First off, a pro is necessarily getting paid to do what he does, and that’s a tough trick these days all on its own. But a pro is also defined by the scope and practice of his operation. A pro has sources. A pro knows how to spot a lie. A pro does the work. A pro gets it right. A pro knows how to hustle the corner, but he also knows his way around a paragraph. A pro does it all, and he does it all well, without vanity or fireworks. A pro doesn’t leave any holes or openings, in his soul most of all. You want to know how to stand out, Andrew? Be a fucking pro.
Chris Jones, of Esquire, dropping some science on a young writer. (via capitalnewyork)
This so, so crucial, and not just for journalists, but for any job. To be a pro is to be able to do the work, even when it’s not fun, even when you don’t feel like it, and do it well. The highest compliment my old editor would give was “he’s a pro,” and that meant everything.
(via markcoatney)
