This month, we would like to feature a guest blog from an anonymous editor who reflects on how their once fulfilling career has changed over time:
I’d been looking to break into technical journalism for some time, so when I won my first editorship in an aerospace manufacturing title, I was like an energetic rookie pilot on his first mission.
There was so much to comprehend in terms of the sheer size and scope of a competitive and vibrant industry that in terms of design and manufacturing technology, it knew no bounds.
The latest composite aerostructures, increasing integration of embedded electronics and environmental initiatives meant technology breakthroughs happened nearly as regularly as flights in and out of our busiest airports.
I travelled the world, met and interviewed interesting spokespeople who continually demonstrated that the industry was a hotbed for evolving innovative product designs – it was full of creative people thinking not only of the here and now, but of the aircraft of tomorrow.
However, things have come to a pretty pass when my role has now been reduced to the point where I’m simply editing ‘puff’ copy to keep the advertisers happy. The rise of social media, sales erosion, and swingeing financial cutbacks means it really has become a race to the bottom for the entire trade press publishing industry.
And now the sales tail is truly wagging the editorial dog. ‘Why did you travel to see [insert name/location here]? They never advertise’, wails the sales director. Oh, I’m sorry – I thought my job as editor was to source cutting-edge news/feature articles that would interest our readers?
Ah, the readers. I’d forgotten about them, hadn’t I?
I miss the press trips, the crazy food, the airport lounges, the press gifts, and most of all I missed the friendships and laughs. Nowadays, I’m made to feel like I’m something you shouldn’t step in, judging from sour-faced looks I get at some exhibitions. I find myself almost grovelling.
Whilst you can’t exactly call me a salesman, I’m now considered more of a ‘brand ambassador’ than an editor. Apparently, us editors now have ‘clients’. Oh, yes! The editor’s little black book of contacts doesn’t belong to the editor anymore – sales are privy to it too, so lead us to your ‘client’.
What was that old Reithian BBC saying? Inform, Educate and Entertain. The bottom line is, I don’t feel like I’m needed anymore.
