It is fair to say that our training is by no means as thorough as it might be, but it is more extensive than previously. In addition, the library staff offers training sessions and private tutorials on the electronic reference resources 16. Generally, the work day runs from 4 p.m. or 5 p.m. to midnight or 1 a.m., depending on which rim one works. Three or four copy editors regularly start late and work until 2 a.m. or 3 a.m. and handle late-breaking news. Friday nights, when we produce both the daily Saturday editions and an early Sunday edition, are hell for everyone.
Extra pages are okay.
It would be idle to pretend that everyone on this copy desk is content to be here or free from professional frustration, but in the main we have assembled a desk whose abilities would be difficult to match. We have held steady amid turmoil, both at this paper and in the business, and we have consistently done good work. I have been on this desk for more than 10 years, witnessing its growth in stature in the newsroom. I am surrounded by able, intelligent, energetic colleagues who find humor and even exhilaration in their daily work, and for that I consider myself lucky.