Nov. 2: Here in Blogland
Hey everyone, thank you for reading and commenting. You made my day, just in the nick of time.
And thank you, my sweet, brilliant Joe, for monitoring this site for me from your and Marie’s adorable apartment in the Czech Republic (it’s after 11 p.m. in Ostrava).
I woke up today feeling – to quote a certain publisher -crappy. Ever since I was told to leave the paper, I’ve tried to keep a stiff upper lip about being dumped at the curb like a sack of trash. I’m an optimist. I tried to tell myself that I’m not homeless and I don’t have cancer and my loved ones are OK.
I tried to put on a happy face in my redding.com comments. I tried to not show how terribly sad I felt.
But today it hit me that my newspaper career, all I’d worked for for more than 10 years, was flushed by a 30-something editor who’d only been there four months.
That night, and the next, I had wine for dinner. I didn’t fill bird feeders. I didn’t cook. I didn’t leave the house unless I had to. OK, I was depressed.
E-mails arrived by the hundreds, and the phone rang and rang (it’s still ringing). I spent (spend) a lot of time in sweats, trying to keep up (dial-up, out here in the boondocks), but I couldn’t. (Still haven’t. Forgive me.)
The messages were (are) so lovely, and honest and supportive and funny and so very, very smart and rightiously outraged, not just about my situation, but the plight of the Record Searchlight.
It was an odd position for me, a person so unaccustomed to and uncomfortable with charity (for me).
Anyway, back to the firing, or before the firing. I remember at some point during the many uber-stressful meetings I had with the new editor (beginning the first Monday after Greg Clark was gone) I told him that I thought he was making a huge mistake to replace me and my column with a destructive pit bull column.
He said some people might call him crazy for doing it (I agreed), but as editor, he “owned” that decision.
Yes, he does.
Now, it strikes me as an ironic twist when I think of how he first described that aggressive “metro” columnist he dreamed of, someone who’d dig stuff up, hold people’s feet to the fire and hold people accountable.
Readers would be so excited to see what fresh mound of warm, juicy nuggets had been unearthed, three to four times a week, sometimes on the front page, that they’d rush to buy newspapers. Readership would increase. Oh happy day.
I wonder if he ever imagined that the feet held to the fire might be his? I wonder if he ever imagined those held accountable might be himself, and the people above him?
Life’s funny that way, don’t you think?
Here’s another funny thought, from my wise and witty husband. You’ve heard that it’s a bad idea to argue with people who buy ink by the barrel.
That’s so old school. Because, for all its faults, the Internet levels the communication playing field.
We don’t need no stinkin’ ink, here in Blogland.
Oh happy day.
OK, I’m going to get dressed now, and fill the bird feeders.
Take care. Keep the faith. Thank you for reading. Doni
Michelle replied:
Yes, fill those bird feeders! I’m sure your avian friends have missed you too!!
I won’t tell anyone if you stay in sweats, though. *wink*
November 2, 2007 at 2:14 pm. Permalink.
Barbara Rice replied:
You’re still on dial-up? You don’t get TDS DSL where you are?
November 2, 2007 at 2:53 pm. Permalink.
chic replied:
Doni – To hell with ‘em! I’m confident that in the long run, you’ll be better off. Seems to me the paper is a sinking ship. You deserve better.
November 2, 2007 at 3:29 pm. Permalink.
Dennis Kessinger replied:
Good to “see” you’re still up and at it, Doni!
Keep up the good work and thanks for creating a blog.
Dennis
November 2, 2007 at 3:45 pm. Permalink.
Terry Fry replied:
I was a Searchlight subscriber for years. I often asked why a local paper put so little importance on local news. Some time ago a reporter was fired for being to conservative. He insisted that those who were in charge of the paper’s content considered Redding citizens to be Hillbilly idiots or something like that. I canceled my subscription immediately! Why do you think this paper is so far removed from it’s subscribers? Ignorance or Arrogance?
Terry
November 2, 2007 at 4:19 pm. Permalink.
Erin Friedman replied:
Doni —
If you need access to a DSL connection, you are most welcome to come by our house.
Follow the scent of Matzo Balls……
November 2, 2007 at 4:27 pm. Permalink.
Mike Littau replied:
Wow, I can’t believe they let you go! I loved reading your stories! I’d love to keep reading here on your blog. Can I add you as a link from my blog?
November 2, 2007 at 5:27 pm. Permalink.
anonymousagain replied:
Hey, Doni, at least you stood up for what you believe in!
Maybe it’s time to write a book, eh? I spend so much time posting on Redding.com myself, I’ve always figured I could put all that typing to better use.
And if my clumsy fingers can I know you could…
Good luck!
November 2, 2007 at 5:29 pm. Permalink.
Jim Gore replied:
Just an observation, the paper’s management problems are evident at the very top. According to company profile information at finance.yahoo.com (see http://finance.yahoo.com/q/pr?s=SSP ), EW Scripps Corporate Governance Quotient as of yesterday, is rated in the bottom 5% of S&P companies.
November 2, 2007 at 6:07 pm. Permalink.
Ren replied:
So the rumors are true? I heard that Mr. Hotshot 30-something editor wanted you to dig up dirt on people, you refused (not just as a journalist, but because you’re a good person!) and he fired you. I’m not sure if that’s how it went down or not, but I can surly see that happening.
I’m so happy to see that you have a blog and that it’s not on MySpace!!!!
Plenty of papers would love to have you as a columnist. I just beg that you please don’t be tempted by pretty cities like Portland or the coast and stay right here at home. The community needs you, Doni!
I’d love to see you get your own website going with a blog, recipes, video cooking clips… you name it. Also, you could make some money off the advertisements. I’d offer to help you set it up, but the only reason I can do anything on a computer is because Rob is a network tech and holds my hand.
Again, so very good to see you. I miss your articles. The one person who actually writes about local stuff and they dump her! UGH! Idiots!
Keep the faith, Doni. You have a loyal throng of fans… even the ones who loved to hate you. **grin**
November 2, 2007 at 6:23 pm. Permalink.
gamerjohn replied:
Maybe the Record could use a hot shot Metro reporter to chase the crooks in local gov’t, but what would the person do the other 50 weeks when nothing was happening? After they discuss the fired adulterers in city hall, what else is there?
November 2, 2007 at 7:17 pm. Permalink.
Karen F. replied:
Hi Doni!
I just wanted to join the others who support you during this time. I have been a faithful reader of RSL for many years, and even though I get the paper delivered on weekends, I keep up with RSL via redding.com daily.
Due to the recent events of your firing, I am seriously getting ready to unsubscribe to my paper version. Because my weekend morning “perks” consist of sleeping in a little, grabbing a cup of hot tea, and then lying in bed reading the paper, I am a little hesitant to let go of my paper version of the RSL. My mind may change come this weekend. I am waiting with baited breath to see if the high and mighty Mr. Silas Lyons will address any issues regarding the community’s outpour regarding his issue to fire you. I have a feeling I will be poorly disappointed…
Since Lyons has been granted the position of Editor of this paper, I have NEVER read anything of substantial value from him, unless he was offering his explanations and excuses for why “he decided to do/write/decide, etc… for whatever reason” on many different topics. Even before he was appointed Editor, I don’t recall any substance about him. It sucks that he was able to get a very important appointment within our community to guide our one and only local newspaper, and I feel he is failing. He is taking an agenda and making it his own, without regard to community and families.
For Mr. Silas: what goes around comes around. The one thing I am sad about for him, is how his decisions may affect his family. I can only guess he is married and may have children. His professional decisions not only affect our community, but his immediate family as well… He is not looking too popular right now, based on his latest poor choice to fire you. If he has kids in school, this uproar will affect them. Too sad…
Doni, Keep your chin up! You are an inspiration to most people! For those who disagree, it’s OK to disagree. One thing I have found very comical since RSL went online and allowed comments, is that people will bitch about so many things. They don’t like reading someone’s opinions, yet will continue to keep reading the columnist’s pieces. Only to keep bitching more about what they don’t like to read! So, why do they keep reading them? Go figure….
Doni, I commend you for all you have done! I mostly commend you for following your heart and soul in the way you see fit. Thank you for NOT lowering yourself to meet the Editor’s substandard request to allow more SMUT into the RSL. Our lives are too short to find and dish more garbage in this world. There is enough garbage as it is, without digging up more. God is forgiving, but maybe only to a certain point. There are many things we should focus on, but garbage should not be included.
I have a feeling that God is shining his light on you right now (no pressure!). Seriously,
take this dark cloud that a certain human being has placed on you, and turn it into a silver lining. I already see the pinks, blues and purples coming through- and the iridescent colors are beautiful!
This is my opinion, and I’m St-t-icking to it!
Best to you and your family!
Karen
PS: As Marge Beck (another POSITIVE influence) responded~~ You GO GIRL!
Also, I will try to copy this to Mr. Silas EM. I sense he may be too chicken pooped to read this BLOG, but he needs to know how everyone feels…
November 2, 2007 at 9:06 pm. Permalink.
Larry & Louise Hanson replied:
Doni,
Couldn’t sleep and just found your blog–thank goodness. I was beginning to have serious Doni-withdrawal symptoms!!! My son and daughter-in-law will be so glad to know about your blog also.
You were given a dirty plate to deal with, but you can and will rise above both the hand you were dealt and Mr. Lyons, and come out with your head held high and a smile on your face. Just keep feeding the birds, enjoying your country home, and if you feel too depressed and you need some pick-me-up, just let us know on the blog. We’ll be here for you, won’t we, gang.
Louise
By the way, now that you have all that room out there, do you need any Narcissus?
November 3, 2007 at 12:25 am. Permalink.
Darcie replied:
I posted the message below on the RS letter to editor comments section but I am going to add them here as I have no faith that they will remain posted.
——————————————–
I do find it interesting that the above letters were only printed today. Doni was told to leave on Wednesday, October 24th; the phone calls and letters started immediately. KCRC/TV sensed the firestorm and interviewed Doni the following Monday. The outcry from the community apparently got someone’s attention!
In addition to myself , I know others who have written and even spoke to the Editor. When I spoke to His Salis, he just gave a “canned” response so I told him to cancel our subscription of 26 years. I don’t know if he passed that request along to circulation but to make sure, I also called that department. When I told the young lady I wanted to cancel my subscription she didn’t even ask why or express regrets on behalf of the paper. What kind of business does not care why longtime, loyal customers are dissatisfied??
While Doni’s firing was the last straw, in truth I would have cancelled months ago if Doni had not been there. There is not much left of Record Search-LITE and I am sure local advertisers will be re-evaluating the impact of hard earned funds spent on a paper that is clearly in decline and not meeting the needs of the community it is suppose to serve.
There was an interesting news piece online this morning. In Newspapers & Technology , Chuck Moozakis stated “Consolidating, streamlining and reducing expenses can only go so far before there’s nothing left to cut, and, eventually, nothing left at all.”
November 3, 2007 at 9:46 am. Permalink.
Roberta Busher replied:
What a rotten thing for them to do. You added a lot of local flavor to the paper (no pun intended). Now the RS will just be a generic reiteration of old news. At least now you can accept free soap!
Roberta
November 3, 2007 at 9:47 am. Permalink.
Demetra replied:
Hi Doni,
Jim and I are in complete shock! It is Saturday morning and we just read the letters to the Editor about you being fired. This just cinched my canceling our subscription. The only reason I have kept the paper this long is because of you. I had to get a kleenx to wipe my tears while reading your blog and my eyes are misty right now. Jim said it was hard for him to read to me out loud because he was so upset. I thought it was awfully weird when Kelly left and then Greg taking the job with the City. This town sucks! The “Good Old Boy” mentality is alive and well and not going anywhere anytime soon. I know you will land on your feet. A mourning period is good, it can be cathartic in a sense.
Your blog is going to be fantastic. I am so glad we will still be able to read your comments. I will always remember the day you came to my house and we made the Greek Easter cookies together. That was one of the highlights of my life, (sorry had to wipe my eyes), my son Dimitri (moved to San Francisco in August) still talks about it and how much he enjoyed talking to you. Oh and guess what? We bought a Prius because of you too! So see Doni, you are our “familY” we love you, and your words. You were in our home everyday in our conversations and on our minds. We love you and we will talk more now that you will have your new blog. If you can, set up an email group so that you can let us all know your new blog address. Better yet start an email column. I subscribe to one for movie reviews. His name is Teddy Durgin (google him) I send him $10.00 per year and I get the greatest movie reviews; he even answers his emails. I love it. Think about it. I would subscribe to it. Much love, D Kristensen
November 3, 2007 at 9:55 am. Permalink.
Carolyn Aguiar replied:
Doni, I’m so glad to hear from you. My son overheard your son telling someone, and neither of us could believe it. I called Scott Mobly, asking him if it was true, and did he think you were ever come back, he said he doubted it. It was still so frustrating to not be able to hear anything from you, now we can. Loved the letters to the editor today. Just wanted to tell you how much we miss you and I told Silas when I emailed him that if you were not hired back by Sunday, to cancel my subscription, But, it may not make a difference to the paper, seeing as how they only care about the younger reader’s. There is nothing I can do about that, I can only do my share, supporting you. I like the idea of paying $10 a year, or to make it worth your time, $10 a month, so that you will have a little additional income, and we could be part of it. We all have a great many more recipes and stories to tell. I keep thinking of the East Valley Times, they have the ability to create a newspaper, now would be the perfect time for them to hire the people the RS has let go, plus get most of the best employees that are still at the paper and create a daily paper. I have always thought the RS needed competition, now I know they do. Just had to add my comments to all of the other’s who care about you.
Carolyn
November 3, 2007 at 11:15 am. Permalink.
oldship replied:
I don’t know what the “Press This” feature on WordPress does just yet… But I just did it.
I hope its a good thing , I liked the story, and I like the Attitude!
November 3, 2007 at 2:36 pm. Permalink.
Karen C. replied:
Dear Doni……It is so terrific to hear from you. You are a stand-up lady and I have no doubt there are good things in store for you. I am one of these “older subscribers” (57) who cancelled their subscription when I learned you had been fired. You have a huge fan base out here and we care about you very much. I will be here daily to read what you have to say. Keep those bird feeders full!
Thank you Joe for hooking your mom up on here.
Warmest Regards,
Karen
November 3, 2007 at 6:05 pm. Permalink.
Marvin Wittner replied:
Hi Donni, keep your chin up and keep smiling….it does wonders…….at least Bazooka and all the rest of us readers still love ya…..Marv. and Paula
November 3, 2007 at 10:25 pm. Permalink.
Janet Hering replied:
I’m glad you’re here.
I’m sad you’re not at the Record Searchlight.
I started reading you in The Lance when I went to work at Shasta College. That paper has gone downhill since you left; can we expect the same from the RS?
Blessings!
November 4, 2007 at 12:42 am. Permalink.
brad dupre replied:
Janet,
That was a long time ago!
take care,
peace…brad
Doni,
To change the subject…On page E4 of Sunday’s Nov. 4th RS there is a picture of the Old Wards building…this is the building with the first escalator in Redding.
November 4, 2007 at 7:47 am. Permalink.
darbiehenry replied:
Two years ago I stopped taking the RS because of what it had morphed into. I accessed the classifieds and Doni online.
The classifieds are too inundated with national ads to try to wade thru any more and Doni has moved on so……
I have become a blog reader. I’m looking forward to eavesdropping on the next chapter of Doni’s life. I still need her wit and wisdom. I want her opinions even when they are ‘misguided’ and just plain wrong (love ya). I want to hear the latest little controversies about our neighborhoods and the local government that tries to run these neighborhoods. All in Doni’s real and heartfelt way of passing information to us.
And of course the recipes and tips that have become part of our lives. After all. She is the reason I make my own pasta now.
November 4, 2007 at 10:38 am. Permalink.
Stuart Hoffman replied:
To Whom it May Concern,
As reader of your paper (on-line) I was disheartened to hear that Doni Greenberg will no longer have a voice in representing your newspaper.
I’m not exactly sure what your reasoning was but let me make something clear. While everybody can be replaced this will certainly be a challenge.
But I come to bury , not to praise her.
having a milk crate to stand on dish out your own gospel must be intoxicating.
Doni was able to do this in a charming, almost folksy way that made us readers pine for the environs of Redding.
But I come to bury Doni, not to praise her.
How dare a writer have such a clearly defined sense of right and wrong and be willing to put it out there for everyone to read and pass judgment on.
Can many people list the names of those killed in the war and then effortlessly talk about human interest stories that nobody outside of Redding could possible care about. The grace she exhibited in this was remarkable.
But I come to bury Doni, not to praise her.
She could travel throughout Europe and make you feel that you had met the people that she described. Do you think that is an easy thing to do ? I don’t.
But I come to bury Doni, not to praise her.
By replacing her you have callously cut off your own nose to spite your face.
She will be sorely missed. I personally can recommend 15 different changes I would make to your paper before I would consider letting her go.
But again, I come to bury Doni , not to praise her.
I would jokingly refer to her ass “the conscience of Redding” when speaking to my friends there. They all laughed and chuckled but agreed never the less.
Walt Disney’s Jiminy Crickett wisely told Pinochio to let his conscience be his guide. You should “listen” to what he was saying. Doni Greenberg was and still is the conscience of Redding and by your letting her go would cause Walt
to turn over in his grave.
But then again, I come to bury Doni Greenberg, not to praise her !
Surely your paper will be better of without her. Maybe you can turn your fortunes around , make a lot of money and be bought by someone like Rupert Murdoch. Oh what a glorious day that will be ! He would never allow a lowly columnist to dedicate (the key word!) her whole column to remembering the names of those that have died protecting us.
Goodbye Doni. We’ll miss you.
Yours truly,
Stuart Hoffman
November 5, 2007 at 4:12 pm. Permalink.