couldn't have said it better myself

Here's a quote from the creator of the popular Craigslist site--the epitome of citizens helping citizens--about the veracity of "citizen journalists." I like what he has to say. There used to be a difference between being an eyewitness to an event, and being considered trained in journalistic principles of balance, fact-checking, etc. Both are needed, and both are important. It's also important not to confuse the two roles.

Found this over at the Cyberjournalist site--a nice place for those who put words up on the web for a living.

Craiglist's founder: no substitute for professional journalism

"There's no substitute for professional-level writing and fact-checking and editing. One of the tenets of the effort I'm involved with is to drive more traffic to professional news sites. People have gotten too excited about citizen journalism, and they're not addressing the balance well."

-- Craig Newmark

a month without rain...or blogs

In addition to no rain, Phoenix has the crappiest air quality in the known universe this winter (see above photo)! I think we're making Houston and LA look positively green by comparison...

Goodness, has it really been almost a month since I wrote in this blog? Is ANYONE still reading this (besides me and maybe Scooter)? Why don't you uncloak and comment in the blog so I can determine if I'm really just posting my diary online or if I should address some big hairy issue in true blogger style. (Not that I wouldn't do that if it's just me and my shadow, but I'll probably make more of an effort if I have an audience.)

I've been busy on the writing front. I set as a goal for myself in 2006 to write a magazine article query (a letter to interest an editor into making an assignment) EVERY WEEK. So far, so good, although I'm learning why a lot of savvy writers find a topic they think has potential and send out several queries to several non-competing markets. Trying to find enough research for the query, given my crazy bus-enabled commute to work, is tough to do over and over each week. But the hope is to sell some articles on HR/workplace/career issues and be a big ol' "expert" by the time I'm trying to sell my Bright Livelihood column.

I'm also working on selling my services as an editor. I'm guessing copy editing gigs will be easier to get than what my ultimate aim is: getting work as an assignment or developmental editor. Those types are really close to being writing "coaches," because they work on structural issues with writers (often on book-length manuscripts), rather than being on endless comma patrol. I'm writing some articles to distribute to little markets (such as newsletters) filled with potential clients. I may also try to get my information in front of newbie writers who have fairly ambitious projects. I don't think I'm a writing teacher, but I can be a friendly coach.

The day job is good...we're going into production for the next issue so I'm busy.

In other news, the grandson is growing like a weed. Here's a cute pic. Look how much he's grown since the Santa photo! :)