Saturday, September 1, 2007 | 9:16 AM
No gym this morning! I am beat after a crazy night in Hillcrest and one too many Jello shots. I don't remember the last time I slept past 9:00 AM, as I normally wake up around 6:00 AM. But I guess when you don't go to bed till 3:30 AM, sleep patterns tend to change, eh?
I am going to get prettied up and head down to the morning plenary, "Double Discrimination: LGBT Immigrants in the United States." And hopefully, I'll be better about attending workshops today. I even outlined my agenda below.
Here's what I plan to do today:
- Eat at some point.
- Exercise at some point. (We'll see.)
- Attend panel on getting published at 11:00 AM or "The Art of the Interview" in the Library at the same time.
- Lunch at 12:30 at the Expo Hall.
- Follow-up with Fleishman-Hillard's Mary Czarnecki at the Career & Community Expo.
- Talk to Cathy Renna at some point.
- Attend “A Conversation with Larry Kramer."
- Attend the Authors Café.
- Go to the panel on writing the whole person into your story.
- Try to get more interviews and how-to's for the blog.
- Bid on items at tonight's silent auction.
I'll keep you posted as frequently as I can.
Saturday, September 1, 2007 | 10:00 AM
I got a quick bite to eat and went to the immigration seminar, as planned. It was freezing cold in there.
Saturday, September 1, 2007 | 11:01 AM
I've been experiencing a lot of cognitive dissonance about which session to go to in this timeslot. I settle down into a seat in the front row in the “How to Get Published” seminar because I was pretty certain that I wanted to attend it. At the last second, I did something very rude. As the session was about to start, I had a moment of doubt and ran out of the room. Even as I type, I can feel my ears turn scarlet (as they tend to do when I get embarrassed!), and I want to extend my humblest apologies to the panelists of that session.
My rationale was that while I do want to write a book in the near future, in order to do so, I will need to be able to interview effectively as well. And after speaking with Bob Smith yesterday, I believe that I have culled the information that I need to move my aspirations for publication forward. I just hope my moment of indecision has not now ruined that newfound relationship.
Saturday, September 1, 2007 | 11:15 AM
By the time my ears return to their normal shade, I make my way down to the library for the hands-on training on “The Art of the Interview.” We listen and analyze a number of radio interviews collectively pointing out the best and worst parts of each.
After the session, I had the opportunity to speak with NPR's Scott Horsley, who had ten tips on how to improve one's interviewing skills:
- Sometimes the best thing is to get out of the way and let your source tell the story.
- Be a distiller – rework boring quotes into your own words, read it back to your source and request confirmation for accuracy.
- When asking the “man on the street” for his opinion, find the right questions.
- Modeling – if you want people to be more exciting or to throw out theories, be more exciting and throw out theories yourself.
- When interviewing, remember that the more of you there is present, the less there will be of the interviewee.
- Try to avoid double-barreled questions.
- Ask open-ended questions.
- Ask neutral questions.
- Avoid not having a question.
- Most importantly, don't sweat the small stuff. Everyone has their own communicative style, and as such, everyone has their own interviewing style. Find your voice and use it.
Saturday, September 1, 2007 | 12:35 PM
During the networking lunch, I had the opportunity to sit down with Cathy McElrath Renna, founder of New York-based Renna Communications, about why she attends the NLGJA conference and LGBT Media Summit every year and any advice that she has for people who are thinking of attending.
NLGJA's LGBT Media Summit is very important to Renna because “It is one of the rare opportunities that I have every year where I am able to have substantive conversations with people about issues that affect my day to day work.”
“At the end of the day, my work is about relationships with people,” she continued. “There are dozens, if not hundreds, of people at this conference with whom I have built relationships, and in this day and age of e-mail and fax and phone, it is rare to have everyone at one place. This convention is a good time to have everyone in one place to discuss issues that are already in the news and to talk with people who are on the front lines.”
Renna is proud to admit that she has only missed one NLGJA conference, and finds it interesting to watch how the membership has increased. According to Renna, “What used to be a conference that only attracted gay journalists in the mainstream media now also attracts members of the gay press." And she is glad to see the gay press being taken more seriously.
When asked about what the NLGJA convention has to offer newcomers, like myself, Renna explains how it offers a unique networking opportunity with change agents and how it is difficult to leave this convention without a pocketful of business cards.
To Cathy, this conference is about the media creating change. And given that she is a change agent herself, if anyone would know how to create change, it would be her.
Saturday, September 1, 2007 | 1:15 PM
After I spoke to Cathy, I was able to sit down with Deepak Saini, morning anchor at KCWY-13 NBC in Casper, WY. Saini was also a panelist on Friday's “Gay Away from the City” session – a topic that he also wrote about in an issue of NLGJA Outlook.
Reading Saini's column about what it was like to be a gay reporter in small town American opened my eyes to a way of life that I never thought about and one that I'm not convinced I could ever live.
Having been involved in NLGJA since 2005, Deepak thinks that the convention is worth every penny. He feels that you will get more out of this convention than anything you will learn in a year at your job.
“You will be humbled by the support that you will have by the friends and contacts you make here,” he says. Being from a smaller market, Saini knows what it is like to work with limited resources. Meeting people who work in bigger markets allows him the opportunity to get a lot of advice on what he needs to work on.
Professional development is one of the top reasons that Saini comes to the conference year after year. While he doesn't feel that he has as much experience in his career as other participants do, every year he is able to learn more about the steps he needs to take next in order to advance his career. While Saini will admit that the convention costs a “pretty penny” to attend, he will be the first to tell you that it pays off down the road.
Saini's advice to people who are just starting out in their careers is “Sometimes when something is well worth it, you have to put a lot of investment and time and care into it in the beginning. You might not see the fruits of your labor right away, but all the hard work will payoff in time.”
Deepak Saini and I also discussed the importance of diversity in newsrooms and among our membership base. He feels that if we wish to increase the diversity of the membership base, we need to educate different ethnic groups that it is okay to be gay in your families and in the workforce. He also suggested that we begin recruiting for our newsroom's diverse staffing needs at journalism schools.
Saini also raised an issue that shocked me (which is difficult to do!). He explained to me that since most gays and lesbians on television are Caucasian, there are populations out there who think that being gay is only something that happens to Caucasian people. By building awareness about what being gay means and positive messages around the issue, maybe we could foster a stronger sense of community amongst all people, no matter what background you come from.
Saturday, September 1, 2007 | 2:02 PM
As the exhibitors were leaving, I was able to meet up with Mary Czarnecki from Fleishman-Hillard once again, who had some advice for journalists who are thinking of pursuing a career at a public relations agency.
Public relations is competitive. Make sure your resume is up to date and error free. Practice your interview skills and go buy an interview suit. You'll need it. Then network, network, network. Ask lots of questions and obtain advice from people already in the field. Think about what industries interest you and match with your background. Do you want to work in corporate PR or at a PR firm? Maybe do PR for a non-profit? Each one is a little different, so be sure you ask lots of questions to make sure it's the right fit for you.
Great public relations professionals are also great writers. Luckily, as a journalist, you have this covered. The amount of writing you do everyday as a public relations professional may be a surprise to you - press releases, pitches and even e-mails need to be concise, interesting and full of information that will inspire writers and editors to pay attention to, and hopefully cover, your client.
Often times journalists make the best public relations professionals because they understand how editors think and they know what is newsworthy. Also, send writing samples along with your resume to potential employers. They will want to see what you are capable of doing.
Ignore the flack label. Many people transition successfully back and forth. If you offer the media great stories and great sources, you can secure coverage in prominent publications and may have the chance to work with top editors whom you respect and admire. The next thing you know people will be calling you for media advice.
Don't let labels limit your opportunities! Good luck.
Saturday, September 1, 2007 | 2:25 PM
I finally made it out for a test drive of the Saturn Sky. It felt like I was driving the Batmobile around town. It was nice to be able to get out and head into Hillcrest for a bit and to get some fresh air.
Saturday, September 1, 2007 | 3:30 PM
I head up to the bookstore on the second floor and begin to build my syllabus. I decided that by next year's conference, I am going to read four books with the hope that I can speak with the authors about them in DC.
Saturday, September 1, 2007 | 4:15 PM
I'm back in the lobby typing up my notes for the day and preparing for my interview with Bob Witeck at 5:00 PM when the wonderful folks from Tourism Toronto approach me. They have been making me laugh hysterically all weekend so I knew they were up to something. When they pulled out a haiku for me, I was ecstatic.
Since the first day, I had been promised a haiku about the reasons why I should visit Toronto . They said it is one of North America's best kept secrets, and clearly, they put a lot of work into this haiku for me. As such, I thought it only appropriate that I share it with all of you:
Secret (By Sousie & Erastus of Tourism Toronto)
Diverse free crazy
Progressive historic chic
As gay as it gets
I don't know that I ever had someone write me a poem before and I know for sure that no one has ever written me a haiku, so I was really touched. Thank you, Sousie and Erastus!
Saturday, September 1, 2007 | 5:06 PM
As someone who has been involved with Human Rights Campaign on a national level for over five years, who loves the field of communications and who has studied LGBT marketing, I was very excited when Bob Witeck, founder and CEO of Witeck Combs Communications, agreed to sit and speak with me.
Witeck and I often came close to meeting many times over the years, but have never actually met before this conference.
Witeck began by telling me how he adored writers and as he did, I could see the passion emanating from him.
“Writers are a gift. If I am going to socialize, I would rather be with writers than anyone else.”
And clearly, this is true. As someone who has been coming to the convention for over 14 years, Witeck has surely spent enough time around other writers. Witeck continued, “I love journalists because they have curiosity. It is one of the greatest gifts that people have. Like many of us here, I feel like that we are change agents. Journalists have the gift of describing change, understanding change and educating others about change.”
I ask Witeck if he still learns/gains anything new from attending the NLGJA convention. He responded, “Its people like you. Newcomers that teach me something new, that inspire me.”
“I came in here on Friday morning and came to listen to the ABC news panel with the interns. It was so incredibly important to them to learn how to be journalists, and more so, to learn how to be a gay journalist. They want to be true to themselves and they want professionals. That is the ethos of NLGJA, and if we have any other purpose it should be near the top. It is very inspiring. That is at the core of what we do and all of us need to remember that relationship [between us and the students].”
As the head of a well known communications firm, I asked Witeck what advice he would give to someone whose employer might not support someone's involvement in NLGJA. Witeck told me that while he can appreciate that economics would be a big issue for someone in that position, he feels passionately about risk. For that person, the risk of not coming would be worse. He said, “The notion of the only thing that will stand in the way of your career is not taking that risk is a risk in and of itself. Do it. Take it. The upsides are clear: Knowledge, friendships, love, jobs, inspiration, overcoming fear – all of those things. They are the rewards. Why wouldn't you want to have a world where those prospects are available to you?”
Witeck and I then discussed what it was about writers that he admired so much and he said, “Their curiosity and their need to express their ideas is something I admire and am grateful for. My bedside in my room is filled with books of people I like to read.” After which, we ended up discussing Paul Tillich and a few other of our favorite writers.
Meeting Bob Witeck was more than a highlight of the NLGJA convention for me. Looking back, I believe that I will consider this a turning point in my career. Having always been someone who has tread my own path in life, there are few people that I am able to look to for inspiration, guidance and mentorship. Speaking to Witeck gave me all of them. Even in the course of our conversation, he encouraged me to write a book someday. “Kevin, I know there's a book in you. I can just feel it.” Given that three publishers have approached him and his business partner, Wes Comb, to write their book, Business Inside Out: Capturing Millions of Brand Loyal Gay Consumers, I'm gonna trust his opinion on this one.
I was really humbled by this conversation and left with a powerful reminder: When you are in the presence of greatness, whether it is listening to a great musician, a great craftsman, a great writer or just a great human being, you always leave just a little greater yourself because greatness inspires.
On that note, I'm going to type a bit more here then off to the Silent Auction.
Saturday, September 1, 2007 | 7:00 PM
I took my time making it down to the Silent Auction because let's face it, you really don't have to bid until the last half hour. Instead, I took my time getting ready for this event and made myself look nice. (Apparently, a little too nice since I wasn't wearing a nametag and one conference-goer kept thinking I was hotel staff!) I put on one of the white feather boas that British Columbia had left for all of us. However, I knew that wasn't going to last long…and it didn't.
Shortly after arrival, I walked around the tables and placed my bids. I found my friends and we had a good time. I had to laugh at people's reactions to me. Since they were used to seeing me in my Aquaman t-shirt and sportcoat, my pinstriped suit and tie was a change for them and many did a double take. As my friend Julissa said in college (in her Rosie Perez-esque voice), “Dammmmmmmn, you clean up niiiiiiiice.” Whenever someone says this to me, I smile and say thank you, but I always think that this is the worst compliment someone can give because you're basically telling someone that normally you think they look bad, but now they have finally met your approval.
I mosey over to speak with the Toronto Tourism folks who proceed to take my photo with them and the Mounties. After which Erastus (Tourism Toronto's representative for Halloweek on Church Street) finally admitted to bedazzling his jacket himself. (Just kidding, Erastus.)
After catching up with some old friends and making some new ones, I make my way over to do some bidding. Ugly Betty: Season One on DVD. Looks promising. Canadian wine. Definitely more my speed. Trip to Toronto for Pride. I sign up and begin to wonder if that haiku was some type of marketing spell.
A few moments after I bid, Javier Morgado approaches me asking if I knew anyone who had lipstick. I told him that I only dressed as Daisy Duke for Halloween that once and that he really needed to forget about it. He grabs my hand and I help him find someone who has lipstick although he wouldn't tell me why. After our second “no”, someone started talking to me and making an introduction, and “Hurricane Javi” went down a different coast.
A half hour later, I find out why he wants the lipstick, as I see him writing figures on the well formed abs of an attractive young man whom he uses as a prop for his latest fundraising stunt. It works and Javier helped NLGJA gain four new lifetime members. (Congratulations!)
After the bidding closed, I found out that I won the trip to Toronto. I'm excited about this trip and I am going to see if I can pitch the experience as a travel article to magazines and newspapers. (If anyone reading this has advice on this process, it is freely welcomed. Feel free to e-mail me at kevin.in.media@gmail.com.) I've never visited Canada, and I am excited about the idea.
Saturday, September 1, 2007 | 11:00 PM-ish
As the night wraps up, a few friends of mine invite me to dinner. I go along with them without realizing that half the people there were NLGJA National Board members.
When asked what I do, I told them that I am a freelance writer. They said, “Kevin A. Barry…I know that name from somewhere...” One of three things becomes immediately apparent to me: (1) I've pitched them in my PR days; (2) They've read my entertainment reviews on Out.com; or (3) This blog is starting to build a fan base. They mockingly cover half of my face and I soon discover it's the third.
I had a great time at dinner and head back to the hotel to finish my entries for the day.
