A reporter called today about demography and the enrollment problem colleges are experiencing.

All I could think of was the the crusty old demographers who said this part of the equation was simple because we know the story of birth rates at least 17 years ahead of when a bust actually hits colleges.

Of course, I would say there are also political issues. Like the fact that Reagan ushered in an era of making government spending the enemy. Especially spending on education. And then 40 years later, Trump. Scaring off the pools of foreign students who could help with the enrollment shortfall.

It all reminded me that I can help reporters by giving them various sides of the story, but not the sound bites some want. In fact, I sometimes offer so many angles and contradictions, I’m confusing. I tell myself that could be a good exercise for them … right?

In this vein, I’ve tried to convince my colleagues that my self-image and value to the organization is based on nearly 30 years as editor of an issue-oriented, non-marketing journal of commentary and analysis, not as a PR man, writing “press statements.”

I imagine they think I’m old, stubbornly wishy-washy and grouchy. It’s a perception I once was happy to cultivate.

To be sure, editors face problems too. I was at a conference recently where the speaker asked if there were any journalists in the crowd. I used to proudly self identify that way. But now it’s become too dangerous.