Published October 23, 2025 

Where I work, writers were evaluated for years in large part by how many new subscribers they drive to the website and app. I don’t think that’s true anymore.

But imagine that pressure!

Many writers go into journalism because they couldn’t see ever taking a sales job. But you’re in sales now, buddy. Drive those new subs.

When I edit a story, I want to help the writer tell it in a way the reader enjoys and understands. I am working for the reader and working for the writer.

I rarely think about the company while I edit, because if I take good care of the reader and the writer, the company will benefit. That part takes care of itself if you know what you’re doing and do your job well. A list of “rules” is worthless if it gets in the way of telling the story in a way that grabs the reader and won’t let go.

Those are priorities I’d emphasize no matter what, but the stakes seemed higher when writers were expected to write stories that sold new subscriptions from people who follow their beat. Why would I let zombie rules come between the writer’s efforts and the reader’s enjoyment? Unless we’re pursuing subscriptions from grammar teachers from the 1950s or newsroom editors from the 1970s, I see no reason.

Take the reader on a ride with you, I say. Have fun. Be fair. Be interesting. Don’t make them feel they’re doing required homework reading.

It’s my job to help writers do that.

This is where we are as an industry: Follow the rules, get laid off anyway. Why not do what’s best for the reader and make a difference while you still have a job?

Sending love. Protect your peace.

♥

Thank you

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