Archive for January, 2010

One thing I’ve taught in journalism classes is the concept of community journalism.  It’s that responsibility of journalists to report on topics to better their communities.  Sometimes that community can be much larger than a certain geographic area.

Stories that can help people are just as important as reporting the latest headlines.  The press is still powerful, even with the Internet.  And, like Peter Parker’s Uncle Ben said, “With great power comes great responsibility.”

I was reminded of this recently through another blog — this one from Al Tompkins at Poynter.  His post discussed a conversation he had with the mother of a serviceman who committed suicide after returning from Iraq.  She wanted to compel journalists to write articles about resources available to veterans for mental health assistance.

While journalists don’t like to be told what to write, we are also responsible to our readers.  Good writers and editors focus on what their audiences want and need to read.  I agree that listening to readers’ suggestions are important.  And this topic, in particular, is a big one.

I have written numerous articles about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, specifically in relation to war veterans.  It is a topic that I care about.  It is a topic that is not discussed often enough.  And if the VA is lacking in its response to veterans’ needs, who better than journalists to bring it to light?  Who better than journalists to give desperate veterans information on where they can go for help?

We have a social responsibility.  We must take that seriously and be careful to not sensationalize.  We must remember our true purpose: to serve those who read our work.  Articles written for any other reason are not worth the ink they take to print.

The New York Times’ announcement yesterday that it will start charging for content in 2011 draws strong reactions from many folks.  Some say they’ll never pay for online content.  Others support the decision.  I have to admit that I fall into the latter category mostly because of how the New York Times has set up its payment structure.

The newspaper plans to allow general users access to a certain amount of articles each month and then charge a flat fee for unlimited access thereafter.  Subscribers will have completely free online content.  The New York Times continues to by mum about how many articles will be free.  As long as it’s a reasonable amount, then I agree with their choice.  The new format is designed to still be free for casual users and only charge those who really do read the entire newspaper for free.

Honestly, that makes sense to me.  Newspapers are a business.  Real-life journalists don’t work for free.  I certainly don’t.

Other newspaper, however, are struggling with what to do to make up for revenue lost to their online versions.  My local newspaper, for example, has started running one “enticing” article a day that it only teases on its Web site.  For the entire article, readers must purchase a hard copy of the paper.  Mostly, I find this annoying.  I like the New York Times idea in that it doesn’t make me get up and go somewhere to get the article.  I’d rather see my local newspaper charge a small fee online and have all content available there.

Media outlets continue to navigate the Internet waters and figure out how to use the Internet to boost sales and interest while not running themselves out of business by providing all free content.  As one of the largest newspapers in the country, this decision by the New York Times will most likely have repercussions throughout the country.  Smaller newspapers may mimic the model.  And, I have to say, I think it is one that will work.

Hats off to the New York Times!

When I decided to pursue freelance full-time six years ago, I knew I’d have to deal with my own taxes.  I set up a meeting with an accountant to know what I needed to track.  I must say, the bookkeeping side of having your own business was actually a bit more than I expected.  While I still don’t enjoy the bookkeeping that I have to do, I’ve gotten my system down and don’t mind it so much.

All that said, fourth quarter taxes are due tomorrow (Jan. 15), so I have taxes on the brain even though the rest of the United States doesn’t really start thinking about them this soon.  While writing checks to Uncle Sam isn’t exactly a thrill, I do take solace in the fact that owing taxes means I’m making money.  I try to focus on that.  I know that if I’m having to pay taxes that’s because I am earning an income.  That means people are hiring me to write for them, which is the ultimate goal of having a business!

And when annual tax time rolls around in a couple of months, I will also be thankful that I have an accountant to help me sort through everything.  I give him my records and he takes it from there.  He charges me to do this, of course, but I am glad to pay for his services.  It saves me so much headache.

So as I write out my fourth quarter tax check today and drop it in the mail, I will remain focused on the positive side of tax time!

Working from a home office means not having to worry so much about a business wardrobe.  But, even when spending all day in the office, what you wear makes a difference.

I have always dressed up in nice clothes to go for article interviews, client meetings or teaching classes.  On days I don’t leave the office, though, what I wear doesn’t matter as much.  Clients, interview subjects, editors and students can’t see me over the phone or through e-mail.

I learned early on, though, that I really am what I wear.  On days that I stay in my pajamas until noon, I am a bit more lackadaisical about my work.  On days I get dressed and do my hair and makeup right after breakfast, I seem more productive.  Somehow what I wear makes a difference.  I take my work seriously all the time.  Getting dressed for it, makes it even more serious to me.

And, of course, working from home doesn’t require me to wear shoes.  Another trick I learned has been that on days when my motivation is lacking, I put on a pair of shoes.  When I’m wearing shoes I’m more likely to keep my feet on the floor rather than have one tucked under me.  Sitting more formally and less casually also helps keep me going.

I think the whole thing boils down to how I feel about myself.  While I am comfortable in my PJs, I don’t feel like I’m at my best.  I wouldn’t want people to see me.  Being more presentable makes me feel better about myself and, in turn, makes me have more energy to do the work I need and love to do!