The writing life
Somehow people seem to think that just coz I'm a journalist, I have some sort of clout. Like, I can somehow review their book or attend the event they're organising or check out something they or one of their friends have done, write about it, and get the story published in the papers.
Dear friends: If I could do that, I would be the OWNER of the company lah. As opposed to being employed by it, you know. 
People don't seem to understand that the editor has the last say in what does or doesn't get published. He's also the one who assigns jobs to the various journalists. You can ask me to write the article, but despite your request, the editor has the right to assign any journalist to do it, and may not necessarily assign me.
Perhaps you think you have an "inside line" by going through me, instead of writing to that email address printed on the first or second page of almost every section of the paper. "If I send an email, the editor doesn't know me from Adam and might just trash the email," you think. "If I ask Sunflower, she'll be able to ensure the article gets written -- and published." Like I said: If I had that much clout, don't you think I'd be the boss, instead of having to answer to my editor?! 
One of my friends once called me up coz her company was organising an event and she wanted newspaper coverage. I pointed her to the appropriate section of the paper, the name of the particular editor, the correct email address and the fax number. I advised her to email or fax over a brief description of the event, what it was all about, when it was to be held, etc. Then she asked, "Can I write, 'With reference to the teleconversation I had with Sunflower'?"
I told her: For goodness' sake lah, this is a different section of the paper, and in all likelihood this editor doesn't even know who I am. I mean, the company is huge! I'm very flattered you think I have so much power, but hello, DON'T YOU REALISE HOW JUNIOR I AM?!?! You think my name will invoke awe in the editor and make her extra-interested in your event? I only wish!
While we're on the subject, when I meet you in a social setting, please try to refrain from saying things like, "Don't write about me, ah!" or, "Be careful, what you say might come out on the front page of the newspaper tomorrow." Yes, I know you're joking, but it's soooooo lame lah. Besides, what makes you think we'll wanna write about you?! 
And, like Messy Christian, yes, I hate getting stuck with all the writing/editing jobs outside of work-related situations. Earlier this year, one of the organisations I'm involved with wanted to stick me with the responsbility of becoming the editor of their quarterly newsletter. I was infuriated, moreso because my appointment was treated as a matter of course and the committee had expected me to simply fall into the position. I already have other responsibilities within this organisation -- but just because I'm a journalist, they wanted to saddle me with this one too. I point-blank refused to do it.