Codes of ethics are one thing, adherence to them another but there are many journos who do take their responsibilities seriously and then there are some who tend to get caught up in the commercial realities of our modern times where truth and ethics might be viewed as a liability.

It can be interesting to be privy to an event or situation and then sit back and watch what is reported or spun as 'truth' for spurious intentions or effect.

In the 80s journos housed in the hallowed halls of old parley house fell into three very broad categories:

- the 'real' journos who worked for the Fin Review, The SMH (yes it was once a good rag), The Australian or the ABC etal whom enjoyed good and symbiotic relationships (in the main) with politicians and their staff;
- the journos who worked for the 'lesser' rags of whom some were notorious for drinking to all hours and who enjoyed a good puff or snort or two and often turned up to press gatherings after the effects of a late night out; and finally
- the prima donnas/dons who would call demanding in high pitched voices to speak to a Minister usually following it up with a indignant stamp of the foot and a "Do you know who I am?!" retort when told a Minister was not available.

But they were the old days and not sure how much has changed, some of the players have changed, some have risen to greater heights.