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I hate mentioning her by name because, while I acknowledge she is a good writer and an accomplished photographer, I just can’t be bothered reading Dooce’s journal. (Why? Because of her no-comments policy, see yesterday’s long-ass post about that.)
But the fact of the matter remains that Dooce inadvertently coined the term “dooced” when she got fired from her job some years back because of her blog. That is, by and large, why she’s so immensely popular now as a so-called blogger. She got in on the ground floor, so to speak. Now anytime someone gets fired because of their blog, they call it getting Dooced. I’m here to change that. From now on, we’re going to call it getting Karled.
That’s right, in case you missed it on Twitter yesterday afternoon, I have been fired as a columnist for one of the local newspapers in town. Why? In short, because of this post. I have been reproducing my regular Monday column here on Mondays pretty much for the last 2-1/2 years I’ve been writing the column. Not any more.
It wasn’t the column itself that got me fired. I spoke with my editor on the phone yesterday afternoon to ask what was going on and to apologize. Yes, I apologized because it was never my intention to hurt her or anyone else at the newspaper. She told me that they had been planning to run the column in next Monday’s paper, but she needed to get permission from other editors first. Understandable.
I certainly never intended to come off as slamming the newspaper. But as my editor told me, it wasn’t the column that they had a problem with. It was the COMMENTS on the post. She was on vacation all last week, so really didn’t have a chance to talk to me about why they didn’t have any people at the charity event. They DID make arrangements to get photographs from some of the people that were in attendance, but couldn’t do the overtime necessary to send out a full-time photographer. I jumped the gun and made assumptions I shouldn’t have made. For that, I take responsibility.
I always took great care not to mention the newspaper by name here, and I never gave out my blog URL in the column, either. It’s a family newspaper and I would never send people to my blog indiscriminately because I swear like a sailor lots of the time.
Nevertheless, someone at the newspaper found my blog and brought it to other people’s attention on Monday. Having worked in close-knit cubicle environments before, I know how quickly word spreads like wildfire in an office. I’m sure it didn’t take much time at all for my blog to make the rounds. At least it’s a nice, new pretty blog design.
I’m upset, yes, for several reasons. For one thing, I should have been more judicious about my comments on the blog. I should have also called and talked to my editor before posting Monday’s post and leaving subsequent comments. But I’m also kinda pissed because what the fuck? This is MY blog and I have the right to say whatever the hell I want to say. I never expected or asked anyone at the newspaper to look at my blog. On purpose. I realize I’m not everyone’s cup of tea.
I certainly wouldn’t have made those comments on the newspaper’s web site. That really WOULD be unprofessional. But on my own blog? Bah.
I’ve been Karled. So yeah, I’m looking for more writing gigs now. If you know of any, please let me know. I promise I’ll be a (relatively) good boy from here on out. Maybe I just shouldn’t run any future columns here, to be safe.
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Filed under 2HT Mentions, Blogging, Column, Local Goings On, Television, Travel, Web/Tech, Weblogs |68 Responses to “I’m Not Going to Say I Got Dooced, But I Did”
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It kinda irks me that whatever inane comment I made from clear across the country would matter to people where you work. I mean, I read what I write and say, “What a loser!” It’s rather flattering to the dorky side of me that they would think me calling them buttwipes was worthy of firing His Grace the Duke of Karlness. Not that I think it was my comment in particular that irked them, but you know what I mean. And I really like KARLED better than DOOCED. The latter sounds like a feminine hygiene product.
Winter’s last blog post..Tuesday Tunes and Wheezing
Holy shit, dude! Wow — I certainly didn’t see that coming at all… I’m sorry for your job loss. We’re living in a society nowadays where people fear litigious action and bad PR if someone is caught wiping his ass in the wrong direction.
You’re a great writer, and I hope you’re able to find something else soon. I hope it doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice 2HT; if it does, however, know that we’ll understand. After all, you have to do what’s best for you…
Shiny’s last blog post..Appreciation…
The newspaper should realize
1) You have no control over your commenters
2) This is 2008, not 1958 and they need to get a grip.
Oh well, they will ALL be out of a job in about 5 years or less, so the point is rather moot anyway.
Suebob’s last blog post..My Dad, 1919
I totally offered you a job on Twitter-fetching me coffee and rubbing my feet. Or whatever else needs rubbing.
Of course, it doesn’t pay very well, but I’m a damn good cook. And I have single girlfriends who are sexually liberated. So maybe it DOES pay well…hmmmmm
Winter - Ha! I’ve always thought “dooced” sounds like a feminine hygiene product.
Shiny - sacrifice 2HT? Nevah, suh, nevah! Thanks, yeah, it sucks. It’s not the end of the world, but I am sorry to have my relationship with the paper end this way.
Suebob - I know I don’t have any control over the commenters, but I DO have control over MY comments. And I hope you’re not right about newspapers going out of business. I still love to read them, even though I do supplement my news with TV and Internet.
TSM - I’m THERE!
I find it HIGHLY ironic that a NEWSPAPER would have such a problem with freedom of speech.
I mean, hello? Editor chick? You’re a hypocritical idiot.
Just my 2 cents.
adena’s last blog post..Drawing
What really irritates me about the situation is that someone actually called the paper to tattle on you. Someone needs to get a life and stop worrying about what everyone else is saying.
I’m with Adena on the freedom of speech issue. I think it’s amazing how many people CLAIM to be all for it until they read something about themselves or their product that they don’t like. So, speech is free only if it is not offensive and offered in a candy coated shell?
Shedding the negativity, I think that you are better off…the universe was telling you that it’s time to move on to bigger and better things so…let them be ridiculous. They’ll always be “small town newspaper” while you can go on to do bigger things.
I really think this is the longest comment I’ve written in a long time!
Hilly’s last blog post..Virgins Always Get Backstage, No Matter What They’ve Got To Say….
Hilly,
Well, it doesn’t matter what we say now…he can’t get MORE fired.
I have a feeling this will all come back to bite the newspaper in the ass, which will be highly amusing to watch.
Someone on twitter earlier today said it best. “Do they have NO idea how much bloggers talk to each other?”
Yeah, sitting back and waiting for them to do some serious back-peddling.
adena’s last blog post..Drawing
That’s harsh, but I agree…it’s their loss.
Glenda’s last blog post..Go Jayhawks!
P.S - I forgot to mention how shag worthy that pic is
Yeahhh baby!
Glenda’s last blog post..Go Jayhawks!
Now let’s play nice, please. I appreciate your support, but my editor is NOT an idiot. She’s always been very pleasant to work with, and always very accommodating. And I think the decision to drop me came from the higher ups, actually.
I don’t hold any ill feelings toward her, really.
I’m going to apologize first, because I’m going to use some ‘naughty language’ here, even though I should know better because that’s how my blog got nixed in the first place.
And with that out of the way…what the FUCK? What the fuckin’ fuck is that shit? How is that even legal?
Dude. DUDE. This pisses me off to no end. You getting 86ed from your job over comments on your blog is a bunch of balls. It’s not like you slandered the paper or anything.
ANGRY. SO ANGRY.
Iron Fist’s last blog post..morning hair
Ahhhh, goddammitfuckshit! That can’t be!!! Big Muah Lovin’ from me!
I wish I knew a writing gig for ya. You can write all over me, but I am not sure that would pay much…
Shit! Shit! Shit!
DutchBitch’s last blog post..Going Up, Going Down
Iron Fist - Your free to use whatever language you wish here. You oughtta know that by now.
DutchBitch - Thanks. I charge at least 50 cents an hour, though.
I’d be willing to bet that this whole thing leads to something better eventually.
Brandon’s last blog post..Brandon’s Unknown Talent: Baseball Card Photographer
As I said on the photo over at Flickr: Holy bat, shitman. I agree with what you say about your editor not being the one to make the decision to fire you. It would typically come from someone in a suit, somewhere. Sigh. Gotta love smalltown newspapers in small towns. Well, you have my sympathy, dude. And while the situation does suck, you’ve got better things coming, I’m sure.
James’s last blog post..Nachtmusik, or something like it.
Brandon - thank you. I hope so.
James - That’s just it. I don’t know that it’s a small town thing. It’s a thing, to be sure. In this day and age, as connected as we are to the Net through blogging and social networking, our identities truly extend beyond our skin.
I mean, in some ways I suppose I could say, “I AM my blog. My blog is me.” You google my name and you’re going to get here in no short order. Hell, you type karlerikson.com into your address bar and guess where you wind up?
In fact, I just forwarded that other domain to point here a few days ago. Coincidence? Hmm.
So now I have to say I was Karled back in July of 2006? I was kinda thinking of calling it Fabbed.
Eh, Karled sounds better.
Be proud. I took being fired because of my blog kinda cool.
Mr. Fabulous’s last blog post..Was God bipolar?
Sheesh.
Sorry sugar.
I do have to say that the Red Cross dude did some major dick sucking with the ‘local media’ in your comments on that post.
turnbaby’s last blog post..Traffic Tourette’s
Oh Man. This really sucks for you.
I don’t understand how they held you responsible for other peoples’ comments. How does that work?
Time to scour the “interweb” (Christopher Walken said that on SNL Sat … cracked me up) and start applying for those freelance assignments.
It’s their loss. Many reader/fans will be unhappy and I’m sure will let the paper know. Better things are coming your way.
Dude, that sucks! I can’t believe that crap happened to you!
But, I gotta say I like “karled” much more than “dooced.” Good luck with the job hunt.
kapgar’s last blog post..There is gloom and doom while things go boom…
I’m sorry you got canned. What kind of writing Karl? (Though market to be freelancing in.) Drop me a line — contracts cross my desk from time to time.
I think we need to be clear hear this is not a freedom of speech issue. The paper isn’t saying Karl can’t blog. But as a business they have a right to take umbrage and action when they feel they are being libeled. Let it be a warning that we are all responsible for the content in our blogs.
I am not saying this doesn’t suck and I wish it hadn’t happened… sigh.
Nat’s last blog post..So who are you?
Mr. Fabulous - First of all, damn dude, you get up early. I was just going to bed when you commented! And yes, even though you got fired for your blog before I did, it is officially now called getting “Karled.”
Turnbaby - No, I don’t think that’s what he was doing. He was stating the facts, and yeah, he also threw together some details about the Red Cross in there. Hey, he’s a PR guy. And in the long run, it really is about the charity.
Mattie - as I said before, it was my comments perhaps more than anyone else’s.
bfc - Thanks. It’d be nice to get another writing gig or two.
Kapgar - I know, I kind of can’t believe it, either.
Nat - you’re absolutely right. I DO have the right to say whatever I want here on my blog. And anyone on the planet (well, except for maybe China, where they censor everything) can SEE my blog, for better or worse. In this case, it was worse.
That sucks, Karl. I hope things work out for you. Maybe you’re being set up for the “bigger and better things” that are coming your way. I hope so!
metalmom’s last blog post..This Week on the “Absurdist”
Metalmom - thanks, I’d like to think so.
Since you never linked to the blog from your column or mentioned the paper in your blog, it’s unfortunate that the newspaper has decided to punish you for having an opinion.
I think you’ll find another gig writing something better, and maybe you’ll even get to let more of your personality loose in your writing, too.
Avitable’s last blog post..Fucking Brighthouse
Avitable - Yeah, it is unfortunate. It’s only the second time I’ve been fired in the 25 years since I’ve worked. Wish it wouldn’t have ended like this, but there’s not much I can do about it.
I think this is actually an interesting issue… for the simple fact that generally when you write an article for a publication they are paying for usually all the rights to it, or at least first run rights. I know from freelancing with Scrye that I couldn’t re-publish any article I wrote for them until at least a year after they ran my article… which since everything was so dated kind of made it a mute point.
Is it possible that they were softening the blow a bit? Because to be honest… I didn’t see anything bad in the comments of that post. I can understand tight schedules, skeleton staffs, and budget limitations… but if they spent the money to SPONSOR the event… they should have sent someone to cover it so they’re sponsorship got max coverage. That is just a basic business practice that any publication I have ever worked with followed.
I do also agree though that there are better things out there. If you can get a copy of the 2007 Writer’s Market… tons of opportunity there for freelancers. You just need to find what’s comfortable for you.
NYCWD’s last blog post..Political Games
NYCWD - Yeah, there are non-compete clauses that say I can’t (um, couldn’t) write for another newspaper in the area. There are basically two newspapers in my county and I wrote for one of them. I’m entitled to do whatever I wish with the columns, though.
I’ve just been “reprinting” the columns here, if for any other reason to sort of archive them all in one place.
Apparently, there WERE arrangements to get photos of the event. The people organizing the event didn’t know that.
Dude - that sucks. Especially when you’re being held responsible for what other people write…
suze’s last blog post..and he took something from me i didn’t even know that i had…
Suze - thanks.
Karl,
Sorry you got axed Dude. Yeah, blogging and work - like gasoline and matches. Hey, I’m sure you’ll land on your feet when the smoke clears and I predict you’ll end up with the 4TH MOST POWERFUL BLOG in the world - Heather is #5 - HAH HAH! Take that Ms. Armstrong! Hey, I spent 15 years on the air in radio and they say you’re not a real jock until you’ve been fired for something stupid you said. I’ve been fired. I guess the same principle applies to blogging. So you could think of this as a graduation of sorts. Good luck dude. : )
John’s last blog post..Back to the Book Store
Interesting. You’d think that the newspaper would be embracing all this as a golden opportunity instead of distancing themselves from it.
I guess it just reinforces the stereotype of “print is dead” whenever institutions cling to reactionary reporting of yesteryear instead of the interactive reporting of today.
Sorry to hear it though… may better opportunities await you!
Dave2 - Thanks. Yeah, who knows how much longer newspapers will be around?
I think this is icredibly UNprofessional of your ex-employer. As you didn’t link to them or mention them by name, they really don’t have any direct complaint towards you about this that’s supportable.
Worse, now it’s likely that people WILL research the newspaper and find the link, because who wants to do business with a newspaper that is so worried about being embarassed that they’ll fire someone over a mistake that THEY made in coverage because of a mention that doesn’t indicate them directly at all?
A newspaper should understand PR better than this, and the effect of this action that they’re taking. Were it something to do with you publishing the column before them (as was mentioned above) it might make SOME sense, but as it seems to be more about their extremely fragile ego - well shame on them.
Kyra (savy)’s last blog post..In In In!
Aw, Karl, I’m sorry. That completely sucks. I don’t think you deserved to get fired — a talking-to, perhaps, but not fired.
And it IS your blog and you DO have the right to say whatever you want, but I think something that we bloggers often forget is that when you publish on the internet, you do so for all the world to see. And sometimes there are ramifications for that.
You lost your job; I lost a friend.
It’s the same reason that countless interns, law clerks, and other young people are asked to take down or revise or at least give a lot of thought to what is on their myspace and facebook pages by their employers: it reflects badly on the company. It would not have been hard for anybody who read your blog to figure out which paper you work for (as proof, I just googled it and figured it out), and by then reading your post and the negative comments about the paper, it IS bad PR… and sort of a “don’t bite the hand that feeds you” lesson.
But you shouldn’t have gotten fired — maybe a talking to so that you didn’t do it again, but not fired. That sucks.
For once I’m glad I wasn’t able to get here to comment that day.
Miss Britt’s last blog post..The Great Birthday Debate
Sorry to hear ’bout that, Karl. But then, I’m familiar with that particular newspaper and I know the community, so I also know that there are definitely bigger and better opportunities waiting out there for you to find them…
You know, in this day and age of most things being online, especially considering the influx of people posting about their personal lives online, you would think traditional media would understand, especially given the fact that you had been posting the same column online for over 2 years without a single complaint.
But, as I’ve learned a few times over the years and with stories like this in places you don’t expect such reactions, it’s that one lone person that feels the need to cackle out loud about something they have issues with.
Sorry to hear about losing your gig, but other gigs will find their way to you. If I hear of anything, I’ll shoot something your way. In the meantime, know that there’s a lot people that enjoy your blog.
martymankins’s last blog post..Daily Supplements
I’ve been fired for breaking a non compete clause and it sucked mass ass at the time, but was the push I needed to move on to bigger and better. Sorry this happened, but you are a talented writer and will find something soon… You just have to market the crap out of yourself.
foo’s last blog post..Uh yah so…
Mate, sorry to hear that. Ugh, I hate reading about being fired for blogging. I’ve seen more and more “things I say here do not reflect the position of my employer” disclaimers floating around than ever. But that should be a bloody given. Of course things people say on their own blog are their own opinion. Ugh. Ugh I say.
Kyra - you’re probably right. It isn’t difficult to find the newspaper through Google or another means. I mean, there are only two newspapers in my area.
Jessica - Yeah, I wish I’d been reprimanded or something, but not fired. You’re right, though, I really CAN see it from their side. And again, I do take responsibility for my words and actions here.
Miss Britt - for once, I’m glad you didn’t, either. ha.
Amie - That’s Amie, everyone. She used to live here in Sebring, so she really DOES know the area. And Amie, it really sucks but I’ll bounce back just fine.
Marty - Thanks very much. And that is one bizarre story, a woman having to relinquish her personalized plates because of ONE complaint? Granted, I think personalized plates are ridiculous, but if you pay the extra money, it should be YOURS.
Foo - Yeah, I don’t typically have problems with the non-compete clauses. They’re part of a lot of industries, really, not just the writing world.
Kevin - Hey, thanks for stopping by. You won’t ever see me run one of those disclaimers. Unless I somehow get conned into working in a corporate environment again and they force me to put that in my e-mail signature. *shiver*
Karl,
Think of this situation as a Karma thing. Your old employer will probably be calling you soon realizing the mistake they made, because of you posting this, their online readership went up from all your friends and fans who wanted to figure out what the deal was. Karma will bite them on the backside - really hard.
When they call, tell them you’ll go back..for a pay raise. a sizable one. With benefits…and more than one column a week. Oh yes, and the right to say whatever the hell you want to say on your personal blog, because you NEVER mentioned their name in the first place.
If they can’t agree to those terms, tell them to take a long walk on a short pier.
Wow.. I commented on someone’s blog without majorly swearing…I must be tired….
Cissa Fireheart’s last blog post..Man! I feel like a woman…
I’ve been thinking about this all day, Karl. And the more I think about it, the more unfair I think it is. You know, technically, it’s HARD to fire somebody without a lot of backup by HR that you’ve been asked to change your behavior, etc. I don’t know if you care enough to fight it, but you might have a valid case.
Cissa - Well, I wasn’t an employee of the newspaper, actually. More like a paid contractor. It wasn’t a full-time job or anything. And yeah, I’d go back. I don’t harbor any ill feelings toward them or anything. I’m more surprised and disappointed than anything.
Jessica - Yeah, as I said…you’d be right if I were a paid employee of the newspaper. I was just a columnist…independent contractor. No bennies.
I know you didn’t get fired like I did over the non compete clause, different reason for you…but same spring board to get you into something better.
foo’s last blog post..Uh yah so…
Foo - yeah, I knew what you meant.
So sorry about this, but … does this bring you any closer to moving to California?!?!?!
And dude, that picture is HAWT!
Simply Jane’s last blog post..Once, twice three times a virgin
Also, will keep a lookout for any writing gigs!
SJ’s last blog post..YouTube: Hotbed of intellectuals
Wow, suddenly I’m feeling extremely bad for commenting on Monday. I hope that nothing I said contributed to the loss of your job. I know that you responded to my comment. We could adopt you if you need someplace to live.
I’m totally loving the picture.
Lisa’s last blog post..Look Ma, I Got a Tiara!
Simply Jane - thanks, ha, California. I wish.
Lisa - don’t feel bad. It’s not yours or anyone’s fault but mine.
i sure do hate this for you. hope this leads to a spectacular new path for you my dear karl.
hello haha narf’s last blog post..Poll…On What I Should or Should Not Do
hello haha narf - I don’t want to say your name five times fast, that’s for sure. Thank you.
Ridiculous. I think you’ve got a first amendment case here easily. Take that comment NEWSPAPER! Getting fired because of what someone else says on your blog?!? Seriously.
Black Belt Mama’s last blog post..If you can’t bring the heel to the butt. . .
BBM - Yeah, but it’s also MY comments on the post that mattered.
Karl, I’m so sorry this happened… and not to get all woo woo about it, but maybe this means something better is coming along? You’re incredibly talented. I have a hard time believing you wouldn’t be picked up elsewhere in a heartbeat.
Carly - Thanks, I appreciate that. I’m hoping to get another writing gig or two soon.
That sucks, Karl. That’s one of the reasons I kept deleting blogs. Someone from work would find them and make me paranoid.
Nowadays I’m not exactly anonymous or difficult to find, so I don’t write about work. Fortunately the owner of our company is a pretty cool guy. I’d like to think he’d be amused by my blog . . . or just know enough not to read it.
Stacey’s last blog post..If Your Kid Names Their Baby Chlamydia, It Might Be Your Fault
Yeah, it’s why I remained fairly anonymous in my previous blog carnations. I’m getting too old and crotchety to worry too much about that crap any more.
Doors and windows moments… there’s always a bit of anxiety til you find the next portal, but it’s inevitably a better door.
[...] So Monday I went to take advantage of one of the billion things I won a few weeks ago in the Red Cross’ Red & White Ball silent auction. You know, the one where in the name of good causes, I got inadvertently Karled. [...]
[...] grand on one hand of blackjack. Because I can.” Although I hope that I don’t get Karled, nothing more was said and I retreated alone to my room to quickly take the [...]
I must be the only person rummaging around in the blogosphere to never have heard of “dooced”. Having said which, I REALLY struggle with the issue of keeping Comments open because I get a boatload of traffic, I have about 150 subscribers and 200 lurkers, and about 5 regular commenters. I think I only keep the Comments open so as to avoid being called a DooceBag.
Caron - hope so.
DanjerusKurves - I don’t get that many comments usually, so the boatloads of traffic doesn’t apply to me. I guess if I got a ton of comments on older posts, I might have to rethink things.
Oh, sweetie, it’s easy, be like me and just post tons of photos of yourself partially or fully naked … you’ll get the traffic without the comments! Well, *I’ll* be here a lot, anyway!
DanjerusKurves - Well, I could regularly post nude photos, but then I’d lose all my traffic altogether. Heh.