Uncle Crappy

The unofficial-but-deeply-ingrained protocol among print folks is to be a little bit blase about journalism awards. But this one has eluded me for so long that it’s a little tough not to be excited about it.

Here’s the details: We won for spot news coverage, specifically of the flash flood that swept through Aliquippa last July. I share this with two other writers — Bob and Larissa — for the work we did the day of the flood. And though this was a writing award, everyone involved — three photographers, my friend Jacki who does all the video work for out website and the copy editors who put it all together — kicked ass that day. For all the problems that seem to be torturing my profession, results like that — and recognition like this — make the angst worthwhile.

Now if I can just get my hands on one of those Pulitzer things…