In response to Jayson Blair

In response to “The Jayson Blair Project” article, it is nearly impossible to throw a journalist “into the deep end- beyond [their] known abilities and experience.” Amateur or not, it is known that journalism cannot be fabricated material. Nothing in journalism can be made up; isn’t it just common knowledge? People go berserk when there is a misquote in the paper, never mind an entire made-up story.
Telling a lie within a story is unacceptable, unless of course it is fiction. Amateur or not, that’s just basic protocol of journalism. It’s not only about telling the story; it’s about getting it right. Part of a journalist’s job is to learn every side of the story they’re telling, experience it, learn the words or the jargon of the individuals, and then inform the audience. Explain to the reader everything and inform them of everything they need to know to understand the story better.
Informing the masses is one of the most tiring jobs there is. There are no excuses for someone not being able to handle the pressures. Everyone knows before they even enter the business world, that writing is tough. Journalism is even tougher. So what’s the problem? There are deadlines to meet, there are editors to please, and also the readers have to enjoy it. There are a lot of people to please, and the last thing someone should want to do is lie. That is a lot of apologies to write.
Being a Journalist is in a way like holding a government position. People do not tolerate lies, they love the dirt and a great story, but people also love someone who can communicate on their level. If that’s not the type of person you are, then you don’t belong in journalism.