Modern era reporters and editors are supposed to welcome feedback from readers.

Well, at least tolerate it.

That hasn't always been a deeply ingrained newsroom value.

Years ago, I worked with a reporter who didn't have much patience with readers who phoned him to talk about a story he had written. So, regardless of what time it was, he often cut the conversation short with what became his trademark phrase.

"I'm on deadline. Gotta go."

If it was 10:33 a.m. ...

"I'm on deadline. Gotta go."

If it was 5:04 p.m. ...

"I'm on deadline. Gotta go."

To tell the truth, I don't think any of his colleagues actually regarded this as annoying. But I suspect some of those who called him might not have found it amusing to be summarily dismissed.

---

---