I'm here to tell you how you can embark on a new career path. One that will influence millions of people and get your name out in front of the masses.
And you know what's the best part? You don't have to stop working at your current career!
You -- yes, you! -- too can become a part of the popular liberal media!
(And just like the bulk of the people actually working in the media, you won't get paid.)
In your job, you can become a reporter, photographer, blogger and -- if you're real ambitious -- videographer for your local news outlet.
And if you think I'm being a cynical journalist burnout -- well, you'd probably be right. But it's also the truth.
Many, many, MANY news outlets are turning their publications over to "citizen journalists." Every day people with a smart phone, camera and home computer and the desire to share their gifts with the masses.
And it's not just for, you know, actual news. Going to your child's Little League game? Post pictures. Spend the day at church? Write about the sermon. Going for a hike? Write a blog for us rating the trail.
Media companies are scrambling. They're trying anything and everything. Some even want to become the Facebook for a community.
But there's a problem ... there's already a Facebook. And on it, you don't have to share your pictures with everyone and anyone in your city -- or the world -- who happens to come to media website. Facebook allows you to limit your friends, and who gets to see all those things.
Become a writer? Sure, sounds sexy. Until you realize you can't always say what you want whenever you want. Or that there are things like deadlines. Or a regular schedule to keep. Or that you also have 100 other things you have to do for your real job, family and personal life.
Plus, look at your Facebook timeline. Eliminate all the social media game requests, and what do you find a lot of? News stories from legitimate media outlets. Written by real reporters. Edited by the remaining professional editors. All for your consumption.
No matter how much the bean counters try to push it, "citizen journalism" is a search for fool's gold. It looks pretty, but it's not worth the money you think it is. You're trading in ethics, standards and real community knowledge for a bottom line that will spell the end of your bottom line -- when people tune you out and go elsewhere for their news.
So, good luck trying to get the citizens to "journalist" themselves.
