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Post: 39778579_16 created on Tue May 13, 2008 9:18 amPosted: Tue May 13, 2008 9:18 am
"Klaark"
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"Klaark"
Versatility is something you'll want. Newspaper staffs are shrinking, so you can't afford to be specialized.


Really? I've heard that it's more lucrative to specialize. Of course it depends on what type of "journalism" the original poster meant.

For freelance writers (magazine freelancers, especially), I hear it's better to become highly, highly specialized in a niche market and then pitch stories to trade publications.

It's probably different for newspapers, though.

What worries me, personally, is the rumors that print is dying. =( Better brush up on web programming skills! It might also be smart to learn to write for online as oppose to for print.

Most importantly, though, learn how to spin "facts" into a coherent, compelling story that has value for the readers. Expand your vocabulary. Learn how to trim cliches out of your writing. And, for print especially, learn to be concise. Word counts will always be against you -- make every word count. Oh, and also, befriend creative, precise verbs!


It's not really a rumor. Print is shrinking, but some people think weekly papers that serve local areas will last a while yet.

Luckily, Web programing isn't something that needs to be learned. Even so, knowing your way around a content managment system is a must and so is not being afraid of a video or audio recorder.


Ah, but shrinking isn't the same as dying. It is undeniably shrinking...it's just what that shrinkage portends that frightens me.

You're totally right about the audio / video recorder thing. Gotta be willing to do it. But you do need to know some web programming (such as image and video embedding) for many online sites, especially news blogs.
 
     
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Post: 39778579_17 created on Tue May 13, 2008 8:18 pmPosted: Tue May 13, 2008 8:18 pm
 
In the UK, more and more, they prefer you to have an MA. Do your undergraduate course in something you like that's relevant to your interests - English, Politics, Philosophy, etc. - and then hunt around for a good postgraduate course in Journalism. I warn you, though, a few universities seem to really have it sewn up between them. Oxbridge, of course, London, Leeds, and a couple of other places I can't quite remember. At uni, get yourself onto a student newspaper. And just apply to every local newspaper you can for work experience. Experience is damn important.
     
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Post: 39778579_18 created on Tue May 13, 2008 10:35 pmPosted: Tue May 13, 2008 10:35 pm
Well I don't know about how things work in the U.S.A but here in England I have been told repeatedly by journalists that doing a journalism course isn't the best way of doing things. I was told it was better to do something like history or law, even sociology. I suppose it is important to have an understanding of how things work around you before you write about them. Perhaps the best advice I have been given is that if you want to write articles for a living just go out there and do it. The internet is a powerful tool. Showcase yourself why don't ya?
 
     
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Post: 39778579_19 created on Wed May 14, 2008 12:42 amPosted: Wed May 14, 2008 12:42 am
 
"Teh Pocket"

Um... I wasn't sure where to put this, as it can also refer to work in the media (radio, TV, etc.), so if anyone could help me out, that'd be great. : P

I was just wondering if there was anyone around Gaia who was into journalism, possibly as a career, that could give me some pointers on how to get into the business. I'm really interested in it, and have been for a long time.

Unfortunately, my local college doesn't offer any journalism courses. But, I'm looking into other places that I could apply for the future ( since right now I don't have the means to pay anyhow : ( ),

It would just be great to hear of some experiences. How tough the industry is... Things that I should expect... Possible places I could gain work experience (I'm currently living in the UK). That sort of thing.

I'm sorry again if this is the wrong forum.
Thanks in advance!


I spent years working for a (local) newspaper here in the United States. I began as a copy editor, and then worked my way up to Assistant Opinions Editor, to Opinions Editor, to Managing Editor, to Editor in Chief. It was very difficult and very rewarding.

You don't need journalism classes per se, but you do need the experience that they are most likely going to give you. The best way to learn the mechanics of a good article, and how to tailor that piece to multiple sections, is the most important part. You can get a lot of groundwork from classes, and then turn that into experience. In my time at University, I took two actual "Journalism" classes (English major) and then ghosted the office, trying to learn whatever I could.

As someone else said, diversity is key. You need to learn how to write investigative stories, hard stories, soft stories, features, entertainment, op/ed, review, sports, you name it. The more you know, the more diverse your portfolio, the more likely a paper is to find a spot to you. Grades don't matter. Classes don't matter, other than to give you the groundwork you need. Connections, skills, and a portfolio are what are going to get you hired.

Learn design, in addition to writing. Learn how to use Quark, InDesign, Corell, PageLayer, anything and everything. Learn to lay out pages, learn design techniques, learn what sells. Learn to copy edit, to interview, to data hound.

The best way you're going to learn this is to work at a newspaper. Go to a university paper, or intern at a local branch or paper. University papers are the best, since you can get your feet wet, make mistakes, and go to conventions to learn more from the professionals.
     
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Post: 39778579_20 created on Mon Jun 16, 2008 6:45 amPosted: Mon Jun 16, 2008 6:45 am
I've been in newspaper for 2 and a half years for my High School. Try getting an internship and taking all journalism classes you can. Write letters and articles to journalists and editors. Most will look through them and give you pointers if you ask. Some editors will even publish them if you're lucky enough. Practice all types of writing. Specialties are good but newspaper staffs are growing increasingly smaller at an alarming rate. Editors like writers who are willing to do what they need to get done and can write well under the pressure of a dead line. Also, if your local paper has a reader's forum, letters to the editor, reader's opinions section, etc. send in anything you have. Practice is the best way to get there along with education.
 
     
"When all you've got to keep is strong move along move along like I know you're tune. And even when your hope is gone...move along move along just to make it through...move along."-The All-American Rejects
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