Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Day 1,095
So where do we go from here?Simply put, we don't know. (As if you couldn't tell that from our retrospectives.)
We've wrestled with what to do with the blog as we approached our deadline. It's our baby, so we'd love to see it continue, but we're different people now than we were when we first started this journey and we'd have to account for that. For sure, Ten95 as you know it will be taking a hiatus - likely brief, but potentially permanent - while we decide where we want to go with this. And when, or if, we decide to restart Ten95, it will likely be in a very different form than you've come to know it.
Know this: the "Ten95 Experience" has been a great one and that's thanks to you. From day one we got great, insightful and encouraging comments regarding our work and our lives. We had a community to vent our feelings to, and people who looked to our experiences as affirmation that they weren't alone in their struggles. We met young journalists who came to us for advice (which was humbling) and readers - seasoned veterans and rookies - who congratulated us on a project with such a unique perspective.
This experience has been one that we can safely say, made our first three years as journalists good ones and shaped our identities in the industry.
And for that, we thank you.
Sincerely,
The Ten95 Crew
The Ten95 Crew
P.S. -- For those of you who may need a Ten95 fix and will be in the Tampa area for the NABJ convention, 1/2 of the crew will be on a panel entitled "Reinvent Yourself, Not the Wheel"on August 4. And the rest of the crew will likely be hanging out in the audience, if you'd like to say hello.
Labels: convention, for journalism's sake, fun, growing pains, heart, inspiration, journalism, love, milestones, musings, NABJ, the industry, unity
continue...Monday, May 18, 2009
Who are You?
I write stuff about people all day, every day. I can distill legal arguments, even lives into a sentence or two. Why can't I do the same when it comes to writing about myself?So, I got a fellowship to go to the annual journalism fete in Tampa this year. As a part of the requirements, they want us to write a short biography -- anything from a sentence or two to a short paragraph -- about who we are and what we do.
I was hoping I'd sent them a bio last year that I could update and recycle. No such luck. I went trolling the Internet for old bios that I could recycle. They were all woefully out of date, or inappropriate to the point where it would take a lot of rewriting to make it applicable for the fellowship.
This sucks. And I feel sucky for not being able to just bang this out. Maybe if I imagine I'm not writing about myself:
T-Dot is a justice reporter for a major metropolitan daily in New England, specializing in courts and technology. She covers two suburban courthouses and the Town of Smithfield and has been with the paper for 4 years. She is a 2005 graduate of Hampton University {begin optional trim} where she studied print journalism and served as editor in chief of her school newspaper, The Hampton Script, for two years {end optional trim}.
Eh. Not bad. I'll figure something out I suppose.
Labels: convention, NABJ
continue...Saturday, September 06, 2008
Election Reporters share tips, opinions
As I mentioned, I'm blogging live from the conference here.Here's a post I wrote earlier about a panel on election coverage. I thought the Q&A part would be helpful for our readers.
Election Roundtable: Q&A
A few questions and answers from the session....
Is who makes the most money really the best way to choose how you'll spread coverage around?
Sweet: Obama is a hometown guy; some candidates got more coverage than they deserved because they were interesting, etc.
There's not enough decoding of what is actually meant (should be done by reporters). There are not enough voices of color giving analysis or commenting (to give context like this).
The majority of top reporters covering politics at news outlets are white men over 50, says Jodi.
What do you read, watch, listen to, or not?
Felice: Loves Maureen Dowd, the Politico
Lynn: Mike Allen's Playbook at Politico, The Page (an aggregated site that looks at what moves the day), CBS/ABC aggregates, NYT, Wash Post, Chicago Sun-Times, and the links on her blog. She doesn't pay attention to one on one interviews. She needs places giving lots of information synthesized.
Beth: Mike Allen's Playbook, CNN, NYT for general coverage and Slate's XX Factor
Ann: Michele Cotta from the Republic, Rebecca Traister at Salon
Can the Obama campaign sustain the interest and energy?
Yes, they can sustain the energy, but will the young people who have mobilized for him really vote?? That's the question, said Beth.
Lynn Sweet: Term Obama uses is "intensity gap" -- they say they're ahead of McCain. Palin revs up Repubs the way Obama has done for the Dems.
Places like the Politico don't have the same resource base as the old media institutions -- are there going to be journos covering political campaigns in a new media world? What's our strategy to keep the journalism in the campaign?
Beth said they're doing partnerships with papers like St. Paul Pioneer Press and Denver Post. Also launching Politico network -- content and ad revenue sharing program that will launch on Tuesday. It all has to do with marketing and advertising. Can't see advertising is our enemy.
Labels: convention, election, journalism, McCain, Obama, organization, political coverage, primary, seminars/workshops, the industry, tips and tricks
continue...Connie Schultz, luncheon keynote speaker
I'm sure you've heard of this woman.Read stories most likely about her, but unless you're from Ohio, probably not by her.
I just heard her speak at the luncheon at the JAWS camp. A few things that stuck out:
- Why she didn't change her name: After telling a story about how her parents thought they were two nobodys who would raise four somebodies, she said she was "proud to have her name." Later, she told us about responding to people who suggest she should change her name and said she tells them that being married does not suck the opinion out of her. "I'd been boring myself because I stoped giving my opinion and instead, was giving his opinion." Her marriage didn't change her opinions, or mean that she couldn't be her own person
- "Speak your mind even if your voice shakes" -- Maggie Kuhn, founder of the Gray Panthers
- "We're in this business because we care," Schultz said. "We got in it not to make money; we wanted to change the world and I'm tired of apologizing for it.
- Race is the issue of this election (Schultz told us a story about how her dad was racist); it is more about having the hard vconversations with people we love and why we don't talk about it. The whole undercurrent is fear.
Labels: convention, JAWS, political coverage, seminars/workshops
continue...Friday, September 05, 2008
JAWS in the mountains
I'm here.
Are you jealous?
So, this weekend, I'll be blogging live (semi-live) from the Attitash Resort in New Hampshire where I am attending the Journalism and Women's Symposium annual camp.
The whole purpose of the camp -- and it seems the organization -- is to empower women and give us a safe and secure place to learn about our industry and, of course, vent our frustrations.
I found out about this organization from Veronica, who attended the 2006 camp as a scholarship winner. And just for fun, I figured I'd post a pic from her Facebook album about the camp, in case you can't click on the link above. So, the camp is a weekend long and you go to sessions and hang out and just bond. At Veronica's camp, they rode horses. I just thought this picture was cool.
Anyway.
Some of the sessions we'll be talking about this weekend include international stories, a multimedia training session (I'm so amped about that one), reinventing yourself, elections, science/environment/technology, and the disconnect between the middle class and Congress.
Did I mention there are cocktails every night AND there's a talent show tomorrow????? And yoga in the morning.
*Swoon*
I may just have to stay forever.
Well, maybe not.
Dinner is in 20 minutes.
Labels: convention, JAWS, seminars/workshops, the industry
continue...Sunday, July 27, 2008
Beyond Unity
*sigh*Unity is over. Usually I'd be in denial after such a fun and eye-opening week of journalizing, but it's kinda hard to ignore the fact that I'm sitting in my DC apartment -- looking at the pile of clothes that, five days ago, were rejected from my suitcase.
I guess I know what I'm wearing to work tomorrow.
Lukewarm denial (and wardrobe considerations) aside, I can say, in three years of attending journalism conferences, this week has been the best for me yet. I returned home re-energized and ready to take on the journalism world -- something that, yes, is par for the course, but my rejuvenation is more amplified this time around.
Probably because it's a more targeted rejuvenation. Usually folks have a broad goal (become the best darn journalist/producer/whatever ever!), but little direction as to how to get there. Which is problematic, because excellence and success comes in steps. So it's key to figure out what path you want to take to your goal.
I used to have a hard time figuring out that path, but after this week, I've come up with my first step: I want to build a reputation on my broadcast writing. I found myself in workshops this week dealing with putting words together for news, including one with Dr. Roy Peter Clark of the Poynter Institute. And I realized -- I've gotten compliments and praise for my on-air writing before I even thought about the benefits of professional development. Imagine if I took more time to invest in that aspect of my craft. I could become a pretty bad mamma-jamma.
So that's my focus for now. Finding Veronica's Style of Broadcast Writing and getting it noticed. It'll take practice, training and seeking out advice and feedback -- all to enhance what (I'd like to think) is a natural ability.
But I know I'm not the only one rejuvenated after Unity. What steps are you taking so you can make your way to the top of the journalism world?
Labels: convention, inspiration, musings, unity
continue...Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Live from Chicago, it's Ten95!
It's time for Unity! I'm finally in the Windy City, chillaxin' with fellow Ten95er Aaron in the Hyatt Regency as we wait for the for the rest of the crew to arrive (or for Marcus to answer his phone).It's not even noon yet, and already we're overwhelmed with what the week has in store for us. Receptions, parties, lunches, brunches and dinners... and that's just in the first two days!
But my primary focus right now is a Saturday afternoon workshop called Paying it Forward: How to Maximize Your Internship. No, I won't be among those in the audience taking notes. I'll be on the other side of the podium instead, running the show as moderator.
Yeah. Someone put me in charge.
There will be another member of the Ten95 Brat Pack right there with me too. Talia is one of our panelists, along with fellow young journos Marlon Walker and Chloe Hilliard, and veteran recruiters Joe Grimm and Doug Mitchell. (And you can probably count on seeing the rest of our cohorts causing trouble somewhere in the room.)
But there's a bit of a dilemma: We have six professionals with one very important subject to talk about. And we only 90 minutes in which to talk about it.
Clearly -- and regrettably -- we won't be able to cover everything we want in just one session.
Thank goodness for the blog. The Ten95 crew is jumping on the internship advice bandwagon and will be posting on the subject throughout the convention. (And maybe, if we're lucky, our esteemed recruiters will even guest blog. *wink wink, nudge nudge*) That way, we have a place to share all the wisdom that time won't allow on Saturday, as well as all the reeeeeally, reeeeeally important stuff that does make it into the discussion, and that's worth discussing again.
So while you take in the sights of the Chi, be sure to keep one eye glued to this space for internship advice and all kinds of other Ten95 coverage from Unity. Happy Convention!
Labels: convention, internships, unity
continue...Thursday, July 10, 2008
Now, where did I put my head?
I'm lightweight amazed at this.So, for the last few weeks, I've been bombarded with appointments, dinners, parties, etc. for the upcoming fete in Chicago.
I haven't retained half of it.
See, I'm a visual person with tactile tendencies. If I can't look at something and see it, it really doesn't exist. And if I didn't write it down, I won't remember to look for it. So I've been clamoring for someone to make an itinerary for me so I'll be able to keep my media receptions straight from my networking opportunities.
The good folks at UNITY answered my call.
They have this personal itinerary site where you can put in all the sessions you want to attend, request interview times with exhibitors and even put in other notes for outside functions or things to do.
Sweet.
Now I feel like my life is in order. Thank you, UNITY!
Labels: convention, organization, schedules
continue...Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Making the Most of My Mic
I've known Brian for about five years. We both started at AURN the same summer, both working with my dad and learning the ropes of the radio biz. Since then, I've jumped around in a number of broadcasting jobs, and Brian has moved up in the station and become good friends with my dad (even stopping by the house to play NFL 2KWhatever on Xbox). So now we're pretty much family.Hence my excitement when Brian told me he'd be taking a little souvenir from Vegas back home to Pittsburgh -- he'd won NABJ's Award for Best Radio Feature this past week at the annual convention for his piece on the late Buck O'Neil. I jumped. I yelped. I gave him a high-five. And then I thought, "Dang. I wanna be like B."
There's a different kind of inspiration when a friend is recognized for the work they do. Sure, it was great when Robin Givhan pulled the Pulitzer, but seeing an award presented to a colleague (not to mention a guy who plays video games with your pops) makes attaining such a goal seem all the more real.
Last year's convention inspired me to strive to find my place as a journalist of color in the newsroom. This year -- between congratulating B for an award, seeing my NPR favorites and chatting with a colleague about the differences between public and commercial radio -- I've been re-inspired to strive for excellence in my medium. And while I love my inky friends (*wink*), I realize I need to stay connected with my fellow audiophiles. They're few and far between, but when I see them, I'm encouraged, and more appreciative that I'm finally in a position to what I've been striving for since I was 16.
So now, all I can think about (aside from the fun of the parties in Vegas) is how to get to that level. What makes a good feature? How you make an impact in 40 seconds with nothing but sound? And what makes award-winning radio?
I plan on spending the next year finding out. I've even started a listserv in the process. And eventually, I'll get to the point where B is giving me a high-five, and saying congratulations.
Labels: convention, inspiration, milestones
continue...Monday, August 13, 2007
We came. We saw. We conquered. (We missed Chris.)
Re-charged about journalism? Ehhh...maybe. Happy to see each other? You bet!
Labels: convention, musings, NABJ
continue...Why Lie?
We had a good ol' time in Vegas.
We met new friends, reconnected with old ones, and danced to a lot of music in the process.
Oh, and we got our networking on too.
While the annual convention is a place to focus on your craft, ponder about your career path and compile advice from veterans, it's also a vacation of sorts for some of us. (Namely me.) With a network of journo friends across the country, it's loads of fun finally seeing them all in one place -- even if it is in the neon tackiness that is Las Vegas. (Sorry, Marcus.)
This time, it felt like it went by almost too fast. Maybe because we East Coasters tapped out at about 10 p.m. nightly, our bodies never really adjusting to the three-hour time change. Or because the heat kept us from trolling about the city as we did in Indianapolis. Or because as our careers grow, so do our personal networks, so we had to make sure to schedule in brunches, lunches and dinners with colleagues, mentors and friends.
Whatever it was, at least we had the opportunity to reconnect and recharge. Just when many of us are becoming tired of being the token in the newsroom, NABJ comes around and reminds us that we most certainly have support in the struggle.
And that, ultimately, is what convention is all about.
Labels: convention, NABJ, Sin City
continue...Monday, August 06, 2007
NABJ Vegas: We've (*scratch that) I've arrived...
Let me first say...The next time I fly anywhere, I'm going to show up to the airport in boxers, a wife-beater and dirty socks. That way I'll save the TSA some time. I'll just get dressed at the gate. Enough said...
So I made it to the 2007 Nationaly Association of Black Jourrnalists Convention and Job Fair. I'm here. (*exhales) It's hot. But I like it. However, I hope my first three hours here was not an indication of what the rest of my week here will be like. Let me explain...
I arrived to the airport yesterday at about 1:45 P.m. From the airport I boarded a shuttle with another Student Projects participant, which slowly pulled to about five hotels before it finally stopped at Bally's Hotel and Casino. I got off the shuttle and walked to the rear where our bags were stowed. And I would have been all ready to check in and get settled, except my suitcase with all my clothing was not in the storage area.
...hmm...
To make a long story short...the driver had not been paying attention to what bags were being unloaded as he dropped passengers off. Luckily, he remembered that an unusually large number of bags being unloaded at the Paris Hotel and Casino. He nervously sped back to Paris, where my bag was sitting just outside of a door at the back of the hotel.
It was intact. But I nearly had a fit. And I would not have enjoyed purchasing all new clothes for my week-long stay in Vegas.
Bottom line, for those of you who arriving in the next couple of days...take a taxi from the airport. I hear it's about $15.
The students projects gets in full swing today...see ya when you get here on Wednesday. You are coming, right?
Labels: convention, NABJ
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