*Changing the Meaning of Style*

The chapter I finished reading on “Style and the Stylebook” in my writing for the media class was not only informative, but rather entertaining for me. As I read through the chapter and all of the rules to writing I had never before been aware of, I began to question to my own personal style.

I knew editors and companies required very specific requirements as far as grammar in writing is concerned, but I had no idea they were so specific on a word-to-word basis. Even the way I phrased word-to-word could be incorrect according to the stylebook! As I am typing this blog, my newfound knowledge of these rules is making me second-guess each and every word that I type. I can’t imagine the stress a reporter may go through; in addition to accuracy, clarity, and deadlines they must also worry about the style and conforming to the company’s principles.

Although I feel that the stylebook can be restricting and pose a challenge when writing, I understand the need for it. Audiences are extremely critical, and hard to please. If a source allows a piece to be published that offends people by something as simple as a word, or terminology, they are likely to abandon that source and chose another to read from. As far as writing for the mass media, writers have to realize that they are reaching a broad range of people. Having guidelines is very helpful and can prevent complications and misunderstandings. So while the concept of the stylebook can seem at times unbearably time consuming, it is clear to me that it is more of a tool than a constraint. I look forward to using the stylebook in and out of the class to improve my writing.

"Which websites do you visit regularly? Why?"

For my spring semester college course "writing for the media", we are required each week to write blogs based on prompts given to us by our teacher aka "the editor". From this weeks' selections, I chose one that was rather interesting, "what websites do you visit regularly? why?"
Immediately, "E! Online", Myspace, and Facebook popped into my head. I have formed some sort of crazy addiction to these websites. I cannot think of the last time I went a day without checking these sites. Even on days when I am unbelievably pressed for time, I somehow manage to squeeze in a few minutes to check each site.

My day almost always starts with me rolling out of bed, turning on my computer, and checking to see if I have any new myspace messages, comments or friend requests. I don't tend to spend a lot of time on the site, but I check it periodically through the day (almost like a bad, repetitious habit). Next I hop over to my facebook page, where I check to see who has written on my wall, sent me a message or poked me. Once I have checked my two main web pages, I switch over to a few others. I always check my "mville" email to see if any teachers have emailed me, or if there are any upcoming campus events. Each day I also sign onto my online banking to make sure all my accounts are correct and up to date. Once I have done all that (which takes about 5-10 minutes max.) I go to "E! Online" my favorite spot.

The E! Channel is probably my biggest obsession, and my favorite thing to watch when I have some down time. By creating a website, it allowed me to tune in at anytime and read up on my celebrity gossip. I have a strong interest in the entertainment world, being that I plan to have a career in that field. Although I do visit other websites, the primary ones are Myspace.com, Facebook.com, and E! online that keep me hooked everyday!

*FiRsT BLoG FoR mY nEw CLaSs!*

Starting up my second semester of my sophomore year in College, I have a pretty clear view of my future career aspirations. I spent last year adjusting to college life and, as reflected in my grades, I suffered slightly from the change from high school level work into college. I spent the summer prioritizing my goals so I would exceed in class for the remainder of college. I cut down on partying significantly and decided not to work more than 35 hours a week. I became focused mainly on getting all my work completed to the best of my ability. Last semester I certainly fulfilled my goals, and I attained a 3.9 for my semester GPA.

I have always had a huge interest in the Media as a whole. I knew from a very young age that I would like to move to New York City, and that I wanted to find some outlet into the media industry. Now that I am in college I realize that if I am not in front of the cameras modeling or acting, I can still be actively involved in that world. Public Relations is a field of Media Studies that I am extremely interested in pursuing. I would like to take as many courses as I can while I am in school that will enhance my knowledge of the business aspect of the media. Last year I took a few courses in Marketing and Management that will be of use in the future. However, I feel as though the Intro to Communications and the Writing for the Media classes I have taken and am taking this year will be much more useful to me in the future.

The Public Relations field offers such a wide variety of potential jobs, and I would like to make myself as knowledgeable and versatile as possible. By taking the Writing for the Media course I know it will help my writing skills and enhance my understanding and awareness of the rules of written and published media. I am very excited to take this course and I can't wait to learn more about the media.