Just want to check in and get a plan together regarding getting moving on this Pleistocene project. Hopefully, the time spent on other pressing matters is going to be helpful - giving me a fresh start on the topic. I really need to gather some of my materials together and do something with them. Now that I have a bit of free time I need to get back into the organizing of my paperwork and other materials.
Also, I am planning a trip to the local museum next week and a visit to the arctic world exhibit which I haven't seen in years. Also, I have to start thinking about the subjects of my main career path - dinosaurs. They are not part of this current project, obviously but are the sole reason for my choice of career. I just put them on the back burner so to speak because of other project ideas coming into my life. I already started a wee bit of research on them - just printed out a few articles on them. Hopefully, I'll get to read some of both sets of articles over the weekend and make my usual commentary as I go along. I heard that scientists tend to do that a lot. Then add to this the reopening of the newly updated dinosaur exhibit at the museum this coming November - I already have plans to attend the members-only preview. Maybe I'll get to schmooz with some paleontologists that specialize in them. A really great networking opportunity. Well, until later!
Friday, August 10, 2007
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Ranting Practice
Well, I am now officially working on the final term paper on intelligent design - I won't give the concept enough credit or respect by capitalizing the words. So, here is a bit of a rant at the moronic absurdity that is intelligent design. Hey, I need the practice!
First off, before I go any further, let me tell you a wee bit about myself. I am a firm believer in evolution as a fact of nature - one that is essential to all life sciences such as biology, genetics, and especially medical research and technology. I am also a Christian - I do indeed believe in God, Jesus, etc., - but I know the difference between science and religion. Apparently, the Discovery Institute does not. I believe that evolution is just the process by which life came about - whether one believes in a supernatural Creator or not is irrelevant. Evolution is not intended to quantify or justify such a being's existance. Actually, such a concept is rarely if ever discussed in scientific circles - because it is outside our domain of study. We are scientists - not theologians - and I truly wish the Discovery Institute and their ken would cease confusing the two.
Do the supporters of 'intelligent' design take themselves and their loved ones to the doctors to keep them healthy and alive? If they do, then they are hypocrites - unwilling to risk their families' lives where their so-called "faith" apparently lies. If God's means of providing life is so essentially different from evolution, then these folks should rely on prayers alone to keep their loved ones healthy and alive.
The "evils" of evolution should not be permitted access to their families' lives whatsoever - for fear of them losing their faith. Medical science has its foundation in evolution. If you take evolution away - there would be no funding whatsoever for ailments like Parkinsons, MS, ALS, cancer, AIDS, etc. Also, if you are a supporter of id, I suggest that you refrain from giving donations to those causes since the legislation you wish to push forward will make it a veritable waste of money. Remember, that once put through legislation - successfully - all children educated in our public schools will not be capable of entering medical school at any reputable institution. So don't push them to become doctors if you want them to remain faithful to God.
What exactly do these vermin intend to do? Do they really plan to change the face of science and technology into a theocratic endeavor? If they do then there will be quite dire circumstances! Our nation's children will no longer be able to compete in higher education, especially in the sciences or medicine. You don't truly believe that medical doctors are supporters of id? They better not be, if they want to keep their practice.
I just read a "christian" conservative perspective on the issue and found that they use scientific terminology out of context to combat evolution. This is no surprise - since they love to twist words and take them so far out of context as to make them nearly unrecognizable to the person who originally said them. They are actually attempting to use genetics as support for id. This makes absolutely no sense, whatsoever - since genetics is one of the strongest pieces of evidence for evolution.
The argument about perfect order from the creationists - is so absurd and out of touch with reality as to be downright silly. If the eye is so damn perfect, then why are people and animals born blind? Why are eyes so prone to fail in their sight - if God's world and creations are so absolutely perfect?
The Discovery Institute uses the general public's ignorance regarding science to drive their political agenda home. They put the average American in an impossible position - choose God or the physical reality in which they live! Nobody should be expected to have to make such a choice! To force the issue is cruelty and harbors such dire circumstances as to be absolutely sickening!
He who is without sin, cast the first stone!!! He who is so absolutely perfect, stand up and make yourself known to all!
First off, before I go any further, let me tell you a wee bit about myself. I am a firm believer in evolution as a fact of nature - one that is essential to all life sciences such as biology, genetics, and especially medical research and technology. I am also a Christian - I do indeed believe in God, Jesus, etc., - but I know the difference between science and religion. Apparently, the Discovery Institute does not. I believe that evolution is just the process by which life came about - whether one believes in a supernatural Creator or not is irrelevant. Evolution is not intended to quantify or justify such a being's existance. Actually, such a concept is rarely if ever discussed in scientific circles - because it is outside our domain of study. We are scientists - not theologians - and I truly wish the Discovery Institute and their ken would cease confusing the two.
Do the supporters of 'intelligent' design take themselves and their loved ones to the doctors to keep them healthy and alive? If they do, then they are hypocrites - unwilling to risk their families' lives where their so-called "faith" apparently lies. If God's means of providing life is so essentially different from evolution, then these folks should rely on prayers alone to keep their loved ones healthy and alive.
The "evils" of evolution should not be permitted access to their families' lives whatsoever - for fear of them losing their faith. Medical science has its foundation in evolution. If you take evolution away - there would be no funding whatsoever for ailments like Parkinsons, MS, ALS, cancer, AIDS, etc. Also, if you are a supporter of id, I suggest that you refrain from giving donations to those causes since the legislation you wish to push forward will make it a veritable waste of money. Remember, that once put through legislation - successfully - all children educated in our public schools will not be capable of entering medical school at any reputable institution. So don't push them to become doctors if you want them to remain faithful to God.
What exactly do these vermin intend to do? Do they really plan to change the face of science and technology into a theocratic endeavor? If they do then there will be quite dire circumstances! Our nation's children will no longer be able to compete in higher education, especially in the sciences or medicine. You don't truly believe that medical doctors are supporters of id? They better not be, if they want to keep their practice.
I just read a "christian" conservative perspective on the issue and found that they use scientific terminology out of context to combat evolution. This is no surprise - since they love to twist words and take them so far out of context as to make them nearly unrecognizable to the person who originally said them. They are actually attempting to use genetics as support for id. This makes absolutely no sense, whatsoever - since genetics is one of the strongest pieces of evidence for evolution.
The argument about perfect order from the creationists - is so absurd and out of touch with reality as to be downright silly. If the eye is so damn perfect, then why are people and animals born blind? Why are eyes so prone to fail in their sight - if God's world and creations are so absolutely perfect?
The Discovery Institute uses the general public's ignorance regarding science to drive their political agenda home. They put the average American in an impossible position - choose God or the physical reality in which they live! Nobody should be expected to have to make such a choice! To force the issue is cruelty and harbors such dire circumstances as to be absolutely sickening!
He who is without sin, cast the first stone!!! He who is so absolutely perfect, stand up and make yourself known to all!
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
A Ranting Update
Just want to update about what's happening. Lots of work happening - especially the written kind - and much more to come. Among the many pieces we're doing for the writing class is a research paper of our own choosing and related to our field of interest. My choice was of course the always popular Intelligent Design Creationism debate that still rages on here in the United States, for some unknown reason. One of the first articles I read regarding this debate said something to the effect of: scientists proved that evolution takes place without the need for an intelligent creator. The reality of the situation is that the scientific theory of evolution only shows and proves that change occurs over time. The creationists also keep slinging mud by claiming that evolutionists are atheists - which is inherently not true. Most people who have enough damn sense to realize that evolution is a reality and a fact of life (pun intended) - are also religious persons who do believe in a higher power and a creator but just believe that evolution is the means by which life came to exist on Earth. Most religious people do not adhere to the Intelligent Design belief. Also, Charles Darwin himself was a devout Christian!
I would love to know who threw the first volley of mud at whom - and when this occurred. I do believe it occurred in Darwin's time. Somebody crossed the line between science and religion and now we have more serious problems because of it. Fortunately, our opponents are not the brightest bulbs on the planet - though they claim to be true "scientists"- that remains to be seen. I've actually seen some evidence that seriously puts their expertise into question.
Why is it so dangerous a concept if noone in their right mind would believe such absurdities? Because of those elected officials overstepping their boundaries and attempting to change things in our society for the worse based upon the unproven claims of so-called "scholars" trying to literally dumb down our entire society. If legislation does go through promoting ID/C we will lose the respect of every other nation on the Earth. Not to mention ruining further advancement in many sciences and related fields - including medical research and medicine itself. I wonder if the proponents of ID/C utilize the medical facilities of this country to take care of injuries and illnesses. If they do, then they are true hypocrites - and should lose all credibility they currently have. Why do I say this? Because - to undermine and utterly destroy the same system that keeps oneself and one's family and loved ones alive and healthy is like biting the hand that feeds you. Also, if evolution and its related scientific theories are so damn false, then how can these people trust doctors and other medical professionals with their lives if their work is based upon lies and mere "theories"?!
Back to my update! Besides the ID/C debate paper which will be approximately eight pages long - I also have the option to do extra credit papers for the oceanography class I am taking. Each paper is to be five pages long, and about a marine organism (or organisms like diatoms, dinoflagellates, etc.). The more of these extra credit papers I do the higher my final grade. This is very good for me in two ways: I tend to do much much better on papers/essays than on regular exams AND this gives me a chance to show my advisor/professor what I am capable of. A chance to impress the daylights out of him - if that is at all possible! Yay for me!
I already have a couple ideas rolling around in my mind for potential topics: meiofauna and nudibranchs. That's just a start! Meiofauna are tiny microscopic animals that live among the soft sediment of the sea floor and are abundant enough to be food for certain filter feeding animals like clams, worms, and sea cucumbers. Nudibranchs are sea slugs - but some have a very bizarre feature. They eat sea anemones and jellyfish and somehow transfer these animals' stinging tentacles to protrude from their backs - using them as defense against predators. Both topics sound very promising and worth the effort.
Until next time!
I would love to know who threw the first volley of mud at whom - and when this occurred. I do believe it occurred in Darwin's time. Somebody crossed the line between science and religion and now we have more serious problems because of it. Fortunately, our opponents are not the brightest bulbs on the planet - though they claim to be true "scientists"- that remains to be seen. I've actually seen some evidence that seriously puts their expertise into question.
Why is it so dangerous a concept if noone in their right mind would believe such absurdities? Because of those elected officials overstepping their boundaries and attempting to change things in our society for the worse based upon the unproven claims of so-called "scholars" trying to literally dumb down our entire society. If legislation does go through promoting ID/C we will lose the respect of every other nation on the Earth. Not to mention ruining further advancement in many sciences and related fields - including medical research and medicine itself. I wonder if the proponents of ID/C utilize the medical facilities of this country to take care of injuries and illnesses. If they do, then they are true hypocrites - and should lose all credibility they currently have. Why do I say this? Because - to undermine and utterly destroy the same system that keeps oneself and one's family and loved ones alive and healthy is like biting the hand that feeds you. Also, if evolution and its related scientific theories are so damn false, then how can these people trust doctors and other medical professionals with their lives if their work is based upon lies and mere "theories"?!
Back to my update! Besides the ID/C debate paper which will be approximately eight pages long - I also have the option to do extra credit papers for the oceanography class I am taking. Each paper is to be five pages long, and about a marine organism (or organisms like diatoms, dinoflagellates, etc.). The more of these extra credit papers I do the higher my final grade. This is very good for me in two ways: I tend to do much much better on papers/essays than on regular exams AND this gives me a chance to show my advisor/professor what I am capable of. A chance to impress the daylights out of him - if that is at all possible! Yay for me!
I already have a couple ideas rolling around in my mind for potential topics: meiofauna and nudibranchs. That's just a start! Meiofauna are tiny microscopic animals that live among the soft sediment of the sea floor and are abundant enough to be food for certain filter feeding animals like clams, worms, and sea cucumbers. Nudibranchs are sea slugs - but some have a very bizarre feature. They eat sea anemones and jellyfish and somehow transfer these animals' stinging tentacles to protrude from their backs - using them as defense against predators. Both topics sound very promising and worth the effort.
Until next time!
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Updates and Decisions
I'm here for an update on what's been going on. Dr. Jones just got in from the dinosaur farm out in Wyoming - if I play my cards right I am hoping to get out there myself one of these days - preferably in the near future. Such is life, I guess!
Well, I have also come to a decision as far as my furthering my career goes, anyway. It came about due to a lack of clarity in that memo assignment for class a couple of weeks ago. I realize that if I want to remain in Pittsburgh and work on becoming a professional paleontologist - I might as well utilize those resources at my current location to the fullest extent I can. So, to make a long story short: I am seriously considering grad school and majoring in geology - basically to get a M.S. degree in Geology - or higher - whatever the case may be. I can choose my subfield whenever I wish at this point but the current resources are pretty limited at the moment around these parts - at least as far as pursuing a paleo degree like I plan to - despite the affiliation of this university with the Carnegie Museums.
This also gives me a chance to beef up my other scientific skills and knowledge - like the biology and chemistry I will be needing at some point in the future. There is also the fact that I do have at least one or two non-paleo related topics for research - including Yellowstone - which has become a more practical project than it was originally. Also, I have been reminded about a Yellowstone field camp that exists - absolutely perfect for grad school and my project.
The writing class is being taylored to each person's individual field and interests - focusing on career and job research - in the form of memos, reports, outlines, resume, a cover letter, and a career related research paper. This is forcing me to make decisions I hadn't even realized I even needed to make and crunching it all into a mere six weeks. Also, my instructor mentioned helping me during office hours with a career statement for grad school - we don't get to do that officially for class so it has to be during her office hours.
Also, due to some mismanagement on my part - I am now needing to think and set up a more set-in-stone study and classwork routine for the rest of the semester. I even found an old semester weekly planner on an old disk from 2001 and have already started to change it to my current status. A helpful form of damage control, if you will. Good thing it won't take too big a bite out of my plans - besides, classes will be finishing for the summer in just 3-4 weeks - though now that means crunch time for me. I guess I can look at the bright side of my one friend going on a cruise at the end half of the month.
While I was at it looking through old disks - I found a bunch of old project work - including that related to the Pleistocene Mass Extinction - among other things. I really need to put it all together into one master document so I can play with it and keep it in just one disk - or two for a backup. I might as well do this with the other project work I've found, too - just so that it's all in one place when I need it in the near future. Well, I printed out everything I found important so far and will have to go through the rest of the disks at a later date to get the rest. I even found and salvaged an old powerpoint project from a French class - it might look good in my portfolio. Now, if only I could find the oone on Paleontology I did way back when... I would be a very happy camper.
Well, I have also come to a decision as far as my furthering my career goes, anyway. It came about due to a lack of clarity in that memo assignment for class a couple of weeks ago. I realize that if I want to remain in Pittsburgh and work on becoming a professional paleontologist - I might as well utilize those resources at my current location to the fullest extent I can. So, to make a long story short: I am seriously considering grad school and majoring in geology - basically to get a M.S. degree in Geology - or higher - whatever the case may be. I can choose my subfield whenever I wish at this point but the current resources are pretty limited at the moment around these parts - at least as far as pursuing a paleo degree like I plan to - despite the affiliation of this university with the Carnegie Museums.
This also gives me a chance to beef up my other scientific skills and knowledge - like the biology and chemistry I will be needing at some point in the future. There is also the fact that I do have at least one or two non-paleo related topics for research - including Yellowstone - which has become a more practical project than it was originally. Also, I have been reminded about a Yellowstone field camp that exists - absolutely perfect for grad school and my project.
The writing class is being taylored to each person's individual field and interests - focusing on career and job research - in the form of memos, reports, outlines, resume, a cover letter, and a career related research paper. This is forcing me to make decisions I hadn't even realized I even needed to make and crunching it all into a mere six weeks. Also, my instructor mentioned helping me during office hours with a career statement for grad school - we don't get to do that officially for class so it has to be during her office hours.
Also, due to some mismanagement on my part - I am now needing to think and set up a more set-in-stone study and classwork routine for the rest of the semester. I even found an old semester weekly planner on an old disk from 2001 and have already started to change it to my current status. A helpful form of damage control, if you will. Good thing it won't take too big a bite out of my plans - besides, classes will be finishing for the summer in just 3-4 weeks - though now that means crunch time for me. I guess I can look at the bright side of my one friend going on a cruise at the end half of the month.
While I was at it looking through old disks - I found a bunch of old project work - including that related to the Pleistocene Mass Extinction - among other things. I really need to put it all together into one master document so I can play with it and keep it in just one disk - or two for a backup. I might as well do this with the other project work I've found, too - just so that it's all in one place when I need it in the near future. Well, I printed out everything I found important so far and will have to go through the rest of the disks at a later date to get the rest. I even found and salvaged an old powerpoint project from a French class - it might look good in my portfolio. Now, if only I could find the oone on Paleontology I did way back when... I would be a very happy camper.
Friday, June 29, 2007
I mentioned the other day that I was going to post my career memo assignment here since I felt that it's the appropriate place to do so. So, here goes!
My career plans entail a good deal of writing. My ultimate goal is to become an established and respected research scientist in the field of Vertebrate Paleontology. This will require me to be able to communicate clearly, primarily in writing, any facts, data, and information I gather to other professional scientists as well as the general public and non-scientists. Starting out by writing articles for publication in both scientific and non-scientific subjects will establish me as a capable writer and communicator. Once I am published, I intend to alter my focus towards the sciences, at which point I can work on writing books based on my personal research projects. In the meantime, while I am writing, and to make a decent living, I am hoping to get employment in the scientific research and consulting business where writing skills will be very essential.
My long term career plans are likely to take a great deal of time to develop. I already know this and am preparing for this as much as possible. I already have several research projects that I have chosen and even attempted to start over the past couple years. What I must do is focus and produce real, tangible, and useful results. The article writing direction doubles both as a solution to get my writings out there into the publishing world and as an income stream. I recently attended a workshop about freelance writing for publication which gave me a good perspective and the motivation as well as a lot of workable ideas to get started on. One of the most useful pieces of information I got out of the workshop was: if one has a certain topic they want to focus on, they can write articles that get published but also end up as material for a book. In essence, a specific series of articles can be relatively easily converted into chapters or sections of a book. The woman heading the workshop said that my focus as a geoscientist will be very beneficial to me. I have actually started implementing my work on my research projects: first, by choosing one project to start and focus my attention on; next, by starting my own online web log (blog) tracking my progress, and keeping myself accountable and on track with the chosen project; and finally, by continuing to take classes and workshops in writing and the sciences, especially those most useful to me and my plans.
In the mean time, I must make a living while I write my articles and work on my projects. The most beneficial field for my interests and capabilities is the scientific research and consulting business, where writing in various formats will be very essential. This also makes it possible for me to make more progress as an established researcher and scientist. I am hoping to put all this to some use in the very near future. I look forward to putting my plans to the test.
Well, that's it - in a memorandum nutshell! I don't know how well it was recieved by my instructor - but I am definitely thinking positive. She even mentioned helping me with my career intention statement for possible grad school. Since Graduate school is part of the plan - I do think I will take her up on the offer. Talk about wow! Things are really moving fast now - except I don't yet have much of the project itself to show. I feel like I'm constantly in the planning and preparing stages - but maybe it's more because right now I'm doing two classes and with other things going on right now - lots of my time is taken up focussing on everything else. Fortunately, I'm only taking the one course this coming fall semester - hopefully, that will free up more of my time to devote to the research and article writing - and job hunting.
Until next time, signing off!
My career plans entail a good deal of writing. My ultimate goal is to become an established and respected research scientist in the field of Vertebrate Paleontology. This will require me to be able to communicate clearly, primarily in writing, any facts, data, and information I gather to other professional scientists as well as the general public and non-scientists. Starting out by writing articles for publication in both scientific and non-scientific subjects will establish me as a capable writer and communicator. Once I am published, I intend to alter my focus towards the sciences, at which point I can work on writing books based on my personal research projects. In the meantime, while I am writing, and to make a decent living, I am hoping to get employment in the scientific research and consulting business where writing skills will be very essential.
My long term career plans are likely to take a great deal of time to develop. I already know this and am preparing for this as much as possible. I already have several research projects that I have chosen and even attempted to start over the past couple years. What I must do is focus and produce real, tangible, and useful results. The article writing direction doubles both as a solution to get my writings out there into the publishing world and as an income stream. I recently attended a workshop about freelance writing for publication which gave me a good perspective and the motivation as well as a lot of workable ideas to get started on. One of the most useful pieces of information I got out of the workshop was: if one has a certain topic they want to focus on, they can write articles that get published but also end up as material for a book. In essence, a specific series of articles can be relatively easily converted into chapters or sections of a book. The woman heading the workshop said that my focus as a geoscientist will be very beneficial to me. I have actually started implementing my work on my research projects: first, by choosing one project to start and focus my attention on; next, by starting my own online web log (blog) tracking my progress, and keeping myself accountable and on track with the chosen project; and finally, by continuing to take classes and workshops in writing and the sciences, especially those most useful to me and my plans.
In the mean time, I must make a living while I write my articles and work on my projects. The most beneficial field for my interests and capabilities is the scientific research and consulting business, where writing in various formats will be very essential. This also makes it possible for me to make more progress as an established researcher and scientist. I am hoping to put all this to some use in the very near future. I look forward to putting my plans to the test.
Well, that's it - in a memorandum nutshell! I don't know how well it was recieved by my instructor - but I am definitely thinking positive. She even mentioned helping me with my career intention statement for possible grad school. Since Graduate school is part of the plan - I do think I will take her up on the offer. Talk about wow! Things are really moving fast now - except I don't yet have much of the project itself to show. I feel like I'm constantly in the planning and preparing stages - but maybe it's more because right now I'm doing two classes and with other things going on right now - lots of my time is taken up focussing on everything else. Fortunately, I'm only taking the one course this coming fall semester - hopefully, that will free up more of my time to devote to the research and article writing - and job hunting.
Until next time, signing off!
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Ideas and Possibilities: From the New Writing Class and Other Sources
It looks like the professional communication writing class is a perfect idea. It continues what I got out of the freelance writing workshop and adds some much needed job-related writing. It's going to be hectic for me with all the stuff I have to do - but it was a wise decision.
Also, I read some articles from the Creativity Portal newsletter from a couple weeks ago about generating ideas to write about and capturing them. The capturing part I already have a couple ideas about: five minute quickwriting or brainstorming sessions immediately or as soon as possible after the idea comes to me. I can at least get a one to two line bit written down somewhere in a lecture notebook or on a piece of scrap paper until I get a chance to run with it. This I can implement ASAP - hopefully to good effect. Right now the generating of ideas issue will have to take a backseat for a few days due to writing assignments and an upcoming oceanography exam next Tuesday. However, on a more positive note this generating of ideas to write about might be very beneficial for the article writing I want to do as an income stream and eventual career move for my research.
Speaking of research - one of the major assignments for this new class is a six to eight page research paper on an important issue within my career field. Perfect for me - the gears of ideas are already squeekily moving into action on that. Maybe I can kill two or more birds with one stone with this one. Assignment + article for publication + research project of my own choosing... Possibilities, Possibilities!!!
The first writing assignment for this latest class is a memo detailing my career and job intentions. Once I get it rolling along, I'll post it here since it would definitely be appropriate for this venue. I guess it will give a general idea about my career intentions. Psyched and looking foreward to posting again really, really soon - hopefully tomorrow! Until later!
Also, I read some articles from the Creativity Portal newsletter from a couple weeks ago about generating ideas to write about and capturing them. The capturing part I already have a couple ideas about: five minute quickwriting or brainstorming sessions immediately or as soon as possible after the idea comes to me. I can at least get a one to two line bit written down somewhere in a lecture notebook or on a piece of scrap paper until I get a chance to run with it. This I can implement ASAP - hopefully to good effect. Right now the generating of ideas issue will have to take a backseat for a few days due to writing assignments and an upcoming oceanography exam next Tuesday. However, on a more positive note this generating of ideas to write about might be very beneficial for the article writing I want to do as an income stream and eventual career move for my research.
Speaking of research - one of the major assignments for this new class is a six to eight page research paper on an important issue within my career field. Perfect for me - the gears of ideas are already squeekily moving into action on that. Maybe I can kill two or more birds with one stone with this one. Assignment + article for publication + research project of my own choosing... Possibilities, Possibilities!!!
The first writing assignment for this latest class is a memo detailing my career and job intentions. Once I get it rolling along, I'll post it here since it would definitely be appropriate for this venue. I guess it will give a general idea about my career intentions. Psyched and looking foreward to posting again really, really soon - hopefully tomorrow! Until later!
Monday, June 25, 2007
Possibilities from the Freelance Writing Workshop
It's been awhile - but I've been busy - and unexpected things tend to happen when I least expect. I really didn't have much to report in about concerning my project - at least nothing of significance anyway. This past Saturday was the writing workshop. It was very informative and I do think it might be a possible income stream not to mention a way to break into the fields I want to work in. Since my interests are pretty far ranging - politics, social issues, education, the arts, etc. - this gives me a starting point. This is one of my three strengths as far as making this a workable route to success for me. The other two being my pretty good writing skills - I usually get A's on essays and term papers - and I have a focus to narrow my work towards. So maybe a wider focus will be best to start out and then once I'm established as a competent writer then start narrowing that focus into my desired field.
A couple other points were brought up: writing articles with the intent to publish a book with the material and wordiness. As far as wordiness is concerned, a professor from my philosophy of science days stressed pulling out any and all unecessary words. My writing style lends itself to wordiness - which in book format might be beneficial but in article writing is really not a good thing since word count and space is at a premium. She also mentioned that when staff editors cut a piece down for space they usually cut from the bottom up instead of going through the entire article and taking out those unecessary words - so, put the most essential information at the top and middle of the article. Good thing I know how to utilize the word count tool on my papers and I can delete unecessary words pretty easily. It's the cautious part of my nature - not to mention the perfectionist in me.
As to the book writing: she gave the example of a woman who intended to write a book and all the articles she published were parts of that book. She just tweaked it before publishing. That sounds really cool. Also, I liked hearing that some to most articles can be sold to and published by more than one publication - but whoever publishes it first gets naming rights. Apparently, most magazines and other publications tend to change the title to their own liking. Once the title is officially changed - it cannot be changed again later - by the author nor another publication. Also, one must mention it is a reprint before submitting it to other publications than the first.
She stressed noticing what we read in the newspaper and other places, to write as much as possible - everyday if possible - and research the writer's market for valuable information as to whom and where each article can be submitted. You can either have the article first and then submit it entirely in a cover letter or submit a proposal for a potential article and write it after the proposal is accepted. I think I like the first scenario best - at least for myself - just so I can write what I want and then taylor fit it - slant it - for the publication I submit it to. Also, I wouldn't be too thrilled with the acceptance coming through with a deadline four days in the future. Stuff seems to happen to me when I least expect or need it - at the most inconvenient times. The other way is more flexible - which I need right now. Maybe I'll look for some article writing tutorials to get my start. Plus, my professional writing class starts tonight - maybe that will help, too. Wish me luck - lots of it!!!
A couple other points were brought up: writing articles with the intent to publish a book with the material and wordiness. As far as wordiness is concerned, a professor from my philosophy of science days stressed pulling out any and all unecessary words. My writing style lends itself to wordiness - which in book format might be beneficial but in article writing is really not a good thing since word count and space is at a premium. She also mentioned that when staff editors cut a piece down for space they usually cut from the bottom up instead of going through the entire article and taking out those unecessary words - so, put the most essential information at the top and middle of the article. Good thing I know how to utilize the word count tool on my papers and I can delete unecessary words pretty easily. It's the cautious part of my nature - not to mention the perfectionist in me.
As to the book writing: she gave the example of a woman who intended to write a book and all the articles she published were parts of that book. She just tweaked it before publishing. That sounds really cool. Also, I liked hearing that some to most articles can be sold to and published by more than one publication - but whoever publishes it first gets naming rights. Apparently, most magazines and other publications tend to change the title to their own liking. Once the title is officially changed - it cannot be changed again later - by the author nor another publication. Also, one must mention it is a reprint before submitting it to other publications than the first.
She stressed noticing what we read in the newspaper and other places, to write as much as possible - everyday if possible - and research the writer's market for valuable information as to whom and where each article can be submitted. You can either have the article first and then submit it entirely in a cover letter or submit a proposal for a potential article and write it after the proposal is accepted. I think I like the first scenario best - at least for myself - just so I can write what I want and then taylor fit it - slant it - for the publication I submit it to. Also, I wouldn't be too thrilled with the acceptance coming through with a deadline four days in the future. Stuff seems to happen to me when I least expect or need it - at the most inconvenient times. The other way is more flexible - which I need right now. Maybe I'll look for some article writing tutorials to get my start. Plus, my professional writing class starts tonight - maybe that will help, too. Wish me luck - lots of it!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)