I've started a freelance job with a newspaper chain in central New Jersey, helping produce a local news blog. It's just getting launched so it's not quite polished yet, but as you can see I'm writing for it already. It's going to be interesting to maintain two blogs!
It feels great to be working again, even though this job is very small and doesn't pay much. It's just a way for me to get my feet wet and gain experience with an entirely new company, and keep my skills honed. (And feel useful, I suppose.)
The content is what's known as "hyperlocal," meaning it's all about people and events just within East Brunswick. I won't be writing about national politics or that kind of thing. And I won't even be doing much hard news, because the newspapers already employ a reporter who covers government, cops, city hall and such -- I'm writing about more featurey stuff, which should be fun. (Eventually we'll fold the harder news into the blog somehow, though.)
My hope is that it may turn into a real job someday, but who knows. In this economy, and especially in the world of journalism, all bets are off.
Speaking of which, did you see the news about the Washington Post Company putting Newsweek up for sale? I have several friends at Newsweek and I've been a subscriber for about 18 years, so I hope the magazine is able to survive in some form. I don't think their recent changes have been for the better -- I preferred more reporting and less opining. But apparently the feeling is more people, and particularly younger people, want opinion and perspective in their news, rather than the old-style goal of objectivity -- I guess I'm just old-fashioned in clinging to that ideal.
(Photo: Shadows on our bedroom wall, yesterday morning.)
Oh, I love that photo.
ReplyDeleteThe picture is incredible, Steve.
ReplyDeleteHey BRAVO on the new job. It sounds good, a nice soft start back into the world of the working man (and woman).
Who needs hard news? I actually do better without it!
The news arena is changing so fast I can hardly keep up with it. Today's generation has very different demands that simply don't work with the old model. I'm hopeful your Newsweek friends will survive the latest changes, but they may not be happy with what results.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your new employment. I'm sure they will benefit from your expertise. Feeling useful and productive is a good thing, even if it doesn't pay well.
I think your new gig sounds fun.
ReplyDeleteThe story about the Midas man caught my attention. Our Midas shops closed up because the owner cheated so many customers that he had no business.
Congrats on the new job, Steve! Sounds wonderfully low key and flexible. Who knows where it could lead you.
ReplyDeleteAnd great photo!
Excellent news. And very, very beautiful photo.
ReplyDeleteWonderful photo Steve - I had no idea what the subject was until I read the caption.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you'll find the new work a lot of fun.
Objectivity in news reporting? It seems to be a thing of the past but I still see objectivity as the basis for opinions. The latter being a dime a dozen.
OK - that's just one opinion.
Ms Soup
congrats!! it is a start!! to hear that you are getting paid anything is great and as you know more than anyone, one thing leads to another!!
ReplyDeletei've been out of the loop for the last couple weeks in terms of the bloggyhood...hope i didn't miss too much on everyone's lives....maybe this weekend i can try and catch up
looks like you got spammed with mathewp - yikes. i always delete that stuff asap in case there's nasty viruses!
ps i adore that photo!!
ReplyDelete