Board of directors v. Editorial board?
We are one paper. Work as single organism. Communication is the best way. Be vocal with the editorial board about what the BOD wants, and vice-versa. Both sides are on the same page about the direction this paper needs to go.
Obscenities in paper? Profanities? Offensive material?
“Profanity is cool.” One of the firefighters was so emotional and said “It’s fucking amazing” and I kept that quote. It should not be gratuitous. Better in Arts and Opinion. “Fuck, we’re students. We’re the alternative press.” “Fuck, why not?”
Offensive material is entirely… I can’t make a call. Entirely depends on what it is. There is a line somewhere and it is hard to define that line in a minute or so.
Your platform is all news. How about Arts?
As I have said, I have not edited the Arts section before. Probably a gap in my experience at the Fulcrum. “I want to bring in outside people”. Get help. Talks about Travis and Tina for resources.
In my platform, I talk about news a lot, because that is what I do and what I want to do with my career. I think Arts is absolutely on par with News on this paper and so heavily split between those who want news and those who want to be entertained. I will do all I can so that Arts volunteers and editors… (something something)
Mel Wood is killing with the intonations. Really funny.
Asks about how he will help new editors, even if they’re “just bad”.
“What can I do to help you” he also says “EIC is manager of HR on the edboard?” (I think).
There is a point where you need to confront the editor with how can I help you? If it comes to that, give warnings, if the questions implies they are not up to test, we should not be afraid to sacrifice a staff member if they are not pulling their weight.
How do you ensure that volunteers keep showing up?
So mcuh more that we can do. Potential volunteers at the University. A lot of what we do is involved in the house ads at the paper. Only people who read it understand what we’re doing. I suggest postering, expanding our reach. Get J-School students. Go beyond our mail-outs. Increase visibility.
What is your favourite colour?
BLUE
More involved in community? What does he mean?
“We’re a newspaper first. Get speakers in. Holding workshops. Increase the flow of information.”
How will it impact duties of EIC?
“I won’t be taking any classes. All of my time will be dedicated to working at the paper.”
More levy? How much? Why? Why would it be supported?
The process for getting a levy is with a petititon, then goes to a referendum. That is how it would have to go. We would need to get a petition with enough names.
How much? I was seeking to increase it to 3,50$ (ballpark number). We’re currently at 2,80$. It’s not a massive increase to an individual student.
Why supported? The Fulcrum, I think, is very respected by the U of O community, well read, massive circulation, no animosity, (gives example of Charlatan – students rejected the levy there.) The Fulcrum has a better profile. Much better supported. Week to week. We can do it so much better if we have more money available.
1 – You said you want the newspaper to be especially involved in the community… International? Social based issues? If to inform, shouldn’t we inform globally as well?
“Two different ways to approach coverage. Coverage of things that are relavent to the U of O community. Other larger scale issues. Canadian Federation of Students, Students in general. If something is related to students, then yes. If it affects Canadian students. So… If they do relate to students, yes.”
2 – What was teh Fulcrum’s best story this year?/Best editorial?
He came prepared for best issue.
Story: Profile of Paul Tellier was very cool. Likewise, my story on Aarol Menyesz? I’m more familiar with the news section. There was also a very good football game review, I believe it was after the playoff loss to Western by Ross. Great article in summing up the game and emotion. Captured the emotion.
Best editorial: Christmas card (joke). Actually going forward with it. “It was different. We can have fun.” In a lot of ways, it was a fantastic editorial, just to have some fun, away from the news and being serious all the time.
The five people – Mel Wood, Brian Bosma, Nick Taylor-Vaisey, Meaghan Walton, and some volunteer are in Mel Wood’s office to check out the questions and filter them out.
Should take a few more minutes.
For the record, I asked the question on the comments section on whether someone can write for rival publications.
