Faculty newspaper - USM Forum -- Message Board

Date: Jun 3, 2005

Faculty newspaper

Date: Jun 3, 2005

Angela Cutrer wrote:

Warning: This post is about nothing important. Just a rant. I just saw that some members of the PR department won some awards for the PAST year's work. One was an award for the faculty newspaper that I worked on most of the year (but I was not nominated for my work on it, nor for any of the stories I wrote throughout the year, including one I was really proud of about a Southern Miss alumni fighting cancer. I had to fight to have that story released.) Concerning the faculty newspaper, other nominees left off were Markeda Wade and Nova Corley for taking a lot of time proofreading it. They are not complaining, that I know of. I just think they should get kudos, too, for doing actual work throughout the year of the faculty paper. Thanks to them both for a great job (we must have done a great job since the paper was recognized, right?) Wonder why many talented people left the PR department? Stuff like this got old when you had to deal with it every day. In the grand scheme, it's no big deal, but it really sucks for those of us who were true team players who bent over backward to help recognize Southern Miss and her faculty and staff. We were the worker bees who didn't have time for scheming and brown nosing. I'm tired of being silent about it. Thanks for listening. Angela Cutrer Southern Miss staff 2001-2005

What was the name of this "faculty newspaper", Angela?

Date: Jun 3, 2005

Thanks for that. Wish more ex employees would tell what they know. I recently heard one that could really rock the boat, but even though the person has left, she's scared to tell it. Has to do with surveillance and what some in iT were forced to do.
The truth is out there.

And congratulations, both for your hard work, and for staying on board as long as you did. Good luck from here on out.

Date: Jun 3, 2005

First it was called "Update," now it's "Eagle's Eye."

Date: Jun 3, 2005

I appreciate it. And yes, the truth would stun most.

I know this is all just whining, but it hurts when you work so hard on something (and the slight is deliberate). But, hey, it's nothing new. Just move on, get over it and continue to sleep well at night knowing you did your best (and did nothing to hurt anyone else.)

I wish nothing but the best for everyone. I pray for eventual healing, but know that the vile things done and said, both small and large, by some will haunt many for decades to come.

Date: Jun 3, 2005

Angela Cutrer wrote:

First it was called "Update," now it's "Eagle's Eye."

Oh, yes, I remember now. Thanks.

Date: Jun 3, 2005

The "Eagle's Eye" webpage (still called "Update" in its URL!) has been "coming soon..." since January. So has the "Faculty/Staff" news link.

http://www.usm.edu/pr/update.htm

The Dork in Progress brochure must have taken precedence.

Date: Jun 3, 2005

info wrote:

The "Eagle's Eye" webpage (still called "Update" in its URL!) has been "coming soon..." since January. So has the "Faculty/Staff" news link. http://www.usm.edu/pr/update.htm The Dork in Progress brochure must have taken precedence.

Don't forget the plagiarized brochure or the inside cover cartoon.

Date: Jun 3, 2005

Ray Folse wrote:

Angela Cutrer wrote: First it was called "Update," now it's "Eagle's Eye." Oh, yes, I remember now. Thanks.

That was a "faculty" newspaper?

Date: Jun 3, 2005

LOL.
Well, I wasn't allowed to make any improvements, but I tried!

Date: Jun 4, 2005

This is a very interesting thread. For SFT and the gang to leave early, some kind of very unpleasant situation needs to develop. I found it fascinating to see a staff member talking about the kind of issues that could be the first pebble in the avalanche.

I'LL SAY THIS ONE MORE TIME. THE ABUSE THE FACULTY HAS TAKEN IS PEANUTS COMPARED TO WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO THE STAFF.

If the staff ever starts saying what they know, this might end rather quickly.

Date: Jun 4, 2005

And it needs to start with iTech. Then money.

Date: Jun 4, 2005

Little old lady wrote:

And it needs to start with iTech. Then money.

This is interesting. Does this imply that problems, sorry issues, at iTech are more serious than financial affairs? If so, I find that surprising. Other than reading email and monitoring phone calls what else they could do. I guess that screen snapshot technology allowing iTech to watch your screens in real time may be up and running. Methinks that might have been provided by the boys from Alabama installing what to me looked like heavy-duty equipment this spring. Now I suppose that might have some uses such as allowing administrators who have nothing better to do to play "I Spy". No modern administrator over the level of associate dean does a lick of work at USM or most other places (you hire flunkies to do each part of your job description). This would be in character for this bunch as they use FAR forms for entertainment. Kind of expensive, silly, and pathetic but not real serious. I must be missing something here. I would think financial issues might be much more serious.

Date: Jun 4, 2005

I thought LOL meant that if employees could tell what they know, that IT would be the ones to start the ball rolling.

Date: Jun 4, 2005

thanks for the "interpretation". I hadn't thought of that. As well as many other things.

Date: Jun 5, 2005

Well, it is now official.

If we're reduced to former USM employees coming onboard to complain about inter-office matters that lack any current relevance, then truly this message board has "jumped the shark."

To Ms. Cutrer, I offer: "Would you like some cheese to go with your WHINE ???"

Date: Jun 5, 2005

Captain Spaulding wrote:

Well, it is now official. If we're reduced to former USM employees coming onboard to complain about inter-office matters that lack any current relevance, then truly this message board has "jumped the shark." To Ms. Cutrer, I offer: "Would you like some cheese to go with your WHINE ???"

Just wait my friend. There will come a time when former staffers will think it "safe" to talk. A bit later it will be current staff with 25 years in search of lawsuit money for being fired. And then it will be current staff joining the chorus. The staff has been catching hell on a daily basis for 3 years. Payback time isn't that far off. At that point you will be able to look back and see that Ms. Cutrer has been "nicer" than most will be.

Date: Jun 5, 2005

police report wrote:

...There will come a time when former staffers will think it "safe" to talk. A bit later it will be current staff with 25 years in search of lawsuit money for being fired. And then it will be current staff joining the chorus. The staff has been catching hell on a daily basis for 3 years. Payback time isn't that far off. At that point you will be able to look back and see that Ms. Cutrer has been "nicer" than most will be.

The time should be NOW. SFT and his henchcrew (a dwindling number) are on the ropes. Yes, it's natural to fear "the wounded animal striking out" sort of thing, just as no one wants to be the last soldier to die before peace is declared. But it's rather clear that the president has been put on a short leash by the IHL; Commissioner Crofts is keeping a sharp lookout for any out-of-line antics. No electronic spying is going on (how could they use it?); no retaliation against outspoken staff or faculty will take place (it would only shorten the "last days" of the regime that much more). At this point, "we have nothing to fear but fear itself." If you have a story worth telling, tell it!

Date: Jun 5, 2005

Dear Captain,

Perhaps what happened has no revelance to what you care about, but many issues have been discussed on this board. Some are extremely relevant, some irrelevant and some just plain funny. Most of these issues have been dealt with with respect and understanding.

Though my experience in my office was a personal one, it was small issue with larger implications. I was not allowed to call myself "editor," though that was what I was. (My nemisis would have none of THAT.) I was responsible for producing the publication, but was not allowed to actually make decisions for it. That's ridiculous.

It's all part of the issue of people being hired to do jobs they have no experience doing and those of us with experience having to sit back and observe with horror. It's part of hiring people with little experience getting too much power based on their brown-nosing abilities. It's all about not doing what's best for USM. It's about too many inexperienced and unethical people having power to give a voice to what they think is important insead of what's RIGHT.

And I prefer sharp cheddar. I'm not fancy. I just have good taste.

Date: Jun 5, 2005

Angela,

Ignore the people who post who only wish to stir the pot and attack people for fun. Sometimes we get confused and don't understand what is truly being posted, but stay honest, keep that thick skin developed, and remember that many of us admire and support what you have to say.

Date: Jun 5, 2005

Angela Cutrer wrote:

Dear Captain,

Perhaps what happened has no revelance to what you care about, but many issues have been discussed on this board. Some are extremely relevant, some irrelevant and some just plain funny. Most of these issues have been dealt with with respect and understanding.

Though my experience in my office was a personal one, it was small issue with larger implications. I was not allowed to call myself "editor," though that was what I was. (My nemisis would have none of THAT.) I was responsible for producing the publication, but was not allowed to actually make decisions for it. That's ridiculous.

It's all part of the issue of people being hired to do jobs they have no experience doing and those of us with experience having to sit back and observe with horror. It's part of hiring people with little experience getting too much power based on their brown-nosing abilities. It's all about not doing what's best for USM. It's about too many inexperienced and unethical people having power to give a voice to what they think is important insead of what's RIGHT.

And I prefer sharp cheddar. I'm not fancy. I just have good taste.

Would your "nemesis" happened to have had the initials "LSM" by any chance?

Date: Jun 5, 2005

Print edition of Sunday's HA, page 1C, "USM wins awards in public relations." A "Special to the American" piece, which often means it's cribbed more or less directly from a press release.

Summary: The College Public Relations Assoc. of Miss. granted awards in various categories to Steve Rouse, Judy Isbel, Shelia White, Jana Bryant, Chris Mapp, Ann Mapp, David Tisdale, the Southern Miss Alumni Assoc., Harriet Perry, Diana Reid, Chris Snyder, and Linda Skupien.

No mention of the former big cheese.

Date: Jun 5, 2005

Angela Cutrer wrote:

First it was called "Update," now it's "Eagle's Eye."

Angela, no offense intended, but I never considered these "newspapers". They were PR papers without any "letters" or different opinions printed. If fact for the many years at USM I don't even remember reading any factual news that was in any way negative concerning USM.

Please correct me if I'm wrong. I would also love to hear if there were any pressure put on you to "spin" stories to make the positive.

Date: Jun 5, 2005

Would your "nemesis" happened to have had the initials "LSM" by any chance?

No, that's not the one I was talking about.

Date: Jun 5, 2005

You are correct. No offense taken. It was just a publication with recycled stories.

I wanted to turn it into a real magazine, with new, personal stories writtten specifically about faculty and staff members. Made sense to me. I redesigned it and started making a lot of plans but it was taken out of my hands any time I try to move forward. That's as far as it got. It's a long story that doesn't matter.

But, yes, you are correct.

Date: Jun 5, 2005

Emma wrote:

Angela,
Ignore the people who post who only wish to stir the pot and attack people for fun. Sometimes we get confused and don't understand what is truly being posted, but stay honest, keep that thick skin developed, and remember that many of us admire and support what you have to say.

Emma, thank you for your kind understanding.

Date: Jun 6, 2005

The faculty-staff newspaper, Update, was an effective tool of campus communication for many years prior to the arrival of LSM, and consistently won awards from CPRAM as the best in its category among the state senior institutions. Of course, it was never a real newspaper in the sense that it could be critical of the administration. It serves a public relations function. For many years, however, it contained well-written stories and photos that reflected the accomplishments of faculty and staff, and highlighted important university events. Letters to the editor from faculty and staff were always encouraged, but they were few and far between. LSM's arrival at USM created almost immediate dysfunction within the public relations office. The historic chain of command was eradicated, so she could begin implementing changes and asserting her authority. The main problem is that she didn't really know what she was doing. She was never qualified by education nor experience for the job. She got the job through political manipulations, and tried to replace credible media relations with a "branding" campaign that offered the prospect for great profit by a Jackson advertising agency. LSM's administration of the office was a disaster. It should be noted, however, that Ms. Cutrer, who was a proofreader at the time of LSM's take-over, actually benefitted from the reign of error.

Date: Jun 6, 2005

Roscoe Thorndyke wrote:

The faculty-staff newspaper, Update, was an effective tool of campus communication for many years prior to the arrival of LSM, and consistently won awards from CPRAM as the best in its category among the state senior institutions. Of course, it was never a real newspaper in the sense that it could be critical of the administration. It serves a public relations function. For many years, however, it contained well-written stories and photos that reflected the accomplishments of faculty and staff, and highlighted important university events. Letters to the editor from faculty and staff were always encouraged, but they were few and far between. LSM's arrival at USM created almost immediate dysfunction within the public relations office. The historic chain of command was eradicated, so she could begin implementing changes and asserting her authority. The main problem is that she didn't really know what she was doing. She was never qualified by education nor experience for the job. She got the job through political manipulations, and tried to replace credible media relations with a "branding" campaign that offered the prospect for great profit by a Jackson advertising agency. LSM's administration of the office was a disaster. It should be noted, however, that Ms. Cutrer, who was a proofreader at the time of LSM's take-over, actually benefitted from the reign of error.

I have no quarrel with what you have said. But a few things:

1. The PR administration before LSM, as reflected in this post, began the course of thought that being "a proofreader" meant "being next to nothing." It is still thought that this job can be done by pretty much anyone. Anyone who has benefitted from a proofreader's input knows that's false. Only arrogant, egotistical writers think their work is so perfect it doesn't need editing.

Most USM administrators, faculty and staff members do not think this way. They would call the proofreading office for advice about layout, editing and style issues. I thank them for their trust. I'm sure I was not always right, but I sure tried to research for the correct answer.

2. I was not "a" proofreader. I was" the" university proofreader, helped by a wonderful, precious person, my assistant, Nova Corely. I took a huge pay cut to accept the job so that I could work my master's. I was qualified for the job and have the experience and education to prove it. I was also qualified for the next job I took - which was not a promotion, but a totally different job that came open - assistant director for news and marketing (aka writer). I've experience in design and layout since 1992 and writing even before that. So working on Update was a no brainer.

3. You bet I benefitted: I did the job I was hired to do while I worked on my master's. I had zero to do with anything that had to do with LSM and Dr. Thames. I was not part of that dominant coalition. And that was OK with me. It truly was a very separate situation. She was in the dome and we were in Bond. I kept my nose to the grindstone to complete my plan and get out. I got my master's last summer but had responses to my resumes for teaching positions before I even took comps. I accepted three and began teaching in September part time. I left USM in January and began teaching for Tulane that same month. I now teach online full time for these three entities.

It's as simple as that.

Date: Jun 6, 2005

As someone who has had to submit items to The University Proofreader, I do respect the skills and the hard work that position entailed! That's one of those job titles that doesn't adequately explain the real job.

Date: Jun 6, 2005

Angela Cutrer wrote:

. . . Though my experience in my office was a personal one, it was small issue with larger implications. I was not allowed to call myself "editor," though that was what I was. (My nemisis would have none of THAT.) I was responsible for producing the publication, but was not allowed to actually make decisions for it. That's ridiculous. It's all part of the issue of people being hired to do jobs they have no experience doing and those of us with experience having to sit back and observe with horror. It's part of hiring people with little experience getting too much power based on their brown-nosing abilities. . . .

Glad to hear you have mapped a new professional course. Best wishes.