Newspapers are a labour of love

Much like it takes a village to raise a child, so too does it take a passionately dedicated team to produce a newspaper.

On the up side, as an editorial team we have the opportunity to bring out a brand new issue every week and improve on the previous week, unlike parents who are pretty much stuck with each child for at least 18 years.

The down side however is that while children’s scuffed up knees and elbows heal, our mistakes are there in print till the end of time for all to see, ridicule and remind us about.

I assure you that there isn’t a single typo, spelling mistake or grammatical error that a reader could be angrier about than the editorial team themselves. One mistake ruins an entire issue for us.

Journalism, much like teaching, is a calling rather than just a job. You can expect to work long hours without overtime, dealing with everyone from vagrants to CEOs. While you may occasionally have the opportunity to interview a popular celebrity, get VIP access to an enviable event or investigate a major crime ring, generally your day-to-day job entails working with the community to bring their plights, achievements and concerns to light.

Your day will seldom start after 8.30am and it isn’t unusual at all to leave the office at 6pm only to rush to a CPF meeting that starts at 6.30pm. Don’t think you can just have supper and watch TV when you get home at 9pm. First you need to type up and submit your photos and story so that it can be subbed first thing in the morning for the web. You will also seldom have a weekend where you aren’t attending an event.

Roodepoort Northsider reporters are required to submit a minimum of three web stories a day as well as ensure there is enough content for the weekly newspaper. Stories also need to be loaded online with photos and then promoted on Facebook, Twitter and BBM. In between all this they need to find stories, interview relevant people and get comment from all interested parties as well as attend events and press briefings.

You’re guaranteed to receive an angry email or phone call whenever you do the slightest thing wrong – there wasn’t space for someone’s story in the most recent issue or someone disagrees with your story – but will seldom hear from anyone when you get it right.

I’m not saying you should pity us. We love what we do. But maybe next time spare a thought when we aren’t able to attend your event or are only able to stay for an hour before having to rush on to the next one. And if we don’t reply to your email immediately or return your call the same day I promise we aren’t ignoring you.

At the end of the day we are here to champion your cause whenever possible.

We value any and all feedback and aspire to serve the community to the best of our ability. Please let us know if there’s an issue in your neighbourhood, someone you know has done something exceptional, you’re aware of something unique or fascinating in your area or if there is anything you think may be of interest to our readers.