My final for my Newspaper Production (JRN 415) class is to find my niche. Last spring I considered my niche to be about Chicano culture. I thought I could write about my everyday experiences as a Chicana, both the positive and negatives experiences.
Well this semester the idea of specific content writing came again and well I am using the same topic. My blog last semester was titled, Chicana Confessions. You can go here to see it. I haven't done too much posting because I've been busy, but I will!!!
So I was looking for other blogs that catered to the same audience. There are three that I found to be interesting.
The first one is Mi Blog es Tu Blog. This blog is written by Laura Martinez (is she my cousin?) and she is a bilingual journalist. She was born in Mexico city and has done a lot of work with The Wall Street Journal and she even made her own magazine! Crazy, because this is what I want to do! Her posts range from current events to minor things of interest to Latinos.
This is the second one that I liked, it's called Life in Spanglish. I like this one because, true to its name, posts are written in only Spanish or English and then some in both languages. The writer Cristina posts about news, books and current events in both languages. This is a cool blog! With a nice flag picture!
The last one that I found to be really interesting was LA Eastside. This is cool because the writers use a lot of pictures in their posts and some posts only have pictures with a caption. This is a good blog for people who are interested in the Lation culture but want to see things in picture format. It provides a more visually interesting blog.
Well that's all, folks! I will be updating my own blog, Chicana Confessions, hopefully now that I will be on Christmas break.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Sunday, November 1, 2009
The Reconstruction of Journalism
The Reconstruction of American Journalism is a report recently released by Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism. This is an interesting report covering various aspects of journalism’s past, present and future.
The authors, Leonard Downie, Jr. and Michael Schudson quickly suggest that journalism needs to be reinvented and reconstructed. They point out that the internet can help foster this change. Downie and Schudson provide the Voice of San Diego as an example of independent, non-profit news reporting utilizing the internet.
The report also takes into consideration the participatory nature in which journalism is heading, participatory and collaborative—citizen journalism. Quick access of information, because of the internet, allows for the public to be more involved. People who thought that they could not provide any valuable input are now realizing the importance.
A tread the authors of the report noted was that journalism has shifted from accountability to advocacy. Publications are now made for specific audiences and in return, there are more causes, political biases and preferences. These help publications change their foundations.
Downie and Schudson also discussed that independent reporting that gives information, provides investigation and analysis, and community input needs to be conserved. Explanatory and informational articles help the public understand specific topics and should be promoted.
The authors also said that credible reporting should be conserved. This is a basic aspect of old journalism that does not have to chage.
Other critical remarks were made on Columbia Journalism Review.
Martin C. Langeveld’s commentary Report Ignores Web’s Nimble Nature, offers vital input. He wrote that the report did not address the use of social media, Twitter and Facebook. These sites, he said, can help with citizen journalism. News organizations can track the things people are talking about the most and be able to meet the demand for coverage on those particular topics.
Langeveld also suggested the government take proactive steps and offer journalism students fellowships. The program would be devised like Teach for America, however the name would be Report for America. This is especially important to me because I am a Journalism major and getting a job in this economy is a hard, and I’m just a junior. Langeveld said the condition for receiving this government support would be that the student must report on civic issues, which will ultimately benefit the benefactor.
The authors, Leonard Downie, Jr. and Michael Schudson quickly suggest that journalism needs to be reinvented and reconstructed. They point out that the internet can help foster this change. Downie and Schudson provide the Voice of San Diego as an example of independent, non-profit news reporting utilizing the internet.
The report also takes into consideration the participatory nature in which journalism is heading, participatory and collaborative—citizen journalism. Quick access of information, because of the internet, allows for the public to be more involved. People who thought that they could not provide any valuable input are now realizing the importance.
A tread the authors of the report noted was that journalism has shifted from accountability to advocacy. Publications are now made for specific audiences and in return, there are more causes, political biases and preferences. These help publications change their foundations.
Downie and Schudson also discussed that independent reporting that gives information, provides investigation and analysis, and community input needs to be conserved. Explanatory and informational articles help the public understand specific topics and should be promoted.
The authors also said that credible reporting should be conserved. This is a basic aspect of old journalism that does not have to chage.
Other critical remarks were made on Columbia Journalism Review.
Martin C. Langeveld’s commentary Report Ignores Web’s Nimble Nature, offers vital input. He wrote that the report did not address the use of social media, Twitter and Facebook. These sites, he said, can help with citizen journalism. News organizations can track the things people are talking about the most and be able to meet the demand for coverage on those particular topics.
Langeveld also suggested the government take proactive steps and offer journalism students fellowships. The program would be devised like Teach for America, however the name would be Report for America. This is especially important to me because I am a Journalism major and getting a job in this economy is a hard, and I’m just a junior. Langeveld said the condition for receiving this government support would be that the student must report on civic issues, which will ultimately benefit the benefactor.
Monday, October 5, 2009
My Passions
I believe information should be available to all. Everyone has a right to know, to be knowledgeable. People were made in God’s image and God is intelligent. However the current availability of information is not accessible to all. There are members of society who lack resources to attain certain information from different platforms. Sometimes that information can be as vital as foretelling symptoms of a disease or as interesting as costumed biker groups from the Inland Empire in California.
As a professional journalist, I want my role in society to that of an interpreter to all publics. I want to facilitate the news for all audience types. When a governor passes a budget, citizens need to understand the state’s expenditures and cutbacks. I want to analyze news and create rational opinions. I would be able to provide valid commentary with this skill. I want to create an interest in news. Not of the sensational type but rather of the real matters that affect locals and nationals. This is my vision as a journalist and what I hope to give to society as a news interpreter.
As a Christian communicator I follow a code of ethics in both my personal and academic life. I value honesty and always seek to be accurate in my work. When I become a professional my beliefs will serve as my backbone. I keep in mind that what I do must bring honor to God.
Growing up I did not find a teen magazine that covered all of my interests. Seventeen lacked a cultural aspect and Latina was geared toward an adult population. I want to help the Hispanic community specifically because sometimes they are left out in the access or availability of information ultimately linking to the prime reason I want to become a journalist.
My ultimate career goal is to create a magazine catered to young Latinas that: provides relevant news and useful information, focuses on higher education, discusses real issues in the Latina community and promotes cultural awareness. I want this magazine to provide a point of reference for girls nationwide.
I know that it will take diligence and persistence to reach this goal. I will have to create a reputable name for myself, but I know that I can do it with by walking with Christ.
This is my passion. I love my culture and I love writing. When I mix these two interests, I get excited and love talking about it. I think the most motivating factor for this is because of the program AVID, an acronym for Advancement Via Individual Determination. I was in this program since the eighth grade. AVID helped me get to college. My parents did not go to college so they weren’t able to help me with the application process, the A-G requirements that I had to fulfill, the SATs and ACTs I had to take or even the FAFSA I needed to fill out. But this program did. The program was my resource and because of that I knew what to do, because of AVID I was prepared. That is why I want to be a resource for my fellow Latinos because many are in the same situation. I want them to know that they can go to college. I want to give them the information to get there and the specific help they can seek to get there.
As a professional journalist, I want my role in society to that of an interpreter to all publics. I want to facilitate the news for all audience types. When a governor passes a budget, citizens need to understand the state’s expenditures and cutbacks. I want to analyze news and create rational opinions. I would be able to provide valid commentary with this skill. I want to create an interest in news. Not of the sensational type but rather of the real matters that affect locals and nationals. This is my vision as a journalist and what I hope to give to society as a news interpreter.
As a Christian communicator I follow a code of ethics in both my personal and academic life. I value honesty and always seek to be accurate in my work. When I become a professional my beliefs will serve as my backbone. I keep in mind that what I do must bring honor to God.
Growing up I did not find a teen magazine that covered all of my interests. Seventeen lacked a cultural aspect and Latina was geared toward an adult population. I want to help the Hispanic community specifically because sometimes they are left out in the access or availability of information ultimately linking to the prime reason I want to become a journalist.
My ultimate career goal is to create a magazine catered to young Latinas that: provides relevant news and useful information, focuses on higher education, discusses real issues in the Latina community and promotes cultural awareness. I want this magazine to provide a point of reference for girls nationwide.
I know that it will take diligence and persistence to reach this goal. I will have to create a reputable name for myself, but I know that I can do it with by walking with Christ.
This is my passion. I love my culture and I love writing. When I mix these two interests, I get excited and love talking about it. I think the most motivating factor for this is because of the program AVID, an acronym for Advancement Via Individual Determination. I was in this program since the eighth grade. AVID helped me get to college. My parents did not go to college so they weren’t able to help me with the application process, the A-G requirements that I had to fulfill, the SATs and ACTs I had to take or even the FAFSA I needed to fill out. But this program did. The program was my resource and because of that I knew what to do, because of AVID I was prepared. That is why I want to be a resource for my fellow Latinos because many are in the same situation. I want them to know that they can go to college. I want to give them the information to get there and the specific help they can seek to get there.
Monday, April 13, 2009
SP 09 JRN 215 Final Blog
The article that I enjoyed writing the most is “Obama facing challenges building cabinet.” This article was a hard news story. I was particularly proud of this one because it made the front cover of the paper. I also enjoyed writing this article because I wanted to compile a list of all the candidates and drop outs. As a citizen, I myself was confused on which person was selected for what role. It would be appropriate for me to say that this was the first time that I was really involved in the presidential campaign. So as I wrote the article, I began to understand more and I was even able to find some information about the past presidents.
I also liked writing the “Woo Fest, a Big Success” article. This was a features story that I really enjoyed writing because it was an event that I had to “cover.” After the actual “fest” I had the confidence to go to complete strangers and ask for an interview. I did three short interviews and I felt important because I was part of the press. I also did a follow up interview on the founders of the fest. I also felt as if I had connections during the event because I was given insider information on the big finale of the fest. It was fun to do this entertainment type article.
Overall, I enjoyed Spring semester. During Fall I was new to the school and I felt a little intimidated. But now I feel comfortable with the campus and I know my way around. So I think that I grew a lot in this school year. My faith, my writing skills, interview skills and other academic aspects developed more. I am so glad to be at CBU right now.
I hope that next year I can contribute more to the Journalism program. I am interested in writing “breaking news” stories and having them published almost instantaneously on the website. I think God is blessing us right now and giving us opportunities to reach audiences in different methods, the website being one of the most important methods. I would like to see story packages online. We can have text, video, podcasts and slideshows for stories that we are covering. We also have the opportunity to host more timely stories online.
I also liked writing the “Woo Fest, a Big Success” article. This was a features story that I really enjoyed writing because it was an event that I had to “cover.” After the actual “fest” I had the confidence to go to complete strangers and ask for an interview. I did three short interviews and I felt important because I was part of the press. I also did a follow up interview on the founders of the fest. I also felt as if I had connections during the event because I was given insider information on the big finale of the fest. It was fun to do this entertainment type article.
Overall, I enjoyed Spring semester. During Fall I was new to the school and I felt a little intimidated. But now I feel comfortable with the campus and I know my way around. So I think that I grew a lot in this school year. My faith, my writing skills, interview skills and other academic aspects developed more. I am so glad to be at CBU right now.
I hope that next year I can contribute more to the Journalism program. I am interested in writing “breaking news” stories and having them published almost instantaneously on the website. I think God is blessing us right now and giving us opportunities to reach audiences in different methods, the website being one of the most important methods. I would like to see story packages online. We can have text, video, podcasts and slideshows for stories that we are covering. We also have the opportunity to host more timely stories online.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Tattoo Barbie
Toys R Us is selling Totally Stylin Tattoos Barbie for $22.99.
I heard the tease for this story while watching American Idol on FOX and gasped out loud! Mattel made a tattoo barbie? What?!
Well, they did sell that "math is hard" doll before...Seems like Mattel likes to surprise.
BTW, congrats to the Boricua on American Idol on making it to the top 12. American Idol is going Latino!
Monday, March 2, 2009
8Xs the Fame
Octo-Mom Nadya Suleman permeated news reports since early February. It was a human interest story that involved a unique birth of multiple children, but now her reputation has changed, especially with the release of Radar’s video. This is when grandmother Suleman reprimands and publicly argues with her daughter in regard to the number of children.
The public is most outraged by Suleman’s financial situation. Suleman is unemployed and living off her student loans, but that money will run out quickly. Her parents’ house is in danger of foreclosure. This raises eyebrows because the public does not want to support her children with taxes.
To add to the outrage, Suleman has been offered a pornography deal by Vivid Entertainment. If she made a porn film, they would give her $1 million. Additionally, if she becomes a regular by doing several videos, they will provide full dental and medical insurance for her entire family.
I believe that Suleman should have thought about her children’s lives before she made the decision to have eight more children. These children do not have a male figure in their lives, unless the grandfather is a consideration. Several studies conducted by sociologists prove that children living in a single-female headed household are more likely to get into legal trouble as they grow up. I think that the Christian perspective is most prominent in this aspect because these children will not be living in a house as God demanded with a mother and a father. She has not even raised her children because she is at school, working on her Masters. Suleman depends on her mother to take her children and raise the children as her own.
NBC was able to visit the Sulemans at their home giving an inside look. The house was filled with toys and children overflowing while the eight babies are still in the hospital. During this footage the audience was able to see that neighbors and other samaritans have donated food and money to help Suleman out. I think that she is also taking people’s generosity for granted. She accepts donations without being humble. In fact, she even posted a donation link on her website for the public to give support.
The public is most outraged by Suleman’s financial situation. Suleman is unemployed and living off her student loans, but that money will run out quickly. Her parents’ house is in danger of foreclosure. This raises eyebrows because the public does not want to support her children with taxes.
To add to the outrage, Suleman has been offered a pornography deal by Vivid Entertainment. If she made a porn film, they would give her $1 million. Additionally, if she becomes a regular by doing several videos, they will provide full dental and medical insurance for her entire family.
I believe that Suleman should have thought about her children’s lives before she made the decision to have eight more children. These children do not have a male figure in their lives, unless the grandfather is a consideration. Several studies conducted by sociologists prove that children living in a single-female headed household are more likely to get into legal trouble as they grow up. I think that the Christian perspective is most prominent in this aspect because these children will not be living in a house as God demanded with a mother and a father. She has not even raised her children because she is at school, working on her Masters. Suleman depends on her mother to take her children and raise the children as her own.
NBC was able to visit the Sulemans at their home giving an inside look. The house was filled with toys and children overflowing while the eight babies are still in the hospital. During this footage the audience was able to see that neighbors and other samaritans have donated food and money to help Suleman out. I think that she is also taking people’s generosity for granted. She accepts donations without being humble. In fact, she even posted a donation link on her website for the public to give support.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
American Idol in Puerto Rico
This is the first time that American Idol hosted auditions in the US territory Puerrrto Rrrico. Orale! Good job American Idol for recognizing that Latinos, well maybe just Boricuas, are a important audience to target. I was suprised to hear that the people were able to sing in Spanish and even more suprised that those songs would also get broadcasted.
Props to American Idol, even though I dissed reality tv shows in my last blog. Eh, we all watch 'em, no? Hasta Luego.
Props to American Idol, even though I dissed reality tv shows in my last blog. Eh, we all watch 'em, no? Hasta Luego.
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