In support of Russell Contreras and all NAHJ members

Hey NAHJers --

It's 11:16 pm on Wednesday. I just got home from work, where I spent a very long day writing about the most contentious subject on my energy beat: Cape Wind, a proposed offshore wind project that plenty of people have an opinion about. Not only did I go around and around with sources -- who disagree vehemently -- I then worked with several editors to make sure that each viewpoint was represented fairly, accurately, and in the full context of the overall situation.

That's the kind of balance we strive for as professional journalists -- and something we need to strive for as members of NAHJ.

I say this after receiving and email this afternoon from one NAHJ member, who has taken exception to comments made by Russell Contreras, who I am publicly supporting in his bid for financial officer. This member disputed Russell's perception that tension still exists between members of CCNMA and NAHJ, and essentially accused Russell of bringing up bad blood to further his campaign, as well as the campaign of Hugo Balta, who is running for NAHJ president.

I'm not here to tell you who is right. I am here to remind you that there are always several sides to a story. You know this.

Some members agree with Russell and believe there are still old tensions lingering that NAHJ would do well to address. Others believe we have long moved past the issue. Wherever you stand, try to be respectful of one another as we get our viewpoints across.

I can tell you this: Russell is not only a dedicated journalist with a strong commitment to NAHJ, he's a trusted friend. And I think I can safely say that I, Russell, and anyone else running for office welcome comments from other members about our campaigns, the issues we need to focus on, and where our organization should be headed.

Respectfully
-- Erin

Random stuff

For one member's thoughts on who to vote for, click here. Thanks for the support @webjournalist.

This Globe Magazine story, The bright side of wrong, caught my eye and got me thinking about corrections ... and trying not to kick myself in the butt too hard the next time I have one.

And The Onion, on the Globe (because if I can't laugh at my own situation ...)

Just got back from the Gulf

Ok, so I've been totally remiss in posting to this blog. My excuse is that I just got back from working 16-hour days covering the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

Being out there brought home to me, once again, how important networking is -- among our sources and ourselves. While out in the field, I continually bumped into people who lived near me in Boston ... instant bond, instant story. And at a hearing in Chalmette, La. where Massachusetts Congressman Ed Markey -- one of my regular go-to people -- was present, I found myself sitting next to a college friend, who now reports for the Times-Picayune.

This happened to me during Katrina, too, when I was reporting on the hurricane for the Orlando Senintel. A college friend who works in Mobile helped hook me up with sources who took me out on rescue missions right after the storm, and I continually bumped into people from Florida who were happy to see a face from home.

Without that network, that support, I wouldn't have gotten the stories I did.

That said, I know you've all been getting messages NAHJ about attending the conference in Denver. I encourage you to go. It's important. Convention is where I find myself getting rejuvenated about my job. Maybe it's all the seminars and ideas that come from them, maybe it's getting a few days away from the office and seeing old friends. Maybe its all the swag I snag in the expo hall ... it's definitely about meeting new people and keeping our organization strong.

I know finances are a consideration, but think of convention as an investment in yourself and your work.

I hope to see you there.