On kind of a whim, I saw a flyer for journalism class and how it needs CSS programmers. I being a CSS programmer thought this would be a great opportunity to be a part of another web site and add another bullet to my resume.
I forgot one thing though…. I would be working with reporters.
I enrolled into the class late, but because they were in dire need of people to participate there was no problem registering. I had people bending over backwards and everything to sign the right papers that got me into the class. Once in I treaded softly, as I normally do (at least at first) and tried to learn the ropes.
Dealing with kids while going to college seems to be unavoidable, and some are worse than others. However, with it being expected I tend to have to grin and bear it and roll with the punches. One of the kids in the class, is more annoying than most, and to make matters worse he is my boss. I guess that is how it works in the real world and thats how they are trying to run the newspaper.
Annoying kids aside, the one thing that tops everything is that there is no CSS programmer position and never was! Of course I don’t notice this until after the deadline for a refund (which actually was a couple days before I registered) and after I have the option to drop without getting a “W” on my transcripts (2 weeks after I registered).
So, with a full load of 18 credits, I held on trying to make up my mind and make the best of things. Now I am am fed up after one argument after another with the photo chief, my boss, because somehow I went from fake CSS programmer to photographer.
Now, what I see here is an old advertising trick called “bait and switch”. You might see it in some third world street markets, where they show you this fancy elegant item for sale, then when you agree to buy it they throw a crappy one in the bag and you don’t notice it until you are home. Under common practice in the US it is illegal.
I told my professor that due to the confusion and the lack of needing a CSS programmer I will be dropping the class. I will also speak with the dean of student life, and explain the situation and ask that I not be charged and a “W” not be placed on my transcripts. I made an attempt to do this tactfully, however I must have missed a comma or something cause now this journalism professor is pissed! Asking me why I waited so long, I could have quit long ago, blah blah…, its all my fault.
Sorry…, I just want to drop the class and not have to pay for it. The flyer that got me to sign up was false and misleading, but that was due to stupid photo chief dude, not the professor.
So now I am in a pissing match with a professor, whom I no longer care to remain tactful with. Its all via e-mail as well so at least I don’t have to wash any blood or spit off my face. I might be a little upset except she’s not really a professor, she is a veteran reporter who is there only as an advisor. And I don’t take too kindly to things reporters say…. surprisingly they have a very unique way of lying and twisting the truth to their liking.
And here I was thinking it was only those big time Boston Globe guys. Oh yeah and that Army Times girl who asks for an interview but never returns e-mail, then prints her article anyway. Which just came out this week if anyone has a copy, I don’t want to register for their site.
