It's not what you know. It's not who you know. It's what the people you know know. Ya know?

So I went back and read some of the work done by my predecessor – Ed’s Gal on the Hunt. At first, it made me disappointed in myself because I realized that girl was much better at getting her butt in gear and not watching back-to-back episodes of Sportscenter. But after a heated pep talk into the mirror in a Starbucks bathroom (I don’t think I’m allowed back there), I thought I should exert some energy into sharing some advice – something Ed’s lovely lady did quite well.

The only trouble there is that you have to, well, know something in order to share it. And aside from last night’s college basketball scores, I question how much else I really know for sure.

There is, however, something I’m beginning to realize just a few days into this journey. A network is a priceless thing to have. Perhaps better than any big-time internship or prestigious award, a network is what connects you to creamy center of this big Twinkie we call the magazine industry.

And I guess that was the big epiphany I had in that bathroom (if I had a nickel for every time I’ve said that…): Time spent connecting with an old friend or acquaintance is hardly time wasted. Because everyone you know, knows a number of other people. And all those people know what’s going on around the industry – usually at the bottom levels where you’ll eventually start your own career.

I know what you’re saying, “Gee willikers Ed guy, thanks for the huge tip! Never heard that one before.” OK, maybe you didn’t say gee willikers, but still, I recognize that this information is nothing new. I’m just trying to emphasize the point that reaching out, sending Emails, grabbing lunch or cups of coffee with people should all be just as high on the “To-do” list as blindly mailing resumes and cover letters to postings you find on job sites.

Then again, what do I know?

[Considering time spent jobless is often consumed by internet browsing and following random links, I present the first installment of my Links o’ the Day. Today’s links are brought to by the wonderful world of dispensers. Yup, you heard me right. Vending machines are cool. Pop machines, sure. But how about bike dispensers and, yes, even weed machines. Let’s just pray, for the safety of all commuters, these two are never placed next to one another.]

Trapped in the closet

Sorry R. Kelly fans, but this is not a 30-minute saga about a love dodecahedron. Rather, it's a 300-word saga about one guy's venture to New York city in search of a job in the magazine world. R and I do have one thing in common, however -- we're both trapped in the closet.

No, I don't mean "closet." I mean, literally, I'm living in a closet. A little larger and cleaner than the one pictured, sure, but a closet nonetheless.

As anybody in New York can tell you, getting here is never easy. It's an expensive city with a cutthroat housing market, and you're being asked to move here with no job, no place to live, and very little cash.

But what gets lost in the horror stories of working three jobs and living out of a suitcase is the sweeter side of the Big Apple. I'm willing to bet that just about everybody who makes it in this industry has somebody to thank for it. A friend who let them crash, an editor who took a chance on them, a family member who lent them money.

Considering this marks the beginning of my time as Ed's Guy on the Hunt, why not get off on a positive note, seeing as 3 weeks in a closet will probably bring out the cynicism in me down the line. I encourage all those who've "made it" in the city to comment and share a story of compassion, encouragement, or flat-out ridiculous conditions surrounding their first experience with New York. Not only will that offer an opportunity for a public display of gratitude, but it will help give hope to all those dreaming of one day living in a closet of their very own, er, I mean, working in magazines.

Let me begin by saying "thanks" to Andrea, Brittany, and Joanna who are letting me crash their closet, and the litany of other friends keeping their ear to the ground for me. Thanks everyone.

[Next in the line of R. Kelly-inspired blog posts: "Bump N' Grind out that cover letter" and "I Believe I Can Fly to New York City"]