The Blog for the WORD

I had to ask the question.

I sent the request to the Region 1 Director of the Society of Professional Journalists (because I was on her email list) and got the following response:

Date: Mon 30 Jun 18:50:27 EDT 2008
From: Carolyn James <acjnews@rcn.com> Add To Address Book 
Subject: Re: SPJ Region One Director Carolyn James 

I have sent an email on this to my local Jersey people. Hope they can help
you. Carolyn James

On July 5 I sent the same request to Catherine Langley, Communications Manager  of the New Jersey Press Association.  It’s membership is much bigger than the SPJ Region 1 chapter. I got an “out-of-office” reply [she was on vacation].

And here’s more of the question originally asked: Does anyone know when was the last time a New Jersey newspaper won a:

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Date: Fri 27 Jun 09:54:07 EDT 2008
From: Dan Connell
Subject: Re: why I quit SPJ — or, why SPJ quit me 
To: “Brasch, Walter” brasch@bloomu.edu 
Cc: [emails removed] 

Perhaps SPJ members and student writers (at least those who freelance) should consider joining the National Writers Union, which–as a local linked to the UAW–has more of an orientation toward its base while also taking a lead role on issues that affect our freedom to do out work, i.e., the Patriot Act. Check it out:

Dan Connell (member of the NWU since 1981)

This is not a bad idea for serious student writers, however, most journalism, English and creative writing majors are not especially interested in writing careers. Nevertheless, since those in my writing classes are required to publish stories in the WORD, I’m seriously considering, because of this suggestion by Connell, to introduce some more reality planning in my advanced courses.

Since Hunter’s Department of Film and Media is revising its journalism curriculum - should I say struggling to revise - colleagues and students might consider the following from a blog - Outposts - by Timothy Egan of the NYT online, July 3, 2008:

“Last week, almost 1,000 jobs were eliminated in the American newspaper industry, perhaps the bloodiest week yet of a year where many papers are fighting for their lives.”

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The WORD has signed up with Uwire for the obvious reason: Serious Hunter J-students should be networking with other serious J&M students, that’s Journalism and Media students.

Here’s what Uwire says:

“Connecting Aspiring Media Talent with Each Other and the World”

Founded in 1994, UWIRE is a community-driven service devoted to the needs of student journalists. Our aim is to identify and promote the brightest young content creators and deliver their work to a larger audience.

Our recently re-launched UWIRE.com is the only career networking community dedicated exclusively to aspiring media talent. It offers young journalists a place to establish themselves professionally, post a resume, interact with other like-minded content creators, and show off their portfolio.

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