Get wired to win.
JET goes digital
This is my first blog entry ever!
I'm a print journalist by trade. Most of my background is in feature writing, copy editing and page design. I got back into newspapers almost a year ago after a short stint at a B2B magazine. The glitzy magazine world just didn't satisfy me like I thought it would, and I missed the smell of newspaper ink and the pressure of meeting a deadline. So, I went back into the trenches.
However, since then, I've seen the state of the print industry. I didn't want to believe those who said print is dying a slow, painful death, but now I'm coming around to that way of thinking. I am being forced to slowly and grudgingly admit that maybe I had better listen to those I once thought pessimists.
Well, at the end of 2007, I was sort of depressed about the state of my chosen industry and wondering where it would leave print die-hards like me in the future. Then, someone in my company passed along a link that gave me just the inspiration I needed. Howard Owens' post "2008 objectives for today's non-wired journalist" was just the kick in the pants I needed. He succinctly lists 10 things neophytes like me can do to get acquainted with the digital world.
I responded to Mr. Owens' challenge and declared publicly my intention to become more wired in 2008. I also let some key people in my company know what I am doing.
So far, I have joined four networking sites: this one, Facebook, MySpace and LinkedIn. I have found that my Google Reader is the perfect tool for subscribing to and managing RSS feeds. I have posted a few comments on blogs, though not as many as I would like to.
And now, I'm starting a blog. In this space, I plan to chronicle my digital activities, and thoughts and critiques on the things I discover. Since this is a site for wired and non-wired journalists, I think this is the most appropriate place for these thoughts.
So, as I make this journey, I appreciate any feedback, support and advice from you. I think at first, I'll be excited just to have someone read this!
I'm a print journalist by trade. Most of my background is in feature writing, copy editing and page design. I got back into newspapers almost a year ago after a short stint at a B2B magazine. The glitzy magazine world just didn't satisfy me like I thought it would, and I missed the smell of newspaper ink and the pressure of meeting a deadline. So, I went back into the trenches.
However, since then, I've seen the state of the print industry. I didn't want to believe those who said print is dying a slow, painful death, but now I'm coming around to that way of thinking. I am being forced to slowly and grudgingly admit that maybe I had better listen to those I once thought pessimists.
Well, at the end of 2007, I was sort of depressed about the state of my chosen industry and wondering where it would leave print die-hards like me in the future. Then, someone in my company passed along a link that gave me just the inspiration I needed. Howard Owens' post "2008 objectives for today's non-wired journalist" was just the kick in the pants I needed. He succinctly lists 10 things neophytes like me can do to get acquainted with the digital world.
I responded to Mr. Owens' challenge and declared publicly my intention to become more wired in 2008. I also let some key people in my company know what I am doing.
So far, I have joined four networking sites: this one, Facebook, MySpace and LinkedIn. I have found that my Google Reader is the perfect tool for subscribing to and managing RSS feeds. I have posted a few comments on blogs, though not as many as I would like to.
And now, I'm starting a blog. In this space, I plan to chronicle my digital activities, and thoughts and critiques on the things I discover. Since this is a site for wired and non-wired journalists, I think this is the most appropriate place for these thoughts.
So, as I make this journey, I appreciate any feedback, support and advice from you. I think at first, I'll be excited just to have someone read this!
6 Comments
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Comment by Maria Varmazis on January 25, 2008 at 12:27pm - Welcome to the wired world! Sounds like you're off to a great start embracing social networks and the blogosphere.
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Comment by Jennifer Thornberry on January 25, 2008 at 1:30pm -
Thanks! Both for the support, and for the honor of being my first commenter! :)
(Hey, I get excited about the little things!)
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Comment by Angelea Preston on January 25, 2008 at 5:08pm - what is it like being a journalist? I am really interested...(if you don't mind)
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Comment by Jennifer Thornberry on January 26, 2008 at 11:05am
- Angelea, I don't mind at all to answer that question. My short answer: fun, crazy, stressful, all at the same time. As for the long answer, I think that is too complex for a simply comment. So, you have just inspired my next blog entry. Look for it in the next day or two!
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Comment by Paul Conley on January 31, 2008 at 3:59pm -
Hi Jennifer,
Welcome to the world of wired journalism. I think you'll find it even more fun and more engaging than print-only journalism.
Looking at your first blog post, I'd say that you're doing all the right things to start.
Enjoy!
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Comment by Alex Gaughan on February 5, 2008 at 6:44pm -
jennifer, I only wish I could've had the chance of getting involved with print media. I've always been a computer nerd, and a "slave" to the internet, but a year or so ago I had my first experience with hard copy newspapers and I don't know how I'll ever be able to go back to the digital age (ironic, eh).
anyway, don't feel bad. even people who have lived and died on a WiFi connection are feeling the pinch of the digital age newspaper.
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Ryan Sholin
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Howard Owens and Zac Echola are the co-founders of Wired Journalists, sharing all the credit and blame with Ryan Sholin.
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Contact any of us with questions, suggestions, or concerns.
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Patrick Thornton is around here somewhere, as well.
Contact any of us with questions, suggestions, or concerns.
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