A letter to my boss

I apologize sir, if my laughing at what you said made you mad enough to raise your voice and say “Fuck You Eric!,” but I find it curious that when you preach to me about the quality of my commercial production. (In a rough draft mind you) That you are quite contradictory in saying that. Just a week ago you said to me, and other editors that: “It would be dumb for you to spend hours rendering a project, because that is not what we do….” …”You put things together as quickly as possible, because that is what we need.” I’m not saying that you shouldn’t have gotten mad…. I would have probably done the same. But……

I find it curious that over the past 6 years of working in the local TV industry, that I’m quite often the only person that cares about the quality of commercial production. When clients, Sales Executives, Sales Managers, and GM’s all want the product in the fastest possible way. I find myself being painted into a corner without hope of the paint drying anytime soon. I wish that I could care more about the quality of my production. But with that many people against you for so long, it is hard.  I’ve actually grown numb to putting together crappy production. It used to upset me so much. I used to be so passionate about it. Now, on many occasions I imagine myself making a logo of a tv with a swirling pile of crap on top, and putting it on my business card. On the few occasions when I had just one person on my side, I’ve done extraordinary work with the equipment, and time provided.

Sunshine Landscaping:

First Imperial Credit Union:

Barenholtz Fine Furniture:

Fashion Bug:

Ramon Ayala Concert:

Please, would somebody care about the quality of local commercial production without me trying to convince them for hours…. and hours…… and hours….  The worst part about putting all the time and effort into convincing Sales People that they should care about commercial production, is that every three months, They leave?

Again, I apologize that I laughed at you when you said I should be ashamed of a rough draft I put together for you sir, but I…. well, don’t see the paint drying. Nor do I see you setting me up to succeed, anytime soon.

I have hope that someday it will happen, but this company has in recent years: overworked me. Given me more responsibility every 6 months, with less resources. Told me once a year for the past 6 years that there will be a news product to promote within 6 months, still hasn’t happened yet. Given me employee of the quarter, and just a month later made me one of the only people this year who has not been given a raise, after making me take a furlough last year, and not giving me a raise then either……

I’m now in charge of promoting 4 networks, 2 websites, and doing commercial production with only one assistant. Now, to me, to put quality at the heart of the whole process, and actually make our station group succeed. We need at least one Digital Publisher (website guy) One person for English promotion, i.e. FOX, ABC CW. and One person to promote Telemundo. Along with myself to manage the group, and keep it organized. I don’t see that happening ever. So, sir I’d like to think that quality isn’t top of mind for you, nor has it ever been a priority. Especially, knowing that you’ve hired on more than one occasion at your previous employer. The worst commercial production producer in the whole southern united states; Richard Joselin. No offense Richard. Give me some credit, the station has been #1 in key areas for the past 6 years when I took over.

I have hope that my passion for helping businesses succeed will help change your mind on the quality of our local commercial production. Until then, I would like your help with motivation, and support with training the Account Executives to care about their clients future beyond the next paycheck.