washwords

I just finished reading The 10 Major Newspapers That Will Either Fold or Go Digital Next – TIME.

Sigh. Time isn’t missing the irony that I read this on its Web site. It linked me here  –How to Save Your Newspaper – TIME — next, in double irony, a story about, among other things, the danger of hyperlink to the print-based world of yore.

Why does it matter? Aren’t I the exact example of someone who consumes news/info/WORDS online and loves it – quicker, faster, sleeker? Yes.

And yet…

I will NEVER buy a Kindle. Nev. er.

I hate the idea of them (sorry amazon), the idea of not being able to pick up my dad’s college copy of Emerson when I study Transcendalists in college, reading and writing over, around, and alongside the notes he took. Handing off my favorite childhood book to a new kid friend. In the same way, I would never advise fellow writers or readers to edit anything be it a two line blog post or a dissertation online only. You must read the printed word. Outloud preferably.

In the above article, Isaacson mentions, that actually the problem is not readers.

There is, however, a striking and somewhat odd fact about this crisis. Newspapers have more readers than ever. Their content, as well as that of newsmagazines and other producers of traditional journalism, is more popular than ever — even (in fact, especially) among young people.

The problem is that fewer of these consumers are paying. Instead, news organizations are merrily giving away their news.

Giving. It. Away.

Why does it matter, to me, personally? Sure, because I have friends hurt directly and friends of friends. And more, because I love this former profession, still vocation, deep in my heart and my soul.

Maybe you do, too. Maybe you don’t.

The tension between the business and the news of journalism has always existed. But, in its simplest form, you can’t have one without the other. This online addict will be resubscribing to some of my favorite publications in the next few days. Just don’t use my checks to create newspaper kindles… please?

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I had the thrill of guest blogging over at Blogging Basics 101, where I have learned so much . This was my way of beginning to return the favor. I recommend checking out the site if you have ANY interest in blogging, writing, or reading anything on the Interweb. Meanwhile, read some of what I posted there, here (then go there for more links, tips, and to join the conversation.)

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In journalism (and other forms of storytelling), the rule is simple: content is king.

Crazily enough, in this social media Web 2.0 world, what I’m learning is that everything old is new again. Tips and teachings from editors past and a journalistic life past keep coming back around, finding their way into my blog writing, much to my surprise. And I’m not the only one who’s noticed.

Because despite all the widgets, and chicklets, in the blogosphere, content is (still) king.

But there’s content and there’s CONTENT. So how do you make your blog content sing? Consider these five tips on Web 2.0 blog content from a hard-copy world gone by and yet, still very much alive in this blogger’s heart.

1.) Be content-centered. Remember, content is king. Yes getting hits and Google Page Ranks are important. So is making a design that sells and branding yourself. That will come. Focus on producing Read the rest of this entry »

I know you think I don’t get out much, cause, mmm, I don’t get out much. And I know I’m all secret about myself, who the heckily am I? I have my reasons.

But I’m coming out of the bloggy closet. No, not like that (not that there’s anything wrong with that.) I’m just… making my way out there in the blogosphere, guest blogging and blog-editing at some very fine places I’m honored to be a part of.

In the coming days and weeks, I’ll be revealing the woman behind the washwords (I know – who can stand the excitement???) to my subscribers. Subscribers only. Click here for a feed reader  version (google reader, i google, bloglines) or here to get it right in your in box any of the “subscribe here” links to the right. (Sorry mom, this is gonna be not so exciting for you. You already know me. I’ll make it up to you.)

In the meantime, check out where else I’m appearing (and why my blog posts here have been dwindling a bit):

Blogging Basics 101: Content Is King
Check out my guest post on writing good blog content (using tips from my past journalistic life). Then stay and investigate the rest of this tres useful blog, with tons of plain-English tips on blogging in a friendly, fun style.

DCBlogs » DC Blogs Noted
I’m thrilled to be recently named one of DCBlogs’ contributing editors. The above is my most recent collection of noteworthy DC blogs around town. But likewise, read all the blogs and feed there and please send your feed to the fine folks at dc blogs. Know something wonderful I’m missing? If you’re my bloggy pal, hold tight. You’re on my radar, just didn’t want to overwhelm DCblogs with all my friends’ talent outta the gate – wouldn’t be fair! If you’re new (to me), please please please, send me your link. I subscribe to all / any dc area blogs I can find. (yep, virginny and md. count too), search regularly for topics of local interest. I know all the editors are committed to featuring noteworthy contributions from bloggers with different perspectives, experiences, worldviews etc etc. Let us know! And please, comment, link, share the good things you find there. A community is building and it is exciting!

Not in DC? Still worth your while in my humble opinion. If you like good writing anywho.

Thanks for bearing with me while I do some maintenance around washwords. We’ll be back better than ever more regularly in a jif.