First off, thank you for visiting the Union-Sun & Journal blog, which aims to inform, entertain and offer opinions on content coming out of our newsroom.
You’re probably wondering about the name of this blog. SlugLine is just a catchy name (I hope) that plays on the word “slug.”
Those in the newspaper world — and maybe elsewhere — know that when referring to a slug, we’re not talking about the slimy creature. We’re also not talking about your slow-moving co-worker, who’s also a slug on the company softball team.
A slug in the news biz is what you titled the story you’re working on. Everyday I call out into our newsroom, “Send me your slugs.” It’s a request for our reporters to send me the stories they are working on. That way I can put together tomorrow’s paper.
So each day, well at least on weekdays, a major portion of this blog will be dedicated to what we’re working on for tomorrow’s edition of the Lockport Journal. You’ll get the SlugLine. Get it?
I may also use this space to offer commentary on what we’ve written or what we’re working on. Your response to threads on this blog are always welcome.
Lastly, there’s enough crazy stuff going on outside the US&J newsroom that I may offer comments, wit or other not-so-objective points on what’s making news and what the guys at the watercooler are talking about.
It’s a blog, you can get away with that type of stuff.
Anyway, thanks for visiting and stay tuned for the daily SlugLine and more.
— Tim Marren, managing editor
4 Comments
April 30, 2008 at 8:22 pm
On the subject of slugs…
I’ve often described myself as “self-professed slug” as in the lazy-and-would-do-nothing-but-read-mysteries way. Now I have a new meaning for the word, and I’m definitely a work in progress!
May 1, 2008 at 12:40 pm
Hi Tim,
As you know, I always appreciate the work you and the staff do in keeping the paper going. The critics still haven’t convinced me that they are right.
Somehow I seem to associate the word slug with the lead type which used to be used to print a newspaper back in the days before computers. That would complete the picture as to where the word slug came from. Am I mistaken?
May 1, 2008 at 1:25 pm
Hey David,
Yep, I think that’s also correct. Slugs were mentioned back in my Buff State days and I believe the lead type connection is accurate and now stands for the story file.
You know your stuff!
Tim
October 1, 2008 at 9:16 am
Tim,
This may not be the right venue for this. However, I figure this will reach you!
Could you please take a hard look at the Community Forum? The Medina Journal (inhabitants) have really been creating a problem there… Is there any way you can lock or moderate these threads? Perhaps I am asking too much? I have spoken to many Lockport folks who have posted in the forum in the past, that will not anymore due to these threads. There seems to be no real issues discussed in these threads, just simply a “bullypit.” Thanks for you anticipated consideration.