So when I began this blog, it was supposed to focus strictly on the presidential election. Now that that's over (congrats Obama) there's another topic that for the sake of my sanity I MUST write about. Something that takes phrase "shades of gray" to a whole new meaning.
And that is the merger that happened almost a week ago between the good ole independent, alternative web site Richmond.com and the corporate devils at Media General (owners of the Richmond Times Disgrace.)
I hate this company. I hate them. And for more reasons than this one. I know friends and family members who have had the undeniable torture of working there and all I can say is, I'm so very lucky to have been let go when I was.
The story: Our VP was leaving and owner John Whitlock didn't want to (or couldn't) find a substitute and so the best alternative for JW, the businessman, was to sell. And undoubtedly, a good decision for Mr. Whitlock himself.
(I'd also like to take this little opportunity to thank Whitlock for the severance package he let me walk out with. So, thank you! )
I digress; half of us were let go. Writers, designers, programmers...what have you. And compadres, we are better off for it. Those of you left -- get out ASAP. They only wanted Richmond.com for first, the domain name and second, the Richmond Association of Realtors contract.
Congratulations, tah you, MG.
To the RDCers they are trying to brainwash -- they've kept you as a skeleton, but as soon as they transform rdc into the same shitty-ass website that inrich is, you'll be gone. Save yourselves first and tell them to shove it up their asses.
I went away for the weekend after being "let go" and did not return until yesterday. Currently, MG employees (who I promptly labeled "what's his/her name") have torn out the RDC lounge and have giant trashcans in which they are throwing everything away.
Pocket holding, big bellied men and women are walking around the office like the own the place; oh wait...because they do. One of their old, white-haired "tech" guys asked me how to use the copier. I told him I didn't work there and to figure it out for himself.
The staff at RDC aren't even being told what their jobs will be. Only that they need to "prove themselves right now." Oh, and at least for editorial, that they will be working not on stories, but on "packets." I think they also have to actually reapply for a job with MG.
Hmmm, "shades of gray" indeed.
Oh, and really? Prove to you that the people of RDC are about as unimaginative, frumpy, small-minded and lazy as you all are? Kind of difficult there buds, because that is not and will never be what the true RDC is.
I've also been told two, pretty hilarious, things recently:
- For all my loyal "Material Girl" (also here, here, here and here) fans, followers and Q94 listeners -- some completely unclassy, not-even-remotely chic biddy will be taking over that column on "the new" RDC.
She will suck. And we will let her know it. - This is my favorite -- "Richmond is a city, but it's small, so watch what you say; you never know who you may have to work with."
To that...I say SUCK IT. Media General is a company I will never, ever, in 48,394,839 years want to or have to work for. I would rather sell my soul to Satan for 50-cents and a quality noogie-sandwich than ever deal with the people who run or work for that company.
And so, as I close this chapter in my life and reset my homepage, it seems only appropriate to celebrate the coming of something great. On Monday, Nov. 10, I restart my professional life as the Web Content Editor/Interactive Content Specialist for the Christian Children's Fund.
Check them out here, here and here.R.I.P Richmond.com; it was great while it lasted.
4 comments:
GREAT POST.
Though, im sure it had way more to do than me leaving, it may have just been the final nail in the coffin (with Brian gone and Magan also leaving).
What you wrote here is exactly how I feel. I also, would have never worked for them.
Finally, congrats on the new job!
Thanks Jon! And I agree, I think you three important people all leaving at once at a lot to do with the final decision.
Good luck with your new job on Monday! You'll be great!
Wow. Dude. You are awesome for writing that, saying what you said, and just being honest and blunt.
You will do great things in this life and one day will probably forget RDC.
I cannot wait to go drinking with you Monday.
-Dionne
Outstanding post - arrived late 'cause I didn't know you 'til we became Tweeps.
It's refreshing to hear something here in Rivah City that ISN'T edited for politically-correct perfection.
In the eight years I've been here - moved from NYC - I've horrified hundreds. I'm happy to make it thousands, if it means I'm helping remove the last vestiges of pretense.
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