Is journalism a collaborative effort? Should it be? Those are big theoretical questions behind a few small projects we have been working on at The Columbian.
In the 20th century, newsrooms were loud and smoky and full of irreverent people at Steelcase desks. I am just old enough to remember the end of this era, which was supplanted by cubicles, computers and clean air. We still all worked together in a big room with constant interaction. More than once, I said working at The Columbian was like attending an all-day cocktail party with no booze.
The pandemic changed all of that in the course of a week. Since March 2020, the lights have mostly been off at 701 W. Eighth St., our lobby permanently closed to walk-in visitors. A handful of newsroom stalwarts are here every day — Amy, Mark, Merridee, Colleen, Jeff, Romana and others — but it’s been months since I have seen some employees. Whether they are working here or remotely, they all get their work done. I haven’t detected any meaningful differences in quality or quantity.
Still, I miss the interaction. Not long ago we brought the features news team into our photo studio to model some aprons for a lead illustration on the Mother’s Day Life cover. Although I wasn’t asked to model an apron, I felt myself drawn into the studio. I felt nostalgic as I watched the fun.
