Maybe this post shouldn’t be flashing across a website titled MY REAL NAME, but oh well. We’re all doomed, anyway. The decay of paper journalism is catching up to the best of us. It’s quick and it’s paralyzing. Lately, I’ve been questioning my skill set more than ever before. Do I have what it takes to make it? And what the heck does “making it” mean anymore? What, if anything, makes me special?
A long, long time ago, writing used to be my thing. Everyone had a thing. Some people did law, some did medicine, some did computers, some did banking. Your thing is what you’re good at and what you choose to do for a major chunk of your life. I loved my thing. It became a part of my identity.
Then blogs started taking over the universe and it was awesome because, hey, more reading procrastination material, but it was also like oh, you’re a writer, too? Oh, that’s cool. I guess. There was something about this whole EVERYONE CAN WRITE! movement that made me uneasy.
And now that I see so many established news outlets slashing their staffs, I can’t help but think this sucks. At 26, I’m still rather young, but I’ve been in the journalism game for more than 10 years (high school counts!). There had always been something esteemed and noble about being part of this small circle of reporters, but I don’t really feel that anymore. Instead, I feel hidden and uninspired.
And when it comes to my career, I’ll admit it. Most of all, I feel threatened. It’s a whiny, bitter sort of feeling. As I struggle to keep my head above water in this big new sea of writers, I’m just like, what the heck? This is my job. You don’t see me whipping out a scalpel and using my “natural talents” to perform brain surgery — why don’t you stick to your own job, too?
But of course, that’s just selfishness talking. For society’s sake, I think it’s wonderful to have this whole army of (lame word alert) netizens keeping the world in check. I just wish they were a little less good.
7 responses so far ↓
1 m@ // Jul 1, 2008 at 7:07 am
If you look at how well this post was written, it is quite apparent that the majority of Internet writers don’t possess the skill you do. I’m not saying that just because there will be horrible retribution to pay if I do not do so. I think other people will agree.
2 Nina // Jul 1, 2008 at 8:28 am
The difference: you are good enough to get paid to write. As one of those annoying internet writers, I say you’re head and shoulders above the rest. See? I even now I have to resort to tired cliches and emoticons. =P
3 supertiff // Jul 1, 2008 at 8:50 am
also: consider the many financial opportunities that are available through this new form. sure, anyone can self-publish, but not everyone can rise to the top of this vast sea and become a major player. erin kotecki-vest (@queen of spain blog) took a job as a political correspondent for blogher, and she actually got to do an in-person, one-on-one interview with barack obama.
have you considered expanding your online presence at all?
4 F.J. // Jul 1, 2008 at 3:59 pm
Writing is a skill that is unique to the individual. The way one write is an extension of their personality, you can’t change it. How one expresses themselves through their word selection comes from one’s creative mind. If creativity is a common thing, then why can’t everyone be a Picasso or a Da Vinci?
In my occupation, words are extremely powerful. Words in my world can make people lose their life and be forever condemned or gain their life and be exonerated (i.e. one or two words can make a difference…guilty or not guilty.)
You have an innate ability. I enjoy your materials. Remember just because there are countless “writers” in the world, it does not mean ALL of them are great. Only a selected talented few will be top echelon. And you, my friend, belong in the top echelon.
5 michelle // Jul 2, 2008 at 9:18 am
aww, seriously - thanks.
supertiff - i would like to expand my online presence, but i feel like i haven’t really found a focus yet. i don’t have a niche. but i’d like to continue developing a blogging voice in hope of one day taking this more seriously. maybe that will be soon. i’d love to learn more about the tools out there.
6 Yeti // Jul 2, 2008 at 11:29 pm
eye stILLz Dont No how Too Write. BUt I bloGz 2. Itz FUN!
7 bobby // Jul 5, 2008 at 1:33 pm
these are the moments grad school is made for.
Leave a Comment