Editor,
I’m an ex-freelancer for the North Coast Journal. Up until a few weeks ago, I wrote a column offering advice, comfort and what I hoped were clever observations for and about the financially challenged. In my decade of local media involvement, I’ve never received such consistent and rewarding attention for my work – writing that would never have happened without the encouragement and guidance of former editor Hank Sims.
The column would’ve marked its second year in the Journal as of this issue, but given the recent editorial change, I regret my enthusiasm for writing it has waned.
I trust the talent of the remaining staff and freelancers will keep the Journal a worthwhile read.
Jennifer Savage, Manila
This article appears in Good Food.
I am sad to see Jennifer leave the Journal. “Savage Money” was one of those must-reads. She had her pen on the pulse of so many Humboldt residents who survive on the North Coast by scraping out a living, often working two or three jobs and freelance gig here and there. Good luck Jen!
Jen’s writing has always been full of heart, good information and humor. I’ll miss Savage money. Hopefully there’s a blog or book in her so we can continue to get her words.
Shame. How many will the Journal lose before getting rid of thou who shalt leave, Judy?
The clock is ticking, Abate.
This is more bad news! Savage money was a column I always looked forward to and will sorely miss! I hope this doesn’t mean that more of my favorite writers will be dropping from The Journal. Will NCJ even be worth reading anymore?
um, little disclaimer? Jennifer Savage WORKS FOR LOST COAST COMMUNICATIONS
um, little disclaimer? Jennifer Savage WORKS FOR LOST COAST COMMUNICATIONS, i.e. right where Hank Sims ended up after he was deposed as editor of the Journal in favor of an adult.
Stop shouting, Anonymous 2:56. It only makes your idiotic comment louder.
Thanks for the kind words, those of you who offered them.
Anonymous… you’re right! I do earn upwards of dozen of dollars each month WORKING FOR LOST COAST COMMUNICATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And that is where Hank ended up. OMG!!!!!!!! It’s almost like they recognize and reward talent… except… it must be… part of… a vast…conspiracy!!!! WITH CAPITAL LETTERS!!!!!!!!
(Please forgive the lack of maturity in the above comment. Sometimes, I slip.)
Jen,
I laughed until my jaws ached.
A lack of maturity is apparently something I need to get. I bow down before your sense of the absurd.
I’ve braved the spam-storm on this site to also say that I will miss the humor, humility, creativity, sound logic and good advice of Ms. Savage.
I consider both Jennifer Savage and Tom Abate to be good friends. Like others I’ve always enjoyed Jen’s work for the Journal and it will be sorely missed.
While there can be no doubt that Tom’s recent re-arrival here has bumpy to say the least, count me as holding onto hope that it’s all going to work out in the end. Once all this kerfluffle dies down a bit and the media itself stops being the story, our talented local writers can get back to doing what they do best, writing about the Humboldt experience. Jen, you are one of the best at that and I sincerely hope to see your byline grace the pages of The Journal again before too much time goes by.
I have very much appreciated Ms. Savage’s columns. When she offered practical advise on household finances, I took note. I admired her ingenuity and her obviously deep love for her family and the planet. The only issue I had with Ms. Savage’s column was that she gave the impression that Being Poor was a part of her identity, and made dark jokes about it (particularly her final column). By identifying as a Poor Person, one cannot move to prosperity without changing that mindset. Ms. Savage, I am sure, is wealthy in many other far more important ways. One way is her talent. Sadly, she has resigned from the Journal, and I assume it was to penalize its staff for poor decision-making. But her resignation ends up being far more punitive to her readers. Despite its faults, the Journal is the most read paper in this community and an excellent vehicle for a financial column such as Savage Money. I hope Ms. Savage would reconsider, and come back for the benefit of her readers, if nothing else.