I did notice the intern thing. I had the same thought and almost mentioned it.

But I also remember what it was like to be an intern at a media outlet ... and I was a darn good one, too, ha! You couldn't tell the difference between what I wrote and what the paid staffers were cranking out -- well, most of the time.

Sad but true fact about journalism these days: Interns are writing A LOT of stuff because interns come cheaper (often for free) than full-time writers. The industry is in dire straits, so the decision-makers are cutting costs wherever they can. Perhaps one of the great ironies of the field is that it's a lot easier to get an internship in journalism than it is to get a job.

Nonetheless, the writer -- intern or not -- should have been more mindful of the singular tone and tried to find another source to quote who had a different view.

__________________
John Carlisle
Community Manager, Self-Storage Talk
Associate Editor, Light Industrial
Virgo Publishing LLC
480.990.1101, ext. 1214
jcarlisle at vpico dot com

John,

I think someone from either the SSA or ISS should send some kind of rebuttle to this story as it portrays our managers poorly and leaves many unkowns to the public. While I am sure that there are managers and auctioneers who may not follow the laws and may do some shady things, but I am willing to bet that 99% of the managers are honest people and would not allow what he describes happen at their store.

I stand up for the managers and this is just wrong that he slams so many great people.

__________________
Mel Holsinger, President
Professional Self Storage Management, LLC
3434 E. Kleindale Ste. E
Tucson, AZ 85716
O: 520.320.9135
F: 520.320.9435
www.proselfstorage.com

The problem with Journalism is that it is one of the few jobs left you do not need to be trained for in a non doctorial country.

This means any one can call themselves a journalist and I believe this is the only correct system.

Thank you Mel. It's nice to have a well-renowned industry leader such as yourself speak up for us lowly manager-types. It does not go unnoticed and is greatly appreciated. Thank you sir.

__________________
Gina 6k
CochraneStorage dot com
Morgan Hill, California
You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough!

There is a public comment box right on the offending article's Web page. I can tell you as someone who manages a publication website that those comments DO get read--by editors and readers alike--so if you're feeling the need to air a grievance, take advantage of that space.

__________________
Teri L. Lanza
Editorial Director
Inside Self-Storage
www.insideselfstorage.com

The pros that attend these sales for a living talk to each other and if the manager of a facility is picking through the units the pros will get the word out in a short time.
We use cylinder locks that can sometimes take a long time to open so we do open units in advance, take photos and lock them with padlock until sale. The 8 to 15 pros that attend every one of my Lein Sales know the units are untouched. Well, I did remove the stolen ATM from one, oh yea and the lady's husbands ashes from another.........

Your are not lowly, you and your fellow managers are the MOST important aspect of this industry, More owner/management personnel/executives would have lots to gain if they would just recognize that you do not work for us, we work for you and it is our obligation to give you all the necessary tools to do your jobs efficiently.

I may be the President but I assure you, I would rather my empoyees know that I support them, care about them and will stand behind them then to feel that I am above them.

Trust me, I know where my bread is buttered and I hope I lead by example with my people.

__________________
Mel Holsinger, President
Professional Self Storage Management, LLC
3434 E. Kleindale Ste. E
Tucson, AZ 85716
O: 520.320.9135
F: 520.320.9435
www.proselfstorage.com