Back in the days of the old , we had a huge, elongated oval table smack dab in the middle of the newsroom. While not especially aesthetically pleasing, it did provide for one thing – some unique conversations. While many were derailed by some comically long 'noooooooooo' declarations in response to story pitches, the talks were often interesting.
Sometimes they were serious, other times not so much but informative and entertaining was what we were shooting for. And sometimes, it took us down strange paths. A week or so back, I was reminded of an old conversation when I saw folks online poking fun at Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes for (gasp!) his willingness to put ketchup on his steak.
Say it isn't so, Patrick, the scornful masses declared all over again. I shrugged my shoulders. What's so bad about ketchup on anything? I recalled asking for the thoughts of friends outside the newsroom, so I went searching and found this on one of my social media feeds: "What are your thoughts on ketchup? Greatest thing ever or something to be shunned by those with refined palates? What do you put it on.
.. fries, hot dogs, eggs, mac and cheese, broccoli? Should restaurants sell cold meatloaf and ketchup sandwiches? Is it acceptable or heretical to put it on steak? Have you seen anyone put it on pizza? Mashed potatoes?.
.." I was mildly surprised then that most people didn't share my fondness for ketchup.
Is it still the same with your readers out there? Am I on an island? I'v.