THE FIRST COMMENT

My erratic blog got it's first comment (and a positive one at that) and I' m feeling, well, elated.What surprises me is that you are never jaded or cynical enough to remain untouched by a response to what you have written. Blog post or cover story, as long as someone reads what you write, life is wonderful. 

Every time, since the first time, I have seen my byline in print I have experienced that high. My first job was at a lifestyle magazine and my obsession with bylines did not go unnoticed by my editor. She used to say that after the annual appraisal it would kick me more to get an increment measured in point size of bylines than, perhaps, ordinary money. Very true.

My campaign against modest Indian bylines, in favour of the ones GQ, Vanity Fair, and Esquire crowned their writers with (on the cover! and again inside in huge fonts!) made no impression with the editor.

Of course, TV journalists have their faces plastered on the tube with matching fame matches. And columnists have prominent bylines and professionally-lit photos accompanying their text on printed pages. But the humble byline just by itself never did break the glass-ceiling.

 But I got a more than satisfactory compensation while still at the magazine.

My colleagues at the magazine (under the direction of our editor) gave me a birthday card that I have treasured and treasured till now. The card has the mock-up of a cover story I had done for the magazine. The same celebs were decorating the cover but splashed in huge fonts on the "cover" right across the centre was my byline!!! 

Yes, it has been my best birthday card ever. :-)