I'm beginning to suspect that no one is actually reading this blog but me (to proofread the blog). That can be good, though. I used to have another blog a long time ago and people read it and didn't like what I had to say.
I heard something on NPR the other day about yet another newspaper going the way of the dinosaur. Actually, the newspaper will continue to operate on line, but much of the staff (including those folks who actually printed the paper I'm sure) will soon be unemployed.
I graduated from the University of Kentucky in 2000 with a Journalism degree. Once upon a time that degree could get you through some doors, but I'm not so sure that's the case now. In these economic times it doesn't do much. I worked at a weekly paper for a while, but I eventually thought I would benefit from moving to a daily newspaper in a slightly bigger market. I no longer work for that paper for reasons that I won't go into. For right now I am no longer a journalist.
I said a few years ago that a journalist is the 21st Century version of an elevator operator. Thanks to the Internet I don't need to go by a printing press for thousands of people to read my thoughts. I can talk about politics or beer and I don't need a printing press for you to read it, much like I don't need to ask someone to push "three" for me. Still, there is still some level of mystique about a newspaper. After all, Clark Kent wasn't a blogger and Jimmy Olsen didn't take photos to post on flickr. A funny side note, someone once referred to my co-workers and I at the weekly paper I worked for as a bunch of Lois Lanes.
All this brings me to the question, what does it mean to be a writer? I've been told that I "write well." I've also been told that I my writing is horrible and that it needs so much editing that it is no longer mine once it has been edited. In the context which that was said, that statement made the speaker appear somewhat unethical, but I wont' go into that here. Anyway, I have some ideas that I would like to turn into novels or short stories, but somehow I just can't get do much with them. I've written some short chapters my latest idea, but what next? I have a plot, but it has holes and problems.
Character A comes to Character B for help. Character A has a problem, but what exactly is it? Or more to the point, what can Character B do to help? I don't know. So, I write this blog and wonder if anyone is out there.
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I'm reading!! I shamefully just started reading. I really like your metaphor between newspapers and elevator operators. It is sad that America no longer desires hard copy. What was so bad about elevator operators anyway? Those were the days! Men wore three piece suits with tails and top hats to get on those elevators...but we've traded that for sweat pants and pushing our own buttons. This isn't to say we're worse these days...just less of something....and I guess if all great things must die, then such is the demise of news-print.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sad history tid-bit for some unassuming, new-age-snot-nosed, techno-savvy-texting, pimple faced teenager to read in a history book: "The printing press was invented and later gave way to mass productions of what the generation called 'newspaper.' Readers often read such publications while drinking morning coffee. Sections were often spread over large areas and inky residue often lingered on the fingertips of readers." Then students will laugh. Perhaps it will be similar to how we laugh about homes that shared phone lines while operators directed all calls.
Or.....
Classics such as The Wall Street Journal will continue printing hard copies for loyal readers and intelligent folk.
You should keep writing, my friend. You are talented and intelligent. Journalism is not the only form of written expression, as I am sure you are aware. Perhaps fiction is in your future...non-fiction or a biography. You can do it. A little each day soon becomes several hundred pages...don't give up. Don't miss an opportunity to invest your talent.
You don't have to be a Clark Kent to become a Superman. You just have to work hard to practice and market your gift. :)
Thank you for your comment. It's good to know that someone knows my blog exists. I used to be into blogging a lot more and there was a whole network that I kept up with, but I eventually realized it was taking up too much time.
ReplyDeleteMaybe I'll think about the plot of my story a little more while I'm upstairs cleaning this afternoon (trying to get our house ready to sell). Thanks for the encouragement too.