http://journalism.nyu.edu/pubzone/weblogs/pressthink/
The blog labelled above is an excellent blog on current journalism techniques and topics. Before I checked it out (prior to this assignment), I didn't know a lot about some of the debates that people were having. The most recent post, the article on the "he said, she said" debates in journalism really caught my attention. Actually, it's what inspired me to write the blog post before this one.
While I was deep into my thoughts after reading the article, I started to think about how there are some aspects of the media field that I don't necessarily understand. The "he said, she said" debates for example, I knew of them, but I just never thought about it when I was reading the articles. As a reader, I was more interested in the story and the fight, and it never occurred to me that the writer would have had a tough decision to make.
After I read this article, I was interested to see what else this blog had to offer. As I scrolled through some of the older posts, I noticed that some of the postings necessarily don't catch my attention, but that's not to say it's a bad blog. Some of the articles I would stop and read, and once again, they would make me think. As a future reference, and when I have spare time, I will check back on this blog to see about any other interesting topics that might come up.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
He Said, She Said - Battle of the Words
When I was reading this article, I immediately thought of how many times I have seen this in the news, but I just have never thought about it. It seems to be happening all the time, and people are just drawn to this type of "news." Here we have one side of the story, published, and then the other side is offended. In the next paper, we have an article from the other side, slamming what was said in the previous day's paper. It goes back and forth, and what I started to think about is: why?
I have noticed that I have been around a lot of people who may not get along. It may be in the classroom where students are forced to work together, or maybe at work where employees are at each other's throats. One little pin drop, and it's all over. One person can give the other an uneasy look, all of a sudden the verbal daggers start flying across the room. One is shouting out obscenities while the other one is chanting a non-stop "let's take this outside" scream to the door. Where do I happen to be during all of this? Most of the time I find that I am in the middle, or very close to the fight.
So why is this? I think that as humans, we are attracted to violence and fighting, whether it be actual fist-to-face connections, or if it is just a long, verbal confrontation, where screams and obscenities are heard from afar. I believe the same goes with our news, and what we really want to read about. The readers are the one's who ultimately control what is published, mainly because you want to write to your audience. You are always seeing celebrities (Lindsay Lohan & her father, Tori Spelling & her mother) in a "he said, she said" battle in the media. After we read the articles, we always have a negative opinion, but yet we still read the article, didn't we? More than likely, we are looking forward to see how the other side will respond later, as well.
So what happens to the writer caught in the middle? What do you write? Do you focus on one side, and then completely ignore the other side? Thinking back to my journalism classes, I remember the ethics portion, and of course all of the liability issues. If you are the writer stuck in that situation, make sure that you are cautious about what you write. If you make sure to cover all of the bases, and your own behind, then you should be able to write a fair, un-biased article. However, we know, no matter what we write, you will never make everyone happy. As long as you make sure you have good quotes from the people debating, then you should be alright.
When you think about it, it might be a little intimidating. I know that I wouldn't want to have to make the decision of what gets printed and what doesn't in a "he said, she said" debate. However, sometimes you get thrown into those situations, and you can't choose to just ignore the story. You have to write up something. That is where you judgment comes into play. Also, on the bright side, if you have an article that has the "he said, she said" element, you should realize that many people will read it. That might put some pressure on you, but it may also help your career. It all depends on how stable you feel on shaky ground. Do you stay away from the debating article so you don't have to make complicated decisions, or do you step on some toes in the hopes that your career might blossom from your article? That is just something the writer would have to decide on.
I have noticed that I have been around a lot of people who may not get along. It may be in the classroom where students are forced to work together, or maybe at work where employees are at each other's throats. One little pin drop, and it's all over. One person can give the other an uneasy look, all of a sudden the verbal daggers start flying across the room. One is shouting out obscenities while the other one is chanting a non-stop "let's take this outside" scream to the door. Where do I happen to be during all of this? Most of the time I find that I am in the middle, or very close to the fight.
So why is this? I think that as humans, we are attracted to violence and fighting, whether it be actual fist-to-face connections, or if it is just a long, verbal confrontation, where screams and obscenities are heard from afar. I believe the same goes with our news, and what we really want to read about. The readers are the one's who ultimately control what is published, mainly because you want to write to your audience. You are always seeing celebrities (Lindsay Lohan & her father, Tori Spelling & her mother) in a "he said, she said" battle in the media. After we read the articles, we always have a negative opinion, but yet we still read the article, didn't we? More than likely, we are looking forward to see how the other side will respond later, as well.
So what happens to the writer caught in the middle? What do you write? Do you focus on one side, and then completely ignore the other side? Thinking back to my journalism classes, I remember the ethics portion, and of course all of the liability issues. If you are the writer stuck in that situation, make sure that you are cautious about what you write. If you make sure to cover all of the bases, and your own behind, then you should be able to write a fair, un-biased article. However, we know, no matter what we write, you will never make everyone happy. As long as you make sure you have good quotes from the people debating, then you should be alright.
When you think about it, it might be a little intimidating. I know that I wouldn't want to have to make the decision of what gets printed and what doesn't in a "he said, she said" debate. However, sometimes you get thrown into those situations, and you can't choose to just ignore the story. You have to write up something. That is where you judgment comes into play. Also, on the bright side, if you have an article that has the "he said, she said" element, you should realize that many people will read it. That might put some pressure on you, but it may also help your career. It all depends on how stable you feel on shaky ground. Do you stay away from the debating article so you don't have to make complicated decisions, or do you step on some toes in the hopes that your career might blossom from your article? That is just something the writer would have to decide on.
Where to go with ENGL 417
At this point in the semester, I want to do two things. First of all, I want to use this blog to keep up to date on writing or media that I come across in my day-to-day life. This can be newspaper clippings, a funny post on another blog, or the book I am currently reading. Aside from the assignments we are given in 417, I would like to continue on and discuss some of the media and writing I come across.
Another thing, sort of like a project I have been thinking about, is making a website for myself and my writing. I'm not sure how I want this website to be compiled, but I want to be able to put my own writing on it, such as stuff I have written in my past, and during this class. I will share ideas and thoughts, and just write. This will give me a chance to have my writing published on the internet, and also to allow other readers the chance to see my writing.
Another thing, sort of like a project I have been thinking about, is making a website for myself and my writing. I'm not sure how I want this website to be compiled, but I want to be able to put my own writing on it, such as stuff I have written in my past, and during this class. I will share ideas and thoughts, and just write. This will give me a chance to have my writing published on the internet, and also to allow other readers the chance to see my writing.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
On The Horizon...
Lately I have been pondering the thought about the future of books and media. Are we approaching a day where everything will be digital? Our music has become mp3's, our television and movies are downloadable. Furthermore, our books are now available in a concise, cheap, digital format. But are eBooks the way of the future? Will they ultimately stop producing paperback bound books?
Last March I gave in to temptation and ordered a Kindle from Amazon. For those of you who are still unaware of what this amazing device is, I suggest checking it out (www.amazon.com/kindle). For those of you who are aware of what a Kindle is, you will know that it is a device you can download eBooks onto and read. This device has made paperback bound books a thing of the past for me.
Kindle has had a few weaknesses, but all-in-all, for me, it has far more strengths. The price is reasonable, and ultimately pays for itself after you think of book prices. Also, the price of the books is excellent too. For a brand new, New York Times Bestseller, the price is typically $9.99. For years I had been paying far more than that for brand new books.
The Kindle is convenient for readers, and can accommodate to almost any reader's needs. The screen is revolutionized with "ink technology." This makes the print seem more like ink on a page, rather than a computer screen, that resets everytime you turn the page. If you have a hard time reading small print, then you can increase the size of the font to make your reading experience comfortable for you. It is a lightweight device that can hold approximately 1500 titles. I like to tell people that I can carry an entire library of books in about the size of one paperback book.
Since I have had my Kindle for 6 months, I could go on and on about all the great things about it. I was a non-believer at one point in my life, but the new technology sucked me in, and got me to give it a chance. There are still a few people who claim to love the smell of musty paper in old books, enjoy the feel of a book in their hand, cornering the pages to keep their spot. There is nothing stating that Kindle users can't still own books.
I highly recommend that book lovers test out an eBook reader for themselves and see what they think. With every other form of media going digital, it's only a matter of time before books are mostly in digital form as well.
Last March I gave in to temptation and ordered a Kindle from Amazon. For those of you who are still unaware of what this amazing device is, I suggest checking it out (www.amazon.com/kindle). For those of you who are aware of what a Kindle is, you will know that it is a device you can download eBooks onto and read. This device has made paperback bound books a thing of the past for me.
Kindle has had a few weaknesses, but all-in-all, for me, it has far more strengths. The price is reasonable, and ultimately pays for itself after you think of book prices. Also, the price of the books is excellent too. For a brand new, New York Times Bestseller, the price is typically $9.99. For years I had been paying far more than that for brand new books.
The Kindle is convenient for readers, and can accommodate to almost any reader's needs. The screen is revolutionized with "ink technology." This makes the print seem more like ink on a page, rather than a computer screen, that resets everytime you turn the page. If you have a hard time reading small print, then you can increase the size of the font to make your reading experience comfortable for you. It is a lightweight device that can hold approximately 1500 titles. I like to tell people that I can carry an entire library of books in about the size of one paperback book.
Since I have had my Kindle for 6 months, I could go on and on about all the great things about it. I was a non-believer at one point in my life, but the new technology sucked me in, and got me to give it a chance. There are still a few people who claim to love the smell of musty paper in old books, enjoy the feel of a book in their hand, cornering the pages to keep their spot. There is nothing stating that Kindle users can't still own books.
I highly recommend that book lovers test out an eBook reader for themselves and see what they think. With every other form of media going digital, it's only a matter of time before books are mostly in digital form as well.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
A Blogging Start
I have always been interested in reading and writing since I was little. I would spend countless hours in my room, indulging in the latest fictional tale that I could find. Now that I am older, I still spend countless hours in my room reading. I sometimes feel that my television feels neglected, since I would rather pick up a book than a remote. Some people state that it is impossible for them to read for long hours on end, or they just cannot find the time. Other people I come across tell me that they think reading a little bit everyday helps to keep your mind sharp and focused.
With this blog, I am looking forward to producing my own writing, and establishing my own voice. It has always been a goal of mine to get my voice and my writing out into the world. With the advance of technology, I have the ability to do just that. What I will use this blog for is still a little fuzzy, but I hope it will all focus around the world of reading and writing. Since that is such a broad field to cover, I'm hoping that many topics will fit into it.
I am currently wrapping up my 5th and final year as a student in the Technical & Professional Communications field, therefore, I do a lot of writing and editing. A lot of people I meet find this to be boring and tedious work. I find the written word fascinating. Not only can you express thoughts, ideas, feelings, and emotions, but you can share them with anyone else who takes the time to read your writing. As a writer, I hope to share some interesting thoughts with my readers, and possibly any experiences that I think are worth reading about.
Finally, with this blog, and with my classes this semester as well, I hope to achieve more skills in the area of writing. I love to write, and other writing, but I know my writing and editing skills can improve. I would like to focus on these areas and build on them. The English language is always changing, adding new grammatical rules, and getting rid of old ones. I would like to look into these changes, and see what other people think about them as well. Also, with technology changing, I would like expand on my knowledge of digital writing and editing.
I look forward to hearing comments from the readers out there, and learning what others think on the topics I discuss. Until then, I'm going to keep reading and writing, and I'll check back in soon.
With this blog, I am looking forward to producing my own writing, and establishing my own voice. It has always been a goal of mine to get my voice and my writing out into the world. With the advance of technology, I have the ability to do just that. What I will use this blog for is still a little fuzzy, but I hope it will all focus around the world of reading and writing. Since that is such a broad field to cover, I'm hoping that many topics will fit into it.
I am currently wrapping up my 5th and final year as a student in the Technical & Professional Communications field, therefore, I do a lot of writing and editing. A lot of people I meet find this to be boring and tedious work. I find the written word fascinating. Not only can you express thoughts, ideas, feelings, and emotions, but you can share them with anyone else who takes the time to read your writing. As a writer, I hope to share some interesting thoughts with my readers, and possibly any experiences that I think are worth reading about.
Finally, with this blog, and with my classes this semester as well, I hope to achieve more skills in the area of writing. I love to write, and other writing, but I know my writing and editing skills can improve. I would like to focus on these areas and build on them. The English language is always changing, adding new grammatical rules, and getting rid of old ones. I would like to look into these changes, and see what other people think about them as well. Also, with technology changing, I would like expand on my knowledge of digital writing and editing.
I look forward to hearing comments from the readers out there, and learning what others think on the topics I discuss. Until then, I'm going to keep reading and writing, and I'll check back in soon.
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