Being a journalist is a lot like being a boy scout. We don’t wear shorts or get given badges for cutting the neighbour’s lawn, but we do have to be prepared.
You never know when you may be called on to fly up to court because someone of importance has done something they shouldn’t, or be sent off to a high profile press conference or serious car accident.
For that reason it is important to make sure your appearance is as it should be and you are suitably attired. When I was a cub reporter in the wilds of north Wales (my boss now insists this makes me Welsh) I was so paranoid about things like that I even kept a spare shirt and tie in the office just in case.
But I am a lazy so and so given the chance and over time have lapsed into lazy habits. The problem is these things can bite you on the bum.
As an example . . . my picture which has been accompanying this blog (hopefully by the time you read this it will have changed!) and today appeared on page 8 of the Shropshire Star.
Now, clearly I’m no Brad Pitt (more John Hannah apparently… whatever happened to him starring in a live action movie of Mr Benn?) but it’s fair to say I don’t look my best on that picture.
No jacket, bird’s nest hair and in desperate need of a shave. Several comments have been passed. None of them complimentary. “I notice you didn’t put a picture of Dave on the Front.” “I thought the one inside was enough.” Nice.
So now I’ve had a new pic done. It’s still not Brad Pitt. But at least it’s not Joe McTramp either. And I’m shaving every day.
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