Wanna Learn More?

In case anyone was in the least bit intrigued by my pitch about the Legal and Ethical Issues of New Media seminar we held at Drake recently, here's the link to the podcast so you can listen for yourself (you'll need iTunes to listen in).

The first portion features a lecture and Q&A with Professor Peter Yu about copyright issues and the Internet. The second portion includes a panel discussion/Q&A with:

• John Riha, editorial director of Special Interest Media at Meredith Corporation (he has some interesting insights, magazine people!)
• Chris Snider, assistant managing editor for digital at the Des Moines Register
• Nathan Wright, founder of social media consulting firm Lava Row
• Mike Sansone, an independent business consultant specializing in business blog and conversational copywriting

OK. I'll talk about something else soon. Promise.

my motivation level

So, who knew? Des Moines is cool. Or, so they're trying to make you believe. Thoughts? Do you agree? And if you aren't planning on staying in Des Moines after graduation, is an ad campaign going to change your mind? But hey, kudos on the effort, really.

Back to Portland though. Tonight, my motivation level to work at home is at an all-time low. Working on a start-up local magazine requires a lot of work from home. And a lot of work on the weekends. And a ton of networking every minute I step out into the city. It's for that reason--because I'm in a brand-new city and I moved here completely solo--that I feel like I have to take advantage of every social opportunity. Tonight, instead of writing an 800-word article on Oregon paint palettes, I went to a spelling bee. A real-life spelling bee in a bar on N. Mississippi Ave. A few slices of pizza and a Sierra Nevada later, I made it through the third round and was ultimately rejected on "dicto-someting." I can't remember what word I lost on; it may not have even been in English. This was hard, folks. I'm going back next week after studying the dictionary.

Anyway, the point is, I can't work. I told myself I'd work when I got home at 9 pm. Well, it's 9:53, and so far I've done nothing. I thought this procrastination jazz would end after college. Not so much. Any advice on how to get through the "but I don't want to" barrier?

In other news, the new job is going well. A lot has happened since my last post. In short, my furniture finally arrived, I spend a lot of time meeting strangers and converting them into new friends, I've found a new favorite Thai restaurant (does it count if it's actually a cart?), and I'm on a search for the city's best falafel. I'm planning a trip to the coast, Mt. Hood, and the Columbia River Gorge. Yes, it rains. Almost everyday. So, I've learned the bus system.

Workwise, there are definite growing pains of being on a start-up mag (we have to order our own printer paper?), and I sure do miss my old staff. Small steps, though. It took three weeks for my boss to tell me I did a "great job," and a story presentation I did today went over with flying colors. I tell myself I don't need this sort of positive feedback from my editors, though. I'm not one of those compliment-starved Millennials. I have thick skin! I know I'm doing a good job; who cares if no one tells me that, right? Why, though, do I still feel like I'm wading through the muck, unsure if my work will be ultimately rejected?

I've worked with editors before (in college and outside) who ok pieces from the beginning but when it gets to a point just preceding publication, he/she decides it all needs to be changed. Why, oh why? Ah, insecurity. Another thing that didn't end after college. As many articles as I've written, as many editors who have edited my words, I still (still!) take criticism personally. (P.S. I had to spellcheck "criticism." Apparently there was a reason I got out on the third round.) So, hey, if you're dreading getting those comments back from a prof or an editor, just remember: we ALL get edited. No matter what. I edit everyone. It's my job. So, when I put on my writer hat, I just have to remember that there's a red pen sitting on the other side just waiting to mark up all my words.

It's 10:09 pm now. I gotta get moving. I'll let you know how the article goes.

I Want To Know ...

Hey alums and current magazine students. I have question for you.

What legal and ethical issues of new media (ie blog, vlogs, wikis, social networking sites, etc.) concern you? What do you have questions about in your own careers or classes related to these topics?

The Drake SJMC Junior National Advisory Council is hosting a seminar on the topic on Friday, October 19 in the Drake Legal Clinic courtroom. It's from 3 to 5 p.m. and if you're in Des Moines and can make it we'd love to see you there. We have 6 expert panelists representing the following fields: law, magazines, newspapers, PR, advertising, and broadcast/radio. And in addition to giving you insights into how they deal with legal and ethical issues surrounding new media in their own fields, they'll be answering your questions.

So if you have any questions of comments you'd like to share, post them here. And if you're around, come join us at the seminar. It's free (and there will be treats afterward).

And stay tuned ... If the stars align, a podcast of the event will be available online. More about that later.

Blogroll.

Before you send that passive-aggressive email to one of your co-staffers, read this. According to neuroscientists: polite face-to-face exchanges, 1; email bullying, 0.

Also, the J-School Confidential series on Mediabistro.com is a solid look at what's up with the folks who'll be vying for your (and my) job someday soon.

I take my toast in the morning with the NYTimes.com, Mediabistro, and Celebrity Baby Blog. (Shut up, it's my job.) And whatever got caught in my Google Reader. Alummies, etc.: share it.

The Gospel of Ed

Have you heard of Ed? I'm talking about Ed2010, to the uninitiated. It's essential for any wannabe magazine writer/editor out there. Especially for those of you—like all of you aspiring Drake kids—who are new to the game. Why? It's an organization dedicated to helping young folks interested in the magazine business understand how it all works. Specifically, Ed provides loads of internship and job listings in magazines (check out the website or subscribe to the daily newsletter); advice in the form of classes, seminars, and tons of info on the website; and social fun/networking with others with frequent happy hours. The Ed mothership is based in New York City (like the magazine industry), but there are chapters around the country in most major cities and at lots of college campuses via Ed on Campus.

Now, why do I sound like a publicist for Ed2010? Because I work for the organization, as the Ed on Campus Director. I oversee all the campus chapters, like the one at Drake. (Or, rather, the one at Drake that should be up and roaring like it was when I started it three years ago! Get on it, students!) The reason I write about it so kindly—and devote lots of my free time to it—is because it's a great group of folks who want nothing more than to see magazine whippersnappers reach their dream magazine job. (In fact, Ed2010 was started in the late '90s by a bunch of editorial assistants who planned to be editor in chiefs by the year 2010. Ed's mission has changed a little since then, as we're almost there. Also of note: By 2010, Ed2010 will be known as simply Ed.)

Since my first and only internship in NYC was through the American Society of Magazine Editors (to all Drake juniors out there, you must apply for their essential internship!), I never found an internship or job off of Ed, but I know dozens of other now-magazine editors who did. And all the networking I've done through Ed led to at least one of of my freelance gigs (at the sensational New York Post, but that's another blog post entirely). Not to mention, all the great people I've met who are now just good friends.

Anyway, sorry for the long way around. What I'm saying is if you don't know about Ed2010, you should! Go check out the website. And as for networking via Ed? You've already made at least one contact: Me.