Quote:
Originally Posted by TheScorpion
The advice I have supposedly ignored essentially boils down to "don't get excited about Phillips because he's very unlikely to make it."
But... it's really hard for me to watch him and not see an NHL player. I don't think it's spin. If there was an NHL player on that Heat team, he's it.
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Here's the exact advice you got.
Good on you. You deserve the success because you've worked hard. As someone that aspired to be a writer and had a few chances along the way, a little advice. Reminder, you're a journalist, not a fan. If you really want to be more than David Staples keep that in mind. Duhatschek was/is great because he can practice detachment from being a fan of the team and being a journalist, taking in all facts and perspectives and then writing a balanced column. He was always a Flames fan, but made sure that never crept into his writing. If you can do that you will have a great future a head of you. So remember that as you approach your conversations about the Heat and their team. Keep in mind just how tough the jump is to the NHL and how hard it is for players to shield their weaknesses in a league where weaknesses are the difference between winning and losing. Remember that the needs of the NHL squad and the NHL game are first and foremost a consideration when evaluating a player and their talent. A guy may be a sniper in the AHL but may be slow afoot, which is going to make his chance of success quite small. Always approach all subjects by circling them and viewing them from all sides before you write or comment. You're not representing the message board, you're representing yourself and your judgement, which is only as good as your last article.
Good luck Scorp, you deserve your moment in the spot light! We're all cheering for you!
In short, be a detached professional who observes, understands, and reports on the game, and don't be a fanboy. The comments were intentionally general and not directed at any one player, because it applies to every player that is trying to make the jump to the NHL. The fact that you think it was all about Matthew Phillips is very telling and clearly places you in the later group of "journalists." I think you're better than that Scorp, but you always have had your favorites (David Jones, Derek Ryan, and now Matthew Phillips). Hopefully this is just something you just have to grow out of as you do the job. Or maybe you carve out your space as the Calgary version of David Staples. Hey, he's employed, has a loyal readership, and keeps a roof over his head, so maybe that isn't so bad?