Competition vs. Ugliness

It astounds me to see the pettiness observable in small media markets. I've heard stories from others in the past, and in the last few years, I've observed this phenomenon within neighboring markets and heard from close friends.

I know the race for advertising is tight, but it's hard to fathom why people in editorial in particular think it would profit them to be ugly to fellow journalists.

For one thing, when you're ugly to other people -- petty, snide, pick your adjective -- it shows. People notice it -- and anyone fair-minded observing it knows it makes you look small. It's particularly observable when it's done in front of others -- or even more fascinating, in print or online.

Those who have worked at a major publication -- or even a mid-sized one -- were trained better not to let personal feelings get in the way of professionalism. They can be identified by their refusal to get ugly; instead, they keep a civil tone, and they make every effort to at least appear courteous.

I've decided to document every instance of this I observe for a tell-all novel. The names will be changed to protect the innocent, of course!