Posted on September 15, 2005 Posted by John Scalzi 11 Comments
The “Being Poor” entry was published today (edited for space, looks like) in the Chicago Tribune op-ed section. I’m very happy about that. Seems like it’s just a good writing day all the way around.
Taunting the tauntable since 1998
John Scalzi, proprietor – JS
Athena Scalzi, contributor – AMS
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i was going to post a cngratulatory comment in the other thread, but now I can do it here.
The Trib is my hometown paper, and I was extremely pleased to see “Being Poor” there – it is nice to bring that piece to as many readers as possible.
Congratulations Mr. Scalzi.
Ah geez, and of course, “preview” is your friend, as I’ve been reminded before. Sorry about the typos…..
Woohoo!
Let’s start a pool on how many letters they print insisting that if the poor just cut coupons and stopped going to casinos, they’d be middle-class.
I did a double-take this morning when reading the Trib’s editorial page. “Hey, I’ve seen this before!”
Anyway, congrats. I’ll be watching out for those letters to the editor Mythago mentioned!
Well done, Scalzi.
And, as an added bonus, as of 3:36 pm ET, the link to it (complete with author’s name) appears on the Trib home page.
Nice job, John!
Thanks for a wonderfully written piece. I’m not so sure some of the Trib’s readers can identify, but I can. I’ve personally experienced the part about people who aren’t poor believing I’ve made a choice, and many of the other things you’ve mentioned.
Like John, the Tribune is my hometown paper, and I’m glad to see your work get some recognition.
I was leaving my apartment today and decided to turn on the radio to keep my cats company (yeah, I know, leave the crazy cat lady alone, ‘k?). Without thinking I turned it to AM, where I listen to my local Air America station. There, on KTLK in Los Angeles, was Johnny Wendell reading “Being Poor” and properly crediting John Scalzi (though I suspect he mispronounced your last name).
This minute, as I was typing this, he just pimped your website, saying he’s been reading you for years. I have to say, it gave me a warm feeling inside to hear him.
Way to go there, Mr. Scalzi.
John, After spending a day in a Reporting and Writing class, being told what makes good writing and what does not at the Columbia School of Journalism, I have to tell you that your piece defies many rules, yet comes across as one of the best pieces I have ever read. Period.
Thank you for an honest and incredibly touching piece. I could relate to many of the sentences and hope that those who could not can still get the message.
Best of luck to you,
~Carla
Thanks, Carla.