Had to drop out, because I’m working 11-hour days here during issue-closings.
Nope, I never write anything on galleys we couldn’t show to the head of the company; and I’d never write anything on the computerized files—this is all jotted down on the circulating print-outs.
Eve, I 100% agree that you don’t want to name your current workplace. But thinking about this gave me an idea … If I were to win the mega millions lottery and decided that I wanted to invest it all in a new magazine … you see where I’m going with this don’t you?
If you were given the opportunity to start a new magazine, what would it be about? What would you call it?
“…but as an elk, she absolutely despises you.”
Oh, I’ve been wanting to start Really! The Magazine for Dowagers for ages.
I was so hoping you’d say that! I remember your original hilarious thread about Really!, and I didn’t want it to be forgotten.
Planning on changing you last name to Arden?
If you end up slingin’ hash, lemme know; first pack of Juicy Fruit is on me.
Really!
Would have alot of cat food sponsorship, I can see it now!
I hope you win the lottery and don’t make eye contact with that boss.
Eve, I was tweeking a little, but resumes are not a bad idea. And you can probably avoid him/her/It until you have a better position. Don’t sell yourself short, but get the resumes out pronto. You might be pleasantly surprised where the Pop-O-Matic lands you at.
Imagines all those tips from breakfast sandwiches, delivered in costume by Eve swinging on a Web, to windows through-out Manhattan… all up in smoke
PS- Are you still shouting at people on trains who dare to try to use their cell-phones…? :lol
I’m sorry, Eve. I don’t have the money to launch Really!, but if it becomes necessary I promise I’ll learn to like hash.
It sounds as though your personal contact with the new boss has been minimal. With so many new faces around, is it possible that the N.B. is reacting to someone else’s umbrage over your notes? After all, it’s easier to understand a writer to whom the notes are directed taking offense at a lighthearted tone (please note that I’m not saying it’s the correct reaction, I’m just saying I can understand it) than it is for the boss to concern him/herself with it. What’s the boss doing reading unedited copy anyway? It makes more sense to me that s/he’s just taking the shortest path to forestalling further complaints about your style, because s/he doesn’t want to deal with them. Perhaps your M.E. could be slightly more forthcoming about the original source of the trouble. You’ve been there seven years, surviving the constant turnover that publishing is prey to, as well as the recent upheaval. You’re doing your job competently and diligently, the place is understaffed as it is, and you have more treacherous deadlines looming. I can’t see the new boss deciding that now is the time to pick nits, unless it’s to relieve irritation from another source.
If I’m wrong, and your problem really is with the new boss, Umbrage would be a good title for your magazine, if Really! is taken.
No, she knows exactly who I am, and I think she feels my lighthearted wisecracking indicates I am not showing her sufficient deferrential awe.
I’m too old to get another job in publishing—at least, not a fulltime job. I could freelance, but that means no benefits.
I am seeing some Very Important People tonight and again for lunch tomorrow, and I am going to schmooze till I bruise. “Why, yes, I will put out for a job, Mr. Hassenpfeffer.”
All that’s missing from that is a “bless your little heart…”
Silly King of Soup People “take umbrage”* but they don’t “take really”.
So there. 
Sad Eve - it’s a REAL pain when you cannot study to escape the job simply because of the demands of the current job. Stupid misguided Newboss, I say.
*often before they depart in high dudgeon. I’ve always felt that dudgeon must be really quite classy vehicles and I wish I had one.
Total hijack, but I had a dream last night that you did indeed start this magazine and hired me to work for you. During a brainstorming session I came up with the idea that we start a sister magazine and call it Well I Never!
Anyway, hope that flying under the radar is working out for you for the time being, and that your schmoozing pays off.
Paging Bambi!
OK…just playing Devil’s Advocate here, but are you sure it is the new boss who doesn’t get your sense of humor? Maybe this is a sore point from the managing editor and they are using the new boss as an excuse to bring it up. You did say your new boss seems nice and hasn’t said anything to you.
Just a thought.
And isn’t there an old NY adage, “if they can’t take a joke, fuck’em”? Keep being yourself and let the Tarot cards fall where they will. One of the basic laws of survival is to not worry about something until it actually happens. To paraphrase Kurt Vonnegut, “sudden changes in plans are dancing lessons from God.” I have always found that when I am forced into a new direction, it is a MUCH better direction.
What would be the counterpoint magazine for single men over 40 (who aren’t gay…Is that possible or don’t they automatically become gay?)
The Bachelor.
Sure, take all the umbrage. Don’t leave any for anyone else. Snob.
Curmudgeon Living, featuring articles like Whippersnappers: Nuisance or Menace? and 5 New Combover Stylings.
Instead of losing all your seniority, (and built up vacation and 401k maturity), is there another pub you could transfer to within the same corporation?
You know … because you’ve “learned all you can here” and “would like some room to grow”
There’s another old NY adage, “watch yer back, the knives are out.”