Did the Super Moon Cause the Tsunami and Earthquakes in Japan: Fact or Fiction

It is a fact that a tsunami and an earthquake in Japan, on March 11, 2011, had disastrous consequences for thousands of people. One cannot dismiss this reality as fiction. It is a fact. 

Which came first and what caused them? One must argue that the earthquake occurred first, causing the tsunami and the nuclear disaster still unfolding in that area.     

Cause and effect relationships may be possible to identify, at least to some extent. Is it possible to prove them scientifically? This depends upon which scientific discipline one chooses to follow.

Mailonline suggests that astrologers predicted the super moon would be closer to the earth, than at any time since 1992, in fact, only 221,567 miles way and that the gravitational pull would result in chaos to the earth. (1)

Others also predicted volcanic eruptions, as well as earthquakes. (2)

The photograph of the whirlpool, caused by currents from the tsunami, near the port of Oarai (3) reveals the close proximity of the whirlpool, to the island of Japan.

Richard Nolle, the astrologer who coined the word lunar perigee, in 1979, claimed that these events cause natural disasters. (4)

Others dispute his theory, arguing that the Pacific Ring of Fire, near Japan, is a volcanic zone, where continental and oceanic plates meet. (5)

As these plates shift, causing an earthquake, there is an accompanying displacement of water, creating a tsunami effect.

Dr. Roger Musson, British Geological Survey, suggests that the Pacific Plate, plunging under Japan, resulted in the earthquake and the tsunami. (6)

While it seems senseless to argue cause and effect, there is non-unity of scientific theory, as different disciplines claim to have the answer to the question, “Did the super moon cause the tsunami and earthquake in Japan?”

At the same time, can one really say that what astrologers have to state about the sun, moon and earth alignment and the distance of the moon from the earth, is totally unrelated to the catastrophic events in Japan or other parts of the world? How many major earthquakes have there been recently?  

Interestingly, Biblically speaking, the Three Wise Men were also astrologers. Some regarded their predictions as fiction, not fact.

“...these priests paid particular attention to the stars, and gained an international reputation for astrology, which was at that time highly regarded as a science.” (7)

Remember that the Magi’s area of scientific expertise was the stars. Humankind always has the freedom to choose which scientific theory to believe, but perhaps one should pay more attention to what the astrologers predict in relation to the stars.

Why do scientific disciplines invariably go their separate ways?

Whatever happened to unity of scientific theory?

1. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1365225/Japan-earthquake-tsunami-Did-supermoon-cause-todays-natural-disaster.html

2. Ibid.

3. Ibid.

4. Ibid.

5. Ibid.

6.Ibid.

7. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_Wise_Men

Why You Should Learn HTML 5

Are you a budding web designer who wants to be able to construct dynamic, web pages? If so, be open to learn HTML 5, as it will help you to enhance your web sites, in ways that you may not be able to comprehend, at this time.

In order to understand why you should learn HTML 5, it is important to understand the difference between HTML and HTML 5. You might ask whether this is a question of learning one or the other. In other words, is it a choice of HTML versus HTML 5?

In order to respond to this question appropriately, look at each of them, briefly.

What is HTML?

HTML or Hyper Text Markup Language is computer-based language used to form the basic, building blocks in the construction of web pages. The history of HTML dates back to the year 1990. Since that time, it has undergone further developments standardized as HTML 4, in the year 1997.

What is HTML 5?

HTML 5 is a recent, more advanced development of HTML 4, in that it will support various forms of multimedia. (1)

If you are unfamiliar with HTML, studying it is a good starting place for anyone desiring to learn web design. Its language employs elements referred to as opening and closing tags contained in angle brackets that are used to develop web page content. The web designer inserts various kinds of text, tables and images between the HTML tags. The web browser reads the HTML code and converts it to visible and audible content found on a web page. (2)

Of course, because HTML 5 is a later development, it employs more advanced tags and is able to do more in terms of the production of web page content by introducing multimedia technology into the web page format.

By first learning the basic tags of HTML and how to use them to construct web pages, you will comprehend introducing HTML 5 tags into web pages, at some time in the future.

If you note what is happening on various web pages on the Internet, you will see more and more advanced multimedia technology being introduced. This trend is likely to continue because of its convenience to the Internet reader, researcher and Internet explorer.

‘A picture is worth a thousand words’. In our busy, multimedia generation, time is of the essence to those using the Internet at work and at home. Multimedia presentations are faster.

Thus, a potential web designer who desires to succeed in the business should seek to learn the basics of HTML and then HTML 5, as this is current technology that will speak to the Internet audience differently and more profoundly, than just HTML.

At some point in time, there will only be one Hyper Text Markup Language and this may prove to be HTML 5, although computer technologists have only begun to tap into its full potential.

1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HTML5

2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HTML

Social Media: The Human Influence Versus Technology

Continuing to address the issue of the human influence in social media, is becoming increasingly important for this era because of increasing, global outreach potential offered by the Internet. Human beings can contact, address and influence many other people simultaneously, all around the world via various forms of social media.

It is still a human voice speaking, at this time. 

Will that be true in the future? Will the human influence eventually succumb to that of technological advances? Will the vast number of voices speaking, influence people in such a way that it sways human thought entirely?

Should people be concerned?

In other words, will there be advanced technology that eventually surpasses the human influence that we still have today within the context of the social media? At times, this human influence proves to be for the good of humankind, but not always.

The Social Media Workshop held at York University, on June 16, 2011, My Social Learning and Working Smarter – KM Expo presentation offers a selection of slides for anyone interested in learning more about social media techniques and tools.

Brent MacKinnon, as social business consultant for non-profit organizations, who offers a list of valuable references for those interested in social media suggests, “My focus was on the “working smarter, network learning, social learning” activities that organizations and practitioners can adopt in order to be stronger innovators and collaborators inside and outside the organization.” (1) 

MacKinnon focuses on educating new leaders using brainstorming techniques, as one of his tools.

Traditionally, brainstorming has been on a one-to-one basis with growing emphasis on group brainstorming. 

Now it is heading in a more advanced, technological direction beyond the individual or group via the use of computers and the Internet.

When perceived in the light of various kinds of social media, the increased and more advanced usage of brainstorming will likely prove to be a good thing. It will probably far exceed our expectations, especially when employed in the right direction under the positive, constructive guidance of the human influence with regard to progress.

Is it possible that this could get out of control?   

Brainstorming (2), or drawing upon the human ability to engage in mind mapping, simultaneously with others while online, offers plenty of opportunity for there to be a human influence operational within the context of social media.

To date, technology has not advanced to the stage that it can brainstorm on its own, apart from the human influence, although the Mindmeister web-based tool is heading in that direction. The introduction of one tool often leads to the concept of another.

Mind control via brainstorming tools, or other web based tools, could present a problem if the human influence via social media appears exceeded by technological advances, in some way.

Even mind control has as its roots, the human influence. Most important of all, is the human influence for good and not for evil, via social media.

1. http://www.socialmediatools.ca/  

2. http://www.mindmeister.com/

Fiction Writing: How to Switch Point of View to Boost Helium Ratings

Are you, as a fiction writer whose work is under scrutiny, seeking ways to improve your basic writing skills? 

Switching, revising or changing your point of view in order to improve your writing dynamics will help boost your Helium ratings. Changing your point of view in fiction that you have already written, is an art in itself and not necessarily easy to do, at first.The point of view or perspective you take with respect to the fiction that you are writing, is extremely important when relating to your readers.  

Are you ready to leapfrog a piece of fiction that you have already written? Making the decision to revise or change your point of view or perspective in fiction that you have already written, is just the first step. It will help you to determine what literary transitions you will make in order to improve your Helium ratings.  

How will you determine which point of view to take when you are rewriting a piece of fiction? Remember that it is always possible to improve upon any writing that you have initiated. It is also worth the challenge. With that in mind, begin to revise it.  

The use of pronouns

Begin by asking yourself if you are writing from your own personal point of view, which is purely subjective. How can you tell? Is your fiction is using only I or we as first person pronouns? For example, this is a first person pronoun statement. “I am the only one on the speaking agenda today.”

Have you taken it further, including a different point of view or perspective, namely with a second person pronoun or you, in its singular or plural usage? For example, “You can do your reading now,” is a statement that includes someone other than just yourself. This can be in the singular or plural context that involves a group of people.

Adding others to your fiction entails the use of third person pronouns. For example, “He is on the podium tomorrow; so is she. They will probably prove to be a source of inspiration for everyone.” Third person pronouns involve the use of he, she or they,

Are there more options with regard to revising one’s point of view?

Yes, a fiction writer has an unlimited number of options with respect to his or her point of view or writer’s perspective. It is important to know which option you are choosing to use as a writer attempting literary revisions. Consistency is always important so as not to confuse your reader.       

Subjective versus objective point of view

A purely subjective point of view will allow your reader to see what you have written only from your point of view or perspective, whereas an objective point of view opens the possibility of including the perspective of others.

Here are some examples.

“I watched the man turn the light towards the water, but I had no idea why he did that.”

“You were there. You all saw the man turn the light on.”

“A number of observers were standing on the pier. They saw the tall, dark man turn the spot light towards the murky water.” 

The first example shows only the first person, personal and subjective point of view of the writer. The second example is using the second person pronoun. It distances the writer and at the same time depersonalizes the fiction from his or her own subjectivity. Note the use of you as singular and then possibly as plural, if the writer included a group of people. This allows an objective point of view that opens the mind of the reader to other possibilities. The third example is in the third person. Distancing oneself even further, using more than one third-person pronoun, becomes even more interesting. “He and she both saw the man turn on the light. They were standing there.”

Now place yourself in the position of the fiction reader. Would you prefer to read only the words of one person, a fiction writer who is making a single, subjective observation and drawing his or her own conclusions or would you like to read on further and have deeper insight into what others are thinking and feeling?

If you choose to read on further, then you also have room for an alternative, objective point of view or the perspectives of others, who are always an important part of the fiction.

Omniscient point of view  

The use of an omniscient point of view or perspective becomes even more exciting for a fiction writer, as well as his or her readers, as other horizons of thoughts, feelings and emotions begin to open up. There are no caps or limits on this point of view or perspective. The writer or the reader can develop them further.    

“When Pierre, a short, stout man wearing a black, leather jacket, saw the tall, dark man turn the bright, spot light towards the murky water, he immediately suspected something was amiss. His young daughter, Brandy, a high school student, thought she had just spotted the missing dolphin swimming about. Ian, the local bar tender, wondered whether Jason, one of his elderly, inebriated patrons, had accidentally slipped off the pier into the water.”

From an omniscient point of view, there is an all-knowing or God’s eye perspective.

The beyond-bird’s-eye-view opens a vast horizon of possibility with respect to revelation in fiction. This is still objective rather than subjective, but on a higher level of objectivity as the actual words, thoughts and feelings of the characters in the fiction can be revealed. The characters can still express subjective thoughts and feelings.

Note that the fiction writer distancing him or herself from the actual event that is occurring is able to enter through doorways of exploration that are virtually limitless. The subjective writer is limited to his or her own perspective.

The objective writer does not necessarily have to enter into the private world of the mind of the character. The omniscient writer, being distanced or far away enough from the characters as to perceive them from every possible direction or perspective, taps into a wealth of fictional possibility.

Writing fiction is a wonderful world for a writer to explore, as its creative potential is endless.

It is important that you, as a fiction writer choose one point of view and maintain that perspective throughout your entire literary project. In other words, you, as a fiction writer cannot justify bouncing back and forth from different directions in terms of your point of view or writing perspective, so picking one point of view and maintaining it is important. Otherwise, the fiction becomes a work that may be compromised and unnecessarily confusing.

Challenged to do a Helium leapfrog? Accept the challenge and develop your fiction writing skills further. Increase your Helium ratings and your profit margin, at the same time.      

The Impact of the Wakeham Report

The June 24, 2010 Wakeham Report by Sir Bill Wakeham, who was the former vice-chancellor of the University of Southampton, advised funding constraints in the realm of higher education.

In the year, 2011, the question remains one of “how to implement the efficiency savings recommended in the Wakeham Report as well as achieve the required additional savings whilst ensuring the sustainability of the research base.” 

It becomes a matter of setting research priorities. Balancing a budget on any academic level presents a challenge. In terms of higher education involving ongoing academic research, it can present an even greater challenge involving a number of factors including the anticipated or projected total cost of research, the actual cost of research, proposed research income versus actual research income and/or proposed or actual research income deficit. Then of course, there is always the unexpected.

Were the recommended cutbacks in the Wakeham Report of 2010 justified?

“The report by Sir Bill Wakeham, former vice-chancellor of the University of Southampton, recommends that institutions make annual efficiency savings of 5 per cent from the indirect costs of research - covering areas such as libraries and administration - for the next three years. That would add up to savings of £40 million a year for the research councils by 2013-14, along with a potential £40 million for other research funders. Funding constraints mean higher education must find "economies in the overall costs of research", Sir Bill says in the report, which was published on 24 June.” 

The first reaction to the proposed cutbacks in research funding, was by those engaged in ongoing, academic research projects. Many of them objected vociferously and possibly rightly so, where funding cutbacks might have affected their ongoing, research projects.  

The value and merit of research always sits in a finely tuned balance, weighed against its ultimate cost. Until the actual research is complete, the value and merit of the work that is in progress is unknown.  It remains in the realm of speculation. Many of their projects were in that stage of development, at that time and thus, were in a precarious position. Research is an ongoing process in which one project builds on another and what affects one project may well affect others.

The impact of the Wakeham Report around the world was alarming.

Many students panicked immediately because the perceived cost of higher education was already reaching or exceeding the realm of possibility for them. Severe cutbacks in research grants could have ended their academic careers.

Were the research cutback protests justified?     

Note that any formal or informal protest tending towards riots on a mass scale, is not necessarily justified, even though it may seem to be so to those who are protesting non-aggressively or aggressively, at any time.   

An article by John Morgan on June 24, 2010, entitled “The 5 percent savings solution” published on the Times Higher Education website, uses the words ‘efficiencies’ and ‘research concentration’…” 

One must suggest that in the year 2011, the seven, UK Research Councils are still actively engaged in the position of implementing ongoing transition oriented in this direction, regardless of academic or non-academic protests.

Academic transition never comes without a certain degree of opposition and probably never will, as it is subject to public scrutiny and the masses normally fear change. That has been true since the beginning of history. Unfortunately, not all those who object to change are able to comprehend what is actually involved in the research process. These same individuals often benefit from research success, even thought they have fought against it all the way.

This is the nature of progress in the academic world. Changes in research are also subject to the global economy, like many other realms of inquiry.

The Wakeham Report leads to a three-year project and will likely proceed beyond then, even with the objections of those who choose to protest research-funding cutbacks.

The bottom line becomes one of a choice between appropriate research-funding cutbacks, in the light of the current global economic situation or the possibility of the elimination of research, which is not a viable option.

Academic research within the setting of appropriate priorities is the most realistic option. Results have to be viable in research in order to justify its funding.

‘Efficiencies’ and ‘research concentration’ are already the new priorities. 

A Look at the 2011 British Film Industry: Old Bridges

One might suggest that in the year 2011, at the peak of success, the British film industry is under public scrutiny and may be adversely affected by the global economic decline controversy.

“Government cuts will damage our ability to tell the world about our national culture,” is but one argument against the global economic decline leading towards cutbacks in the British film industry.

Are the government cuts justified?

In other words, can old bridges constructed throughout the course of history and funded accordingly, still hold sway in a changing economic climate? Are new bridges in order?

Look at the recent awards for “The King’s Speech”.

“The King's Speech was nominated in 14 categories and won in seven, including best film and best British film.” 

“The King's Speech triumphed with seven Baftas, leaving little glory for anyone else.” 

Perhaps part of the global economic controversy affecting the film industry everywhere, has more to do with the availability of funding for specific film industry projects, particularly those that are ethnocentric in nature, than anything else.

British monarchists argue in favor of funding in the film industry oriented to promoting the monarchy of the United Kingdom (the British monarchy), which should surprise no one. Other countries do the same thing, at the same time promoting their own social mores and current values.

The question becomes one of what happens in the film industry, when an ethnocentric approach appears to be outmoded as obsolete. There are those who will argue that the British monarchy is not obsolete, in fact it is more pertinent in this day and age, than ever. Perhaps it may never become outmoded. A recent visit to Canada and the United States, by representatives of the British monarchy, may have made that increasingly evident.

Relevancy of the monarchy appears to be the key, but does the film making industry make the monarchy relevant or does the monarchy make the film industry relevant?

While all efforts in the British film industry are to be highly commended for their success, a pro or anti-monarchy dispute may be at the heart of the British film industry. At some point in time, the public may begin to demand a change in the film industry.

Perhaps a re-focusing of the British film industry in terms of more pertinent family values is timely, because of the transitions in the monarchy. Regardless, there will be changes, as that is inevitable.

Will the anti-monarchists ever be able to obtain glory in the British film industry? If so, will it be secure? Will the monarchists ultimately hold sway?

Can old bridges stand forever?

Five Simple SEO Tips for Helium Writers: White Hat Versus Black Hat SEO

In web site design, search engine optimization (SEO) requires awareness of the difference between White Hat SEO and Black Hat SEO. (http://www.pushon.co.uk/articles/top-5-white-hat-and-black-hat-search-optimisation-techniques/)

Search engine optimizers address the issue of traffic on a website or webpage.

The article, “Top 5 White Hat and Black Hat Search Optimization (Sic) Techniques” distinguishes between acceptable and non-acceptable search engine, optimization practices for webmasters.

The five SEO tips they recommend are excellent ethical guidelines for Helium writers, too.

The five key SEO elements include the following: quality content, structural (semantic) markup, titles/metadata, keyword /key phrasing and quality inbound links

When one realizes the majority of website traffic depends upon links and not upon search engines, it becomes apparent that networking is one of the secrets to having a successful website or web page.
Clicking on a link should guarantee finding high quality content, but unfortunately, that may not always happen. Does anyone want to click on a link knowing that the website or web page is deceptive? Once having been deceived, will they return to that website or webpage? It is not likely.

Ethical or White Hat SEO invariably succeeds, whereas non-ethical or Black Hat SEO does not succeed on a long-term basis, as no one really likes deception or deceptive methodology on a website or a web page.

Search engine optimization increases traffic flow to web sites and determines web site ranking and their degree of success. Ideally, a webmaster seeks a high ranking on his or her website or web page, particularly when it involves internet marketing. Ethical marketing leads to a growing market.

The structure of the web site or the structural (semantic) markup is another factor that helps to determine web site traffic. Is the structure of the website or webpage concise and accessible? Is the HTML coding and typesetting appropriate? Are there appropriate headings with high quality content separate from its headings? Do the titles help to discern the content? Are they appropriate for the mega-data on the website or web page?

Appropriate key words or key phrases help a search engine find the website or web page set up by a webmaster. Images or videos prove to be effective marketing tools. A good web designer constructs a website or web page that is both user friendly and search engine friendly. It should be accessible to both, on a global basis.

Relevant key words and key phrases used frequently, enhance the likelihood of the website receiving a high rating or ranking. Regular content updating increases the likelihood of the website remaining pertinent and relevant. Cross-linking between articles and web pages increases the likelihood of search engine optimization.

Maintaining the quality of content on websites and web pages is important. The content guidelines should be consistent with high ethical standards that satisfy the potential audience. Otherwise, the webmaster stands to lose his or her readership, either immediately or on a long-term basis. 

Web sites that do not conform to search engine standards are often deceptive in nature. They fail on a long-term basis even though at first, they appear to succeed. The webmaster or web designer may suffer a penalty or not be allowed to continue to post websites or web pages, unless there is appropriate content.

Anyone at Helium or elsewhere, seeking a high rating, will quickly understand why White Hat SEO is preferable to Black Hat SEO.

Career Profile: Adult Education lecturer

On becoming an adult education lecturer

The career profile of an adult education lecturer can be broad in scope particularly in this era, because of an increasing demand for adult education. There are numerous employment options for adult education lecturers because many adults are in a state of transition and forced to seek different employment, for which they need additional skills or training.

The web site, “Career Profiles”, discusses the importance of making an informed decision with “highly relevant, reliable and up-to-date career information and job search resources”. 

In order to become an adult education lecturer, knowing and understanding the basic requirements is important.

Consider the following aspects of a career profile, as an adult education lecturer:

Education:

Your current level of education will help to determine the number of options that you have as an adult education lecturer. If you already have a university or college degree, your horizons include the possibility of teaching on a professional, academic level. This could be part time day or evening courses, as well as full time work. You may decide to complete your degree or upgrade your education first, by taking other courses.        

Area of expertise:

There are numerous, viable options for adult education lecturers on professional and non-professional levels, some dependent upon your area of expertise. For example, if you are a health care professional with many years of experience in a certain area like palliative care, you will be able to convey your knowledge to other adult students interested in that same area. Even if you are a non-professional with expertise in some area, you may be able to lecture or teach adults in that area.     

Training:

Your previous training will determine to some extent whether you are able to lecture adult students. Have you had extensive training? You may want to upgrade your training further in order to qualify as an adult education lecturer. For example, a middle-aged man has worked as a counselor in the area of alcohol and drug addiction counseling. He is able to lecture adult students, drawing from his training, but is unfamiliar with some of the current concerns regarding substance abuse and decides to upgrade.    

Skills:

Over the years, you probably have acquired a vast number of different skills. Other adults can learn these skills from you, if you take on a position as an adult education lecturer. Many colleges are looking for adult education lecturers who have unique skills. Perhaps you want to upgrade your own skills first, before accepting a position. When you have acquired skills, it becomes immediately apparent to others. Teaching can be fun. For example, an elderly woman has been making quilts for years. Because she has quilt-making skills, she becomes an adult education lecturer and teaches what she knows to others. At the same time, she may need to learn how to use a different sewing machine.        

Personal interest:

What is your specific area of personal interest? If you are a person interested in a certain area, you may already have acquired enough knowledge to teach other adults. For example, perhaps you are interested in nature photography. Your local college may be looking for a person who can lecture adult students on the topic of nature photography. This horizon may allow you the possibility of further advancement into other areas.     

Ability to communicate:

Do you communicate well with adults? If so, you have one of the most important skills that adult education lecturers need to have. Remember that college and university students are adults, even though some of them are still young. Overcoming the fear of talking to adults may take time, but communicating effectively with them, will open a new door for you. For example, a middle-aged woman realizes that she can communicate well with young mothers and is able to lecture them about the importance of well baby care. If necessary, you may decide take a course in communication skills.       

Responsibilities:

Your responsibilities as an adult education lecturer may vary, but will include preparation for lectures, lecturing and appropriate feedback. You may need to do other things like prepare assignments, as well as mark tests and essays. Depending upon what your lecture content will be, there may be other responsibilities like setting up a structured reading program or creating a course curriculum.    

Requirements:

Searching out the requirements for the position of adult education lecturer can prove to be interesting, as these vary depending upon what the position requires. Is there a clinical aspect to your position? Age may not be important, but your availability will be a requirement to take into consideration. For example, are you available to lecture from seven to ten in the evenings, three days a week? If not, then you cannot meet those requirements. You may be able to set up a different time for your lectures or change your schedule otherwise.

Funding:

For anyone seeking to become an adult education lecturer, there may be funding available for essential training or upgrading, in certain areas. Academic counselors at colleges and universities will be able to assist you with finding appropriate funding, bursaries and student loans. It is important to learn about the financial aspects of different programs, as your adult students may need to know this information also.

Resume:

When you are creating a resume, make a note of any lecturing or teaching positions that you have had in the past. You may have other kinds of work experience that relates to the job you are seeking as an adult education lecturer. For example, perhaps you have community experience in areas like adult sports.    

Job interview:

When you go for your job interview, be prepared to answer the question of why you think you should qualify for the position of adult education lecturer. The person who interviews you may put you through a mock lecture or teaching session to see if you can instruct others. Prepare for the unexpected!

Salary:

Depending upon your level of academic education, training and skills, your salary scale may vary. Upgrading in different areas can improve your status on the salary scale. Ask about future opportunities for promotion and advancement.

Job search:

One might suggest that there are no limits to a job search with respect to becoming an adult education lecturer, as there are numerous opportunities. Look for a job that matches your profile, personality, education, training and skills.

You are the best judge of what you are able to do, but be honest with yourself. Having the courage to seek out an appropriate job is also important.

Career Profiles: Journalist

Perhaps at one time or another, you have considered becoming a journalist, but you may need to know more about the occupation in order to make a decision.

Consider the career profile of a journalist.

Have you ever wondered what a journalist does?

“Journalists gather information on a specific subject, event, occurrence or person and then write this information as a report for the press, radio and television, the public relations division of a company or other institutions, as well as related news media.”

Answer the following questions. 

Are you a vibrant person filled with energy? Maybe you are ambitious and have a type A personality? Are you someone who wants to be wherever the action is happening? Do you have excellent recall? Are you able to document events quickly and accurately?

Have you learned the basics of marketing, so that you can sell what you write? Do you have an entrepreneurial spirit? Are you prepared to go after journalism work and to work hard? 

Perhaps you should consider pursuing a career as a professional journalist, as that could be the perfect 

occupation for you.  

Kinds of journalism

The horizon of journalism is continually expanding on the radio, television and Internet, as well as in newspapers, magazines and other places.

“Journalists usually specialize in either print journalism or broadcast journalism. Print journalists can work for a wide variety of newspapers, magazines, journals and technical publications, while broadcast journalists are usually assigned to report for radio and/or television.”

Of course, there are many other specialty areas for journalists including sports, art, politics, entertainment and hobbies, to name just a few.  

Responsibilities

The responsibilities of a journalist can vary in terms of accuracy in observing events, documentation of pertinent data and timeliness in reporting the necessary information. Journalists starting out in their careers may begin by working on specific assignments, in conjunction with other journalists or reporters for specific organization or companies. Some journalists prefer to work strictly as independent freelance writers, with or without an agent. The difference is the way that they are paid. 

Professionalism

Professionalism is important because most journalists are subject to severe public scrutiny and criticism. Appropriate appearance, comportment and conduct are vital to survival as a journalist or later as a full-fledged reporter. The journalist needs to be a good public speaker, able to interact and dialogue appropriately and professionally with others.  

Time

Journalism can be extremely demanding in terms of hours, holidays and weekends. Wherever there is an event happening, the journalist should be there. This demands serious commitment and dedication on his or her part. Personal and family life may be affected and thus, the journalist has to allow for this possibility.

Academic education, skills and training

Many colleges and universities offer academic education for journalists on various levels. This can include courses in APA writing skills, as well as specialized creative writing courses. Ideally, the freelance journalist has a free spirit and loves to write about almost anything. He or she may seek to develop his or her editing skills. Both journalists and reporters must be willing to take upgrading required by their job descriptions, which can vary.

Computer training

Because journalism involves the use of computers, basic computer courses are essential. This may include training in HTML or more advanced computer programs associated with website design. White Hat SEO skills are also important. Being current in terms of communication technology is vital, as well.  

Employment potential

A journalist has an open door with respect to potential, global employment opportunities. There are numerous jobs for entrepreneurial freelance writers, particularly those with photography skills. The media world is continually expanding. Thus, there is a demand for young journalists, as well as many opportunities for more advanced reporters.   

Resume

When preparing a resume, a potential journalist can draw from many different aspects of his or her past or present areas of interest including specific hobbies, like being an art collector or having a serious interest in classical music. Adding this to a resume may open possible doorways for employment as a journalist. Sports, politics or entertainment are areas where journalists are in demand, as well.

Job application

Jobs for journalists are advertised all around the world. Like many other kinds of work, the secret to getting a job is to place applications where there is a current demand, in other words, wherever and whenever. Note that a period of internship may be required.

Travel

Do you like to travel? The ambitious journalist can often travel to unusual, exotic places, with his or her expenses paid. Note that there may be an element of danger associated with journalism. This usually depends upon the kind of assignments a journalist accepts. For example, there are potential hot spots around the world with drug related terrorist activity or other kinds of scenarios, like potential riots that may prove to be life threatening.

On a more positive note, journalism may include adventure, advances, meeting famous people and working one’s own hours. From this perspective, a career in journalism appears interesting, fun and exciting. A potential journalist should be prepared to work hard, knowing that an entrepreneurial spirit and journalism work well together in terms of success.