Dashin' through the table

I have been bombarded with the do's and don'ts of reporting ever since I became a student of journalism. 

However, this latest blunder from Rappler have shown that even one of the most reputable "social news" organization in the country can commit such grave boo-boo.

One of Rappler's news reporters, Lean Santos, was accused of plagiarism by one of Interaksyon.com's reporters, Ben Arnold De Vera.

It sucks when you think hard of possible stories to follow-up from a source, then another just blatantly copies when out-scooped.
— Ben Arnold de Vera (@BenArnolddeVera) July 4, 2013

Apparently, Santos was not able to attend the ambush interview that de Vera and another reporter has set up.

TO YOU "NEWS" ORG, AKO ANG NAGTANONG NUN AT WALA ANG REPORTER MO SA AMBUSH INTERVIEW. PERO WE GOT THE SAME ANGLE, ALMOST SAME QUOTES?! WOAH!
— Ben Arnold de Vera (@BenArnolddeVera) July 4, 2013

But this did not hinder Santos from publishing his story.

The problem de Vera had in Santos' story was it contained information which was lifted from the former's article.

In fact, Santos' story contained the same mistake that de Vera's article had before he updated it.

This act has sparked a heated exchange between de Vera, Santos and Santos' editor, Gemma Bagayaua Mendoza. 

In the end, Rappler recognized that one of their reporters has indeed committed plagiarism against Interaksyon.com. They have since cut their ties with Santos, apologized publicly for their mistake  and updated the story. 

But what was the real score here? Should Rappler be burned at the stake for this  kind of boo-boo?

Probably yes, as they were touted as one of the most credible sources of information in the country. And yet, they let this one run for almost a week before it was corrected. 

Certainly, this kind of grave mistake would forever be engraved in their reputation.

And probably no, because even "high quality" journalism like the Washington Post and the New York Times has had cases like this in the past.

I am not saying that they should not be held accountable. But, we should really not let the whole institution be condemned over a few rotten eggs, should we?

We have to understand that journalists, whether on print or online, has always been under pressure from everyone to produce stories. 

Time and workplace pressures may have ticked something in Lean Santos' mind which led him to do this.

So, was work environment a main reason for this mistake?

Yes, pressures from all sides may had been one of the causes of this regrettable mistake.

But, the challenge for journalists lied here. 

Journalists should find a way to still find, create and publish stories while still being bounded by journalism ethics. They should learn how not to be fazed by all kinds of pressure so that they would not succumb to them. 

Apparently, Lean Santos has failed and has succumbed to the pressures of being a journalist. 

What do you think, guys? Should Rappler be burned for this boo-boo?

Who knew that this guy right here would give you wonderful insights on how to be a good graphic artist? 

Highly unlikely? No, he's the real deal. 

Kuya "Lakay", as he is commonly called in the community, looks like a super happy, normal guy who spends his time doing nothing. 

Yes it is true that now, Mr. Herminigildo G. Robles and his wife, Elena, spend most of their time managing the sari-sari store they have managed to put up. But before, he was a graphic artist for clothing companies.

In his heydays, he used to work for the big names in the denim industry. Mr. Lee, Wranco Jeans, you name it. He's one of their best graphic artists. 

He probably even designed the jeans you are wearing right now. 

However, problems struck him one by one. His friends forced their company's closure and he was struck with epilepsy. He has shed almost all who he was before to become what he is now.

But, in the midst of all the unfortunate events, he still treasures the work ethics and values that he cultivated back then. And, he knows that these values are still relevant today.

So now, let me share you, artists of all classes, some tips from a veteran graphic artist himself.


Show your thanks to your company

He said that everyone should be grateful to the company that has given you your jobs.

Whether you are a top level executive, a mid level artist or a rank and file employee, everyone should do their best in doing their job for the sake of the company.

He told me a story about his friends that forced their company's closure. He said that those guys were planning to force their company to increase their salary even though the company would not be able to absorb the impact.

In the end, his company closed down.

He showed his gratitude by resigning from his job before its closure without taking any separation benefits because he knew that if he took it, not everyone would get their benefits.


Be Flexible

You should be flexible while working for a company.

Remember that not everyone are given a chance to work in a company. That's why, whatever tasks are available, you should do it as long as it in your field of expertise.

"Even doing menial jobs every now and then would be great," he said.

During his time in Wranco Jeans, he used to do other menial tasks in addition to him being an artist.

"Noon, hinahatid ko pa yung General Manager namin gamit yung L-300 ng kumpanya. Ginagawa ko yun kasi pakikisama yun eh, at kasama rin sa trabaho (Before, I even drive my General Manager back home using the company's L-300. I do that because that is fellowship and it is also my job)," he related to me.


Treat your co-workers as family

For a successful career, you should treat your co-workers as family. Cover for them when they are in need, and  they will cover for you when you are in a pinch, too.

In the end, employees would be the one covering for other employees, don't they?

In relation to this, he told me a story where he and his companion almost died.

"Noong papunta kaming Aparri, muntik na kaming mamatay. Nahulog kasi kami sa bangin! Naawa kasi ako dun sa driver namin dahil inaantok na siya. Ako rin pala, inaantok na. Kaya ayun, nahulog kami sa bangin. Sabi ko, 'Diyos ko po, mamamatay na ata ako.' Mabuti na lang, hindi kami namatay sa bangin. Kaso, naalala namin na 'di ba, pumumutok ang truck 'pag nahulog sa bangin? Bigla kaya kaming umakyat noon, kasi baka sumabog," he told me this while chuckling after.



Trust your hands

Your hands are your money making machines. Take care of them and do not rely on computer programs.

Computer programs are there to assist you, but they shouldn't really be used that often.

According to him, he sparingly used computer softwares back then as they have "inaccuracies" in them.



Be surprising and learn from experience

As an artist, you should be able to catch the attention of your viewers. To achieve this, you should be clever, unpredictable and surprising.

Surprise your viewers with groundbreaking ideas. Present unusual ideas that at first seems to be impossible.

Remember, nothing is impossible in this world, right?

When "Lakay" was still working, he presented an idea that he said was so unusual and groundbreaking, that his superiors and other people frowned on it.

He said that his idea was to create a model building where everything would be activated with motion sensor. Immediately, his superiors told him that it was impossible.

In the end, he was not able to create his model building. But, please remember that he presented his idea during the late 1980s. While it is not so unusual today, it was pretty hard to pull this off back then.

Lastly, he said that not everything is learned at school. Through experience, you can achieve others may have failed to attain.


Now that you have read his tips, what do you think guys?