Yes, it is a little narcissistic, but whatever. It's snapshot moments that we study and attempt to glean much information from once a fair amount of time has passed.
Today, I had to go to school, even though Veteran's Day was yesterday (Sunday). My mother said that was un-American. Considering all the soldiers in uniform around campus, I'd have to agree.
On a different note, I'm still living journalism: constantly writing, trying to improve my staff writing and editorial skills.
Whenever I write a story, I feel like I'm not quite doing it justice. I have an impatient, preoccupied audience to write for. Of course, if my writing was amazing, then they'd read it anyway (if they cared about the topics I write about). What a conundrum.
I feel I've found my niche in the Arts & Entertainment section. For awhile, I was wondering if I was taking the easy path, but really, it's harder. Arts are an incredibly important part of any culture, and it is arguably a unifying aspect. Here, people express politics, emotion, individual exploration, societal interaction, psychological processes...the list goes on. Arts & Entertainment is a form of news with a colorful costume.
In a couple days, I'll be Skyping with one of my friends in Germany. I think today, many take Skype for granted (I know I have). But there are also times when I'm grateful to those that created it. I can see parts of the world miles and miles away and maintain intimate contact with my friends and family.
To think in maybe five years, this technology will be outdated and nostalgically remembered.
This is just me thinking.
Monday, November 12, 2012
Thursday, November 1, 2012
From writer to editor: managing writers
About a month and a half ago, I stepped up into an assistant editor position at Boise State's student newspaper "The Arbiter". As any paper, but especially a student newspaper, we've had continuous ups and downs with our content and staff. Several fellow writers in our section have said they need to quit without giving much reason except class work load.
While as a fellow student and writer, I completely understand where they are coming from, but as an editor, I feel compelled to dig a little deeper into the issue. Could the way my section editor and I are running our section be a bit overwhelming for our writers?
I personally think so. We have high quality expectations, which usually motivates people to produce better work (and as a result better work is produced). However, we also have high expectations for quantity, which I think affects quality of work and motivation of our writers. Right now, it could be possible our quantity expectations are too high for our writers to continue, especially with the end of the term approaching. From my personal experience as a writer, burn out is what causes people suddenly say "I quit" (and in our particular case because of school).
Now, if I recall correctly, both my editor and myself have encouraged our writers to come to us if they are having problems with the work load they are assigned/take on and our management practices. In my opinion, this hasn't happened and I'm not sure why. I don't fully understand what is compelling some of these writers to up and quit. As mentioned above, I have my speculations, but I don't know the whole story (and as a journalist that is something I try to achieve).
At 3 a.m. yesterday morning, I came to an executive decision. Before we our writers to bow out (if they feel the need or desire to), my editor and I should sit down with each of them and try to get at what the real issue is and if there is anyway we could keep them as writers but alter their workload (since that seems to be the problem). If these writers are serious about journalism, and considering it a career, they have to understand that the work they do for our paper is invaluable experience for their future career. I think in addition to seeing about adjusting their workload, these writers need to be reminded of this.
Part of our job as student editors is to train writers. While we've been doing a good job with the technical training and experience, we haven't done much in the passing on of advice/wisdom. I think these writers that are considering withdrawing from the paper (even just temporarily) need to hear some career advice and overall wisdom before they decide if quitting really is the best option. I hope they see that it usually isn't.
While as a fellow student and writer, I completely understand where they are coming from, but as an editor, I feel compelled to dig a little deeper into the issue. Could the way my section editor and I are running our section be a bit overwhelming for our writers?
I personally think so. We have high quality expectations, which usually motivates people to produce better work (and as a result better work is produced). However, we also have high expectations for quantity, which I think affects quality of work and motivation of our writers. Right now, it could be possible our quantity expectations are too high for our writers to continue, especially with the end of the term approaching. From my personal experience as a writer, burn out is what causes people suddenly say "I quit" (and in our particular case because of school).
Now, if I recall correctly, both my editor and myself have encouraged our writers to come to us if they are having problems with the work load they are assigned/take on and our management practices. In my opinion, this hasn't happened and I'm not sure why. I don't fully understand what is compelling some of these writers to up and quit. As mentioned above, I have my speculations, but I don't know the whole story (and as a journalist that is something I try to achieve).
At 3 a.m. yesterday morning, I came to an executive decision. Before we our writers to bow out (if they feel the need or desire to), my editor and I should sit down with each of them and try to get at what the real issue is and if there is anyway we could keep them as writers but alter their workload (since that seems to be the problem). If these writers are serious about journalism, and considering it a career, they have to understand that the work they do for our paper is invaluable experience for their future career. I think in addition to seeing about adjusting their workload, these writers need to be reminded of this.
Part of our job as student editors is to train writers. While we've been doing a good job with the technical training and experience, we haven't done much in the passing on of advice/wisdom. I think these writers that are considering withdrawing from the paper (even just temporarily) need to hear some career advice and overall wisdom before they decide if quitting really is the best option. I hope they see that it usually isn't.
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Something Different
City Scape
The colors are pretty accurate, thanks to the manual settings. I'm pretty pleased with how this looks.
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Dreams and Desires
It's 1 a.m. and I can't stop thinking about some adventures I'd like to have (probably before kids would be best). These consist of:
Going to New York
Going to Venice, CA
Going to Spain, England, Italy, Greece...
Doing a photo shoot with Lady Gaga
Writing for Cosmo and Psychology Today
Sleep, why do you elude me???
Anyway, this is also a test post to see if I figured out how to switch emails for this blog.
Lots of love,
Going to New York
Going to Venice, CA
Going to Spain, England, Italy, Greece...
Doing a photo shoot with Lady Gaga
Writing for Cosmo and Psychology Today
Sleep, why do you elude me???
Anyway, this is also a test post to see if I figured out how to switch emails for this blog.
Lots of love,
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Dropped off the Blogger Earth. I'm Back Now!
Excuses for my absence: work, back in school and married now. It's been huge.
Everyday I wake up, I am grateful for where I am now. My mind and heart are stimulated with school and love for and from my friends and family.
You know, I've been thinking: I need a niche. Why? Because I don't have one. (this is where you laugh)
I also want one. I feel like I have should have one, as a journalist. I need some defining factors. I love sociology, psychology, photography, and communication. I like organization, a bit of a clear path.
Right now, my blog feels random and disorganized.
Suggestions are welcome. :)
Everyday I wake up, I am grateful for where I am now. My mind and heart are stimulated with school and love for and from my friends and family.
You know, I've been thinking: I need a niche. Why? Because I don't have one. (this is where you laugh)
I also want one. I feel like I have should have one, as a journalist. I need some defining factors. I love sociology, psychology, photography, and communication. I like organization, a bit of a clear path.
Right now, my blog feels random and disorganized.
Suggestions are welcome. :)
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