Comments on altangeles: A Note About My Time at Entrepreneur Magazine

Sorry about the raw deal, but I'm confident you'll...

2009-08-04T07:31:00.648-07:00

Sorry about the raw deal, but I'm confident you'll do well somewhere else. You've got to love the freedom social networking allows!

Don't ever regret the situation - it will help you to enjoy the next good one all that much more. BTW, I'll never look at that mag again.

Best wishes!

Oh, this has been such an interesting read! So ma...

2009-07-31T07:06:49.357-07:00

Oh, this has been such an interesting read! So many comments I could share.

If you notice people calling her "Cosper" they have either worked with her or are a friend. For some reason she always wnated to be reffered to by her last name. Juvenille and unprofessional in my opinion.

I worked with Amy for a while. Anyone who stands behind her is either young and hasn't realized what she is or someone who has not spent a lot of time around her and still believes her game.

In most cases I'd say someone who a peice like this is burning a bridge, in this case it is doing the world a favor.

She prides herself on being the "office bitch". Is that really who we want to be working with or for?

She talks a great game but is completely incompetent. Her management skills send people running to new jobs.

I'm glad she's finally being exposed in such a public forum.

Hey Dennis Sorry to hear about how all of that wen...

2009-07-30T22:20:10.638-07:00

Hey Dennis
Sorry to hear about how all of that went down. Even from being on the other side I know that your work was always great to read as a "reader" and that your ideas were ahead of the mainstream. I like the part when you say you were going to interview Mark Burnett (for Shark Tank) and that the story got buried. That should've been a feature for them! Anyway I will keep in contact if I hear of anything.
Best,
Melissa

Confirms what competent editors and publisher alwa...

2009-07-29T11:49:09.250-07:00

Confirms what competent editors and publisher always knew - user generated content is horse shit. Wasted read. Private equity ruined the publishing business years ago - content people haven't yet figured that out. Why do you think a web strategy, social networking and an event model are necessary? Deal multiples are much greater for "integrated media platforms." Let's forget the private equity imperialists and focus on the information needs of the audience. Again - crap journalism for whiny journalists - how deserving!

I worked once with someone just like Cosper and I ...

2009-07-28T19:59:05.721-07:00

I worked once with someone just like Cosper and I recognized every single manipulative, deceitful aspect. These people make you crazy, and yet you don't want to let them drive you away from the job you love, especially when they aren't even qualified to hire you in the first place, never mind judge your work. So you hang around, hoping you can keep doing that work and that someone will eventually notice how utterly incompetent and untrustworthy they are.

Then you realize: They serve a function that nobody wants to name. They schmooze with the people who need schmoozing, come up with the schemes that the real journalists can't stomach and the sales people think won't fly. They do whatever they're told, and lie to whomever they have to to make sure it happens even if it flies in the face of everything they're telling everyone the magazine is about. And they look very polished and smooth, at the same time that they don't know how to edit and don't want to do any work that doesn't involve conning someone. If they would just be honest, admit that their strength is dealing with ad stuff and tell you that you can do what you're good at -- writing and reporting -- all would be well. But they can't do that, because it compromises the illusion of omnipotence that their narcissism demands.

And frankly, the complainers above to the contrary, these people thrive in the culture where it's not cool to name names. They trade on survivors' unwillingness to describe the horrors they've left so that they can land a good job somewhere else. People who think you should have just kept quiet are welcome to the yes-men and weasels who do just that.

It's evidence of your talent that you've managed to land good work but can afford to put the exact truth as you see it out there. And it's evidence of your independence that you have described the real details, whatever the cost. Good work. All of American business would profit if people were more honest about what really goes on there. I say this as someone who wasn't, except here and there, and wishes she had been.

While I do not work in the world of journalism, I ...

2009-07-25T08:20:40.339-07:00

While I do not work in the world of journalism, I have a close relative who does. I hate to tell you but broadcast journalism is heading the same way in many markets. A female employee fired by 3 stations in the market became News Director in a "bottom-line" oriented Fox affiliate - and performed much the same way as your "boss". "Sucking up" was the major qualification for remaining on the newsroom staff - truly like a childish high school where quality was of no concern.Much as you experienced, professionalism and ethical behavior in an underling was to be feared and eliminated - one way or another. THE REAL FEAR? What happens to the role of the press and supposed unbiased journalism?
Your publication is obviously for a more focused clientele - but the larger problem is rampant in the industry where "the bottom line" excuses any ethical issues.

This is so dead-on! It really illustrates the prob...

2009-07-24T12:51:17.515-07:00

This is so dead-on! It really illustrates the problem with mainstream media today, where the bean-counters and incompetents are running completely amuck! You are much better off channeling your passion into your own online experiments to re-invent journalism. I've seen Entrepreneur's repeated job postings for managing editors (and watched the publication's decline), so they obviously have a worsening problem. (Glad I didn't apply for THAT job!) There is really no reason to accept this sort of disrespectful, negative, rude stupidity from an employer. Having been in journalism for 35 years, I recall how the industry was "reinvented" in the 1970s through the "underground press" and "New Journalism" (they spawned the alternative weeklies of today). The Web is an even better vehicle for reinvention, so who needs to deal with the (increasingly irrelevant) mainstream model? Also, welcome to your first "Boss-From_Hell" experience (they'll be many more!) and, of course, welcome to the OC!

I worked with Romero for two months and can vouch ...

2009-07-24T11:59:37.189-07:00

I worked with Romero for two months and can vouch for everything he said that took place while I was there. The claim that Romero was fired for failing to carry out his duties is laughable. He was valued, by me and the editor-in-chief, for his experience and his ability to generate a range of story ideas, particularly the two main July features, which, to my surprise, were unassigned when I arrived in late February. In that instance, I went to Romero, asked him if he had any story ideas that he could turn around in short order, and was relieved to see a long list of strong story proposals, which he'd been keeping throughout his time at Entrepreneur. I was looking forward to working more with Dennis, but a gathering storm of concerns led me to leave on very short notice. I'll skip those details and simply say that Romero is a standup guy and a seasoned journalist who conducts himself and respects his profession in a manner that any employer would value. I'm happy to serve as a reference.

One of those contributors: Go ahead and use your n...

2009-07-23T19:06:15.776-07:00

One of those contributors: Go ahead and use your name and list your experience if you're truly a seasoned journalist. I honestly couldn't find many in our online contributors' roster -- and I'm all up for being corrected -- but posting anonymously without laying out your cards doesn't help your case.

In fact, I do freelance, and I can tell you most of the outlets I've contributed to, including the Los Angeles Times and LA Weekly -- much better publications by miles -- don't pay that much. That's where I was coming from.

This is the Anonymous that started with [This was ...

2009-07-23T15:17:31.691-07:00

This is the Anonymous that started with [This was an excellent read].

I'm a woman and I know how these things work. I've been employed at companies where we all were in disbelief on why some women were still employed due to how inefficient they were at doing their job. With 3 of those instances we found out that a, there was a sexual relationship; b, 'friend factor' as in they knew the boss from previous company, c, too hot to fire--yes you read that right. I went into my boss' office and voiced frustration about someone and he told me she was too hot to fire. As in, all the boys liked looking at her. He also told me that I too, was too hot to fire but that I shouldn't take that as start being lax.

Point being: there's always a story. Oh, sorry, one more reason she may still be there is her salary. If Cosper is a bargain so to speak then sure I can see keeping her, especially if you say she also brings in ad revenue. Perhaps she takes commission on that?

Anyway, didn't mean to offend, especially since I'm female.

Good luck with everything.

As one of those online contributors that you say w...

2009-07-23T14:30:17.853-07:00

As one of those online contributors that you say weren't "professional, full-time journalists," I find it pretty offensive that you would A. judge those writers, and B. suggest their pay be lessened. Just because someone is a full-time freelance journalist, it doesn't mean they lack expertise, writing skills or experience. Do you research the bios and resumes of all those freelancers? It's fine to consider articles and writers on a case-by-case basis to determine if they should continue to freelance--if you had been an editor there, and not a staff writer--but it's really disloyal to suggest all online writers deserve less. Can't wait for that to happen to you at one of your freelance gigs.

Oh, wow. I applied for the staff writing position...

2009-07-23T13:13:03.692-07:00

Oh, wow. I applied for the staff writing position you ended up getting - I interviewed in August '08. Cosper said some unpleasant (and unwarranted) things to me during the interview and struck me as a real piece of work.

This entry is a real eye-opener. Now I'm *really* glad I didn't get that job!

So you stopped people from getting it? Why would y...

2009-07-23T12:22:15.455-07:00

So you stopped people from getting it? Why would you do that? To suck up or something? I don't get it. People are trying to make a penny a word online feed--if someone is paying, let them! Just my opinion. Writers are often their own worst enemy, as we see...

Star: Many if not most of the people contributing ...

2009-07-23T12:03:10.236-07:00

Star: Many if not most of the people contributing online were not professional, fulltime journalists. Anyone who knows the scene knows $1 a word is a lot for online. I simply pointed it out.

You are a writer--and you got rates reduced? Come ...

2009-07-23T11:46:21.830-07:00

You are a writer--and you got rates reduced? Come again?

[Another example of folks there not even beginning...

2009-07-23T11:31:46.610-07:00

[Another example of folks there not even beginning to know what they were doing: They paid $1 a word for online articles, most of which were horrible. I told Cosper it was a little high, and I'm sure she took it to her bosses without crediting me. Suffice to say that rate was reduced].

Anonymous ["This was an excellent read"]: I publis...

2009-07-23T11:25:00.840-07:00

Anonymous ["This was an excellent read"]: I published your comment with reservations. I have rejected others for suggesting a sexual undertones when it comes to Cosper's position. It's an offensive notion that when a woman comes to power it's because she got there by using her sexuality, and there was certainly no evidence of that at Entrepreneur.

Frankly, Cosper saved the Sheas money and she probably made them some too by helping to sell advertising and by being in a position to make editorial concessions to advertisers, which she clearly did. What's more -- quite the opposite of the suggestion being made -- Cosper can square up with the boys. From what I understand, she rides high performance motorcycles. The Sheas, particularly the father, are long-time auto racing fans. Finally, she's not stupid. She runs the place like a North Korean dictator, sure, but her eye's always on her power, and anything that gets in the way gets manipulated or booted. It was clear to me that they were happy with her and would continue to back her.

What baffles me is that the Sheas could save money, sell ads AND have a quality product. I used to always use the example of the Emmis-owned Orange Coast, a city/regional magazine. It has an editorial staff of six. It's -- I kid you not -- 10 times better than Entrepreneur. It sells more ads than Entrepreneur too. But it treats its people well. It has a small, hard-working staff. Pretty much every one of those people on-staff, including the editor-in-chief, writes for the magazine each issue. But they're paid well too. And they're some of the best in the business. There's a line out the door of people who would like to work there. The enthusiasm shows. It pays off with the bottom line. Emmis believes in quality as a core part of its business. It believes quality sells ads. I would agree.

The Sheas, frankly, aren't magazine people. And they're too afraid to entrust their brand to people who know what they're doing. So they encourage a culture of mediocrity and servile management so they can call the shots.

Mr. Romero, Your post here says much about your f...

2009-07-23T08:36:18.314-07:00

Mr. Romero,

Your post here says much about your former employer and its management practices, which, sadly, are more the norm than the exception in the work world these days. The post also says much about you, I think, and much of it not flattering. There's good advice from some folks here. I hope you follow it

I am a writer of 28 years' standing and almost alw...

2009-07-23T07:54:49.285-07:00

I am a writer of 28 years' standing and almost always take the writer's side--but you two sound like you deserve each other. Why spoil two magazines? What a whiner you are! Good grief, I would hate, as a human being, to have you dogging after me, chronicling my every move. Eeek. I hope for your sake your next potential boss does not get the complete jeebs reading this.Incidentally--when you put a sentence inside parens, the period goes inside, too.

This was an excellent read. Thank you for having t...

2009-07-23T06:32:27.103-07:00

This was an excellent read. Thank you for having the guts to write it and publish.

I am just an average reader of Huffington Post. Not in any way involved in journalism, magazines, etc. But what happened with you happens everywhere all over the world, and in every industry. Getting fired sucks. Always. Because it's never on your terms.

I have a few random thoughts though that I really hope you can try to address:

*can you (or someone) get their real investigative hat on and try very hard to figure out the relationship between this Cosper and this Shea family? As in, is she blowing Papa Shea, (or whomever, Shea)? Is she some sort of long-time (but secret) 'friend of the family'? Please try, that would be fascinating to read.

*It's cruel but yet ironic that you were with Entrepreneur and yet you learned the ultimate entrepreneur story of why so many people everyday become entrepreneurs...usually getting fired, can't find another job, or just tired of kissing ass.

*There is a HUGE need for high quality entrepreneur information and you might want to think about how you can capitalize on this via the web. And of course eventually monetize.

Lastly, Entrepreneur, for me, has been a light breezy read for me for far too long. Have never subscribed but gotten free issues. Takes all about 20 minutes to really get through.

And don't worry, Karma IS a bitch and these people will get what's coming to them in one way or another.

All you "Anonymous" people criticizing Dennis for ...

2009-07-23T02:53:10.254-07:00

All you "Anonymous" people criticizing Dennis for his post, obviously don't get it or are not-to-be-trusted Emag shills. If what Dennis wrote is true, Emag is still the scam rag it was when it was started in the 70s by a convicted bank robber and serial con artist (using one of numerous aliases to hide his felonious background), to peddle get rich schemes onto unsuspecting readers.

True journalists, or any upstanding business person, should be far more concerned about what is allegedly going on at Emag, than whether or not other shitty run magazines will want to hire Dennis. Or have you already given up and conceded that mags are a dying breed and America has lost its competitive edge?

Scams like Madoff's and Enron's can only succeed if tons of people are willing to turn a blind eye and/or attack people like Dennis, who, after months of apparently busting his butt trying to improve Emag's massive editorial problems, gets so frustrated after getting canned for his efforts, that he writes a post so detailing of his experiences at Emag, and opens himself up to severe criticisms from spineless, faceless, and anonymous people and threats of "you'll never work in this industry again boy!"

I'm embarrassed by what people are saying about Dennis instead of asking, "what if he is right?" I'm also sick and tired of people complaining about how bad they've had it at other jobs, and telling Dennis to just grow up and accept the fact that companies can and will treat their employees and customers with such deceit and disrespect.

Is this what you're also telling your kids? That life sucks, get used to it? If so, stop it! You're part of the problem and don't deserve to call yourself an American. The founders (and immigrants) of our great country didn't bust their butts to build America into the world's best country just to have a bunch of lazy bums mess up what they worked so hard for (note: I didn't say America is perfect).

For us to get out of this record setting economic crisis, we need leaders who can lead and workers who refuse to accept inferior work or unethical companies. The fact that foreign companies build better cars in their U.S.-based factories with American workers than domestic car companies can, highlights what can and will happen when people become complacent and accepting of inferior work and inept management. And is also why taxpayers now own most of bankrupted General Motors, once the most profitable and admired company in the entire world.

And those of you getting your rocks off blasting Dennis but are too much of a wuss to use your real name, let's just assume you're an Emag ringer desperately trying to defend the poster child of what is bad with corporate America. Why else are you so afraid to identify yourself? Contrary to your rants, it is YOU, not people like Dennis, that most good employers would NOT want to hire. What good companies knowingly hire people who are so accepting of inferior employee performance and unethical business practices? Apparently, you work for one of them.

Angelo, thanks so much. It was my pleasure. (The ...

2009-07-22T23:12:48.319-07:00

Angelo, thanks so much. It was my pleasure.

(The man is a former Time magazine editor-at-large and an editorial director for Emmis Publishing's Ciudad magazine).

I've definitely noticed the deteriorating quality ...

2009-07-22T22:29:59.898-07:00

I've definitely noticed the deteriorating quality of Entrepreneur over the last year, and joked about it recently with other friends/subscribers. I'll take your word that leadership is a huge issue. Depletion of ranks seems to have caused obvious, and predictable problems as well. You've helped me understand why the "Franchise" section has slowly taken over the magazine.

I was probably going to cancel my subscription anyway, but this seals the deal. Hopefully INC and Fast Company can pick up the slack.

Get over it, Romero. We've all lost a job or two b...

2009-07-22T21:23:15.395-07:00

Get over it, Romero. We've all lost a job or two because of lousy management. I hope you found it cathartic to write such a lengthy diatribe about your distaste for your ex-boss. You'll land on your feet somewhere. Just watch out for those IM's.

Hiring Cosper was a huge mistake. She doesn't know...

2009-07-22T20:49:43.013-07:00

Hiring Cosper was a huge mistake. She doesn't know how to build or lead a team. I don't know why the owners continue to defend her so strongly with the way things are going over there. The only reason I can come up with is that they want the company to fail. Through all of this mess at least one thing has become crystal clear–the beginning of the end of Entrepreneur Magazine started the day Amy Cosper became editor-in-chief.