Me at Work

[Drayakir]

So, I recently got a new job, working as a newspaper.... guy. Well, basically, since the newspaper isn't too big, aimed at an ethnic community, and has about half a million subscribers in NYC, so everyone does everything.

But that's not the point.

The point was, today was my first day. And while I was working, I was basically overcome with ideas on how to improve the newspaper/process of adding articles/adverts.

So, my question to you is: how do you best think I should approach the chief editor about improving the newspaper, without sounding like a jackass?

[gallihand]

On the one hand you can make a good impression by improving things right away. On the other hand there might be a good reason why things are done the way they are. I would personally wait a week and investigate the reasons behind some of the things. Just remember not to launch every improvement at once. Most people will be overwhelmed by the changes and it'll bog the system down in the end.

Don't you just hate losing what you had typed out to a bad keystroke?

[BadMojo]

First of all - wait!
Often the chief think that this is the best the paper can get. So I'll suggest that you let time run its course, and come with a few suggestions along the way.

[Zilal]

I go through the same stuff with jobs. Yeah, definitely wait... even if your suggestions are great, the fact that you're brand new will make them less appealing to the higher-ups. Chances are there's stuff you're missing too, about why things are being done the way they are. I would write the ideas down, wait six months (!) and use this time to ask questions, take notes and reform your plans to include ideas for dealing with the obstacles that'll become clearer as you spend more time there.

[Colette]

The point was, today was my first day. And while I was working, I was basically overcome with ideas on how to improve the newspaper/process of adding articles/adverts.

So, my question to you is: how do you best think I should approach the chief editor about improving the newspaper, without sounding like a jackass?

I would advise you not to make any such suggestions until you've been there longer, got a better feel for the place, and built up some kind of track record of trust and proficiency at what you do.

Essentially you've gotta earn the right to suggest and make changes, in a professional context - it shouldn't be arrogated to yourself as of right; and you'll make enemies if you try it at this point.

[kiribati writer]

When I applied to be on my high school newspaper, many years ago, one of the questions on the application is "why do you want to be on the newspaper staff?"

I answered "because I didn't think the quality of last year's paper was very good and I want to make it better."

The adviser took such personal offense to it that she kept me off the staff all through high school. (I did, however, go on to journalism school and have had a career in the business)

So I'd wait a couple of weeks to start, and make your suggestions one at a time. You may find that some of them, which they may make improvements, are impractical under the system.

Good luck. Newspapers can be fun, and frustrating places, and often both in the same five minute span.:thumbsup: