October 27, 2008

Seems like most of the class posts I read had to do with broadcast journalism and ethics as Jesse Day spoke to them in class on October 20th. I am leaning toward what Peter said about repetitious ethical questions. It does not seem as though the ethical questions are that difficult. I am sure each instance feels like a big decision, but with network guidelines and past similar circumstances the decisions seem like they would be mapped out. There are the strict rules of what can and cannot be shown or said, and then there are the effects of what your decision was last time on a particular subject or item. If showing or sharing information was favorable last time, chances are you will make the same decision. If the response was overly negative, or if it turns out you missed an opportunity, you will probably make the opposite decision this time around.

Now, I am sure I am bias when listening and reading about others' views on ethics and broadcast journalism. I do not enjoy the majority of the stories I see on this type of media, and I do not find most of it fits my definition of news. Acknowledging the bias is at least a step, right?

October 24, 2008

Perhaps my take on publishing will be different from others in the class, but for me publishing is something I am surrounded by all the time. The very first thing in my mind when I hear or see the word publishing is the many little books my children have published over the years. From as young as kindergarten, my children have published their work. They learn the process from brainstorming to book signing. I love that they get to learn about writing, editing, illustrating, and printing. For them of course, publishing is a much simpler process. They bind their very best work with a cover and title page, and then they read it to everyone who will listen.


Other mainstream, more "grown-up,” writers have to write, have it edited, and then hopefully get published. Clearly, I do not have the exposure to this more professional publishing, so the process is somewhat of a mystery. I enjoy the new information this class is exposing me to am looking forward to hearing from our guest speaker on Wednesday. Perhaps he will be able to broaden my knowledge of publishing beyond what my children have done. I will try not to let my love of my children’s' work cloud my openness to a different process.

October 20, 2008

I, like many, found similarities to the news posts this week. The one thing I found comical was how so many people admitted they did watch the news for the weather. Sure, it is nice to know what to expect and to plan ahead, but really?? It seems like the weatherman is never right. I think if I was going to subject myself to a half-hour (or longer) session of all the negative things almost everyone alluded to, I would want to know I could count on the information I was actually seeking. I prefer to look online, or catch a peek at the paper in the lunchroom at work. Sure, it's still a crap shoot for if the weather report is accurate or not, but it took me all of about a minute to see what the crystal ball said.

October 17, 2008

I used to have a fascination with TV news. I do not watch it very often anymore because of time and all the bad news there seems to be, but once upon a time I watched it every chance I got. My "what do you want to be when you grow up" answer was a TV news anchorwoman from about 6 years old to probably 12 years old. Even when I was too young to understand the implications of what was being said; I would watch intently and admire the pretty smiles and perfect hair of the anchor women. I am not entirely sure what changed my mind, but I do recall my aspiration to appear on TV dwindled as my self-consciousness rose due to puberty and other common teenage "things." Perhaps I just was not TV material, or at least I did not think I was.

The task of writing news for television may or may not be as glamorous as the women communicating it on air. It seems like such a powerful position to be in; determining what is newsworthy (that might be over-stepping what a writer actually gets to do) and what will keep people from turning the channel. With such a variety of ways to get the news, it seems like TV is right at the bottom with the newspaper. That is the way it works in my busy life. I do not have time to sit down and read a paper, and I really do not have time to sit down at home and watch the television. I especially am not going to make the time when it seems like most of what is reported is just tragic and sad. I still admire the men and women who deliver TV news, but this class has shown me there is a translator almost everywhere. Without those who write the news, would the anchors seem so impressive?

October 13, 2008

Response to Holley Schmeck

After reading everyone's posts about freelance writing, it seemed like you could categorize them into four groups. Some people did not address the idea of actually performing freelance writing and stayed focused on what it involves. A few people were not considering freelance writing at all. There were people who did not normally think of themselves as writers, but were now considering the possibilities of freelance writing. Then there were the people who were excited about the opportunity to begin submitting their writing right away.

I was interested to see Holley is part of the last group. I mostly want to say, "Go for it!" I am not sure what it is you do or what you and your boss discussed as possible topics, but I envy your ambition. As my blog depicts, I am not considering freelance writing (or any kind of public writing). I have no desire to see my name in print...or experience rejection! I want to wish you luck, and I hope it is a fulfilling experience for you.

October 10, 2008

Freelance writing seems like a great way to get your ideas out there and highlight your writing abilities while making a few bucks (or more!). For some, the money might not be the driving force, while for others the money is the only thing that matters. I do not believe freelance writing will be a part of my future, but it is easy to say that now. Who is to say I won't need the extra cash? Certainly, the knowledge of how and where to pitch your ideas is worth having. It is interesting to me so many publications rely so heavily on freelance submissions. I understand the reasoning and how it can help keep costs down. Publications are able to maximize the amount of creativity they have available to them and minimize the amount of money they spend on it.


How exciting it must be when you receive a letter of acceptance. The anticipation and frustration that goes along with the art of freelance writing would drive me crazy. I am not so sure I could take it. My desire for immediate (or as close as I can get) feedback would make it a struggle.

October 6, 2008

Response to Peter O'Connor

Writing content aside, I really enjoy peeking at Peter's blog. His thoughts and ideas on the subjects at hand are always interesting and valid, but the added graphics are intriguing. I find myself wanting to see what he adds and how it correlates to his entry.

I too have distain for the idea the customer is always right. I mentioned it in my chapter review as a guideline to follow, but reality has painted me a much different story. I can see how someone wishing to keep employment is required to abide by this idea, but as consumers, we should consider it to be courtesy companies extend to us and not a rule or truth.

October 3, 2008

Technical Communication does not disappoint when it comes to providing ideas for improving your writing's usability and persuasiveness. Chapters 8 and 19 are no exception. While there is a wealth of information in both chapters, I believe I will use the guidelines offered in chapter 8 more often than chapter 19.

Creating your voice, constructing sentences, and selecting words are all important to ensure your writing is not subject to misinterpretation or misunderstanding. Avoiding bureaucratese is one suggestion for creating your voice. The examples amused me because they are not unlike writing I see in my job every day. Seems it is too easy to write in plain language, and some people find it necessary to hide the ideas by using an inflated vocabulary and wordiness. Although I had long ago discredited many of those writing with bureaucratese, I now have a reason other than mere frustration. It was not me having an inability to decipher what these people want to say, rather there is a defined term for the practice, and it is ineffective writing.

The section on constructing sentences, writing in active rather than passive voice specifically, is an area I definitely wish to improve. I never really understood the ramifications of using passive voice, such as losing the identity of the subject or inhibiting speed of comprehension. Chapter 8 points out all the things. Perhaps knowing the reasons to use active voice will aid me in avoiding the use of passive voice more so than simply the notion I should not use it.

While I do not have the need to employ skills for writing with these purposes right now, Chapter 19 provides excellent insight for how to write with a client or for service-learning projects. A writer needs to figure out what their client wants and when the client wants it. The writer also needs to discuss what they will require from the client in order to produce what the client requests. Laying out all the specifics in a written agreement is the best way to make sure everyone gets what they are expecting. Ultimately, the writer must understand the concept that the customer (client in this case) is always right.