“I’m a closed book, and that’s off the record,” says Keith Nicholls with a grin. He’s one of Flow’s new subs in the Johannesburg office and, yes, he’s a reluctant interviewee. Prising info from him is like removing beans from a badly opened can.
Keith Nicholls
What is discovered is that after qualifying as an attorney he turned to journalism. “Have long been interested in language, writing, telling a story,” he says. “It’s crafting good news, keeping the world informed, and the joy of reading that interests me.” That’s of course aside from escaping to the quiet of the Waterberg with his family whenever he can.
His move to Flow came somewhat unexpectedly. “I’d been in hard news for a while, at the Mail & Guardian for about five years. I’d been toying with the idea of change, when circumstances allowed the move to happen.”
Keith says he made the decision to move to Flow because of the good online opportunities and experience the company offered. “It’s vital, interesting and necessary in this day and age.”
Avoiding preconceived notions, he took to the job at Flow with an open mind. “I was quite uncertain of what to expect. Natural, I suppose, when starting a new journey.”
He comments on his warm welcome, “It’s been busy, but everyone has been friendly.” Certainly everyone at Flow, particularly in the writing studio, is thrilled to have him. He’s also a real workhorse in the office; a well-oiled subbing machine. The added bonus is he’s an encyclopaedia of subbing info, having played a part in compiling the Mail & Guardian Online style guide that is used by and large throughout the country.
For Keith what matters at work is enjoying a good ride and making sure he grows, both personally and professionally.