Old school vs. New school

Strange that there is already an old school mentality in online journalism. But it has been around long enough now that it has morphed just like the internet has.

While I am writing down my thoughts on how best to teach an introductory course on online Journalism, I find there are very distinct lines of thought on this subject.

Old-school: online journalism is basically a replica of what is found in print – a reproduction of the text in a flowing column of keywords and pixelated BW font on an endless white screen. This feeds into the slowly deteriorating idea that the web is a place where you dump your unwanted stories or cut sidebars. Exclusivity.

New-school: Online journalism is a continually-changing discipline that uses the interactivity and connectiveness of the web to tell a story. This school of thought includes Web 2.0. Inclusivity.

Being a journalist, let me throw out some jargon that “explains” these distinct schools of thought: old boys-club vs. Citizen journalists. Any clearer? Of course not. But what it does highlight is that journalism is a craft that many continually attempt to keep under wraps for fear of losing their power over others: the power to inform. That is a power we all can have and have the right to exercise. Which is part of why blogs are a wonderful tool for the Web 2.0 journalist – anyone can read what you write. It doesn’t have to be accepted by one person for all to read.

Exclusivity vs. Inclusivity.

Curve balls

Beyond my middle-school tendancies to giggle at that word, I find the concept of curve balls fascinating. And yet, I remember the last time I said that I was in University and in love and blithely commented on how fun life’s twists and turns can be. Ah, how quickly we can learn.

Sure, change can be exciting in that “oh-my-God-the-rollercoaster’s-out-of-control-we’re-all-gonna-die” sort of way. But without it, where would we be? Bored, bored and bored. I attempt to resist the tendancies of a few of my good friends (you know who you are) who fear change, who’ve been buffeted by its gale-force winds before, but the natural reflex to protect one’s self is hard to ignore.

I find myself watching that ball being thrown, as if in slow motion. I see it flying toward me, mach-9, and wonder, “Will it fly true or will it curve?” And do I want it to be as I safely predict, or do I want another curve ball? I guess in either scenario you can get hurt.

A Guide to Editing for Idiots

And no, I don’t mean for those who would like to learn the subtle art of editing, but editing for those who have ridiculous opinions. I had another whammy today that made me laugh until my eyes watered. We recently profiled an up and coming artist who is blending his cultural background into his carving – really neat work. But we received a reprimand from a reader who chastized us for not digging further into the artist’s background and discovering that this person is allegedly an ex-con. How could we profile such a person, the letter states. Obviously, having a criminal background negates a person from being an artist? I have to resist from responding to these people and asking them if being a conservative prick makes them unable to write? Boils down to the same thing in my mind. Freedom of speech, I suppose. It goes both ways.

Come one, come all (please?)

I’m wearing my marketing/promotions hat today. I find it is one of the heavier and more cumbersome I must wear. My playwright is having her first book reading today and I don’t want her to be disappointed by the number of people who show (or don’t show). So, I’ve done everything I can to promote the event: created marketing pieces to distribute at the last event in this venue, wrote press releases, invitations and created posters, personally contacted newspapers and associations…You’d think after all that, there would be loads of people who will show. My guess? Zilch. No one cares about the little shows or newbie writers/authors. I imagine this is the same song and dance (no pun intended) that most struggling artists and performers feel: the collective cold shoulder of the media and public alike. But I feel personally responsible for my playwright’s success (or potential lack thereof), and I really believe in the story she’s conveying in her play. It’s heart-wrenching, shocking, humourous and insightful, and covers a topic people should know and think about.

She’s the mother of a Canadian soldier who’s been to Afghanistan now three times (and he’s only 23 – can you believe it???) The torment she so cleverly weaves into this play is palpable, and when I speak to her, I have to struggle from crying everytime. Not that she’s maudlin (far from – she’s a real firecracker) but you can see that wary dance she performs with time everyday. Will it be today, you know she’s thinking? Will it be today she hears if her son has died? Anyway, the play, called Stabat Mater – Latin for The Mother Remains – is really good. I hope people will show up.

Me, myself and I

I know, I know. A topic most people love to write about but few want to actually read (unless you’re Paris Hilton or Jessica Simpson, apparently). But I figure I’ll just start writing in this thing and see what happens. And they always say, write what you know. Which, in reality, may not necessarily mean that I should write about myself, since I confuse the hell out of me.

I’m editor and publisher for a (very) small book publisher in Canada. So small, in fact, that it’s just me and some wonderful people whom I contract out to occasionally. But, in the one year of existance (wow – it has been one year! I should probably celebrate that) I have published two books, one I have written under the pen name Michelle Hamilton, and one written by an extremely talented playwright out of Winchester, Ont. I’m working on a few other projects, one of those should be published by the end of the year. We’ll see.

I’m also an online editor for a prominent Canadian magazine – or at least I am right now. They are going through massive budget cuts and I may not have a job in a few days. Guess we’ll see on that front, too!

So, I imagine this blog will be filled with a cacaphony of information re: writing, editing, publishing, web and online design, coding, marketing and (if all goes well) teaching. I love what I do but I’ve never had so many medical conditions related to stress before.

Hello world?

Well, this is my first blog. Ever. I feel the need to write a headline that’s a bit more catchy, since I’m an editor and writer, but I’ll admit I’m having virginal shyness so can only promise to add a bit more oomph in the future.

I’m not really sure what you’re suppose to write in a blog, but felt the need to actually have one since I may be teaching about them in the future. Hmm. As a journalist, blogs are supposed to be a tool. I guess I’ll learn through experience. Better figure out how all these tools work, first!