This guy was scary. I can understand that the business of journalism is changing radically, but to see the intense work ethic of Aaron Chimbel was enlightening, to say the least. The sheer quantity is enough to give pause to anyone considering this field. Add to that the quality of his work and the job of a mobile journalist becomes daunting indeed. I wonder if the excitement of such a job would wear off with the constant production and inevitable anxiety.

Or maybe not so inevitable? Chimbel seemed confident and jovial enough that it is difficult to imagine him strung out. Two or three multimedia stories a day? No way. Maybe there will come a time when I can pull such a stunt, but to do so consistently? For two years? No, that remains quite out of my reach at the moment. I was very impressed with Chimbel and I am not easily impressed.

Having said that, I don’t think I want Chimbel’s job.

I know what you’re thinking, but it’s not sour grapes. I’m sure his job is very rewarding, I just don’t think the jack-of-all-trades approach is one I am particularly interested in. I will become proficient in everything I need to, but I would prefer to instill copious blood, sweat and tears into a single story than spread myself thin to fulfill a quota.

I don’t want to sound haughty or elitist. I have the greatest respect for Chimbel’s work, but my passions are the written word and photography, and these are not his strengths. Perhaps they could be, but the quick turnarounds and high-volume output he works with prevent a real sense of finesse.

Chimbel’s talent lies in the package deal. He is wonderful at video editing and camera work, enunciation and on-the-spot storytelling, concision and the discovery of novelties amenable to it. Yet a pervasive haste dominates everything and it’s not just the understanding that he is always in a hurry. His work lacks the narrative undertow that gives a story depth and meaning.

Maybe I just don’t like broadcast journalism. Anyway, I will peruse his web page on WFAA’s site from now on. To see it, click here.