Katya and I gave each other a quick pep talk and decided, lets have fun with this! Yes, we were nervous but we would channel this feeling into positive energy.
We were scheduled to meet with the CFO, Todd Smith and Marianne (or Jen?), both of whom became unavailable. But, thanks to Katya's husband whom is their computer tech guy we were introduced to several others and came out of the independent a few hours later feeling excited and overwhelmed with tons of great information!
1st Interview:
Mark Hermann
Account Executive
-Is in his second year amongst very seasoned staff
-Works for 100% commission based salary
-Works with lifestyles, products, tech, real estate
-Provides the only revenue source for the company so feels lots of responsibility there
-States that the week essentially begins on Thursday when a new paper is released, from then on there is a series of deadlines
-His goal is for a strong return on investment
-Loves working at the Independent because of the reputation, lots of integrity
-Speaks of his manager, Jen, whom he claims is very involved in the community and practically knows everybody
-He states that Jen has a big heart
-He has lived in Santa Barbara for 5 years now, 7 years in sales
-States there is a strong division between editorial and sales, states it's like 65% sales and 35% editorial
-He interacts with production everyday but seldom with editorial staff
-He has a plant in his office that he comments on that he is bringing back to life to defend its shabby appearance
2nd Interview:
Nick Welsh
aka Angry Poodle
Executive Editor
-We meet with him in Marianne Partridge's office (Editor in Chief)
-In her office she has a chalkboard with colored chalk, whicker basket filled with tangerines, mini pictures and frames
-Nick has been the Executive Editor since 1983 "Institutional memory with alzheimer's" he calls himself...also, "the bridge to no where"
-Chaotic times when hip bone not connected to thigh bone
-States he works under Mariannes supervision whom tells him what needs to get done
-He leads by example, puts his head down and works his ass off
-He has become very comfortable in his ways, very entrenched in the community
-He states that he appreciates Santa Barbara citizens for their brutal honesty that it makes his job rewarding and aggravating
-States that once a paper is released he instantly has the satisfaction of hearing it's impact from SB citizens, he throws the "stone is water and has the satisfaction of hearing a splash"
-States that good about "the product", it's non-toxic nature in informing and connecting Santa Barbara citizens with democratic institutions
-He is able to shine light on important discussions and feels proud of that
-He states that it is easy to get stuck in a rut, feel burnt-out, feel comfortable in old ways at his age
-He states that the online presence filled a void for the public regarding obtaining local information
-He recalls when the News Press was "going crazy" that it was during the time of the 3 massive Santa Barbara fires, the public needed to know; should I stay or should I go? He felt proud when the Independent stepped in a this time to provide it's online component providing a true community service
-He states that it provided the bread and butter of daily journalism: all out bliss
-He talks about the New Press being hostile to it's community, it wouldn't allow people to view it's journal without being a subscriber, he admits they had great radio
-He states that the Independent used to be "outside the tent pissing in and that by default it is now inside pissing out"
-He states that it is essential for SB to be well served with a hard copy paper and online as well
-He states that he is the man that will often be found at the city hall, courts, school board, covering realities
-He states that he needs to figure out the main stories so he doesn't miss something and "get caught with his pants down"
-He states on the news side there are 4 people at the Independent so it's very difficult to "get the breath & depth of coverage"
3rd Interview:
Robby Robbins
Multimedia Sales Manager
-Has been in the sales industry since 1988
-Was recruited by the Independent from North Carolina
-He appreciated how the Independent had a lot of transparency, not a lot of secrets
-He thought of moving to Santa Barbara as the opportunity of a lifetime
-He has a huge appreciation for the editorial staff
-He states that there is virtually a wall between editing and advertising staff
-Sometimes there can be friction, example, "oh my god you wrote that about my client!"
-Lots of freedom at the Independent, can decorate, wear, etc. anything they want, "this paper has more freedom than I ever felt"
-As sales manager has not sold out to being a money guy: sell out, hows hands our dirty with all the money made form advertising for sex and drugs
-He states that by working at the Independent he has chosen something truly unique not rigorously ruled or scheduled
-He states that at the office they are not perfect, they have problems like any family
-He states that last week he had a personal episode with a staff member and friend whom showed an inappropriate picture on Facebook amongst other office staff
-He states that he confronted the person asap and let them know how he felt
-His door is covered with buttons and stickers, "are you stoned or just stupid", "drag queen"
-No discrimination
-He has a great appreciation for the delivery drivers whom he states are crucial to the Independent, they have a huge commitment
-He is frank about how his skills and talent can make him much more money else where
-States that he needed a purpose and found that at the Independent, instead of making the rich richer as he did in North Carolina
-"I like this job!" I don't wake up saying I don't want to come in, if i'm having a bad day all I need to do is tell people i'm having a bad day!
-States that he reports directly to Todd the CFO and describes him as a square peg amongst round pegs, that he is the only guy wearing a three piece suit
-Individuality shines at the office, not homogenized, "oober melting pot" is how he describes it, very diverse backgrounds
-everything is full disclosure
-Talks about Tanya, mentions she is the only person of african american descent at the office, states that she is the office's "filter" that she "protects us" and is "invaluable. She knows who and what everyone wants to see or talk to and makes sure it stays that way, she is the face of the Independent, was is titled, "Director of First Impressions"
-Bagel day on Wednesdays
-If they reach the 100 page marker they get food on Tuesday
-While the outside ad reps work on 100% commission two inside reps, Dorothy & Nina, work for an hourly wage and must stay in office to answer the phones
-Very few hourly employees at the Independent
-Independent very unique in the fact that it has 2 graphic artists with completely "different flows" "each has a different beat" and best serves either ads or editorial
-States that in his opinion Nick aka angry poodle is a "damn good writer" that he is "raw" and pounds at the keyboard with his two index fingers
-States that everyone in the office has their own niche, what they are good at
-They even have a full time topographer
-States that the online paper has been a "feather smoother" because they can fix anything immediately
-Robby is in charge of their Facebook page
-Independent has integrity, hasn't given into slut ads though it's hard to give up that money for many people
-He believes that while technology has been great it also takes away true talent, he can virtually never interact with anyone to get his job done now
-He thinks it's funny that though technology did away with clip art and cut and pasting the terminology still exists
-He offers to help in any way, we can contact him with any further questions and says he is glad to be of service to us
Take Away:
-We discovered our priest/priestess: Robby
-Friday at 9:30am Robby will introduce us to Tanya the secretary whom has worked at the Independent since she was 18 so that she can give us a tour and hopefully additional insight
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