, in an economic environment in which things turned so bad so fast, shakes you up. Papers have been around for centuries, you think, and now everyone is saying in a matter of just a few years they may be extinct. What the heck is going on here? What's disappearing next?
“All that being said, after more than 25 years in newspapering in a variety of positions, I was open to trying something different, and not because I was sick of journalism or because finding a news job would be difficult (although it certainly is more difficult). I wanted to see, first, if I could run my own business. And I wanted to find something interesting and forward looking that fit my skills. This became even more clear after spending months networking like crazy and applying for jobs (to no avail) via e-mail, the current bane of every job-seeker's existence. I am, however, saving all of the rejection form letters, because I'm sure they will form the basis of a book I can sell at supermarket check-out lines next to celebrity magazines and weight loss tomes.
“So I have launched a social media consultancy where I help businesses figure out the best way to communicate with and engage their clients, customers, fans ... you name it. There's a lot (a LOT) of hype in the space. More persuasively, there are a lot of people in that space. Facebook has more than a quarter of a billion members, and there are plenty more on the likes of Digg, Twitter, MySpace, YouTube and many others. (And yes, those names may change in the years ahead, but the people are going to stay in the space.) Newspapers, many of whom liked to mock social media over the past few years, are suddenly starting to realize what a powerful tool it can be for their breaking news. Hey, even the Iranian dictatorship (sorry, elected government) can attest to the power of social media.
“So am I going to be a big winner? Have I picked the right thing to do? Will R&R Media (see, I even have an LLC) make a lot of money? I have no idea. But I am learning something new every day, I have two clients (bless 'em) and working on more. It's exhilarating. It's terrifying. It's difficult. Most every day I think about failing. In other words, just like working at a newspaper.” - Joe Rassenfoss, features editor
“I miss the collective energy that comes with collaborating on stories that can make a difference in people's lives.” - Kathy Bogan, presentation director
These responses came from staff who were not in the bargaining unit - the Denver Newspaper Guild. You can also read a collection of comments from staff who were in the bargaining unit and worked as reporters, columnists, photographers, artists, cartoonists and videographers and a collection of comments from staff who were in the bargaining unit and worked in the newsroom as editors, imagers, technical staff and editorial assistants. To read a story summarizing the results of the survey, click here. To read a copy of the e-mail survey I sent former Rocky staffers, click here.
“Business leaders say to think outside the box, but don't expect them to do it when they're looking at former journalists as job candidates.” - Kevin Huhn, deputy sports editor
"I think I share what has been commonly expressed, an initial sense of grief and loss, but a growing sense of amazement as I come to more fully understand how losing the Rocky will continue to impact us. For me, as time went along, there was some sense of losing my place in life's line, even though friends and family, and that certainly includes Rocky family, were wonderfully supportive. When I awoke Wednesday morning to the news that Teddy had left the building, one comment really sort of stung. They said it had been exactly one year ago to that day when he had made his swan-song speech at the Democratic National Convention in Denver. My thoughts went immediately to that time at the Rocky, and how we all put our best into it, and how we really, I think, nailed it--Internet first, great papers, a tremendous accomplishment up and down the line, of which I think we all should always be proud. And how we were less than four months away on those brilliant sunny days from learning that it was all over. I'll always be grateful for my nine-plus years with the Rocky and its people. I've lived awhile now and seen some ups and downs. I've always held to the idea that anything that doesn't kill you is going to make you stronger. I hope we all get to realize that truth again. We're on our way." - Jim Trotter, senior editor for enterprise and projects
“I never imagined making a living in the online world.” - Cliff Foster, assistant city editor, now working as editor for PoliticsDaily.com, an AOL Web site.
“I have decided to commit myself to photography, full time. I have started Randall K. Roberts Photography, LLC in an effort to market and sell my photographs.
“As you know, for 22 years I have been spending most of my vacation time and spare moments making nature, landscape and travel photos, of the Western U.S and elsewhere. I truly love doing this.
“One week after I turned out the lights at the Rocky, I was making pictures in Yellowstone and Grand Tetons National Parks. It felt great. Despite the fact that it rained nearly every day, I made more great pictures on that one trip than I had in several years. And I enjoyed it so much I found myself giggling.
“I have spent most of the summer editing and scanning pictures, and working on my new Web site: http://archive.randallkroberts.com
“I find myself still at my computer late at night, enjoying every minute and having to force myself to quit and go to bed, much to my wife’s chagrin. I am working day and night, and enjoying every minute.
“For many years I have worked to sell my photos commercially – to book publishers, magazines, etc. I am still doing that, however, now I am placing most of my emphasis on selling my framed and matted photos directly to the public at art shows. I will be in booth number 355 at the Colorado Country Christmas art show at the Denver Merchandise Mart November 6 through 8. That is one of the largest holiday art shows in the area. Now I am working to print and mat or frame scores of pictures so I have something to sell, as well as set up a merchant account for VISA/MC, buy walls and bins for the booth and figure out how I'm going to get it all there. Another deadline looms.
“The day after the show ends at the Merchandise Mart, my wife Sharaine and I will be boarding a plane for Alaska to photograph the largest annual gathering of bald eagles in the world. Four thousand eagles converge on the town of Haines each November to feast on a late run of salmon in the Chilkat River. It’s something I’ve always wanted to photograph and now I’m doing it. That’s a great feeling. (In my former job, I’d be probably be on a conference call with you and Cincinnati going over next year's budget right about then).
“My delight is not without some worry. So far, all the money is going out and nothing is coming in. My long hours at the computer are fueled by the knowledge that I have to work quickly so I can start making sales.
“Despite the financial concerns, I am more relaxed and focused than ever. I am putting to the test the old adage that says: ‘do what you love and the money will follow.’
“Here's to true love.” - Randall Roberts, Senior Editor for administration
“Hmm. How can I say this? The experience of being shut down and kicked out onto the street pretty much sucked. No two ways about it. There are parts that still do suck and losing insurance in the future will really really suck, but overall, the experience has been positive. It launched me out on a great life adventure at a time in my life when I wouldn’t have done it on my own. The experience has moved me out of my comfort zone. It has also made my life enter the realm of all possibilities. Anything can happen and it’s pretty much up to me.” - Dean Krakel, director of photography
“I’ve learned that you are never to take a job or paycheck for granted. Appreciate every moment and every bit of work presented to you, as well as payday. I've also learned that I had the best boss and co-workers in the world. I don't believe I ever really took my job for granted, but in the event I ever did, I certainly will never do that again!” - Lizzy McCormick, office manager
“I couldn't buy into the wave of the ‘reinvention’ overhauls of former journalists after the Rocky closed. Rather, I stepped back and thought carefully about why I got into this business in the first place, thought about the odd appeal of the stress and the noisy newsroom and the long hours. I thought about the sense of accomplishment after getting the story, and how newspapering is what I've wanted to do since I was a kid - something I was unwilling to give up.
“While it was extremely hard to pack up my home in Denver and haul my life to New Jersey, three months later I think I've ended up exactly where I should be: In a fast-paced, forward-thinking newsroom full of talented reporters and editors who make quantifiable differences in the lives of our readers.
“And though the Rocky may have died, I remain in the industry to keep its ideals alive.” - Armando Arrieta, assistant city editor
“I miss the thrill, the rush, of breaking news, and am doing everything in my power to again sit in the hottest seat I can find -- in the middle of the fire -- in a newsroom.” - John Boogert, Internet news editor
“I'd say it was traumatic at first, then just sad. Now, I'm looking forward to building on my journalism skills in a new way. And it has been eye-opening in the sense that I think I look at newspapers through the eyes of a consumer now rather than solely a journalist, and it often isn't pretty. I never understood people who said they could get by without a newspaper. Now I do. Newspapers often feel disconnected and stale to me - not interesting enough to pull me in. I do way more of my newspaper reading on-line, just like everyone else. It saddens me, but I understand more than ever why this is so.” - Deb Goeken, managing editor
“I continue to receive almost universally supportive, warm response from people in the community when I contact them for advice and networking help. For the most part, these are people with whom I had not had contact. The regard for the the Rocky and the professionalism of the staff is high and helpful to me as I explore a career change.” - Luke Clarke, assistant city editor
“Six months off work has been great - valuable time to think, read, rest, study, travel, reconnect, evaluate. Staying in Denver and staying in journalism will be tough goals to reconcile.” - Rob Reuteman, business editor
“Searching for a ‘regular’ job was getting me nowhere -- and I'm sorry -- I'm stubborn, and I don't want a "regular" job. I want to write and edit and design and think up funny, crazy, interesting stories. I miss my job at the Rocky every day, but I'm trying to stay creative by freelancing and doing my own thing.
“Denveralamode.com has been a lot of work, but a lot of fun. I don't know if we'll make any money doing it, but it's been a great creative outlet, and our readership does continue to grow each week. I have been writing for AOL's StyleList.com for a few weeks now, and it has been great. I will also be the kids fashion reporter for AOL's ParentDish.com site, once the paperwork goes through. I've done some other writing and editing and have been approached about some other blogging opportunities. I'm hoping I can cobble enough freelance together to earn close to my former salary.
“It's nice to sit on my patio as I work, but, man, I'd rather be in the newsroom.” - Lesley Kennedy, deputy features editor
“Doors close and doors open. I dearly miss the people at the Rocky, but I'm aware that I would have never had the job I do now nor met the same people if the Rocky was still publishing. Change creates opportunity and I'm thankful for the opportunities I've had in the past six months.” - Eric Brown, city editor
“It was the best job I ever had. I hope to work with a team like that again.” - Mike Noe, interactive editor
“No matter how many times you said to yourself ‘The closing of the paper is inevitable, I'll just move on when it happens,’ the closing and the loss of the job knocks you for a loop. Your daily pattern, shaped over decades of work, doesn't just wind down -- it snaps shut. You're done. You lose the day-to-day interaction with a lot of fun and talented people. You need to figure out a new pattern that allows you to start a job search while also making sure you enjoy some of the free time you suddenly have. For many of us, you have to explain the situation to your kids (good luck with that). I have certainly hit some dead ends trying to navigate a new course. Still am.
“And let's face it: The fact that the paper closed just shy of its 150th birthday, in an economic environment in which things turned so bad so fast, shakes you up. Papers have been around for centuries, you think, and now everyone is saying in a matter of just a few years they may be extinct. What the heck is going on here? What's disappearing next?
“All that being said, after more than 25 years in newspapering in a variety of positions, I was open to trying something different, and not because I was sick of journalism or because finding a news job would be difficult (although it certainly is more difficult). I wanted to see, first, if I could run my own business. And I wanted to find something interesting and forward looking that fit my skills. This became even more clear after spending months networking like crazy and applying for jobs (to no avail) via e-mail, the current bane of every job-seeker's existence. I am, however, saving all of the rejection form letters, because I'm sure they will form the basis of a book I can sell at supermarket check-out lines next to celebrity magazines and weight loss tomes.
“So I have launched a social media consultancy where I help businesses figure out the best way to communicate with and engage their clients, customers, fans ... you name it. There's a lot (a LOT) of hype in the space. More persuasively, there are a lot of people in that space. Facebook has more than a quarter of a billion members, and there are plenty more on the likes of Digg, Twitter, MySpace, YouTube and many others. (And yes, those names may change in the years ahead, but the people are going to stay in the space.) Newspapers, many of whom liked to mock social media over the past few years, are suddenly starting to realize what a powerful tool it can be for their breaking news. Hey, even the Iranian dictatorship (sorry, elected government) can attest to the power of social media.
“So am I going to be a big winner? Have I picked the right thing to do? Will R&R Media (see, I even have an LLC) make a lot of money? I have no idea. But I am learning something new every day, I have two clients (bless 'em) and working on more. It's exhilarating. It's terrifying. It's difficult. Most every day I think about failing. In other words, just like working at a newspaper.” - Joe Rassenfoss, features editor
“I miss the collective energy that comes with collaborating on stories that can make a difference in people's lives.” - Kathy Bogan, presentation director
Dean Krakel's adventure rafting Ethiopia's Omo River hits government snag
Former Rocky Mountain News Director of Photography won the admiration of many of his colleagues with his willingness to take risks after the closure of the paper. His story of his planned trip rafting the Omo River in Ethiopia was the kind of adventure others just marveled at. Now it appears he's hit a government snag.
This morning I found a short e-mail from Dean in Addis Ababa. He indicated that the government there is blocking his trip.
Here's what he wrote:
Here's the last e-mail I received from him just before he left for Africa.
This morning I found a short e-mail from Dean in Addis Ababa. He indicated that the government there is blocking his trip.
Here's what he wrote:
hi john, in addis here. we have just received a letter and are being denied permission to float the omo by the ethiopian government. we surmise that this is because of the dam and the controversy surrounding it. they have police at the launch. we are working with the embassy and pulling all the strings we can. if you can think of anything....please let me know.
best,
dean
Here's the last e-mail I received from him just before he left for Africa.
well, our trip has shrunk. now, max and i and an unknown brit, a translator, a guide and two rafts. max and i will have our own raft. we are now taking enough equipment to carry through on our own if everything falls through. we met with pasquale,(remember him from the nile story that james did?) and he gave us his omo river logs and also the maps he made and the maps he got from the russians. he and kenny dowd of buena vista made the second descent and he, in his own words, knows the omo better than any man alive. he has equipment, rafts, over in addis that we can use if we need too. he gave us advice on the crocs (lots of them and big ones too) and the hippos (splash your oars in the eddy's to drive them out before you park your raft) and the locals (they want money, not razor blades like they did ten years ago). even with his maps the omo is pretty much a big blank space.
i've got lots of cards, a good digital recorder and video. multi media on the omo. oh boy.
so we are off at 3 am tomorrow morning.
thank you for all your help and support. touch base with you in a month i hope.
dean
Saturday, August 29, 2009
The Heart of Steamboat Springs
I spent a few days last week with the folks at Steamboat Today. It's a local news operation that is worth the attention of others looking for ways to thrive in the digital era. It starts with a committed owner, the same family that owns the Lawrence Journal World in Kansas. Then there's a passion about the people who work there. They seem to love the place and the work. And most important, they're striving to deliver content and advertising on a number of platforms. They have a free tabloid newspaper six days a week. They publish a paid broadsheet newspaper on Sundays. (My guess is that they'll soon be a tabloid seven days a week. I would be if I were in their shoes.) They have multiple Web sites. They build Web sites for local businesses. They publish multiple glossy magazines. They have their own TV station, with a live, two-hour morning show on weekdays. They're launching an aggressive high school sports effort, online, on TV and in the paper. That's the key. They see everything as multi-platform. They're making their way as a mobile provider. That's not to say they've got everything figured out. But there's a deep commitment to serving the community and being the news and information source for Routt County. With all the talk of the problems facing newspapers, it's important to remember that these smaller news organizations - while facing steep revenue declines because of the recession - have much better long term prospects than larger operations. The reason for that, I believe, is that they're closer to their communities and can better serve readers with content they can't get elsewhere and advertisers with a connection to the community they can afford that produces results. I shot this video along the Yampa River in Steamboat because it was so beautiful and I wanted to see whether I could share the experience.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
A comparison of the closing of the Rocky Mountain News with the closing of the Chicago Tribune's suburban Tribs
The following is by John Rebchook, longtime real estate editor of the Rocky Mountain News. He is now blogging at insiderealestatenews.com. He sent me this in response to my survey of Rocky employees six months after the closing of the paper. My final question was: Do you have any comments you'd like to share about your experience post-Rocky Mountain News? To read other responses, click here.
Of the five papers I worked for during the past 30 years, four of them have gone out of business.
Besides the Rocky, I was only working at one other paper during its death knell.
Twenty seven years ago, I was a reporter for the Suburban Trib, a tabloid insert into the Chicago Tribune. It was owned lock, stock and barrel by the Tribune, but we were autonomous, with our own staff, editors, and even our own printing press.
Employees at the Little Trib, as I liked to call it (because it irked the editors), were paid a fraction of those working in what we called “The Tower,” in downtown Chicago.
When I compare the way E.W. Scripps - the parent of the Rocky - handled the closing of its flagship paper with the way the Tribune company began to shut down the Suburban Trib, it is like a contrast of good and evil.
First, E.W. Scripps gave us several months of warning that the Rocky could close.
By contrast, at the Suburban Trib we arrived to work on a bright spring morning in 1982 and we were broad-sided with the news that the majority of us would lose our jobs that day. We learned about the firings not from management, but from a fellow reporter, whose father had a close business relationship with top executives at the Chicago Tribune. Also, the Suburban Trib was closed before the WARN, or Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, was enacted, which requires employers to give advanced notice of large, mass layoffs.The Tribune hired goons – guys with fat bellies, open shirts and gold chains – to make sure we didn't filch any of the crappy typewriters in the newsroom.
Days before the Little Trib closed, we were asked to turn in current overtime. My editor, who did not know what was in store for us, told me they could never pay me for all my overtime, but he would let me take comp time whenever I liked. I had no idea of how much free time I was about to get.
As I was waiting for the ax to fall, I went into the morgue to get some of the original copies of my articles. My immediate supervisor told me that was company property and I had no right to them. I pointed out that under our library system, there were three copies of every story. He allowed me to take the originals, but he said he was sure the Tribune would allow people to return to make copies. It did not. The Tribune decided having former Suburban Trib employees return would be “disruptive” to the handful of people they kept.
When we were handed our walking papers, we were told that the Suburban Trib was profitable, and it was not being closed for economic reasons.
Rather, the Tribune was giving up on the zoned model, and going forward would incorporate suburban coverage in the main paper. Back in the early 1980s, when this occurred, the Tribune was privately held, so I have no idea if they were telling the truth about whether the Suburban Trib was making money. I will say the former, cold-blooded executives at the Tribune make Sam Zell look like Mother Teresa.
The Tribune sold our building in Hinsdale, Ill., to a developer, who razed it for a strip center, I'm told. They sold the presses that printed the Little Trib to another suburban Chicago newspaper.
At the time, my friend Samuel G. Freedman, now an author and professor at Columbia University, gave me some sage advice. I'm paraphrasing, but he said “give your loyalty to people, not to companies,” because companies don't care about you. And they don't deserve it.
After my experience at the Little Trib, I harbored no naive expectation that corporations are run by some caring, grandfatherly types. They're run by bean counters. And that's OK.
And frankly, I've long-thought that Dean Singleton was smarter than anyone at Scripps. And more passionate about the newspaper racket (I hesitate to call it a business, these days).
I remember covering the opening of our new building, and thinking that the Scripps' executives might as well be here for the opening of a new Wal-Mart or King Soopers. Singleton seemed to really be speaking from the heart. Former Gov. Bill Owens, for that matter, spoke far more eloquently about the importance of newspapers – especially the Rocky Mountain News – than the suits from Scripps.
If you look at the meteoric rise in the Scripps' stock price (it's up 1,029.85 percent from its 52-week low, as I write this), one can argue Scripps made the right move by closing us, from a purely financial point of view.
But if Scripps had ripped out the page on closing a paper from the former reptilian-like executives at the Chicago Tribune, things could have been far worse.
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