Define Journalist

Define "journalist." Or, define "public figure." Do you realize that these are not only descriptive titles -- they are often legal definitions.

Our legal system is woefully behind, especially as it pertains to the explosion of the Internet. Now they are scrambling to define titles, protection, etc. In this day and age, any person who contributes to a blog, writes to the editor or wields a microphone may or may not be defined (in our legal system) as a journalist.

Am I a journalist? I went to college and I have the journalism degree in my office. Yet, I've never worked for the traditional media. I write a blog and contribute to others. Yet, I wouldn't compare that to investigative reporting. I've written things where my name is front and center. I've also written thousands of things where you will never see my name.

I don't plan on getting in trouble with the law, at least as it pertains to my writing. Still, it's a question to ponder when I get into controversial subjects.

My Editor

In another attempt at blatant self-promotion, I will share that I have been invited to join the blog staff of our local newspaper. (www.indystar.com/intouch)

When I was in journalism school, editing was a dose of empowerment and a dose of fear. I could glide through the day on a compliment of a well composed sentence. I could put my head in the pillowcase over a typo.

I love having an editor. I'm trying not to drive her crazy. I will learn when to make my case and when to shut my mouth. She will learn when to ignore me.

As they said in Casablanca, "This is the beginning of a beautiful friendship."

I've had teachers, editors, bosses and more. My favorite editor is the one I call and say, "Hi Mom. What do you think?"

A Matter of Public Record

I am a huge fan of the Freedom of Information Act. I believe journalists and the public-at-large should have access to court documents, legislation or any information that impacts our country and world. I am one of the people who actually watches C-Span when there's a bill I'm concerned about.

On the flip side, I believe in privacy. It's a pretty tough dance when it becomes personal.

There are different rules for different people. Public figures are fair game. I think that keeps a lot of talented people out of politics, which I find scary. We've scared some of our brightest and brilliant people away from public office because who knows what the opponent might dig up.

Here's the flaw in the system:

If you got married, it's a matter of public record. If you lived with a bunch of people, it's not.
If you got divorced, it's a matter of public record. If you fathered a few illegitimate children, it's not.
If you got arrested in college or later, it's a matter of public record. If you shot heroine between your toes but told no one, it's not.
If your credit is lousy and you file for bankruptcy, it's a matter of public record. If you're cleaning it up, nobody cares.

There are people who live life and obey the rules. I try to be this person but I have broken many of society's rules. I don't know these people who have done it all perfectly but I hear that they are out there.

Who, What, When, Where, Why and How

This is the incantation drilled into every journalist and most writers' heads. We don't have to think about it. It's so automatic that I would compare it to childhood manners. Someone gives you a compliment -- you say "thank you." We think, Who, What, When, Where, Why and How.

Of course, I drill the daughter, the baby and the husband with the same approach. It's not always welcome. I miss the days when they were younger and a captive audience. I miss the days when I could outrun them.

So, I'll give you a few questions. If you answer, it might provide some perspective. Aren't we all making life choices every day?

Who do you most admire?
Who do you miss?
Who do you trust?

What are you afraid of? What keeps you in that fear?
What's your favorite childhood memory?

When the chips are down, who do you count on?
When did you consider yourself a teenager/grown-up/middle-aged person?

Where is your favorite place? (I would also ask why.)
Where do you go for private time and quiet space?

Why did you marry your spouse?
Why do you belong to a particular religious affiliation?
Why do you choose some friends over others?
Why did you choose one career path over another?

How could life get better for you? Is this within your control?

Ask yourself. Ask your spouse. I hope you ask your children.

Remembering 17

My Annie is 17 today.

Technically, she's not really mine but I'm not hung up on the technicalities.
Sunrise, sunset. Wasn't it yesterday when she was born? Wasn't it a year ago when I stood at the altar and took a vow to be her Godmother?

With both of my goddaughters, I was on the short list to hold them right after birth. I completely respect the right of the parents to hold them first. Then, I start knocking people out of my way.

Long, tall, and gorgeous doesn't begin to describe her. She looks like her mother but some of her father's genes are also apparent.

At 17, her mom and I had a lot of fun and participated in some mischief. I suspect she does the same.

You will notice her beauty before you talk to her. And then you will engage in conversation and see that she is smart and creative.

She's interested in writing and journalism. Guess how that makes me feel.

She doesn't recognize her powers yet and that is a good thing.

Voting

I take voting very seriously. Probably because I think everyone needs to know my opinion.

When I was in journalism school, they strongly suggested a double major so I did it. I chose political science. (They forgot to tell us that most of the countries we were studying would change names, boundaries, politics, leadership, etc.) Still, I loved it and it fueled my passion.

I read the editorials and I watch the debates. I read the blogs. Political discussions make some people nervous. Not me! As long as everyone is respectful, I love them. I usually learn a ton.

During the past season of "American Idol," the media pundits kept quoting the number of votes. I was very disturbed that more people voted for the next American Idol than voted in the last election. Maybe people are just lazy. You can vote on American Idol by picking up the phone or sending a text message. Our government could learn a lesson there. I didn't watch it every week but when I watched, I voted.

This is the time of year when The Today Show throws a wedding. You get to vote on everything from the chosen couple to the cake to the wedding attire. This morning, there was a promo about it and the husband jokingly said, "Oh shoot, I forgot to vote."

Not me. I voted for couple #2.

Internet and The Media

At a recent conference I attended, one of the topics was the impact of the Internet on mainstream media. I was astounded.



I can't quote the statistics but the majority of people (under 60) get their news from the Internet. Blogs were the impetus for the downfall of Don Imus and Dan Rather. They exposed the Rush Limbaugh fiasco. The tradional media outlets are scrambling. Instead of reporting the news, they now need to provide perspective and commentary. We've already read the news. Now, tell us what it means.



As a journalist and writer, I find this fascinating.

I'm addicted to it all. The traditional news, the blogs, Court TV, Fox News, CNN, MSNBC, and more. When I was in Journalism school, we were required to read 5 newspapers each day. (There was no Internet; there was no cable.) We had a daily quiz about current events and you never knew which news source it would come from. Here's a sick part of my personality -- I loved it! Bring it on! That's probably the only reason I graduated from Journalism school -- I was really good at the current events quizzes.

I'm constantly trying to discuss current events with the oldies. I also make the Baby do little pop quizzes. When Reagan's funeral was on television, I dragged him out of bed and made him watch. With every pan of the camera, I was saying, "Who's that?" He needs to know the leaders of other countries, our cabinet members, past leaders, etc. He yawned a lot.

Do you think he knows who's buried in Grant's tomb?