Copy Boy?

[cksidekick]

i know some fans are upset that Lois and Clark are at the Daily Planet working together...many feel as though Clark especialy, has not "earned his stripes"...he does not deserve to be a full fledged Reporter for the paper...

when Clark finds Tess at Isis, she asked him if he was writing a story on the mystery woman (Maxima)...

Tess-"are you writing a story about that woman?"

Clark-"Do you know her?"

some back and forth "blah blah blah......."

Tess-"That's a pretty big story for a copy boy."


my question is, does this help anyone more readily accept Clark's having a job at the Daily Planet?

i, for one, am satisfied...let's just keep the ball rolling...


discuss...

[Imzadia]

Copy Boy, eh? Well, that IS acceptable and Reasonable. I wonder what that position pays? I Love Clark's New Wardrobe, but I would like to know How he could afford it? Not really...that's too much realism. I just Love to watch.

[JNottle]

I think he is a reporter but that is just an insult/nickname that Tess uses on him when trying to taunt him.

I like how Clark isn't afraid to fire back to her just because she's his boss though.

[smallvillerocks45]

Yeah.. I'm sold. The intonation in her voice definitely made it sound insulting, but if he were a reporter, I don't think she would have specifically called him a copy boy. The Clark Kent that I remember from the movies - and correct me if I'm wrong with regards to the comics - may be teased a bit for writing simple stories about kittens stuck in trees, but he is respected and recognized as a legitimate reporter. I think he would be respected now as such if he were one.


Admittedly, I'm not as informed about the journalistic hierarchy. There's an editor, a reporter, and what are the other possible roles one could have in this business. It seems that even if Clark actually is a reporter, it's probably "Jr. Reporter" status (even though that term is usually refers to teen/child writers)- it seems rude to call someone a copy boy if they're a reporter; call them a fluff piece writer, call them a rookie, but a copy boy... maybe Tess is just plain mean...

[jimmyolsenblues]

i have no problem with clark starting at the bottom.

[unfocused]

Neither do I.

So this means the "copy boy" insult means Clark is the lowest of the low in the reporters field? Because that is a press pass he wears on his chest, isn't it?

[Ilovebeinglost]

I took it as meaning that he's new, start starting out and doesn't have the experience to write a big story yet.

[Mr.Magic]

Neither do I.

So this means the "copy boy" insult means Clark is the lowest of the low in the reporters field? Because that is a press pass he wears on his chest, isn't it?

Olsen was a "copy boy" on Lois & Clark, or at least he called himself that (season 2). He was obit man in the beginning, before Perry gave him the chance to play with a camera. All that doesn't mean he didn't have a press pass from day one, he IS working for the press after all.
Chloe had a DP press pass when she was just an intern.

No, that isn't lowest of the low. There's always classifieds. :p

[alienkinfolk]

It kinda doesn't matter, I'm having a feeling the writers just needed to throw Clark in there someway. Maybe it was just Tess being Lex (the belittlement factor)

[wolverine316]

I am very satisfied. Especially with the constant whining on this board about Clark not finishing college and hasn't done anything to earn a job as a reporter at the planet. He is starting from the bottom.

[susangail]

In these days of online writing and filing of newspaper stories, copy boys have gone the way of the buggy whip. But I'm satisfied -- she meant it as an insult.

[OneShotClois]

I'm satisfied also, considering he's never had work experience and never finished college, starting from the bottom works fine with me. And honestly, I don't care where he starts off, as long as its entertaining and along side Lois :)

[unfocused]

All that doesn't mean he didn't have a press pass from day one, he IS working for the press after all.
Chloe had a DP press pass when she was just an intern.

Oh, sorry. I thought only reporters and photographers/cameramen get press passes. Didn't know everyone who works at the newspaper gets them as well.


I am very satisfied. Especially with the constant whining on this board about Clark not finishing college and hasn't done anything to earn a job as a reporter at the planet. He is starting from the bottom.

I hear you. These same whiners are many of the same people that cried about SV Clark not being a close enough resemblance to the Clark in the comics/movies/cartoons. And now that he has gotten closer to that Clark, the whiners whine about that to :lol:

[SnowBird]

Okay, call me dumb but I had to look up copy boy and see what they do and here is what I found.

cop·y·boy n.
A boy employed by a newspaper or broadcast news office to carry copy and run errands.

Clark doesn't look like a copy boy in my eyes. Give him a suit and he could own the Daily Planet.

Tess calls him a copy boy and then asks if he is working on a story about that woman (Maxima). She is contradicting herself. Working on a story is not being a copy boy so I think her remark was just stating Clark being a reporter at the bottom of the totum pole.

If you think because Clark didn't go to college, he just rates as a copy boy and it makes you sleep better at night then so be it. My interpretation of Clark's job at the Daily Planet is Cub Reporter. Someone else can be the copy boy. All you have to do is look at Clark. He is not a boy! LOL:)

[cksidekick]

I am very satisfied. Especially with the constant whining on this board about Clark not finishing college and hasn't done anything to earn a job as a reporter at the planet. He is starting from the bottom.


I'm satisfied also, considering he's never had work experience and never finished college, starting from the bottom works fine with me. And honestly, I don't care where he starts off, as long as its entertaining and along side Lois :)

you guys hit at the heart of why i ask the question...there is a LOT of complaining over those facts...so i wonder if His Boss calling him a copy boy is enough to sway those who have concerns...concerns that IMO actually do have merit...

[LovelyLoisLane]

I'd say the lowest of the low is type-setter. The people that make sure the printing presses have all theirs letters properly aligned.

I was a type setter once upon a time. Then I got to write little poo-poo articles on local travel. And so ended the great stint of Valérie the Reporter, LOL!

[Hopefulsuicide]

i think it was an attempt to satisfy people, but it was a ridiculous one because copy boy's don't write articles...

[Kevin24]

I really don't care if he is a copy boy or a reporter as long as he is there working at the Daily Planet with Lois.

It's not like Clark is the first person in the history of reporters to be hired without having a degree in journalism.

Don't hate because Clark is working at a big time Newspaper Congratulate!

[WickedJenn]

IMO, "copy boy" wouldn't be too far off, considering that a lot of people upon entry into a paper start off in copy editing, per my journalism professor.

[unfocused]

I agree with WickedJenn. It was just an insult, not an official job description. But it was close enough :lol:

[cksidekick]

i think it was an attempt to satisfy people, but it was a ridiculous one because copy boy's don't write articles...

Becky, you are one of the K-Siters i was hoping would chime in on this...i have to say, i would have liked a LOT more than a quick one liner from Tess...i'm ready to move on now, but i think they should have gone a bit deeper into the subject...it's BARELY passable IMO...


I agree with WickedJenn. It was just an insult, not an official job description. But it was close enough :lol:

LOL...i think you are right...i wasn't really trying to start a conversation about whether or not Clark is technically a copy boy...it's like a secondary topic that probably deserves it's own thread...it was the writer's way (well executed or not) of pointing out the fact that Clark is at the bottom of the Totem Pole...

(which is a statement i have trouble with...the totem pole part, i mean...wouldn't the bottom be the foundation, and by function the most important part of the Totem Pole? food for thought, anyway...and off topic...:p)

[WickedJenn]

LOL...i think you are right...i wasn't really trying to start a conversation about whether or not Clark is technically a copy boy...it's like a secondary topic that probably deserves it's own thread...it was the writer's way (well executed or not) of pointing out the fact that Clark is at the bottom of the Totem Pole...

(which is a statement i have trouble with...the totem pole part, i mean...wouldn't the bottom be the foundation, and by function the most important part of the Totem Pole? food for thought, anyway...and off topic...:p)

This is a good thread because it, I believe, points out a factor in the show that most likely gives us some actual semblance of Clark's job title (albeit a barb from Tess) but still... ;)

Clark would be very much at the bottom of the totem pole, so they got this one right. It also makes sense that he's paired with Lois, she'd be sort of a "desk editor" to him in a sense.

I'm sorry, I got technical there. Yes I agree on your totem pole analogy. I was a copy editor, and well, how it worked at my university's paper...we were the last eyes to see the article before it went to press. It IS important, because any misses were the copy editor's fault. We had to know that AP Style book inside and out! :)

[stenochick]

I think people complaining about Clark's job/income, etc. have forgotten that his mom is an elected politician. People are always willing to give little favors, discounts and extra consideration to rich/famous/powerful people and their close relatives.

Good point. That's what I was thinking.

My theory is that either the Planet takes the time to interview every applicant, or that they knew this particular applicant was the only son of Senator Kent and interviewed him because of that connection.

Tess allowed Clark to be hired despite his lack of experience compared to other applicants because she knows the Clark-Lex connection and wants to keep an eye on Clark.

Clark, at age 21 without a college degree was hired as a "copy boy" and is paid a copy boy salary, but he and Lois have taken it upon themselves to investigate and write stories. Because of his abilities, he is able to fulfill the duties of a copy boy and still get leads, investigate, and write stories with Lois.

He met his mom one weekend in DC and she took him shopping for work clothes, and then they had lunch together. He thanked her for helping Ollie locate him in Russia and for arranging for Ben Hubbard to run the farm in his absence.

[unfocused]

And Kara is secretly having my babies. J/K, of course :)

stenochick, I think your post best describes what may have happened in offscreenville. Thank you, and anyone still questioning Clarks job status and anything related should be directed to your post.

Let me add one more very important thing to your post. Perry works for the Daily Planet, he covers big stories, and he owes Clark a favor. I'm sure he just put in a good word for Clark. It's simple, it makes sense, and it's effective.

[stenochick]

Copy Boy, eh? Well, that IS acceptable and Reasonable. I wonder what that position pays? I Love Clark's New Wardrobe, but I would like to know How he could afford it? Not really...that's too much realism. I just Love to watch.

Clark Kent's monthly budget:

1. Car payment: $0 (new truck paid for with part of Dad's life insurance policy).
2. Commuting expenses: $0 (superspeeds to work)
3. Rent: $0 (revenues from sale of farm produce equal farm mortgage and expenses and house mortgage. Assume that substantial chunk of acreage was sold by Martha to Ben Hubbard)
4. Payroll: $0 (Clark does the work of 20 migrant workers by using his abilities)
5. Food: $600
6. Cell phone: $50
7. Utilities: $300
8. Phone and Internet: $50

Monthly net salary of copy boy:
$1,400 per month

Mom picks up the tab for the new work wardrobe.

[Sv.LoisLane]

Clark Kent's monthly budget:

1. Car payment: $0 (new truck paid for with part of Dad's life insurance policy).
2. Commuting expenses: $0 (superspeeds to work)
3. Rent: $0 (revenues from sale of farm produce equal farm mortgage and expenses and house mortgage. Assume that substantial chunk of acreage was sold by Martha to Ben Hubbard)
4. Payroll: $0 (Clark does the work of 20 migrant workers by using his abilities)
5. Food: $600
6. Cell phone: $50
7. Utilities: $300
8. Phone and Internet: $50

Monthly net salary of copy boy:
$1,400 per month

Mom picks up the tab for the new work wardrobe.

:rotfl::rotfl:
Does pie cost that much?:rotfl:

I remember that in LnC Superman said he doesn't need to eat, but he likes to. If Clark wasn't such a pie-lover he would have $300 more.

Just joking... I love Clark!:D

[jimmyolsenblues]

good point,,,,clark is swimming in baked pies.

[disciples of zod]

um................................................ ...

what exactly is a copy boy?? :/

~H

[jimmyolsenblues]

Dictionary: (http://www.answers.com/library/Dictionary-cid-18433) copy boy

(kŏp'ē-boi')


<!-- took out dontStickTabs="true"--> <script> <!-- function playIt(sUrl) { document.getElementById('sPron').innerHTML='<embed src="' + sUrl + '" hidden="true" autostart="true" loop="false" type="audio/mpeg">'; } // --> </script> also cop·y·boy n. A boy employed by a newspaper or broadcast news office to carry copy and run errands.

[disciples of zod]

mmhmmm.....i see...

i suppose that's fitting.

~H

[stenochick]

:rotfl::rotfl:
Does pie cost that much?:rotfl:

I remember that in LnC Superman said he doesn't need to eat, but he likes to. If Clark wasn't such a pie-lover he would have $300 more.

Just joking... I love Clark!:D

Hmmm...I was not aware that Kryptonians did not need to eat. I was thinking that it must take a lot of food to keep up with the amount of calories that he must burn, and to keep that much muscle on him.

That fact, combined with Martha and Lana no longer cooking for him, would greatly reduce his food budget.

[Sv.LoisLane]

Hmmm...I was not aware that Kryptonians did not need to eat. I was thinking that it must take a lot of food to keep up with the amount of calories that he must burn, and to keep that much muscle on him.

That fact, combined with Martha and Lana no longer cooking for him, would greatly reduce his food budget.

Well.. I don't really know if Kryptonians need to eat or not, but I do remember this being said on LnC because I was laughing so hard when I heard the question:lol:

I wonder... has Lana ever cooked for him? They must have eaten something but.. IDK, in this show the only one known as a great cook and that has been shown cooking is Martha! I miss Martha!:(
Those pies really looked delicious:DCan't blame Clark (or Bart) for liking them.

[LuckyLois]

copy MAN!!!!!!

[stenochick]

In season 7, Lana was shown peeling apples for an apple pie she was making from scratch. I believe she already had made the crust. She was also shown making homemade lemonade. On another occasion, she was making him blueberry pancakes for breakfast. That's when Clark ran to Vermont to get some maple syrup. I hope he paid for it.

Can you tell I am hungry?

Lois better learn how to cook if she is going to win Clark over. The way to a man's heart is through his stomach.

[Sv.LoisLane]

In season 7, Lana was shown peeling apples for an apple pie she was making from scratch. I believe she already had made the crust. She was also shown making homemade lemonade. On another occasion, she was making him blueberry pancakes for breakfast. That's when Clark ran to Vermont to get some maple syrup. I hope he paid for it.

Can you tell I am hungry?

Lois better learn how to cook if she is going to win Clark over. The way to a man's heart is through his stomach.

:lol:I know I'm hungry.

I didn't recall those Lana moments..thanks!

[LuckyLois]

^Yeah look how that turned out! Lois will keep him interested because she doesn't fall all over him, and no man can resist that!!

[stenochick]

^Yeah look how that turned out! Lois will keep him interested because she doesn't fall all over him, and no man can resist that!!

This is true, but Lois still needs to let Clark help her (which she most definitely will even though she will not even be aware of it) and she needs to cook for him (and have it turn out tasting good). I'm telling you, it works.

We have drifted from the copy boy topic and I think it's my fault.

I did a google search for "copy boy salary" and landed on one of those salary websites. It gave the average salary for a copy boy as $30,000 but I think that is high. Salaries here in North Florida are very low. I don't think anyone without experience would be hired by a newspaper and paid a salary of $30K - maybe in Manhattan, but not in most parts of the USA.

[Sv.LoisLane]

I did a google search for "copy boy salary" and landed on one of those salary websites. It gave the average salary for a copy boy as $30,000 but I think that is high. Salaries here in North Florida are very low. I don't think anyone without experience would be hired by a newspaper and paid a salary of $30K - maybe in Manhattan, but not in most parts of the USA.

I think those $30,000 are referred to the entire year. So 30000/12=2500...still high..but..:confused:

[oberyn]

Clark Kent's monthly budget:

1. Car payment: $0 (new truck paid for with part of Dad's life insurance policy).
2. Commuting expenses: $0 (superspeeds to work)
3. Rent: $0 (revenues from sale of farm produce equal farm mortgage and expenses and house mortgage. Assume that substantial chunk of acreage was sold by Martha to Ben Hubbard)
4. Payroll: $0 (Clark does the work of 20 migrant workers by using his abilities)
5. Food: $600
6. Cell phone: $50
7. Utilities: $300
8. Phone and Internet: $50

Monthly net salary of copy boy:
$1,400 per month

Mom picks up the tab for the new work wardrobe.

Hilarious. :lol:

[stenochick]

I think those $30,000 are referred to the entire year. So 30000/12=2500...still high..but..:confused:

Oh, yes, I totally assumed it was $30K a year. But, for some reason I picture an inexperienced copy boy without a college degree at a major newspaper only earning in the $20K's.

[Fat Elvis 007]

Can I just chime in to say how SAD it is that we have to GUESS what Clark Kent's job is at the Daily Planet??

The way things are going, his entire decision to become Superman will happen in Offscreenville. Lois Lane will have won a Pulitzer by the next episode. Chloe will be dead and no one will mention why.

So, PS3, how is that "journey" that I've heard so much about going?

[Kevin24]

They have explained what his job and how he got it but some just aren't satisfied by it and that's fine. Not everyone thinks alike.

[stenochick]

Reporter #1: Hey, has anyone seen that new copy boy they hired? This coffee is really old and nasty. It's from this morning. Plus I have stuff that needs to go upstairs!
Reporter #2: What new copy boy?
Reporter #3: You know, the one who looks like Christopher Reeve without glasses.
Reporter #2: Oh, yeah, him. I saw him leave with Lane -- again!
Reporter #1: Those two are definitely doing it!
Reporter #3: Can you blame them? I mean look at them. They are both totally hot!

[Fat Elvis 007]

They have explained what his job and how he got it but some just aren't satisfied by it and that's fine. Not everyone thinks alike.

No, they really, really haven't. Maybe you could explain to me what I've missed.

----- Added 1 Minutes later -----


Reporter #1: Hey, has anyone seen that new copy boy they hired? This coffee is really old and nasty. It's from this morning. Plus I have stuff that needs to go upstairs!
Reporter #2: What new copy boy?
Reporter #3: You know, the one who looks like Christopher Reeve without glasses.
Reporter #2: Oh, yeah, him. I saw him leave with Lane -- again!
Reporter #1: Those two are definitely doing it!
Reporter #3: Can you blame them? I mean look at them. They are both totally hot!

Reporter #1: Lane's after another one. She reminds me of this one real sassy broad that works upstairs in the gossip column. Is it Cat something?

[Fallen One]

They have explained what his job and how he got it but some just aren't satisfied by it and that's fine. Not everyone thinks alike.


Exactly!

Why are we making this difficult when its cut and dry?

The show already told us what Clark's job is in Arctic. And he told Lois he applied for the same position in Odyssey.

Clark is an intern, he took the open intern's spot who took Chloe's reporter's job (Lois you're the one who offered me the job.. you're looking at the newest recruit to the Daily Planet).

His desk is across from Lois' but he isn't a reporter and they aren't partners (yet). He performs various tasks for actual reporters, mainly Lois who loves to keep him all to herself. He is a copy boy when they need him, or he does paper work as Lois asked him to do at the begginning of Instinct. Lois even takes him on some of her investigations to teach him somethings (if only she knew).

In order to become a full-fledged reporter he'll have to prove himself by breaking a good story. That has not happened yet but it will, and anyone who knows the mythos knows how it will happen too.

[oberyn]

Exactly!

Why are we making this difficult when its cut and dry?

The show already told us what Clark's job is in Arctic. And he told Lois he applied for the same position in Odyssey.

Clark is an intern, he took the open intern's spot who took Chloe's reporter's job (Lois you're the one who offered me the job.. you're looking at the newest recruit to the Daily Planet).

His desk is across from Lois' but he isn't a reporter and they aren't partners (yet). He performs various tasks for actual reporters, mainly Lois who loves to keep him all to herself. He is a copy boy when they need him, or he does paper work as Lois asked him to do at the begginning of Instinct. Lois even takes him on some of her investigations to teach him somethings (if only she knew).

In order to become a full-fledged reporter he'll have to prove himself by breaking a good story. That has not happened yet but it will, and anyone who knows the mythos knows how it will happen too.

Great post.

[stenochick]

Clark is an intern, he took the open intern's spot who took Chloe's reporter's job.

Reporter #1: Hey, has anyone seen that new INTERN they hired? This coffee is really old and nasty. It's from this morning. Plus I have stuff that needs to go upstairs!
Reporter #2: What new INTERN?
Reporter #3: You know, the one who looks like Christopher Reeve without glasses.
Reporter #2: Oh, yeah, him. I saw him leave with Lane -- again!
Reporter #1: Those two are definitely doing it!
Reporter #3: Can you blame them? I mean look at them. They are both totally hot!

[Minela]

I'm totally satisfied with that explanation by Tess. She is his boss, she should know his job title (although, my boss really doesn't know exactly what I'm doing at my job but that's beside the point).

Lois is his self-appointed superior, heavy emphasis on the word "self-appointed". They are both in the basement. Neither are ace journalists, both are still learning the ropes and going through rough patches (i. e. Lois with that police officer from 'Plastique') and doing mundane stories like the kitten adoption.

So, I'm completely satisfied. We know Clark is there to be in the middle of the action. I'm gonna go out on a limb and say his love and passion for journalism will come as he starts writing stories and competing (hopefully) with Lois. They are both still at the beginning. It's still a journey, so don't cry foul people. We are still okay.

[cksidekick]

Lois made a comment in Plastique that i think is relevant to Clark's growth as a journalist...

she said to him something along the lines of: getting her story on the front page was great, but sitting there with him, she realized that getting to the truth is what made her most happy...Clark then had a look of realization, and i hope they play on it more...not only does being a reporter help him in his heroism, but it also allows him to find TRUTH and share it with the world...:)

[unfocused]

Fallen One, stenochick, Minela, cksidekick, all great posts.

Whether Clark is an intern, or copy boy, he's still at the bottom. As everyone should expect, and accept.

[Hopefulsuicide]

mmhmmm.....i see...

i suppose that's fitting.

~H

no it really isn't actually. we see him writing articles... he is sitting across from Lois as a reporter...

----- Added 48 Seconds later -----


Can I just chime in to say how SAD it is that we have to GUESS what Clark Kent's job is at the Daily Planet??

The way things are going, his entire decision to become Superman will happen in Offscreenville. Lois Lane will have won a Pulitzer by the next episode. Chloe will be dead and no one will mention why.

So, PS3, how is that "journey" that I've heard so much about going?

:lol: too true

----- Added 3 Minutes later -----


Exactly!

Why are we making this difficult when its cut and dry?

The show already told us what Clark's job is in Arctic. And he told Lois he applied for the same position in Odyssey.

Clark is an intern, he took the open intern's spot who took Chloe's reporter's job (Lois you're the one who offered me the job.. you're looking at the newest recruit to the Daily Planet).

His desk is across from Lois' but he isn't a reporter and they aren't partners (yet). He performs various tasks for actual reporters, mainly Lois who loves to keep him all to herself. He is a copy boy when they need him, or he does paper work as Lois asked him to do at the begginning of Instinct. Lois even takes him on some of her investigations to teach him somethings (if only she knew).

In order to become a full-fledged reporter he'll have to prove himself by breaking a good story. That has not happened yet but it will, and anyone who knows the mythos knows how it will happen too.


he is not an intern. i'm a little confused as to why you would think this. in odyssey she is clearly surprised when he says he will be sitting right across from her. for another, they wouldnt give an intern a name plate. etc etc

Lois: so are you going to be starting down in the mail room?

Clark: i'm going to be a little closer to home. Looks like we are going to be neighbours Lane.

Lois picks up Clark's name plate

Lois: you gotta be kidding me

definately didnt get the impression he was an intern from this exchange

[zorasuperman]

i mean really who cares HOW he got the job just the whole bantering with lois is wat brings ppl in yea the producers didnt do all that great explaining how a college dropout got a job at the daily planet out of hte blue but i mean its tv not reality hence
SCIENCE FICTION
lol

[Hopefulsuicide]

most shows bother... the writers are lazy... hence discussion topic worth exploring

[unfocused]

Wow, you're still on the trip that Tess' "copy boy" insult was literal? :rotfl:

Clark isn't a copy boy. Like we've all told you, Clark has a very low position at the Daily Planet. Calling him a "copy boy" was just an insult to that low position. It was subtle, and necessary, and, yes, well executed.

You were one of the main people whining about how Clark got the job so easily at the DP. And now that you see it was a low, easily gotten position, you're still whining. Only this time you don't have anything to whine about except for a technicality that doesn't even exist. Good job. I'm proud of you.


Now that it's been established that Clark has obtained a low position at the Daily Planet, it will be interesting to see him rise in the ranks, alongside Lois. Seeing those two together more and more has really been exciting and enjoyable :D

[RedKRules]

i have no problem with clark starting at the bottom.

Neither do I, it is more than fair for him to!

[Fat Elvis 007]

i mean really who cares HOW he got the job just the whole bantering with lois is wat brings ppl in

I care because this is the story of how and why Clark becomes the man we all know and love. The writers should care because it's their job.

I am not impressed by the Clois banter. Anyone can copy from other Superman media. That doesn't demonstrate any kind of writing talent. The job of these people is to explain how and why he gets there.

To skip over such an important step in his journey, how he got into the DP and what his job is, is awful writing and it goes against the purpose of this show.



yea the producers didnt do all that great explaining how a college dropout got a job at the daily planet out of hte blue but i mean its tv not reality hence
SCIENCE FICTION
lol

Not a valid excuse. Good science fiction still abides by its own logic. It's easy to accept that a man can fly. It's harder to accept blatant continuity errors. This is bad science fiction.


Wow, you're still on the trip that Tess' "copy boy" insult was literal?


Who are you talking to?


Clark isn't a copy boy. Like we've all told you, Clark has a very low position at the Daily Planet. Calling him a "copy boy" was just an insult to that low position. It was subtle, and necessary, and, yes, well executed.

You were one of the main people whining about how Clark got the job so easily at the DP. And now that you see it was a low, easily gotten position, you're still whining. Only this time you don't have anything to whine about except for a technicality that doesn't even exist. Good job. I'm proud of you.


Now that it's been established that Clark has obtained a low position at the Daily Planet, it will be interesting to see him rise in the ranks, alongside Lois. Seeing those two together more and more has really been exciting and enjoyable

You're being unnecessarily rude here. Also, just saying Clark has a "very low position" is not satisfactory, and it shows you don't know what that position actually is. Which means there IS something to complain about. Even if we do figure out what his job is, it still doesn't make up for not showing him have to do any work to actually get it. Having him work his way into the DP should have been an interesting storyline. They did it with Chloe. They did a somewhat half-assed job with Lois, IMO, but at least it was there. But with Clark, the most important character on the show, they can't spare one minute in seven years to show us this? I know some are just happy because it pushes Clois together, but lazy writing is lazy writing.

[Fallen One]

he is not an intern. i'm a little confused as to why you would think this. in odyssey she is clearly surprised when he says he will be sitting right across from her. for another, they wouldnt give an intern a name plate. etc etc

Lois: so are you going to be starting down in the mail room?

Clark: i'm going to be a little closer to home. Looks like we are going to be neighbours Lane.

Lois picks up Clark's name plate

Lois: you gotta be kidding me

definately didnt get the impression he was an intern from this exchange

You have a nameplate as your reason why he isn't. I have 5 show canon reasons why he is.

Lois: Good news, an intern just got promoted to Chloe's old desk.
Clark: What, am I suppose to be happy that someone took my friend's job?
Lois: Absolutely, because it opens up a spot in the bullpen and guess who's name is on it? Clark Kent.. I got your application right here.
-----------

Clark: I'll see you bright and early Monday morning.
Lois: Woah woah, why Monday? Why bright and early?
Clark: Lois.. you're the one who offered me the job (the INTERNSHIP job I just posted above). You're looking at the newest recruit to the Daily Planet (recruits are INTERNS, you don't recruit someone who already has the Reporter's job.)

Brian Peterson's TWOP interview: Clark's works for Lois. (She's not an editor, the only way she'll have any sort of authority over Clark was if he was merely an INTERN, while she herself is an actual reporter.

Tess: Quite a story for a copy boy. (A common responsibility for Interns are they they do menial tasks such as copying for, getting coffee for, and assisting actual reporters. Speaking of..)

Clark: According to my clock I'm still two minutes early, now whats the hurry?
Lois: I need you to take on some of my work load. (Assisting actual reporters. Lois would have never been able to command Clark to assist her in own work. She could only tell a INTERN such a thing.)

In Plastique she gives Clark an orbituary to write, In Toxic she gives him a kitten story to write. She is clearly his superior. Lois takes him with her when she's out in the field investigating stories- but she gets the credit when the editor prints the stories. Why? Because its her stories and she is in a position of authority over him.

He's an intern who is being recruited for full time Reporter's employment. When he breaks a really good story and earns his stripes he'll be given the job full time. From that point forward he'll be a rival of Lois, no longer having to take orders from her or take the stories she give him. He'll report directly to the Editor (Perry White).

In fact, I predict that we'll see Perry offer the reporting gig to him when he breaks his big story at some point this season. I'm going to post how I think this goes down in the speculation thread.

[Fat Elvis 007]

You have a nameplate as your reason why he isn't. I have 5 show canon reasons why he is.

Lois: Good news, an intern just got promoted to Chloe's old desk.
Clark: What, am I suppose to be happy that someone took my friend's job?
Lois: Absolutely, because it opens up a spot in the bullpen and guess who's name is on it? Clark Kent.. I got your application right here.
-----------

Clark: I'll see you bright and early Monday morning.
Lois: Woah woah, why Monday? Why bright and early?
Clark: Lois.. you're the one who offered me the job (the INTERNSHIP job I just posted above). You're looking at the newest recruit to the Daily Planet (recruits are INTERNS, you don't recruit someone who already has the Reporter's job.)

Brian Peterson's TWOP interview: Clark's works for Lois. (She's not an editor, the only way she'll have any sort of authority over Clark was if he was merely an INTERN, while she herself is an actual reporter.

Tess: Quite a story for a copy boy. (A common responsibility for Interns are they they do menial tasks such as copying for, getting coffee for, and assisting actual reporters. Speaking of..)

Clark: According to my clock I'm still two minutes early, now whats the hurry?
Lois: I need you to take on some of my work load. (Assisting actual reporters. Lois would have never been able to command Clark to assist her in own work. She could only tell a INTERN such a thing.)

In Plastique she gives Clark an orbituary to write, In Toxic she gives him a kitten story to write. She is clearly his superior. Lois takes him with her when she's out in the field investigating stories- but she gets the credit when the editor prints the stories. Why? Because its her stories and she is in a position of authority over him.

He's an intern who is being recruited for full time Reporter's employment. When he breaks a really good story and earns his stripes he'll be given the job full time. From that point forward he'll be a rival of Lois, no longer having to take orders from her or take the stories she give him. He'll report directly to the Editor (Perry White).

In fact, I predict that we'll see Perry offer the reporting gig to him when he breaks his big story at some point this season. I'm going to post how I think this goes down in the speculation thread.

Fallen One, I hope you're right. The nameplate still doesn't make sense. Plus, the intern stuff was in "Arctic," that doesn't necessarily mean that's the job he gets. But the rest of what you wrote made sense.

Like I said, this whole storyline has been a blur to me. I've lost a lot of interest in the show lately and I still feel this whole thing was sprung on us too quickly and without enough explanation.

As of Season 1, the Daily Planet only took five high school interns a year, and Chloe was one of them. So I still don't understand how Clark got in. Yeah, he's older, but not really more experienced. Anyway, his entrance should have been a big deal, and it wasn't.

[unfocused]

in odyssey she is clearly surprised when he says he will be sitting right across from her. for another, they wouldnt give an intern a name plate. etc etcLol "etc etc?" you couldn't think of anything else, could you? :lol:


just saying Clark has a "very low position" is not satisfactory CLARK IS AN INTERN.




You have a nameplate as your reason why he isn't. I have 5 show canon reasons why he is.

Lois: Good news, an intern just got promoted to Chloe's old desk.
Clark: What, am I suppose to be happy that someone took my friend's job?
Lois: Absolutely, because it opens up a spot in the bullpen and guess who's name is on it? Clark Kent.. I got your application right here.
-----------

Clark: I'll see you bright and early Monday morning.
Lois: Woah woah, why Monday? Why bright and early?
Clark: Lois.. you're the one who offered me the job (the INTERNSHIP job I just posted above). You're looking at the newest recruit to the Daily Planet (recruits are INTERNS, you don't recruit someone who already has the Reporter's job.)

Brian Peterson's TWOP interview: Clark's works for Lois. (She's not an editor, the only way she'll have any sort of authority over Clark was if he was merely an INTERN, while she herself is an actual reporter.

Tess: Quite a story for a copy boy. (A common responsibility for Interns are they they do menial tasks such as copying for, getting coffee for, and assisting actual reporters. Speaking of..)

Clark: According to my clock I'm still two minutes early, now whats the hurry?
Lois: I need you to take on some of my work load. (Assisting actual reporters. Lois would have never been able to command Clark to assist her in own work. She could only tell a INTERN such a thing.)

In Plastique she gives Clark an orbituary to write, In Toxic she gives him a kitten story to write. She is clearly his superior. Lois takes him with her when she's out in the field investigating stories- but she gets the credit when the editor prints the stories. Why? Because its her stories and she is in a position of authority over him.

He's an intern who is being recruited for full time Reporter's employment. When he breaks a really good story and earns his stripes he'll be given the job full time. From that point forward he'll be a rival of Lois, no longer having to take orders from her or take the stories she give him. He'll report directly to the Editor (Perry White).

In fact, I predict that we'll see Perry offer the reporting gig to him when he breaks his big story at some point this season. I'm going to post how I think this goes down in the speculation thread.

Good work. You've made some solid points, Fallen One. I agree with your final paragraph to. I'm expecting a promotion to establish him as a solid reporter in the Daily Planet.

[Hopefulsuicide]

You have a nameplate as your reason why he isn't. I have 5 show canon reasons why he is.

Lois: Good news, an intern just got promoted to Chloe's old desk.
Clark: What, am I suppose to be happy that someone took my friend's job?
Lois: Absolutely, because it opens up a spot in the bullpen and guess who's name is on it? Clark Kent.. I got your application right here.
-----------

Clark: I'll see you bright and early Monday morning.
Lois: Woah woah, why Monday? Why bright and early?
Clark: Lois.. you're the one who offered me the job (the INTERNSHIP job I just posted above). You're looking at the newest recruit to the Daily Planet (recruits are INTERNS, you don't recruit someone who already has the Reporter's job.)

Brian Peterson's TWOP interview: Clark's works for Lois. (She's not an editor, the only way she'll have any sort of authority over Clark was if he was merely an INTERN, while she herself is an actual reporter.

Tess: Quite a story for a copy boy. (A common responsibility for Interns are they they do menial tasks such as copying for, getting coffee for, and assisting actual reporters. Speaking of..)

Clark: According to my clock I'm still two minutes early, now whats the hurry?
Lois: I need you to take on some of my work load. (Assisting actual reporters. Lois would have never been able to command Clark to assist her in own work. She could only tell a INTERN such a thing.)




yeah, well done, you completely ignore what my quote says and quote things that you think mean he is an intern

lois gave him an application for an internship, but instead of just taking that he went a got a better job. that is why he looks so smug when he tells her he won't be starting in the mail room, he will be her neighbour. and that is why when she picks up his name plate she is so shocked... why would she act like that?

yes he is assisting her, because they are friends and Lois is showing him the ropes

the phrase 'newest recruit' just means newest person working at the planet. this has no inference of intern at all.

now i dont know about what brian peterson meant when he said Clark works for Lois... that makes no sense to me at all. and the whole tess copy boy thing is the very thing we are all disputing so i hardly thing quoting that proves he is an intern

----- Added 1 Minutes later -----


Wow, you're still on the trip that Tess' "copy boy" insult was literal? :rotfl:

Clark isn't a copy boy. Like we've all told you, Clark has a very low position at the Daily Planet. Calling him a "copy boy" was just an insult to that low position. It was subtle, and necessary, and, yes, well executed.



----- Added 2 Minutes later -----




Tess: Quite a story for a copy boy. (A common responsibility for Interns are they they do menial tasks such as copying for, getting coffee for, and assisting actual reporters. Speaking of..)
.

----- Added 5 Minutes later -----


Good work. You've made some solid points, Fallen One. I agree with your final paragraph to. I'm expecting a promotion to establish him as a solid reporter in the Daily Planet.

just to be clear, do you agree with fallen one that he the statement was literal and is just a common thing for interns to be called, or do you stick with what you origionally said about it being an insult... cause tbh, i would find copy boy a step up from intern, since the copy boy gets paid and actually has a job.

----- Added 9 Minutes later -----




You were one of the main people whining about how Clark got the job so easily at the DP. And now that you see it was a low, easily gotten position, you're still whining. Only this time you don't have anything to whine about except for a technicality that doesn't even exist. Good job. I'm proud of you.



yeah your right, how silly of me to get upset when we see him smugly tell Lois they will be neighbours leading everyone to believe that he is working there as a journalist, then they have him writing obituaries and kitten stories (much like Chloe did and she was never called a copy boy, and she wasn't an intern at that point either), and then out of the blue, they call him a copy boy and people try and make this sound like a GOOD explanation of how he got the job... yeah what was i thinking whining about that

i should be thanking them for contradicting themselves :)

[JNottle]

It's obvious that it hasn't been stated what he really is.

The conversation between Clark and Tess was a see who could make the other slip up by trading blows.

She could tell Clark lied to her when she asked what he knew about her, so went on the defensive to see if she could pump him for anymore information.

As for Lois ordering him around, if he isn't an intern, maybe he's on a probationary period?

[Hopefulsuicide]

Lol "etc etc?" you couldn't think of anything else, could you? :lol:



well i was actually very tired at the time, if that's okay with you...

anyway, here are some reasons why i think he didn't become an intern who is being looked after by Lois

1. he is given a nameplate
2. he does not fetch coffee or do any of the jobs you would expect too see an intern do
3. he doesn't treat Lois like his mentor. "Look if your going to teach a class on Lois Lane's rules of reporting, i think i'd rather read the cliff notes." Now if he was an intern who was working for her, surely he would want to learn from her.
4. Lois was surprised when he told her he would be her neighbour... implying he didn't get the job she thought he would get with that application, he got a better one
5. he writes the same kind of articles Chloe was writing when she was on the Daily Planet staff (i.e. obits)

p.s. if they ever actually call him an intern, then i will accept it, because it makes more sense than copy boy. but it just doesn't feel that way too me.

[unfocused]

1. he is given a nameplate
2. he does not fetch coffee or do any of the jobs you would expect too see an intern do
3. he doesn't treat Lois like his mentor. "Look if your going to teach a class on Lois Lane's rules of reporting, i think i'd rather read the cliff notes." Now if he was an intern who was working for her, surely he would want to learn from her.
4. Lois was surprised when he told her he would be her neighbour... implying he didn't get the job she thought he would get with that application, he got a better one
5. he writes the same kind of articles Chloe was writing when she was on the Daily Planet staff (i.e. obits)

Your points are weak compared to Fallen One's. But I will address them.

1. Clark has his own desk, of course he will have his own nameplate. Sheesh. This nameplate argument is what you're basing your case on and it's becoming insulting to me, and everyone else in this thread, to have to argue this again and again. One last time, Clark has his own desk. Desks have their own nameplates. Nameplates have names on them. Why would interns not get temporary nameplates, as they would get temporary nametags or temporary ID badges? If he didn't have a nameplate, THEN you should be complaining.

2. If Lois is his superior, she would expect him to bring her coffee every morning (hence why she keeps taking his away from him). He probably hardly ever asks her if she would like a cup, which would explain why he lets her have his. And before you try and twist my words around, let me say that he probably expects her to ask him for coffee if she wanted some.

3. She is his superior who is obviously forcing her mentorship over him. He's expecting to be bossed around by her, but she is also trying to teach him. The latter, he doesn't care much for since "he doesn't treat Lois like his mentor." She's not supposed to be his mentor, I don't know why you would think that. Also, lets not forget, Clark has been around the DP for some time, he isn't exactly clueless in that building and he, more that likely, doesn't feel he needs to be mentored by Lois, of all people.

4. Lois was surprised, in part, because Clark initially declined the offer. That offer was over a month old and was most likely already filled. If some new guy was already sitting at her desk, and then Clark pops in one evening saying he will now be working there next to her... yes she would be surprised :)

5. I'm curious, what did Chloe write about when she was an intern?

[RedKRules]

Clark as copy boy= FAIR!
Clark as an Intern= Lightswitch!

[Hopefulsuicide]

Your points are weak compared to Fallen One's. But I will address them.

1. Clark has his own desk, of course he will have his own nameplate. Sheesh. This nameplate argument is what you're basing your case on and it's becoming insulting to me, and everyone else in this thread, to have to argue this again and again. One last time, Clark has his own desk. Desks have their own nameplates. Nameplates have names on them. Why would interns not get temporary nameplates, as they would get temporary nametags or temporary ID badges? If he didn't have a nameplate, THEN you should be complaining.

2. If Lois is his superior, she would expect him to bring her coffee every morning (hence why she keeps taking his away from him). He probably hardly ever asks her if she would like a cup, which would explain why he lets her have his. And before you try and twist my words around, let me say that he probably expects her to ask him for coffee if she wanted some.

3. She is his superior who is obviously forcing her mentorship over him. He's expecting to be bossed around by her, but she is also trying to teach him. The latter, he doesn't care much for since "he doesn't treat Lois like his mentor." She's not supposed to be his mentor, I don't know why you would think that. Also, lets not forget, Clark has been around the DP for some time, he isn't exactly clueless in that building and he, more that likely, doesn't feel he needs to be mentored by Lois, of all people.

4. Lois was surprised, in part, because Clark initially declined the offer. That offer was over a month old and was most likely already filled. If some new guy was already sitting at her desk, and then Clark pops in one evening saying he will now be working there next to her... yes she would be surprised :)

5. I'm curious, what did Chloe write about when she was an intern?

i understand that either arguement can be reason for. i can see why you can reason that he is an intern, but my personal impression from what i have seen is that he has been hired as a member of the staff. not just an intern. the reasons i gave are for why i have this impression. i am not claiming that it is fact because neither arguement can be fact as it has not been made that clear. if it were that clear that he was an intern then no one would be arguing it at all.

i'm not sure what internships are like in america as i am in England. and i'm a journalism student who has had two 'work placements' (which is what we call them). i had one at a local paper for two weeks. i was given a temporary desk but there is no way they would spend so much money making me a nameplate. my first day i given a guidebook to read, and was allowed to look through the newspapers archives. my second day i was given some press releases and given the chance to re write them, but they weren't to be published. eventually i was allowed to call up primary schools for quotes about school plays and stuff.

my second work placement was at the local radio station. they gave me even less to do. i was asked to find questions for their competitions. i spent most of the time just watching them work. i accompanied the journalist on interviews and contributed by asking a few questions. but i was not given the chance to create proper peices.

chloe's internship at the planet was just a summer thing and didnt lead her to be recruited to the DP. it went internship - then lionel later pulling some strings to get her a column - then she lost that and tried to get in at the very very bottom with a mediocre story. internships don't usually last very long (as far as i'm aware) and they don't lead directly to jobs. and to me Clark seems like a permanant fixture from now on. I mean if it's an internship are you saying that when he completes it then they will give him the title of journalist? will we see this or is it all going to be in offscreenville, like everything else you are choosing to believe and presenting as fact

i can't change your mind about your opinion and i don't really want to because it's fair enough, but i get the impression you think that the fact he is intern is FACT and i just don't think that's true

[gem65]

It's about time that they have Clark at the Daily Planet. But I have to agree with a lot of the posters about his qualifications (or lack of). I think it would have been a little more realistic if they had gradually increased his interest in journalism over the last few years. Then this thread would probably not be necessary.

As for his new (?) wardrobe, I think some of the clothes were already in his closet - we just never saw him wear them. He probably bought the rest with help from Mom. After all, she is a U.S. Senator.

I was typing the above paragraph and had a thought - what about Oliver? He's a billionaire. He could afford it. Although now that I'm thinking of it, maybe not. Clark is always reluctant to ask for that kind of thing. But who knows?

;)

[unfocused]

I mean if it's an internship are you saying that when he completes it then they will give him the title of journalist?

:lol:

I understand where you are coming from. And since you are being reasonable, I have to be reasonable to. I do agree that it should have been expressly mentioned some where in the season premier exactly what Clark will be doing at the DP, or at least what his job title officially is. It would have saved so much confusion.

Whether he is an intern or full fledged reporter or even just a copy boy, the fact that PS3 bypassed the years this character was held back for, while under the leadership of AlMiles, in just a single episode has made me happy. This is why I can be so passive about the lack of info given to us about his job. Because he FINALLY has the job, lol.

[Fat Elvis 007]

:lol:

I understand where you are coming from. And since you are being reasonable, I have to be reasonable to. I do agree that it should have been expressly mentioned some where in the season premier exactly what Clark will be doing at the DP, or at least what his job title officially is. It would have saved so much confusion.

Whether he is an intern or full fledged reporter or even just a copy boy, the fact that PS3 bypassed the years this character was held back for, while under the leadership of AlMiles, in just a single episode has made me happy. This is why I can be so passive about the lack of info given to us about his job. Because he FINALLY has the job, lol.

I can see this POV, but I completely disagree. They might as well just have him be Superman in the next episode with no explanation. Heck, they're already telling us Lois is in love with Clark. The entire concept of a journey has been sacrificed for anvils, and it's bad writing.

[susangail]

For me, it doesn't matter, but I can assure everyone that no big-city newspaper pays copy boys anymore. It's been clear for at least two seasons that the DP has fully computerized. No hardcopy -> no copy boys!

The typical progression for a fledgling journalist starts with obits (in some papers; in many papers now, only famous people get a real reporter) and then moves to some element of yellow-tape reporting: car wrecks, building fires, nonviolent crimes like B&E. While we're talking about ambiguous jobs, Lois would not be deciding where she went or what she covered. Some editor would send her on assignment. It takes more time than Lois has to earn the right to make those editorial decisions.

So I'm just enjoying the ride...

[unfocused]

I can see this POV, but I completely disagree. They might as well just have him be Superman in the next episode with no explanation.

They didn't spend much time on how Clark landed the DP job in any of the other Superman stories (the movies, the comics, the cartoons) and that aspect of the story is nowhere near as important as his journey to becoming Superman. And don't forget, he has been on this journey for over seven years. And he has been involved with reporting, in some way shape or form, throughout that same time period. It's not like he landed a reporting job at the DP when he was sixteen and inexperienced, he truly did start out at the bottom, working at a high school paper. He has always been into reporting and solving crimes and saving people. Really, there are plenty of things you can consider "explanation" as to how and why he is trying to become a reporter.


Heck, they're already telling us Lois is in love with Clark. The entire concept of a journey has been sacrificed for anvils, and it's bad writing.

Well, Lois has been around for 3+ years and there has always been subtle flirting between her and Clark. Lois has made comments like "I would be lucky to end up with someone as great as Clark" in the past, and the two have spent lots of time together. Plus he's a very attractive man. I don't see why it would surprise anyone that she is falling for him. Many girls on this site are in love with Clark, and he's just a fictional character :lol: It makes perfect sense to me that Lois loves him. The two are very close. And if you ask me, IT'S ABOUT DAMN TIME :D

----- Added 4 Minutes later -----


I mean if it's an internship are you saying that when he completes it then they will give him the title of journalist?

I'm still laughing at this :rotfl:

[Hopefulsuicide]

He didn't work that hard to land the DP job in any of the other Superman stories (the movies, the comics, the cartoons) and that aspect of the story is nowhere near as important as his journey to becoming Superman. And don't forget, he has been on this journey for over seven years. And he has been involved with reporting, in some way shape or form, throughout that same time period. It's not like he landed a reporting job at the DP when he was sixteen and inexperienced, he truly did start out at the bottom, working at a high school paper. He has always been into reporting and solving crimes and saving people. Really, there are plenty of things you can consider "explanation" as to how and why he is trying to become a reporter.:

i agree with most of what you said. they could have done a better job, but the movies offered no real explanation... LnC was the best because the devoted the first 15 or so mins to how he landed the job, but no, he still didnt do that much too land it, just wrote a nice article


Well, Lois has been around for 3+ years and there has always been subtle flirting between her and Clark. Lois has made comments like "I would be lucky to end up with someone as great as Clark" in the past, and the two have spent lots of time together. Plus he's a very attractive man. I don't see why it would surprise anyone that she is falling for him. Many girls on this site are in love with Clark, and he's just a fictional character :lol: It makes perfect sense to me that Lois loves him. The two are very close. And if you ask me, IT'S ABOUT DAMN TIME :D:

i agree with you tbh, there have been subtle hints (as forced as they sometimes seemed) and it's not just been pulled out of a hat. but i don't see why they couldn't have had him fall for her first... it would have been a lot cuter, and would have shown he is actually over Lana

----- Added 4 Minutes later -----



I'm still laughing at this :rotfl:

and i'm still confused as to why your laughing instead of answering my legitimate and serious question.

is that how it works in america? you get an internship and then you get the job? cause it doesnt work like that in England, and Chloe didnt get a job straight after her internship, so i just wanted to clear up a few details

[SnowBird]

I'm back here to say I was wrong. I thought Clark was a cub reporter as I stated in an earlier post but after seeing "Committed" I had to rethink my opinion. Lois also called Clark a Copy Boy so the writters are making it clear that Clark isn't a reporter yet. I think Clark being a copy boy is beneath him but he has to start from the ground and work his way up so I will accept his position for now. I hope it won't take long before he earns the title of reporter which is a job I know he is capable of doing.

[cksidekick]

^^

yeah, when he supersped away from her, she was in the the middle of telling him that hewas "dangerously close to a coffee run" or pretty close to that anyway...

[unfocused]

But didn't Lois give him that kitten story to write? And didn't she say he was writing obits? I still think the copy boy statement is still just an insult. He seems to be doing more than just a copy boy's job.

[Fat Elvis 007]

They didn't spend much time on how Clark landed the DP job in any of the other Superman stories (the movies, the comics, the cartoons)

None of those shows were so specifically about the how and why as "Smallville" is. "Smallville" has always told us it's about the journey. And while his journey into the DP isn't as important as his journey to becoming Superman, it's still a big part of who he is as a person, and this was supposed to be the show that gave us a deeper exploration of how and why Clark became that person. Now, of course with all the wasted potential over the past seven years, I guess I shouldn't be surprised at how this issue was glossed over. But it's still counter-intuitive to the purpose of the show.


and that aspect of the story is nowhere near as important as his journey to becoming Superman. And don't forget, he has been on this journey for over seven years. And he has been involved with reporting, in some way shape or form, throughout that same time period. It's not like he landed a reporting job at the DP when he was sixteen and inexperienced, he truly did start out at the bottom, working at a high school paper. He has always been into reporting and solving crimes and saving people. Really, there are plenty of things you can consider "explanation" as to how and why he is trying to become a reporter.

I shouldn't have to stop and consider an explanation myself. That is doing the writers' job for them. They need to give a specific reason, not just why he is there, but how he got in. I would also argue that Clark has never shown a large interest in journalism.

[unfocused]

None of those shows were so specifically about the how and why as "Smallville" is. "Smallville" has always told us it's about the journey. And while his journey into the DP isn't as important as his journey to becoming Superman, it's still a big part of who he is as a person, and this was supposed to be the show that gave us a deeper exploration of how and why Clark became that person. Now, of course with all the wasted potential over the past seven years, I guess I shouldn't be surprised at how this issue was glossed over. But it's still counter-intuitive to the purpose of the show.

I shouldn't have to stop and consider an explanation myself. That is doing the writers' job for them. They need to give a specific reason, not just why he is there, but how he got in. I would also argue that Clark has never shown a large interest in journalism.

The Daily Planet has been a very important setting in "Smallville" for years now, and Clark has been interested in journalism since the beginning. His interest in it has NEVER been about writing the big story, it's only ever been about being "in the middle of the action." This is common knowledge in the mythos, It's hard to understand how you could just miss this.

Frankly, I find it hard to believe you're ignoring seven years of exploration just because you don't know Clark's job title. I'm beginning to wonder if I'm just wasting my time on you.

[Hopefulsuicide]

His interest in it has NEVER been about writing the big story, it's only ever been about being "in the middle of the action." This is common knowledge in the mythos, It's hard to understand how you could just miss this.

Frankly, I find it hard to believe you're ignoring seven years of exploration just because you don't know Clark's job title. I'm beginning to wonder if I'm just wasting my time on you.

you have no idea what you are talking about. i am not an expert on the comics, but i know that in LnC his journalistic career was NOT just about being in the middle of the action. in fact, it was never even suggested that that was the reason, because he became a journalist for the DP before he even decided to put on the tights. before the tights his parents were telling him off for helping out with accidents cause they were afraid for him. hardly the scenario in which he would want to be in the middle of the action.

Clark won awards for his journalism. he and lois acheived fame for their writing. they made friends with important people in the world, and most importantly they both enjoy being journalists.

to say that Clark's interest in journalism has never been about writing a big story is IMO ridiculous, as that's what EVERY reporter dreams of, superman or no superman

[unfocused]

Yeah you're right, that was ridiculous of me to say. So I take it back :)

And I'll rephrase. In Smallville, Clark has had an interest in Journalism for a long time. Much of his recent interest has been about being "in the middle of the action."

But I won't get into a discussion about Lois & Clark, that show is just so boring to me.

[Hopefulsuicide]

:lol: fair enough, i know it's not everyone's taste

and yeah, he has had a bit of interest in journalism. it's not like they had him training to be a doctor all through college and all of a sudden he lightswitched too a journalist

he's always been interested in subjects that fit well with the career, so it's not a jump that he would want to be a journalist :)

it's just a jump that he would get too

[sailordom]

Re: the is he an intern or a copy boy? thing --

As a working journalist, I can assure everyone that "copy boys" no longer exist at newspapers or TV stations. Especially not in the climate newspapers are in. :D

Heck, the two major dailies I've worked at don't even have free coffee for errand boys to fetch! (I wish!)

So I think Tess' comment was more of an insult.

I find it completely believable, however, that Clark was hired as an intern. Internships in journalism are "real jobs" in that interns are expected to do the same work as professionals. Copy editing interns copy edit. Reporting interns write stories. Page design interns design pages. Online interns post stories and slideshows, etc. But they definitely don't fetch coffee, make copies, etc., as the point of the positions is for beginning journalists to get clips.

Journalism is the only profession I've ever heard of where scoring an internship after graduation is the accepted "next step." :D

And if he's interested in reporting, a reporting internship is the (only) way to go. If the paper likes his work, it's conceivable it could turn into more. Maybe not at, oh, say the Chicago Tribune or any other Top 20 paper, but I knew a guy in college who worked as a reporter at our local daily (and it wasn't a small paper or a small town). Experience counts for a lot in journalism, definitely more than formal education. You can't get a job without experience, but you can certainly get one without J-school.

(To whoever mentioned "starting out" in copy editing, my experience has been that once you get on a track, it's very difficult to switch. Reporting jobs take clips, and you just can't get those copy editing. The worst mistake a beginning print reporter can make is to take a copy editing job/internship.)

You don't even have to be in school to do an internship. Most newspaper internships aren't for academic credit, but are paid. The big ones are in the summer -- those are highly competitive, with applications generally being due in November of the previous year. But many papers have internships available in the fall and spring, and some even have longer, one- or two-year residencies (although many of those have been cut as part of cost-saving measures).

But then, I try to not think to closely about the Daily Planet as shown on Smallville. As a journalist, the idea that Luthorcorp owns a newspaper and apparently has a hand in editorial coverage/newsroom operations is horrifying. (And to think, the people working for Tribune Company and Sam Zell think they have it bad! Ha!) I mean, wow, that's got to be a dreadful paper with zero credibility.... :rolleyes:

[unfocused]

Thanks, sailordom. It's ALWAYS great to get input from someone experienced in the fields that are often in these discussions.

You've shed a lot of light on the "internship" discussion, hopefully everyone takes your post into account from now on.

[Hopefulsuicide]

i can't believe we just had an episode where clark was called both a cub reporter and an errand boy, and no one is commenting!

seriously, i think we can all agree that they just don't seem to care about sticking to a real job title... he works at the DP, and can apparently say no to front page stories if he wants... it's soooooo realistic :rolleyes:

[cksidekick]

yeah, because realism is exactly what i want in a Super Hero show...:lol:

i know what you mean though...

[Fat Elvis 007]

yeah, because realism is exactly what i want in a Super Hero show...:lol:

i know what you mean though...

For me it's not about realism, it's about the hero's journey. If the writers can't be bothered to remember what the main character's job is, then it's clear they don't care about his journey. So why should any of us?

[Ella]

i can't believe we just had an episode where clark was called both a cub reporter and an errand boy, and no one is commenting!
Humor. Look it up.

The whole errand boy / copy boy is obviously just a joke and not Clark's real position. So when he's called either of these is just for 1) teasing or 2) insulting.

I really thought that was incredibly clear. Each time these are mentioned, I laugh. That's the expected result when you hear a joke. ;)

It's clear that Clark is a newbie reporter. Otherwise he wouldn't be writing stories!

[Infamous]

I took it as meaning that he's new, start starting out and doesn't have the experience to write a big story yet.

So did I

[TOMophilus]

Take a look at Clark´s press badge which he got at the beginning of Plastique:

http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/7171/plastique01.jpg (http://img222.imageshack.us/i/plastique01.jpg/)

[Fat Elvis 007]

Humor. Look it up.

The whole errand boy / copy boy is obviously just a joke and not Clark's real position. So when he's called either of these is just for 1) teasing or 2) insulting.

I really thought that was incredibly clear. Each time these are mentioned, I laugh. That's the expected result when you hear a joke. ;)

It's clear that Clark is a newbie reporter. Otherwise he wouldn't be writing stories!

Considering that we never even saw how Clark got hired--which is a HUGE step in the journey of Clark Kent, and was completely glossed over in a show about the journey of Clark Kent--I don't think anything about his time at the DP has been clear, and I think it's giving a little too much credit to the writers to assume that those were just jokes.