Welcome to an edition of Jacob's thoughts on journalism. It has been a long time since that journalism 420 editing class (thank g-d that ended). After re-reading some of my posts from about a year ago, I would like to bring back some of those conversations with a new and updated look on them.
All journalism majors have heard for the past four years is that our future looks bleak. Let's face it; people are not buying newspapers as much as they once were. Even being a journalist, I understand why. Who would pay for the Chicago Sun-Times when they can get any article for free online? Having just graduated, with the little money that I have, I am learning the true meaning of a dollar. People are tightening their belts and when something can be replaced for gratis, people will give in.
Despite this fact, despite people telling me for four years I am in the wrong industry, I am not giving up. I am so tired of people saying you shouldn't do this since it won't be here in 10 years. I am tired of people saying you are not going to make any money. I am tired of people saying you won't make it. I am tired of you people.
Unless you are a true journalist, you do not know the effort that goes into being a full-time reporter, photographer, editor or designer. You do not know our drive to capture the moment or break that once in a lifetime story. You do not fully comprehend our AP style of journalism. Most importantly, you do not understand our love for the industry that can not fail.
So where do I see our industry in 10 years. I see it better than ever. I see new newspapers popping up all over the nation. I see a digital newspaper in everyone’s inboxes. I see new and exciting technology that brings the reader or viewer or whatever closer to the story. I see an industry that stood up the words “I can’t” and said “we did.”
