New job title, same great taste
By William M. Hartnett on Jan 6, 2008 in featured, meta, work
I think I’ve talked more than enough talk in the past 11 months, so how about a little walking for once? I’ve been headed in this direction for quite some time, but now it’s official: I’m joining the web staff full time. Starting now-ish, I’m The Palm Beach Post’s online innovations editor.
This is the first time in my newspaper career, all not-quite eight years of it, that I’m not part of the local news department. While I’m still as excited as ever about kick-ass local journalism, I’m even more psyched about finding new ways to do it, and particularly new revenue sources to make it possible. Stay tuned on that front.
I’ll be working with what’s quickly shaping up to be the awesomest (and hopefully still-growing) development team this side of eastern Kansas, so I’m confident I’ll come through this looking pretty smart, no matter how dumb I turn out to actually be.
Pat Thornton | Jan 6, 2008 | Reply
Congrats and welcome to the dark side.
I think I need to start posting pictures of my cats to my blog too.
Chad | Jan 6, 2008 | Reply
What does an online innovations editor do?
Mindy McAdams | Jan 6, 2008 | Reply
Congratulations, Mark! Sounds great!
Matt Waite | Jan 7, 2008 | Reply
Welcome to the Former CAR Reporter With Phoney Baloney Job Titles Club. As club president, I would like to extend this laurel, and hardy handshake.
But seriously folks, congrats dude. Prepare thyself for crazy stuff you never dreamed of to take over your days.
Ryan Sholin | Jan 7, 2008 | Reply
Well done on chasing Sullivan out the door and taking his chair. Reminds me of a cat I know.
And congratulations!
Derek Willis | Jan 7, 2008 | Reply
Excellent – good for you, and for the PB Post.
Will Sullivan | Jan 7, 2008 | Reply
Big ups Mark! Keep it real.
matt king | Jan 7, 2008 | Reply
Being an editor has nothing to do with looking for revenue sources. At least it shouldn’t. Something only becomes all about making money if you let it.
William M. Hartnett | Jan 7, 2008 | Reply
Thanks for the encouraging words, everyone.
@Chad: Think of and help build cool stuff, basically. This is the second time that a job and title has been created for me, and while the details might seem sketchy at first, I really can’t think of anything better than doing something completely new.
@Matt: You should hear some of the ridiculous title ideas I came up with along the way. I’m too embarrassed to share any, but suffice to say that I was grateful when my boss came up with the one we went with.
@Ryan: Will was going to be part of the team before he was lured away from us by the big money and bright lights of St. Louis. Proposed title: Paradigm relocation specialist.
@matt king: That’s an admirable notion, but it is, and always has been, an oversimplification.
Jon Glass | Jan 8, 2008 | Reply
Congrats on the new appointment. I’m sure there’s plenty of ‘fun’ in store for you.
Wayne Garcia | Jan 9, 2008 | Reply
Congrats on the new title. Waite’s response is priceless. Now get to innovatin’… all our journalism jobs depend on it. (no pressure)
Matthew Wensing | Jan 12, 2008 | Reply
Congrats again.
I’ve decided that in honor of your appointment I think I’ll be taking off the rest of January.
William M. Hartnett | Jan 12, 2008 | Reply
@Wensing: Didn’t you catch the part where you’re supposed to make me look smart? That’s a very important point.
Danny Sanchez | Jan 20, 2008 | Reply
Woot! Congrats. Sounds like you and Waite should start a support group.