Slog Oct 24, 2014 4:01 PM

I Got a Job at the Seattle Times, Which Means I'm Leaving The Stranger

by Bethany Jean Clement

Comments

1
Did you lose a bet?
MrBaker on October 24, 2014 at 4:06 PM · Report this
2
We will miss you so much, Bethany! You have always been among my favorite food writers, not just at the stranger, period. I look forward to following your career!
ingopixel on October 24, 2014 at 4:07 PM · Report this
3
NOOO! I mean, we will miss you and thanks.
treefort on October 24, 2014 at 4:10 PM · Report this
4
Jesus Christ, another one. What is going on over there at the Stranger?
MacCrocodile on October 24, 2014 at 4:11 PM · Report this
5
I guess this means seven times the Bartender Crush we are getting now! Oh, goodie!
seatackled on October 24, 2014 at 4:12 PM · Report this
6
I'll miss reading your posts, Bethany! Bon voyage over there at the non-news paper of Seattle.
emma's bee on October 24, 2014 at 4:18 PM · Report this
7
Good luck in the shrinking field of dying media! No really, good luck, I'm sorry to see you go.
rejemy on October 24, 2014 at 4:23 PM · Report this
8
Will the last staffer at the Stranger please turn out the lights?
bigyaz on October 24, 2014 at 4:25 PM · Report this
9
Congrats/big sad.
Matt from Denver on October 24, 2014 at 4:26 PM · Report this
10
A stream of good writers leave and Mudede remains. Truly, there is no justice.
B^2 on October 24, 2014 at 4:29 PM · Report this
11
That's horrible news!

(congratulations though & good luck!)
mikethehammer on October 24, 2014 at 4:36 PM · Report this
12
What are you going to be covering at the Times? I subscribe so I'll be looking for your byline. Good luck!
Gern Blanston on October 24, 2014 at 4:40 PM · Report this
13
Good luck to you! Glad you'll still be a part of our local media!
Hernandez on October 24, 2014 at 4:45 PM · Report this
14
Congratulations? Congratulations!

Will miss seeing you in the paper, on the blog, and making so much magic happen behind the scenes at the Stranger.
Josh Bis on October 24, 2014 at 4:49 PM · Report this
15
Wow. That sucks.

They are really ARE cleaning shop over there.

I guess they got to get rid of the old timers before they start to getting too expensive or unable to relate to the 20-something advertising demographic. (Charles is probably getting nervous. He's positively a dinosaur compared to Bethany.)
tkc on October 24, 2014 at 4:49 PM · Report this
16
I've always loved your writing, you're one of the smart ones. I wish you well on your next gig.
seandr on October 24, 2014 at 4:55 PM · Report this
17
@8 agreed! Best of luck to you Bethany Jean!
pat L on October 24, 2014 at 4:55 PM · Report this
18
Well, this might explain the flushed look on your face when you walked past me outside of Poquito's last night. Congratulations on the career move and please do try to bite Frank Blethen's hand just once, for old times sake.
COMTE on October 24, 2014 at 5:00 PM · Report this
19
The second woman to leave high-profile Seattle blogging this week !

Here's to new, greener pastures BJC. It's possible that the Blethens might have found the magic pixie who will cause me to read the Seattle Times regularly.
ChefJoe on October 24, 2014 at 5:02 PM · Report this
20
@b^2: Mudede is unemployable anywhere else.
supergp on October 24, 2014 at 5:04 PM · Report this
21
Big win for the Times, stealing away one of the Stranger's most talented writers.

Too bad they can't get Eli back.
bigyaz on October 24, 2014 at 5:06 PM · Report this
22
I've disliked every one of your food reviews (yes, vegetarians exist, thank you, move on), but your exposes and arts stuff were always pretty good. Also you've always been nice to me when I drunkenly email you things, which you certainly didn't need to be. I hope you have more of an influence on them than they have on you, best of luck.
billbillbillbillbill on October 24, 2014 at 5:16 PM · Report this
23
Also with #8.

When one or maybe two more actual reporters leaves, this site will have lost all excuse for existing. Clement is what, the third or fourth long-time ink-stained wretch to leave or be fired in the last six months? The only hire since then who's make any pretense at reporting is Herz, and his cocksure inexperience bleeds through every paragraph he writes.
Warren Terra on October 24, 2014 at 5:16 PM · Report this
24
I predict you'll be back.

The Seattle Times is a newspaper in decline. Unless they dramatically change their business model, it is only a matter of time before they go under.

Still, good luck, and enjoy it while it lasts.
Reverse Polarity on October 24, 2014 at 5:17 PM · Report this
25
Good luck! And does this mean more Sara Dickerman in the Stranger?
John Scott Tynes on October 24, 2014 at 5:26 PM · Report this
26
@25

I want more Rachel Kessler at the Stranger.
seatackled on October 24, 2014 at 5:32 PM · Report this
27
@24, true, but they're unionized and have (had?) a pension plan.
ChefJoe on October 24, 2014 at 5:38 PM · Report this
28
Well, that's too bad. Another writer I'll miss.
LMcGuff on October 24, 2014 at 5:52 PM · Report this
29
Oh I will miss you!
Best of luck to you my dear.
Lissa on October 24, 2014 at 5:52 PM · Report this
30
@10 for the win
westello on October 24, 2014 at 5:57 PM · Report this
31
Cool, I hope they can get their shit together and deliver us the paper WHICH WE ACTUALLY HAVE A SUBSCRIPTION FOR
wormletter on October 24, 2014 at 6:03 PM · Report this
32
Abandon ship!
on October 24, 2014 at 6:07 PM · Report this
33
@30 - that is word for word what I was going to say, so kudos to @10.
sperifera on October 24, 2014 at 6:34 PM · Report this
34
@24: Better to work at a newspaper in decline than a pretend newspaper in decline.

Wise decision Bethany. Best wishes!
raindrop on October 24, 2014 at 6:51 PM · Report this
35
@10, @30, @33... Why all the Charles Mudede hate? Don't you read The Stranger for an alternative take? Mudede is probably the most alternative voice in The Stranger. People are a bewildered herd; Mudede sheds some light on the history of the how and why of the economic and social forces that keep us bewildered. For all that and more, I thank The Stranger for keeping Mudede on staff.
on October 24, 2014 at 6:56 PM · Report this
36
Best of luck Bethany. May you continue to find success wherever you go.

(I have a sad. We'll miss you.)
Pridge Wessea on October 24, 2014 at 7:07 PM · Report this
37
@35: I agree. Charles Mudede is good because he is so irritating and contorted in some of this thinking, but that is what challenges the reader to think, I hate to say it, "out-of-the-box". The same goes for Paul Constant.
raindrop on October 24, 2014 at 7:09 PM · Report this
38
Every review will be of 13 Coins from here on out.
fletc3her on October 24, 2014 at 7:51 PM · Report this
39
I have never, ever understood what your thing with meat is. Seriously, what the hell?
Ph'nglui mglw'nafh Cthulhu R'lyeh wgah'nagl fhtagn on October 24, 2014 at 7:51 PM · Report this
40
@37

I like Mudede partly because he is black. When he writes of Beacon Hill, Hip Hop, Africa, i feel like I'm hearing it from someone in the know, a "brother." Ansel, Paul, dave Segal - whenever they do their championing of other races, it's political posturing foremost.



Speaking of posture, with Bethany's exquisite and refined taste, I bet she has good posture, or not. Either way, sweetness has exuded from her posts. Fare thee well!
dnt trust me on October 24, 2014 at 7:56 PM · Report this
41
Shit.

Good luck!
Canadian Nurse on October 24, 2014 at 8:21 PM · Report this
42
Dude. What's happening at the Stranger? It seems like quite the exodus lately. Please keep Paul Constant!

Wishing you very best of luck in your move, BJC. I've enjoyed your writing & hope you keep on, keepin' on.

Stranger - if you guys need a DC-area correspondent..keep me in mind. ;)
Eva Hopkins on October 24, 2014 at 8:26 PM · Report this
43
Bethany, thanks for still writing about food in the area! I trust your opinion, mostly.

Uhm, Stranger... Maybe value your talent more financially? I mean, you've still got Eli, who's great, and Charles, who has moments of brilliance and moments of incoherence, and Brendan, who has probably written the best pieces you've published...
And Ansel, who's actually a good new addition. But it feels like the bench is getting kinda weak...
disintegrator on October 24, 2014 at 9:12 PM · Report this
44
Good luck BJC, I always enjoyed your writing. You will be missed.
Dr. Z on October 24, 2014 at 9:13 PM · Report this
45
Congrats! You'll be sorely missed here on SLOG. Tell your new co-workers to treat you right, 'cause you're a writer with options.
on October 24, 2014 at 9:38 PM · Report this
46
Now you can review those pretentious, fancy restaurant for those who can actually afford them.
randomitis on October 24, 2014 at 10:24 PM · Report this
47
Best wishes, young lady.
CPN on October 24, 2014 at 11:16 PM · Report this
48
I worked at the Times for 12 years. I made some great friends there, but it's a dysfunctional work environment. And the man who signs your paychecks is a Grade A asshole. Good luck.
DOUG. on October 24, 2014 at 11:27 PM · Report this
49
@48: Whether or not you think Frank Blethen is an asshole is tangential to the conversation. The fact of the matter remains is that he's the publisher of sole remaining daily newspaper in Seattle. Although it's extrememley vogue for Seattle liberals to pontificate their ruffled feathers over his editorials; I find it hard pressed to even think that Index Newspapers LLC would even come close to achieving notoriety in Seattle's newspaper history as much as The Seattle Times has.

In addition, we cannot forget the extraordinary generosity of The Seattle Times, to agree to operate under a Joint Operating Agreement (to save the failing Seattle P.I.) at great expense to their printing presses and their circulation capabilities. Mr. Blethen's gallant gesture failed, however, it should be noted for those who take delight at singling out the little guy from the big evil corporate monster just doesn't add up - no matter how much they want it to suit the narrative.

raindrop on October 24, 2014 at 11:47 PM · Report this
50
Good heavens, raindrop, what a long pompous post.

Yes, please keep Paul. Or at least try to keep him.

I can't believe the Times actually hires people anymore.
sarah91 on October 25, 2014 at 1:01 AM · Report this
51
Happy trails!
Pope Peabrain on October 25, 2014 at 2:24 AM · Report this
52
Best of luck Bethany, I always enjoyed your writing. Interested to see what you can do at the Times.
matt! on October 25, 2014 at 3:21 AM · Report this
53
I'm confident you'll find there's very little difference.
on October 25, 2014 at 8:04 AM · Report this
54
Congrats on moving from one shitshow to a slightly better shitshow.
treehugger on October 25, 2014 at 8:43 AM · Report this
55
Oh dear, Bethany. You have given me a reason to look at the Times again. I don't know how I feel about that, but I am indeed happy for you.



And Raindrip dear, you really need a corsage, a longette, and an empire waist gown to pull a post like that off.
Catalina Vel-DuRay on October 25, 2014 at 8:51 AM · Report this
56
Welcome to life after Stranger, Bethany. And don't let Frank Blethen anywhere near your dog.
Goldy on October 25, 2014 at 9:24 AM · Report this
57
@55, and you my dear need to duck when walking under ceiling fans. Love your new pic!
raindrop on October 25, 2014 at 9:40 AM · Report this
58
MEAT!!!!!!!!! ALL MEAT ALL THE TIME!!!!! BETHANY EATS MEAT!!!!!!!!! LOTS OF MEAT!!!!!!!!!!! SHE'S GONNA EAT MEAT AT THE SEATTLE TIMES!!!!!!!!!! MORE MEAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! MMMMMEEEEAAAAAAATTTTTTT!!!!!
on October 25, 2014 at 12:44 PM · Report this
59
Lovely. While you're there, bu sure to work a pitch into your columns for cutting taxes for rich people. It's the one issue your new employer actually cares about.
maddogm13 on October 25, 2014 at 2:02 PM · Report this
60
Always a fan of yours, Bethany. Best of luck at the new gig darlin.
kerri harrop on October 25, 2014 at 2:04 PM · Report this
61
I am so glad that if you have to find yourself amog the Stranger-leavers you're at least not leaving Seattle, nor for somewhere trite, say, Brooklyn.

And I'm very glad you'll be at the Times. I've subscribed digitally for years because I LOVE having a lot of reporters paid for reporting. I so look forward to reading more from you!
TomJohnsonJr on October 25, 2014 at 5:50 PM · Report this
62
Hey Bethany, thanks for all your writing and work, we'll miss you lots! And make sure lots of your columns get run on Sundays, then I can feel ok about my wife buying the sunday paper.
Hanoumatoi on October 25, 2014 at 6:27 PM · Report this
63
I thought The S Times was fully automated already, as predicted by PKD. Color me surprised.

Good luck BJC, don't let them crush your soul. And don't forget to take good notes on everything there, so you can write a book detailing the decline of newspapers from the inside.
treacle on October 25, 2014 at 6:33 PM · Report this
64
@58: Stimpy, get our friend a glass of meat.
Dr. Z on October 25, 2014 at 7:16 PM · Report this
65
Congratulations.

Onward. When it is time to go it is time. Best of luck.
balmontguy on October 25, 2014 at 9:10 PM · Report this
66
@63: Guess what? The Times pays a real salary with real benefits, unlike the Stranger. And hundreds of thousands of people actually buy the Times every day, unlike the Stranger. And a lot of people PAY to read the Times online, unlike the Stranger.

The Times has a newsroom 10 times the size of any other media outlet in the city and the revenue to support it. It wins Pulitzer prizes (among many other major journalism awards) and has some of the best reporters and photographers in the country. Not to mention a lot of top-notch editors.

THAT is why Bethany Jean is leaving the Stranger for the Times. And why you would never hear of anyone leaving a serious, daily newspaper for the Stranger.

If anything it's the alt weeklies that are an endangered species:

http://blogs.reuters.com/jackshafer/2013…

bigyaz on October 25, 2014 at 9:13 PM · Report this
67
Sad, but not as sad as if you were leaving Seattle all together. Congrats on the Times gig! I look forward to seeing your influence over there.
Brent Amaker on October 25, 2014 at 10:11 PM · Report this
68
can i have your old job?
juan_martinez on October 26, 2014 at 4:36 PM · Report this
69
Your elegant writing will be missed here.
rainandkale on October 26, 2014 at 10:50 PM · Report this
70
Good luck! You you're one of the few stranger writers who didn't seem polarizing. Everyone seems to like you, I certainly did. Except for the grumpy vegetarians. No pleasing them.
ohthetrees on October 27, 2014 at 8:34 AM · Report this
71
good luck BC
biju on October 27, 2014 at 9:23 AM · Report this
72
You are a hero and an inspiration. Felicitations and best of luck!
kid icarus on October 27, 2014 at 1:30 PM · Report this
73
You were and are, first and foremost, a writer; one of the best in town. Thank god that won't change just because you're changing employers. Good luck - you're wonderful!
Jubilation T. Cornball on October 27, 2014 at 4:18 PM · Report this
74
Will miss you here -- will see you there.
on October 27, 2014 at 4:43 PM · Report this
75
ARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGH!!!!!!!

I hate change. Best of luck anyway! You did great work for this little paper.
Puty on October 27, 2014 at 11:52 PM · Report this
76
Good!!!!! You truly are one of the worst "reporters" I've ever come across. From your bullshit substance free writing about Elysian sans Murray to your Slander of Storyville coffee, you truly have failed as a "journalist" if that is something you have strived to be.
on October 30, 2014 at 3:15 AM · Report this