Great to see you on here Christina. I have been where you are now, in fact I am still there - worrying about how to pay the bills looking at a future that looks less than promising. But I have discovered that the main thing is to write, whoever reads it. It stops you falling apart. Looking forward to your posts.
Thank you for your kind words, Tim. I think that’s excellent advice. I tend to see writing as an indulgence if it’s not my “job”, but I know it’s also oxygen. We have to keep the flame alight etc.
I’ve always loved the way you write about your readers, and as one of them I felt it keenly when you were booted out of “my” paper by that man. I refuse to believe that was 11 years ago!! (Can’t help but think if quality writing and journalism had somehow been better protected and preserved over that time things might have been a bit less horrendous as well)
Thank you, Donna. Yes, eleven years ago! In fact, nearly twelve. We are none of us getting any younger! I agree with you about writing and journalism, but the bots appear to have taken over and it's very hard to see how to fight this battle. But we must try!
Beautifully written and shared. As a former workaholic and former journalist and a woman in my late 50’s, I felt every word you wrote. I have felt the burning shame, the anger of the new boss’ ambivalence and inconsideration. All of it. You’re going to do just great here. Congratulations on the re-brand, re-focus. I look forward to following along.
This response has really moved me. Thank you so much, Kim. It really helps when other people understand. I think we recovering journalists are a select breed!
Hey, a long time ago…I was one of those people who wrote to you to say I didn’t agree with something you wrote. And I’ve felt (on and off…I mean it’s not like a sort of cloud hanging over me) a sense of regret that I did so, or rather how I did so: an excess of male swagger, a lack of nuance. I’ve never written to a journalist since unless it was to say something supportive…and even then I’ve really thought twice.
So, please accept a very belated apology for writing rather than letting it go. I hope you will have no idea what I’m talking about. Life is, really, too short.
And…I, older and wiser (yes really) I look forward to reading your Stack. And replying politely…even where I might disagree.
Thank you for your kind words, Nicolas. I do't remember your email, but I never have a problem with people disagreeing with me. Obviously, tone makes a difference, but I don't remember being unduly upset by yours! I would be delighted if you were to read my Stack, and am always happy to disagree (politely!).
I listened to the audio of this while walking the dog yesterday and had to extend our walk to listen to it again. Read it properly this morning.
I’m so pleased you’re here, Christina. Under your own flag and somewhere you can write exactly what you want, when you want, without recourse to anyone else. Congratulations on the re-launch. It’s gonna be awesome. Xx
I mean every word, Christina. I'm so excited to see where Culture Cafe is going to take you -- and us readers. Having you and others like Carole Cadwalladr here on Substack makes me feel like "real" journalism is getting a second chance.
I’m extremely honoured to be out in the same category as Carole! She’s in a different league to me, of course. But your kind words, and those of others in our cosy little cohort, really mean a great deal to me. Thank you.xx
“There is a curtain of darkness that is falling across the world, a blanket of fake news and lies is smothering the truth and we know where that leads. “
These are strange and challenging times for those of us who are passionate about writing. I was made redundant from Goldsmiths in July (along with half my colleagues) and the greatest salve have been the engaged community of readers here on Substack.
I am so sorry to hear about this, Ros. As you may know, Maura is one of my closest friends and I know she has found it devastating to see what has happened there. I'm glad to hear that Substack has been giving you solace and hope other pieces of the jigsaw are now falling into place.
Yep, all of 'wot she said'. Great piece Christina. Same for music journalism, copywriting and well, any commercially-tuned enterprise that harnesses the power of words. Onward.
Culture Café is a great name! Congratulations to your first newletter in this name. One of many and I am very grateful we have you and colleagues of yours that hold the high standards of journalism despite tough conditions. I look forward of reading your interesting insights on different topics with the extra spice of personal touch you give us readers.
Quite a story. Quite a survivor. Congratulations. I’m 71, lost a newspaper gig years ago, taught at a struggling African American school for a dozen years,opened my heart and eyes - in that order and my little school newspaper was named tops in the country two years running before I retired. Proud of you. Keep kicking ass. I intend to as well. Stop by my Substack sometime. Nogo
Thank you so much for your kind words. I’m really touched. It sounds as if your post-journalism life has been even more interesting than your life on newspapers. Many congratulations on your achievement! I will certainly have a look at your Substack.
Fifty-four-year-old unemployed former journalist stepping out of the shadows to express my gratitude for both you and this post. I feel your words in my chest. Truly grateful to have found you here.
Great to see you on here Christina. I have been where you are now, in fact I am still there - worrying about how to pay the bills looking at a future that looks less than promising. But I have discovered that the main thing is to write, whoever reads it. It stops you falling apart. Looking forward to your posts.
Thank you for your kind words, Tim. I think that’s excellent advice. I tend to see writing as an indulgence if it’s not my “job”, but I know it’s also oxygen. We have to keep the flame alight etc.
I’ve always loved the way you write about your readers, and as one of them I felt it keenly when you were booted out of “my” paper by that man. I refuse to believe that was 11 years ago!! (Can’t help but think if quality writing and journalism had somehow been better protected and preserved over that time things might have been a bit less horrendous as well)
Thank you, Donna. Yes, eleven years ago! In fact, nearly twelve. We are none of us getting any younger! I agree with you about writing and journalism, but the bots appear to have taken over and it's very hard to see how to fight this battle. But we must try!
Beautifully written and shared. As a former workaholic and former journalist and a woman in my late 50’s, I felt every word you wrote. I have felt the burning shame, the anger of the new boss’ ambivalence and inconsideration. All of it. You’re going to do just great here. Congratulations on the re-brand, re-focus. I look forward to following along.
This response has really moved me. Thank you so much, Kim. It really helps when other people understand. I think we recovering journalists are a select breed!
I love your writing. I love your thinking. So good to be here. Thankyou for saying so much of what so many are thinking.
Thank you so much for your kind words - and, even more, for becoming a paid subscriber. I’m truly touched and grateful.
Very beautiful piece Christina - very moving to read. I think you’ve made the right move. Nobody can fire you from your column here!
Thank you, Sam, for your very kind words. And I can only hope you’re right!
“A young man in a hurry” — what a great line, so simple and yet you made it sound so ominous and frightening.
Take heart, you’re in good company here. ❤️
Thank you so much, Kristin. I think I am in excellent company here!
You most certainly are!
Hey, a long time ago…I was one of those people who wrote to you to say I didn’t agree with something you wrote. And I’ve felt (on and off…I mean it’s not like a sort of cloud hanging over me) a sense of regret that I did so, or rather how I did so: an excess of male swagger, a lack of nuance. I’ve never written to a journalist since unless it was to say something supportive…and even then I’ve really thought twice.
So, please accept a very belated apology for writing rather than letting it go. I hope you will have no idea what I’m talking about. Life is, really, too short.
And…I, older and wiser (yes really) I look forward to reading your Stack. And replying politely…even where I might disagree.
Thank you for your kind words, Nicolas. I do't remember your email, but I never have a problem with people disagreeing with me. Obviously, tone makes a difference, but I don't remember being unduly upset by yours! I would be delighted if you were to read my Stack, and am always happy to disagree (politely!).
I listened to the audio of this while walking the dog yesterday and had to extend our walk to listen to it again. Read it properly this morning.
I’m so pleased you’re here, Christina. Under your own flag and somewhere you can write exactly what you want, when you want, without recourse to anyone else. Congratulations on the re-launch. It’s gonna be awesome. Xx
Wow, Miranda! What a truly lovely thing to say. I'm really touched. Thank you so much! xx
I mean every word, Christina. I'm so excited to see where Culture Cafe is going to take you -- and us readers. Having you and others like Carole Cadwalladr here on Substack makes me feel like "real" journalism is getting a second chance.
I’m extremely honoured to be out in the same category as Carole! She’s in a different league to me, of course. But your kind words, and those of others in our cosy little cohort, really mean a great deal to me. Thank you.xx
I feel very lucky to be in our little cohort too, Christina. Xx
Fascinating. Glad you are here. I look forward to reading more, nice reframe.
Thank you so much, Prajna. This is so kind.
“There is a curtain of darkness that is falling across the world, a blanket of fake news and lies is smothering the truth and we know where that leads. “
Is now another ‘Iron Curtain’ moment?
It certainly looks like it. Is that a quote from @Carole Cadwalladr’s latest piece?
Yes from her recent post, and the second quote is of course in a very differ context Winston Churchill
These are strange and challenging times for those of us who are passionate about writing. I was made redundant from Goldsmiths in July (along with half my colleagues) and the greatest salve have been the engaged community of readers here on Substack.
I am so sorry to hear about this, Ros. As you may know, Maura is one of my closest friends and I know she has found it devastating to see what has happened there. I'm glad to hear that Substack has been giving you solace and hope other pieces of the jigsaw are now falling into place.
Yep, all of 'wot she said'. Great piece Christina. Same for music journalism, copywriting and well, any commercially-tuned enterprise that harnesses the power of words. Onward.
Thank you, Will. Yes, onward is all we can do!
Culture Café is a great name! Congratulations to your first newletter in this name. One of many and I am very grateful we have you and colleagues of yours that hold the high standards of journalism despite tough conditions. I look forward of reading your interesting insights on different topics with the extra spice of personal touch you give us readers.
What a truly lovely thing to say, Eva. Thank you so much!
Well said Christina. You are right in what you say on redundancy. It undercuts our sense of self-worth and value and can take time to get over.
I like your bold approach to diving into Substack.
Wish you well in this 👍
Thank you very much, Andrew. Much appreciated.
Quite a story. Quite a survivor. Congratulations. I’m 71, lost a newspaper gig years ago, taught at a struggling African American school for a dozen years,opened my heart and eyes - in that order and my little school newspaper was named tops in the country two years running before I retired. Proud of you. Keep kicking ass. I intend to as well. Stop by my Substack sometime. Nogo
Thank you so much for your kind words. I’m really touched. It sounds as if your post-journalism life has been even more interesting than your life on newspapers. Many congratulations on your achievement! I will certainly have a look at your Substack.
Fifty-four-year-old unemployed former journalist stepping out of the shadows to express my gratitude for both you and this post. I feel your words in my chest. Truly grateful to have found you here.
Thank you, Danny. I feel your words in my chest, too. Sending solidarity. 💪🏻