OK, hands up - who applied for the BN job?

oliverfennell · Post by **oliverfennell** » 22 Jun 2007, 04:28

Now that Boxing News has announced its new team member - Tris Dixon - let's see who else went for it.

I did and liked to think I had a good chance - qualified journalist, experienced sub editor, former webmaster and have been published by BN - but have to admit Dixon is a very good choice.

Who else gave it a shot?

Old bones Ian · Post by **Old bones Ian** » 22 Jun 2007, 04:37

I've liked the articles Tris Dixon wrote for BN , he didn't just go after the big names from the past, which was a good change.

Bare Knuckles · Post by **Bare Knuckles** » 22 Jun 2007, 04:38

Suzanne Nield?!?

Bare Knuckles · Post by **Bare Knuckles** » 22 Jun 2007, 04:39

And was successful. Last weeks BN carried two articles of hers - one being over a two page spread.

oliverfennell · Post by **oliverfennell** » 22 Jun 2007, 04:43

Getting a two-page article published isn't "getting the job". Dixon is now a full-time, permanent staff member based in their office.

Wales · Post by **Wales** » 22 Jun 2007, 04:51

Bare Knuckles wrote:Suzanne Nield?!?

Terry Dooley ?!?

Captain Hook · Post by **Captain Hook** » 22 Jun 2007, 04:58

I asked Claude if it was based in London (stupid question I know, but had to ask?) then didn't go for it because it was...

Too far for me, especially with a five year old daughter in school....

Thought Oli would have had a shot.....

Bare Knuckles · Post by **Bare Knuckles** » 22 Jun 2007, 05:02

oliverfennell wrote:Getting a two-page article published isn't "getting the job". Dixon is now a full-time, permanent staff member based in their office.

I appreciate that, but she is becoming a regular with the volume of her input increasing which could have been filled by A N Other.

Why pay a journalist to do the work when you have a quality freelancer who is willing and reliable and regularly submitting articles without all the legal problems employment encompasses.

dondada · Post by **dondada** » 22 Jun 2007, 05:04

Tris Dixon is an excellent choice. Well done to him. He's certainly earned it.

I don't want to rain on anybody's parade but there is a big difference between getting published - BN or elsewhere - and gettting PAID for being published.

You would have done a great job, no doubt, Oliver.

Andrew Whittle would have been another good shout.

But congratulations, Tris!

oliverfennell · Post by **oliverfennell** » 22 Jun 2007, 05:27

BN does pay for freelance submissions and I think on a page-for-page basis, it must work out cheaper to have staff do the writing, but obviously they can't do it all, which is why freelancers come in handy.

oliverfennell · Post by **oliverfennell** » 22 Jun 2007, 05:29

PS Thanks Martin and Ian. A shame, would have been perfect for me, but I always knew it would be highly competitive and I'm glad the successful candidate was of such high quality. Wouldn't have been impressed if somebody like Spud Woolatt had beaten me to it!

Captain Hook · Post by **Captain Hook** » 22 Jun 2007, 05:55

Or me :)

oliverfennell · Post by **oliverfennell** » 22 Jun 2007, 06:19

Well, there was never any risk of that, was there? ;)

Goz · Post by **Goz** » 22 Jun 2007, 06:33

I applied for a job at BN when I was approximately 19 (That would been 1991/92)....

I'd done a few weeks work experience there a year or two previous so thought I'd cash my chips in so to speak.

I think they'd figured me out for the wanker I am though although they could have at least dignified me with a reply....

Captain Hook · Post by **Captain Hook** » 22 Jun 2007, 06:34

I taught you everything I know, even how to fold socks at Be Wise, so lless of the cheek Fenners

Captain Hook · Post by **Captain Hook** » 22 Jun 2007, 06:35

lless is Welsh for "less" 8)

oliverfennell · Post by **oliverfennell** » 22 Jun 2007, 07:07

Goz wrote:I applied for a job at BN when I was approximately 19 (That would been 1991/92)....

I'd done a few weeks work experience there a year or two previous so thought I'd cash my chips in so to speak.

I think they'd figured me out for the wanker I am though although they could have at least dignified me with a reply....

So staff vacancies come up every 15 years or so?

Well, maybe next time!

Goz · Post by **Goz** » 22 Jun 2007, 07:26

Yes I'd definitely focus on a career away from Boxing News!

Daniel Herbert, Bob Mee and Tim Mo worked there then.

jamesmcdonnell · Post by **jamesmcdonnell** » 22 Jun 2007, 07:38

oliverfennell wrote:BN does pay for freelance submissions and I think on a page-for-page basis, it must work out cheaper to have staff do the writing, but obviously they can't do it all, which is why freelancers come in handy.

Thing is, you ain't going to earn much wedge from boxing pieces, I got 90 quid for 4000 word article double page spread!

oliverfennell · Post by **oliverfennell** » 22 Jun 2007, 07:46

From BN? Their rate must have dropped. I got about £150 for articles of 1,500-2,000 words in 2000-2002.

jamesmcdonnell · Post by **jamesmcdonnell** » 22 Jun 2007, 07:47

I obviously got knocked mate.....

T.M.K · Post by **T.M.K** » 22 Jun 2007, 07:50

Goz wrote:I applied for a job at BN when I was approximately 19 (That would been 1991/92)....

I'd done a few weeks work experience there a year or two previous so thought I'd cash my chips in so to speak.

I think they'd figured me out for the wanker I am though although they could have at least dignified me with a reply....

I remember walking out of York Hall with you in the late 90's Mr Gosnold, and spotting Claude Abrams alongside us, said: "Mr Abrams, a pint on me if you can remember where you know this man from!" You shook hands and said: "you don't remember me do you - but I worked for you for 2 weeks on work-experience 6 or 7 years ago".

He didn't think you were a w***er mate, he just thought you were Kevin Lear's brother and didn't want someone so connected with a fighter to be in his office! ;)

best wishes bud

Col

Coco · Post by **Coco** » 22 Jun 2007, 07:54

In fairness it is a bit of a dream job.

If my situation was different and of course if I had any relevant experience, I would have applied.

Don't think occasional posting on boxing websites would have cut much ice!

oliverfennell · Post by **oliverfennell** » 22 Jun 2007, 08:00

T.M.K wrote:
Goz wrote:he just thought you were Kevin Lear's brother and didn't want someone so connected with a fighter to be in his office! ;)

That's a good point - I thought my programme editor experience with Audley Harrison would be considered relevant experience, but perhaps they thought it would affect my neutrality.

Goz · Post by **Goz** » 22 Jun 2007, 08:25

T.M.K wrote:
Goz wrote:
I remember walking out of York Hall with you in the late 90's Mr Gosnold, and spotting Claude Abrams alongside us, said: "Mr Abrams, a pint on me if you can remember where you know this man from!" You shook hands and said: "you don't remember me do you - but I worked for you for 2 weeks on work-experience 6 or 7 years ago".

He didn't think you were a w***er mate, he just thought you were Kevin Lear's brother and didn't want someone so connected with a fighter to be in his office! ;)

best wishes bud

Col

Yes I remember that mate

I was surprised he didn't remember me, I brightened that office up for the 3 weeks I was there!