Metal or plastic?

The other day our vacuum cleaner gave up the ghost. Since the thing had lasted an incredible 19 years, I wanted another one from the same company, Princess. It had been an expensive purchase, but in reality it really hadn't since it lasted so long. The thing was well constructed out of metal.

I headed to the vacuum shop owned by a guy I know and asked for another one. Turned out the company had gone out of business. (Thank you, NAFTA.) I looked around the store... there must have been fifty different vacuum cleaners from which to choose. I asked which ones were made out of metal and weren't made in China, as I was tired of cheap plastic junk that falls apart.

Incredibly, there was only one. Something called a "Riccar." The guy put a "suction gauge" on the thing and it easily outperformed some well known plastic models, which amazingly weren't that cheap. So I bought it. It even comes with a ridiculously long warranty. The company obviously believes in its product. And, it's made in the USA!

So where is this "vacuum-cleaner-and-how-it-translates-to-news" metaphor taking us?

It's metal versus plastic. Quality versus cheap junk. Something that's thrown together versus something that is put together with care and effort.

Think about that when you're putting your story together. Have you really taken the time and care to make sure each story is as good as it can be? Or is it as flimsy as the products we're importing these days? Did you approach the story with the attitude that since it's not going on a resume tape, you can phone it in? Or did you treat it like it might be the last story you'll ever do?

When we first get into this business, we give one hundred percent. As we learn and gain experience, our work becomes better, more solid. But along the way (and this happens to everyone) we can get worn down. The muse wants a vacation. The company is treating you badly. Your ND is a jerk.

Doesn't matter. You still have to turn out a quality product.

NDs in big markets with money to spend will spend it on quality people.

Don't let your product turn into plastic.