The NUJ Annual Delegates Meeting in Southport this weekend was, for me, nothing short of a baptism of fire. Having turned my back on my 25 years’ worth of experience in the corporate world, I returned to university to study photography two years ago.
The world of IT is not known for embracing a union mentality or culture. In fact, there are…erm…none. Presumably because – let’s face it – the pay and conditions are pretty damn good already! Or, maybe due to the fact there is a widely shared opinion that the more they reward employees, the harder they work and the harder they work, the ‘luckier’ they get? Or they are an oppressed and silenced bunch, forced to drive around in BMWs and holiday in Dubai. Who knows?
Passion
So, hard as it is to believe, this was my first contact with any form of union outpouring during my 44 years on the planet; having been asked to be part of the student team reporting the conference ‘live and kicking’.
And, KICKING it was. The passion displayed by the members, delegates, speakers, students and execs was all-consuming and hedonistically intoxicating. I can’t remember seeing anyone in IT speaking so animatedly about ‘disaster recovery software’ or ‘enterprise software systems’ at a conference.
Another thing that struck me was the camaraderie and the willingness of the members to help out us [relatively] journalistic virgins. People came to our bunker and sought out individuals to give a word of praise, encouragement or constructive feedback as well as being on hand to be commandeered themselves for interviews and/or advice.
Militancy
Although it is tempting to look down on anyone even marginally right of centre as a waste of space, there are some aspects I experience in corporateland that could be welcomed. Like the ability to take the piss out of ourselves without it turning into an international incident.
Loud and sweary - (C) damianjozwik.com
Uproar occurred when one of the students twittered that an impassioned speech by the wonderful Eamonn McCann was ‘loud’ (it was) and that he was expecting him to say “Feck” and “Gin” next – an obvious reference to the much-missed and fondly remembered Father Ted comedy show. This was FUNNY and, obviously, a personal opinion!! (see blogged criticism – opens new window)
By adopting an outraged approach to the tweet, which is, by its very nature, off the cuff, are we not trying to censorship free speech; the very thing we spend most of an ADM trying fiercely to protect? Could we not just loosen up sometimes and remember just how short life is (watching my father die made me realise this) or am I being exceptionally naive? NEC member Niall Hunt blogged on this too – link opens new window.
Friends
All that said, I have definitely made new friends and will relish future debates we will undoubtedly have whilst knowing that we share a mutual respect for each other, regardless of our differing views and divided opinions.
I have also resolved to become a more active member of the NUJ in my college – we need to recruit, recruit, recruit; especially the new, young blood.
My desire for a bit more light-heartedness may be simplistic but forgive me; I have been in IT….although please don’t tell my Mother I was in IT – she thought I played the piano in a French whorehouse.
Emma, it is great to see that we (the NUJ) an leave a good, lasting impression with someone new to the game. It is a shame that some of the journalists more jaded and more cynical can’t see the good that the majority of members are trying to achieve.
My only regret from ADM was having to leave before the end!
Yeah it was a difficult conference in lots of ways, given the problems we as an industry and a union face, but a pretty focused and productive one overall. The Saturday night fringe on ‘organising the future’ was particularly useful and thoughtful. Terrific work on the ADM site by the way – congrats to all concerned.
Um… Uproar? Srsly?
Serious uproar?!! Of course not! Exaggeration. Poetic licence. Embellishment. Adornment. Or just a small attempt to be more lighthearted in the face of such seriousness. Forgive me.
You’re not the only one to make the transition from IT to journalism. In my case I appeared in a number of the student union issues in photos (holding banners), writing political leaflets (for a political party), I even edited a website with thousands of readers a day.
However I agree that twittering, blogging etc is unfortunately seen as “pseudo-journalism”. It depends on the readership though and impact. A blog with 10,000 readers a day is different to one read by ten of your friends.
For leaving an anonymous comment on a blog I am subject to disciplinary proceedings as the blogowner decided to reveal my identity and the political party I belong to. This happened during a byelection after the death of a local councillor.
Should journalists be allowed to write under a nom de plume or should we be brave enough to make comments in the political sphere without facing disciplinary proceedings clamping down on our right to freedom of speech about political parties, politicians and local government?
This is perhaps an issue the union could look into, yet how many of its members are also members of political parties.
Just a compliment on your writing; I found it very readable and enjoyable; refreshingly uncensored in a lot of aspects.
John Brace
NUJ student member (University of Liverpool)