Future Of Journalism

Harvard put on a talk about the future of journalism last night.
Here's my notes from the event. Here's what the Crimson (Harvard's newspaper)
had to say about the event.

What We Know
1. Journalism Matters
2. Current advertisement for newspaper models is broken
3. Economic sustainability is key
4. Multimedia is the future of journalism

9 Basic Elements of Journalism
1. Journalist's first obligation to tell the truth
2. Journalist must be loyal to citizens
3. Essence of journalism is a discipline of verification
4. Its practitioners must maintain an independence from those they cover
5. It must serve as an independent monitor of power
6. It must provide a forum for public criticism and compromise
7. It must strive to make the significant interesting and relevant
8. It must keep the news comprehensive and proportional
9. Its practitioners must be allowed to exercise their personal conscience

My thesis topic

I am following an idea exploring the different options of lunches for elementary school-age children. My interest peaked when I read about the $1 billion overhaul that President Obama plans to distribute to better school lunches. I'm hoping to talk to people at several schools, and I'm writing to their principals to find out more about their programs.

My originally idea was about adults and nutrition, but my thesis adviser said that I was too passionate on the subject matter to write objectively on it. We both decided it would be best to focus on children since I don't have as big of a bias on this subject matter.

I plan to go and watch schools during lunch period and also to talk with principals, parents, government officials, and nutritionist about lunch program at their schools. I also will go and watch a parent shop for lunches at a grocery store, follow a cafeteria worker as she prepares food, and eat lunch with children during lunch hour.

Since no one has written extensively about the subject matter, and depending upon what I discover, I may seek to have my report included in a publication that explores educational issues.

Push-Up Challenge

Ever do a hundred push-ups in a row? Me neither. This website shows you how you can build up your strength to do it. Each week they increase the amount of push-ups based on your activity level and how many you can do from the beginning. I'm starting at week one and will do a hundred by the holidays.

Host

Sometimes, I admit, I need a fire under my ass to get up and do the things I want to do, be the person I want to be. ED2010 is a match for all young professional writers that want to "be journalists," but are not yet deep in the trenches of the business.

They host monthly events to benefit us newbies and get the buzz going about ways to break in. I recently attended a wine tasting event hosted by a young editor who started his own magazine called Wine Riot. The crowd of us were smiling and supportive. He shared his knowledge about wine and starting off.

Tonight is my event where I get to give something back. Basically, to be a member you host an event at your place, make food and have drinks. I feel good about spending some effort knowing it's going to entertaining guest and meeting people who would do the same for me. Plus the members are a dynamic, engaging bunch!

Editorial Assistant

Before I finish my degree, I will work as an editorial assistant for a writing professor. I will help in the editing and production of an anthology of creative non-fiction by Boston-area public school teachers.

Typically, an assistant does a lot of what you’d normally call secretarial work dealing with the clutter of office life. In the case of a editorial assistant, I will maintain communication with authors and editor, attending editorial board meetings, proofreading near-final copy and help to pitch the final product. Sometimes, there will be plenty of work, but more often I'll be on my own, which is why I shall make it a habit to get organized and have a checklist of what needs to be done and by when.

If someone is going to be a full-time writer's assistant, sitting in front of a computer for eight hours a day, they might as well be writing something that can further their career. Though, I plan to keep working my other part-time position while working as an assistant. Therefore I don't think this can help my career goals as much as it is going to teach me how the process of book editing and publishing works.

There are perks. I will not be working out of a gloomy office or a house. I will be working alongside the professor at a cafe.

The project starts soon and I am looking forward to the experience.