“First off, a pro is necessarily getting paid to do what he does, and that’s a tough trick these days all on its own. But a pro is also defined by the scope and practice of his operation. A pro has sources. A pro knows how to spot a lie. A pro does the work. A pro gets it right. A pro knows how to hustle the corner, but he also knows his way around a paragraph. A pro does it all, and he does it all well, without vanity or fireworks. A pro doesn’t leave any holes or openings, in his soul most of all. You want to know how to stand out, Andrew? Be a fucking pro.”

Chris Jones, of Esquire, dropping some science on a young writer. (via capitalnewyork)

This so, so crucial, and not just for journalists, but for any job. To be a pro is to be able to do the work, even when it’s not fun, even when you don’t feel like it, and do it well. The highest compliment my old editor would give was “he’s a pro,” and that meant everything. 

Notes

  1. addyebeans reblogged this from bhargette
  2. bhargette reblogged this from harlemink and added:
    Yet another (*very important) note to self.
  3. filleduponbread reblogged this from amandarust
  4. iheartmicroblogging reblogged this from harlemink
  5. spencerian reblogged this from matthewhayles
  6. steampoweredmedia reblogged this from meganwest and added:
    Yes, yes, yes. I’d also add that a pro is consistent. Not always spectacular, not always great, but always able
  7. mlherold reblogged this from pegobry and added:
    Yeah, pretty much applies to my own job too :)
  8. pegobry reblogged this from jedsundwall
  9. blacklabels reblogged this from markcoatney
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  15. meganwest reblogged this from crockeronline
  16. crockeronline reblogged this from amandarust and added:
    wake up. Get this inscribed on the inside of your brain, everybody. I’ve never heard...put...
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