for the journalism inclined? | un: royals_fan | text

[apricitous]

Hello all.

I've been settling in, the same as I'm sure many of you have, but while I've taken a position to pay the bills, I've noticed a distinct lack of my previous vocation:

I was a reporter, and while I won't say I was the best one in the business where I come from, I would say that I truly believe in the power and importance of the free press. Now, I'm currently down in Wyver at the moment, but I do have an associate, the real head of this operation, who's been working on this problem from up in Olympia.

Neither of us have necessarily worked in the management of a publication before, so we're happy to sit back a little if someone with the experience would like to step forward, but we're also looking for people who are interested in working in journalism from any direction: bloggers, photographers, or the more investigation inclined.

You can ping me here and we can discuss it or we can meet up somewhere in the city as is easiest for you. I'm pretty mobile and more than flexible.

Thank you.

Comments

[vorrutyer]

Handsomeness trumps character, every time.

But, in honor of your journalistic integrity: I have no great love for my head-cracking ancestors, no. I find that there are far more charming things that can be done with heads than smashing them. Though on the other hand, if proles hadn't been taught to write, then it'd still be Vor writing all the plays so all the plays would still be about the Vor and that sounds nice. One always wants to watch oneself up on the stage, no?

[apricitous]

Handsomeness and character are not mutually exclusive, though.

And I wouldn't say always. After all, it's not very fun to see yourself mocked or hated on the stage. And if all you see is veneration, it must get a little boring, don't you think?

Any limitation on how many people can make art is going to make inferior art to the art you'd get without the limitations.

For one, because of the variety. And for another, because art builds upon art. Someone's drive to tell a better story, paint a better picture, or do honor to an idea they've seen done in their own style has created some of the best pieces.

[vorrutyer]

That's spoken like a man who's never seen himself venerated on the stage.

[apricitous]

Spoken like a man who can't imagine an opinion different from his own.

But you'd be surprised.

[vorrutyer]

Oh?

[apricitous]

Yes, you definitely sound like someone unused to seeing other perspectives.

[vorrutyer]

Oh, on the contrary, dear fellow. I've been subjected to many a lecture by righteous Galactics horrified at Barrayaran habits, as though I'm the representative of all things Imperial.

But please, tell me what would surprise me. I love a surprise.

[ Spies are like journalists, in their own way; sometimes they just get pushy as hell. ]

[apricitous]

Just because you've been made to listen to someone lecturing you doesn't mean you've actually seriously considered other perspectives. It just means someone's tried to force you to.

And I don't know what would surprise you. I don't exactly know you very well.

[vorrutyer]

Then why did you say I'd be surprised?

[apricitous]

Why did you assume I'd never seen myself on the stage?

[vorrutyer]

They don't tend to make plays about reporters-not-the-best-in-the-business-where-they-come-from.

[apricitous]

Some of the best pieces of literature I can think of involve people who are mediocre in some aspect of their life.

[vorrutyer]

Dear heavens, you really didn't grow up in a neo-feudalist authoritarian state. Our classics were all paeans to Imperial infallibility. Have you ever been recognized? You, ty, not you as a group, vy. Your individual, indivisible self.

[apricitous]

Why do you want to know?

[vorrutyer]

[ Byerly smirks to himself, quite certain he's discovered the man's secret. - Of course, the secret he thinks he's discovered is that the man isn't as nice as he seems, he's actually egotistical and is being secretive because he's stung over the fact that they don't make plays about him. But. Y'know. Close enough...? ]

Why do you want me not to know?

[apricitous]

[ Whelp, that's... certainly an idea. ]

DO I want you not to know?

Or do I just find it amusing to keep obfuscating you the same way you've done with me?

[vorrutyer]

How rude. I've been nothing but forthright with you.

[apricitous]

Is that a synonym for 'obfuscating' where you're from?

Imperial fascist state and all?

[vorrutyer]

Feudalist. Not fascist. How rude.

And all right - go on, then. Ask me any question, and I'll answer, journalist. You have unfettered access to an Emperor.

[apricitous]

Sounded pretty fascist to me. But I'll bow to your judgement on your own history.

And two things:

First, would you object to doing this in person, perhaps over tea or coffee or a meal, make it a little nicer.

And second, would this be on the record or off it? I don't want to make assumptions.

[vorrutyer]

First, I don't get out of bed for coffee or tea. Make it a drink, and I wouldn't object at all. And second, on the record, please - like I said, I'm an honest, decent man who just wants to be true to everyone. Really, the two of us are very similar, I think.

[apricitous]

Certainly.

A drink it is. Privately or out for an evening?

And when would you be free?

[vorrutyer]

Well, I typically begin my work around eight or so. In the evening, that is. So perhaps before that? Say, 5:30? And do let's go out, there are so very many pleasures I haven't yet savored. Come to Olympia, won't you?

[apricitous]

I can make my way there tonight. Though since it's Olympia, you'll have to pick the location.

Please be kind to my wallet, your Imperial Majesty. It's been a little lean lately.

[vorrutyer]

We will restrain Ourselves.

I'll text you the address when I settle on a place.

[ Which will be about 35 minutes before their scheduled meet-up, far too late to spring any sort of trap, because paranoia dies hard. ]