2008.07.29
Ode to the company cell phone stipend
A quiet revolution has been spreading across the newsroom. It's time someone broke the silence.
I. Love. My. Cell phone reimbursement.
A couple of years ago, the Roanoke Times finally jumped into the 21st century and instituted a cell phone stipend for reporters. Before that, we either had to donate our own minutes to the company, or use a handful of geeky cell phones that could be "checked out" for use on assignment.
When the announcement came that the 'pool' phones were being abandoned for the modern approach, we rejoiced ... and flew to our various dealers to upgrade our phones. Motorazor, baby.
So, this morning I'm reaping the rewards of this wonderful new system. I'm standing outside under a cloudless blue sky, leaning against the cool stones of a rock wall in the shade, interviewing an Amish business owner for a story, while inside the Duncan garage mechanics are servicing my car.
And there doesn't seem to be much of a downside to this system. You can still go out to dinner or go for a hike (within tower range, of course), even when you're on call for the weekend. We used to have to sit by the phone at home, waiting for something to happen.
And the very best part? When you clock out for the day, you can turn the thing off.
-- Tonia Moxley
