Thoughts

New year, new focus

January 2, 2017January 2, 2017 H.R. Gordon

Hello dear readers,

First off, thanks for following Sitting in Spilt Ink. I started this blog some time in 2012 with no real focus or goal in mind. There have been times when I don’t post an update for months, yet Sitting in Spilt Ink rarely looses followers. So, thanks for sticking around, and I promise this year will be better.

There are a few things I’m excited to begin work on this year. One (which I’ve already begun) is the Emerging Revolutionary War book series. I’m the managing editor of the series, which is composed of entry-level, 192-page books on battles, people, and important events during the war. I design (and sometimes edit) books for the Emerging Civil War series, so if history is your thing, please check them out. Emerging Civil War will also have a book on Civil War pop culture coming out in 2017 (if I’m not mistaken), in which I’ve written two chapters. But I’ll post that when it comes time. Continue reading “New year, new focus” →

On Writing, Thoughts

A gaping hole on page six

January 31, 2016November 3, 2016 H.R. Gordon

The third week as The BV’s editor-in-chief will be better than the second.

The staff worked hard, and week two would have been a great edition if I had only double-checked the exported files. But I didn’t.

On page six, there was a gaping white box in the middle of a review. It was about the size of a review box which holds the rating and key points review. The box didn’t export with the story for some reason, and that just didn’t look good.

In the midst of working with the newspaper’s advisor to crank out some real change, I’m also tackling school work–which should be my priority, but, if we’re being honest, it isn’t. The paper is.

Today was the double header of men’s and women’s basketball. They both won, which was great and all, but I was happier when my top sports editors said they had recaps and photos of both games for me to get online ASAP.

The BV is going to be a print weekly and an online daily. It’ll take time, but we’ll get there.

-hrg

On Writing, Thoughts

We’re journalists goddammit

January 24, 2016November 3, 2016 H.R. Gordon

Today marks the beginning of my second week as editor-in-chief of St. Bonaventure University’s campus media The Bona Venture.

The first week went as first week’s do: we ran out of printer paper to edit pages on and we lacked sufficient amounts of scotch tape. Nevertheless, the staff was out of the newsroom by 2:30 a.m.—which seems crazy to be a positive note until it’s noted last semester’s first week, I was in the newsroom until 7 a.m.

Despite a seemingly improved schedule, we still misspelled a name, printed month-old news on the front page and made silly mistakes. I’m proud to work with such talented young journalists. However, it is clear we—as a newsroom—need some work.

One of the goals I’m aiming to accomplish this semester is an improved timeliness. We were able to break the story of our president’s departure after this semester thanks to Twitter and a speedy writer. The Bona Venture needs more of that.

Sometimes, I feel like my staff drags their feet to meetings because The BV isn’t exciting. We’re journalists goddammit—let’s make this exciting.

-hrg

Thoughts

A short mourning

January 14, 2016 H.R. Gordon

It is curious how the death of someone you’ve never met can affect you in a profound way. Alan Rickman passed away today. He was widely known as a superb actor and generous man. Harry Potter fans knew him as Professor Snape. But those of us who have reread the series and tromped around in our house robes, he embodied Snape in an unforgettable way. And for fans elbow-deep in the fandom, who are Slytherins and proud of it, he was our head of house.

Even out of his robes and with gray rather than pitch black locks, smiling instead of scowling, Rickman was our leader. I had immense respect for him in many capacities. His support for the young actors in Harry Potter was unparalleled. He flew to New York City just to see Daniel Radcliffe in a Broadway performance after the series ended. His dedication to the arts made stories seem so important in a harsh, data-driven world. And he held on to Harry Potter as dearly as fans did.

I raise my wand to you, Mr. Rickman, Professor Snape. Always.

HRG

Thoughts

Reminiscing

January 12, 2016January 11, 2016 H.R. Gordon

I was going through some of my photos from Prague, and I came across this one. I remember taking it. I remember this man vividly. He walked quickly and with a purpose and seemed very closed of to the world, yet he took the time to look around the courtyard. He was just passing by. If I knew he spoke English and didn’t think it rude, I would have asked him so many questions. Where are you going? What is your life like? Are you married? Children? How long have you owned your hat, coat and briefcase. They look worn but well-cared for. It’s moments like these that I hold on to. It’s amazing how someone you don’t know and will likely never know can capture you. It’s even more amazing when you can capture that moment.

Pondering