Yes, a PR person and a biz journalist can get along

Roxana Janka, a public relations specialist at The Phelps Group, writes about her working relationship with New York Times advertising reporter Stuart Elliott, who is leaving the paper on Friday.

Janka writes, “I once pitched him a story about an impossibly difficult board game that came with the chance to win $1 million. There wasn’t a huge national media buy attached but I always offered Stuart first pass at all my stories. I didn’t think he’d be interested, but he immediately called and said, ‘Roxana, if you’re giving away $1 million, I’m definitely interested.’

“My favorite part of working with Stuart was witnessing how much he loved his job, especially when he interviewed a smart resource. He’d become so gregarious and almost giddy — finding common ground and inside jokes. Listening in on those interviews was so fun for everyone involved.

“Once Stuart was an ally, he made sure to take care of you, whether it was sending a blind embossed Cartier thank you card or acting as media reference on a resume. I hope that wherever Stuart ends up next will happen soon so we don’t have to live without his commentary for very long.”

Read more here.