In “Anniversaries of events no one really cares about but me” news, Tuesday the 26th will mark one year since I got the editor job here at the Weekly. I doubt I’ll get a cake or anything to mark the occasion…if I did, it probably should be iced with one of the nasty comments some people seem to enjoy leaving about me, but then again, I don’t know if local bakers have anti-profanity policies or not.
I’ve said this relatively frequently, this job really is a dream come true for me. When I read this paper in high school—heck, even when I read it a few years ago—the idea that I’d be at the helm of the Tucson Weekly would have seemed insane. But, hey, here I am.
Honestly, I thought the paper would have changed more in my first year (although since I didn’t officially take over until the first issue of 2013, I guess I still have time), but I’m happy with what I have accomplished this year, whether that’s expanding what we cover a bit, bringing on some great new writers and giving others bigger opportunities, to bringing on the comic Mild Abandon. Every week, that panel makes me laugh. Might be the best decision I made.
In retrospect, I probably could have left the film times alone, avoided the Facebook post that got me on journalism blog Romenesko as well as a bunch of probably minor mistakes that I dwell upon like an insane person, but hey, that’s life. Looking at the covers of this year’s issues, I think we’ve done some great work, even if I could have lived without the “Keep Tucson Shitty” drama breaking out during my one vacation of the year.
There’s a lot more to come, even still ahead of us in 2013. For obvious reasons, I don’t want to give away too much about our plans, but there will be more events, what I expect will be Tucson’s best coverage of the 2014 election and a print redesign (at some point, I promise). Life is always surprising, so who knows what I’ll be writing this time next year, but I’m incredibly excited for year two of my time in the editor’s chair.
This article appears in Nov 21-27, 2013.
‘Looking at the covers of this year’s issues, I think we’ve done some great work,” but don’t hurt yourself patting yourself on the back. You have a long way to go.
Scarpia, B: Didn’t I say that?
No Dan, you didn’t say that, but you have now I guess, and yes, you have a long way to go just to catch up to Jimmy, let alone improve The Weekly.
Well done Dan and the Weekly team! Excited to see what’s ahead!!
Happy Anniversary from one crazy person to another!
PVK/Scarpia, B: You might need to work on your reading skills. “Honestly, I thought the paper would have changed more in my first year…”; “There’s a lot more to come, even still ahead of us in 2013.”
But yes, Jimmy was a great editor for the Weekly. I couldn’t agree more.
Good job Dan!
I’m just glad the movie times have been restored to their rightful place. What with the internet, regular phone, and giant marquees I could never figure out which “lowest-common-denominator Hollywood flick” I would be able to squeeze in between community service and the methadone clinic. Keep up the good work, Dan, and don’t let the bastards get you down!
We love you Dan, think you have done and are doing a bang up job. The fact that you do get yourself in trouble and on Romenesko is what is so endearing about you.
M Duer: funniest comment ever!!!
Oh for God’s sake, all you naysayers, give the guy a break. I think the Weekly’s looking fine, Dan. And you’re still scooping me on some stories, so in my eyes you’re doing great 🙂
Yes Dan, the weekly has changed!!! Gone is Tim Vanderpool!!!I personally would like to know why. While I can respect that you, as the man at the helm, can make any changes you would like, the last thing that interests me is your cover or the movie section. The most important issues are those that are at hand in our community and Tim was one of your best writers. So, enlighten us Dan, why is he no longer among your flock?
I hope you will find the time to reply to this post. I know about 30 people off-hand that would love to know the answer. And while that might seem like small potato’s to you, Tucson really is a tight community.
Hopefully it will not seem like a minor detail to you. Investigative reporting is important to us as a community. I often relied on your paper to accomplish this. Now I am dismayed by your ethics and integrity. I have no other understanding of Tim’s disappearance, other than, his articles are gone. It is disturbing to me as a reader. While I know many times you have pontificated, about how many readers follow the weekly, I feel it is important to offer an explanation to all of your readers. I’m not sure which readers are the important ones’ in your eyes, but hopefully I will be one of them and you perhaps will resolve this issue and bring back Tim and his articles!!!!!(and explain) He is sorely missed!
Susan: As you might imagine (and I’ve told you in at least one other environment) that I can’t legally discuss personnel issues with people other than those directly involved. However, you’re welcome to discuss the issue with Mr. Vanderpool (you’re connected to him in some way, yes?) himself.
Thanks for your concern, however. Investigative reporting is incredibly important to me and will remain a part of our mission, as it always has.
Dan, that sounds puzzling. I too enjoyed Vanderpool’s meaty articles and his propensity to ask tough questions. Too bad. Any chance we might have him back someday? If not, I hope his successor is worthy. 🙁