A Blogger's Guide for Success

About.com's Blogging guide is an insightful online resource with tips, tricks and technical how-to articles on the craft of blogging. It covers a great many topics on just about anything you might want to know about becoming a successful blogger. 

Allisonmedia.net

Allison Media

Mr. Allison a media teacher has compiled a huge resource library for his students and subsequently the rest of us. Check it out at the link below.

Allison Media
www.allisonmedia.net

Media Management Center at Northwestern University, Illinois

The Media Management Center at Northwestern University

This center is an amazing resource for professionals and companies in the media industry. Below is an except from their website about their offerings.

"The Media Management Center advances the success of media companies and the professional growth of media executives through its seminars, ground-breaking research and ongoing work with media companies worldwide. It is affiliated with the Kellogg School of Management and the Medill School at Northwestern University. The Center incorporates:
The Readership Institute, which focuses on actionable research, field-testing of readership-building ideas and measurement of their success and education and training for the newspaper industry on readership-building best practices and The Media Info Center, which publishes up-to-the-minute industry business and financial news on the Web. The Media Management Center is dedicated to excellence in journalism through executive education and industry research."

The Media Management Center at Northwestern University
www.mediamanagementcenter.org

L'Oreal Paris Women of Worth Vision Awards

For the past three years at the Sundance Film Festival, L'Oréal Paris and the Women In Film organization have been handing out the L'Oréal Paris Women of Worth Vision awards. According to the Women In Film website, "as one of the Sundance Film Festival's sponsors, L'Oréal Paris created the Women of Worth "Vision" award to honor a female filmmaker whose work reflects the spirit of L'Oréal Paris' Women of Worth initiative, which was inspired by the signature phrase "Because You're Worth It." The program recognizes women from around the country who serve their communities, inspire others by example and have an innate sense of social responsibility and act on it."
The 2009 winners received the honor on January 17 at the Third Annual L'Oréal Paris Women of Worth Vision Award Celebration hosted by Entertainment Weekly. "This year's award went to sisters Emily and Sarah Kunstler, directors of 'William Kunstler: Disturbing the Universe.' The award was presented by the first L'Oréal Paris Women of Worth Vision Award winner, director and screenwriter Cherien Dabis, who celebrated the premiere of her film 'Amreeka' at this year's festival," according to an Entertainment Weekly events advertising promotion page in the April 2009 issue of People Style Watch.

Women In Film
http://www.wif.org/

Women of Worth
http://www.womenofworth.com/

NYU Fashion Writing Class

We all know that New York University has a treasure trove of literally thousands of courses to take both for academic credit and for continuing education, but their fashion writing course is certainly one of the most beneficial for all those budding fashion editors and writers in NYC. Their fashion writing course is offered during the 2009 summer term through the School of Continuing & Professional Studies' department of writing and speech. The five session course is $290 and can be applied toward the NYU journalism certificate and is taught by fashion writer Susanne D'Amato at the Washington Square campus. The course is on Tuesdays from 6:45 PM to 9:05 PM from May 26 to June 23.

NYU's website says, "this course is for those who are so passionate about what to wear that they feel compelled not only to talk about their opinions, but to write them down. We cover the fundamentals of all cultural reporting and writing (observation and description); try on the different forms of fashion writing (preview, review, trend piece and profile, among others) and discuss submission strategies. We also survey the world of fashion magazines--as well as the world of fashion itself. The goal of the course is to begin compiling a fashion writing portfolio." For more information on the program check out NYU's website below.

Fashion Writing Summer 2009 Course

www.scps.nyu.edu/course-detail/X32.9781/20092/fashion-writing

New York University's Summer Intensives 2009

At NYU's School of Continuing and Professional Studies there are myriad options of courses that one can take to satisfy their media and communication arts related learning needs. Below is just a small list of the summer institute and intensive programs offered at the school.

The Summer Publishing Institute in Book, Magazine, and Digital Publishing
http://www.scps.nyu.edu/course-detail/X59.9000/20092/the-summer-publishing-institute-in-book-magazine-and-digital-publishing

Producing Intensive
http://www.scps.nyu.edu/course-detail/X34.9149/20092/producing-intensive

HD Videography Intensive
http://www.scps.nyu.edu/course-detail/X34.9250/20092/hd-videography-intensive

Filmmaking Four-Week Intensive: B/W--MOS
http://www.scps.nyu.edu/course-detail/X34.9066/20092/filmmaking-four-week-intensive-b-w-mos

Editing Two-Week Intensive: Final Cut Pro
http://www.scps.nyu.edu/course-detail/X34.9239/20092/editing-two-week-intensive-final-cut-pro

National Writing Project

The National Writing Project is a wonderful resource for educators who teach writing and the techniques that they learn from this program in turn benefit their students. The quote from their website below sums up what they are all about.

"The National Writing Project (NWP) is a professional development network that serves teachers of writing at all grade levels, primary through university and in all subjects. The mission of the NWP is to improve student achievement by improving the teaching of writing and improving learning in the nation’s schools.

National Writing Project
www.nwp.org

Independent Magazines In New York City

New York City has a wealth of magazines that are still independent (or owned by small companies with a few publications) and going it alone, albeit very successfully without the help of a behemoth parent company's support. Below are a few examples and just the tip of the iceberg.

New York Magazine
www.nymag.com
Bonus: Their employment page is always chock full of job and internship opportunities.
http://nymag.com/newyork/jobs

Time Out New York
www.newyork.timeout.com
Bonus: Their employment page is always fully stocked with job and internship opportunities.
http://newyork.timeout.com/section/were-hiring

Paper Magazine
www.papermag.com

Zink Magazine
www.zinkmag.com

City Magazine
www.city-magazine.com
Bonus: Their employment page currently has many job and internship opportunities.
www.city-magazine.com/employment.html

Me Magazine

Me Magazine is an independent magazine that has one of the most unique magazine concepts on the market. In each issue it's editorial content focuses solely on one creative person: a fashion designer, filmmaker, artist or musician etc. That person's friends and colleagues all contribute articles to the magazine. The latest issue features fashion designer Philip Lim, past issues has featured fashion greats such as Thakoon and Rodarte, artist Nate Lowman and singer Keren Ann. And if all that creativity isn't enough, Me's editor-in-chief Claudia Wu is a partner in the design and ad agency Orphan NYC, www.orphan-nyc.com. They have an impressive client list such as BCBG Max Azria, Prada, Avon and Smart Water to name a few.

Me Magazine
www.memagazinenyc.com

Orphan NYC
www.orphan-nyc.com

Le Book: Official Source Book for the Creative Industry

Le Book is a publication with offices in New York, Paris and London that focuses its content on the creative industries such as photography, illustration, production and fashion, music, public relations and advertising.
It's published in print with 3 volumes per edition in New York, Paris and London. For each city
there is a special boxed sets of 3 books: one on photography, production and art direction with extensive industry resources and contact information. These sets cost $249 each and can be purchases on Le Book's website, www.lebook.com/boutique.
Their website has an extensive database of photographers with their portfolios and other creative professions as well with listed contact information.
In addition, Le Book has Connections, a 'custom-made trade show for the creative community' which takes place in New York, Paris and London. They are the quintessential source book for the creative industry and have been doing so for 25 years.

Le Book

www.lebook.com

Le Book Connections Trade Show

www.lebook.com/connections

Increase Your Earning Power In A Bad Economy: Part 5 of 5 Part Series

Ideas to help earn extra money with skills from your hobby or academic major

In the poor economic climate, many students are scrambling to earn extra cash at every possible chance. Rather than relying solely on a minimum wage, part-time retail or fast food job, look within at your own skills and branch out by freelancing or creating your own mini-business. Here are some lists of academic majors and skills you may have and suggested activities to get your creative juices flowing, who knows one may even become your next pay-check opportunity.

Majors: Public Relations, Advertising and Business Administration

Skills: Media Planning, Marketing, Management

Become a freelance PR/publicity representative for small companies and non-profit organizations

Be a small business management consultant for small businesses

Assist small businesses with writing a business plan

Create advertisement copy for small business and non-profit organizations

Increase Your Earning Power In A Bad Economy: Part 4 of 5 Part Series

Ideas to help earn extra money with skills from your hobby or academic major

In the poor economic climate, many students are scrambling to earn extra cash at every possible chance. Rather than relying solely on a minimum wage, part-time retail or fast food job, look within at your own skills and branch out by freelancing or creating your own mini-business. Here are some lists of academic majors and skills you may have and suggested activities to get your creative juices flowing, who knows one may even become your next pay-check opportunity.

Major: Communication Arts - Film/TV Production
Skills: Videography, Film Editing, Producing

Film and edit event videos
Film and edit training videos
Film and edit You Tube videos for people
Teach people basic filming and editing skills
Produce independent films and TV shows
Give hands-on lessons to public access TV show crews on how to use good filing techniques and make quality shows
Create your our public access show to teach others how to create a professional looking show

Media Bistro

MediaBistro.com is one of my favorite and most reliable media industry sources for information about internships, jobs and the latest new in the industry. For years now I have been reading about different industry happenings and learning about the luminaries that make the industry what it is. With each visit to MediaBistro.com I get a greater sense of what different career fields in the media are really like.

Some of my favorite free features of the website include:
- Internship and job search by location, industry, keyword, duration or featured employer
- The bulletin board to post questions and hopefully get answers
- Build a resume and post it, in order to send links of your online resume to employers
- Event and service listings (a bit pricey for college students, but well worth it for those in the industry full-time)
- Their blogs (the Fish Bowl is good, it gives a lot of industry news)

Media Bistro
www.mediabistro.com

Opportunity to Become a Student Rep for the Center For Communication

The Center for Communication is known for their high quality, in demand seminars, prestigious guest panels and tours of the top media companies, all of which are free to students. I recently received one of their e-mail event listings (which I subscribe to) and they mentioned an opportunity for students to become a rep for their organization.

The text from the e-mail stated, "We are looking for student reps to spread the word around campus about our FREE seminars and workshops. Perks include priority registration for our very much in-demand On-Location visits offering amazing opportunities to connect, one-on-one, with key decision-makers in the industry. Join us to learn everything you need to know about how to break in to major media companies based in NYC. Email us at info@cencom.org for more information."

Center for Communication
http://www.cencom.org

Media Mogul: The Board Game

When I was doing a Google search recently about how to become a media mogul. The search turned up (among other things) a board game, aptly named Media Mogul: The Board Game. I was impressed. 1. Because it was a media oriented game and 2. because a women created it. Susannah Lees, the creator was inspired to put together the bored game based on her own experience working in the media. Wow, it goes to show that a lot of great things can be inspired by one's work. The game's company is based in England and it costs 24.95 Pounds. The website even comes with an interactive game demo in which you play again a virtual Rupert Murdoch (News Corp.), Richard Branson (Virgin) and Simon Cowell (American Idol). I played it and its fun!

The website said that, "Media Mogul is a fun and exciting game for 2-6 players. The aim is to become a “Media Mogul” by owning TV stations, radio stations and magazines in one market, to become a Music Maestro, Star Spotter, Culture Vulture, Fashion Diva, Action Man or Home Maker. Each player starts with a stash of Mundos – the Media Mogul currency – and the game begins with a roll of the 2 dice, one colour coded to indicate which Media group you can bid for, and the other to indicate how many of those sites you can bid for."

Media Mogul: The Board Game Homepage
http://www.mediamogul.biz

Top 10 Good Things About Whowhatwear.com

Whowhatwear.com is a comprehensive website with a newsletter and video series devoted to showcasing the best in celebrity fashion and breaking down the trends and making them accessible for everyday women. I love the site for many many reasons.

Here are my top ten:
1. The two website founders and WhoWhatWear TV hostesses Katherine Power and Hillary Kerr have a lot of heavy hitting fashion cred as editors at Elle magazine in addition to other top fashion magazines.
2. They are perky, kindly fashion sages rather than fashion diva witches.
3. Each show is short, yet packed full of how-to dress tips and how to wear and incorporate current trends into your wardrobe in an accessible way.
4. The show narrowly focuses on a few main points and doesn't try to do too much.
5. The theme song of the show is catchy and memorable.
6. WhoWhatWear TV shows are available on their YouTube page http://www.youtube.com/user/WhoWhatWear as well their own website http://www.whowhatwear.com/website/wwwtv.php.
7. They show how to put together less expensive, reasonable facsimiles of celebrity high-end fashions looks.
8. Their program is professionally edited.
9. Its quick and easy to download.
10. Their set is a fully stocked fashion closet and serves as the main back drop of all their shows except when they go on location to Fashion Week or to a designer's showroom.

WhoWhatWear TV Web Page
http://www.whowhatwear.com/website/wwwtv.php

WhoWhatWear TV on YouTube.com
http://www.youtube.com/user/WhoWhatWear

Girls Write Now

Girls Write Now is an organization that provides girls with assistance to improve their writing skills as creative wordsmiths. Its a fantastic opportunity for female writers to help mentor high school girls and be a part of shaping future leaders and writers at a critical time in their life. Here is what their website says, "Girls Write Now (GWN) provides a safe and supportive environment where girls can expand their natural writing talents, develop independent creative voices and build confidence in making healthy choices in school, career and life. GWN provides at-risk New York City high school girls with emerging writing talent an opportunity to be custom-matched with a professional woman writer who serves as her personal mentor and writing coach, meeting with her weekly for the duration of an entire school year and for up to four years."

Girls Write Now
http://www.girlswritenow.org

FOLIO: Magazine- Magazine Publishing Industry News Publication and Industry Networking

FOLIO: Magazine.com is one of the most comprehensive websites I've seen with such exhaustive coverage of magazine industry news. Its homepage is packed with resources for the magazine professional including:
Career section with job search tool
Articles that are searchable by topic
List of FOLIO:'s blogs
Resources created by FOLIO: such as podcasts
Achieve of FOLIO:'s print edition magazine including article breakdowns by section
Search engine for magazine/publishing industry suppliers, vendors and service providers
FOLIO: webinars (web seminars)
List of events (hosted by FOLIO: and other industry organizations)
Lists of awards given by FOLIO: The Fame Awards- FOLIO:’s Awards for Magazine Events and FOLIO Awards
FOLIO:'s other channels: Magazine Marketing Excellence and Digital Magazines
FOLIO: mediaPRO: Magazine & eMedia Publishing Professional & Social Network
That's just the tip of the iceberg, FOLIO:'s web site has a treasure trove of additional features, most of which are free!

FOLIO: Magazine Homepage
http://www.foliomag.com

Increase Your Earning Power In A Bad Economy: Part 3 of 5 Part Series

Ideas to help earn extra money with skills from your hobby or academic major

In the poor economic climate, many students are scrambling to earn extra cash at every possible chance. Rather than relying solely on a minimum wage, part-time retail or fast food job, look within at your own skills and branch out by freelancing or creating your own mini-business. Here are some lists of academic majors and skills you may have and suggested activities to get your creative juices flowing, who knows one may even become your next pay-check opportunity.

Major: English, Journalism
Skill: Writing

Tutor English
Teach ESL classes
Write articles for your favorite magazine
Write new text for a start-up business’s website and brochures
Edit and proofread existing text for a business’s website and brochures
Become a ghost writer
Transcribe interviews for freelance writers
Start a specialized column or article writing service

National Press Photographers Association Announces Judson Memorial Church's New New Yorker Photo Competition

The National Press Photographers Association, Region 2 website reported that Judson Memorial Church is having a "New New Yorker Photo Competition." The association's website says, " Judson Memorial Church invites all photographers, amateur and professional, to participate in a competition that captures the modern immigrant experience in the New York City area. Subject matter should feature scenes relating to the everyday lives of individuals who have recently relocated to New York from another country. The competition is designed to create a greater awareness and appreciation of the experiences, challenges, and opportunities facing New York's new residents. Contest is open to professional and amateur photographers using any photo equipment. Employees and members of Judson Memorial Church are not eligible. Entries must be received by March 15, 2009." For more info visit:

New New Yorker Photo Competition, posted on National Press Photographers Association, Region 2 website:
http://www.nppa2.org/

New New Yorker Photo Competition, posted originally on Judson Memorial Church's website:
http://www.judson.org/new_new_yorker.html

MSNBC Citizen Journalist Opportunities

MSNBC has a section of their website called Citizen Journalist. They actively seek ordinary people to submit their photos and video footage of news events witnessed first hand. This is a great opportunity for students and budding journalists to get a start in their career by looking for news events unfolding in their local area and being among the first to discover a major news story.

MSNBC's website says, "send us photographs and video! MSNBC is looking for your photos and video of news events. To tell your story through pictures -- moving and still -- that you've shot, just email your media to cj@msnbc.com. Please include captions and information about the videos and photos you send, along with your name and telephone number. You can also use your camera phone to send us photos and video while you're on the road."

Citizen Journalist Home Page:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6639760/

Info About Becoming a Citizen Journalist: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6348977/

Increase Your Earning Power In A Bad Economy: Part 2 of 5 Part Series

Ideas to earn extra cash with skills from your hobby or academic major

In the poor economic climate, many students are scrambling to earn extra cash at every possible chance. Rather than relying solely on a minimum wage, part-time retail or fast food job, look within at your own skills and branch out by freelancing or creating your own mini-business. Here are some lists of academic majors and skills you may have and suggested activities to get your creative juices flowing, who knows one may even become your next pay-check opportunity.

Major: Photography, Photojournalism or Any Other Major
Skills: Photography, Photo Editing

Start, curate and maintain a fee based online photo gallery
Turn your images into postcards
Get an exhibition at a small indie gallery
Teach people basic photography skills
Photograph events, parties and/or weddings
Photograph properties for architects, property management companies and real estate agents
Organize and edit personal photos for friends and family
Create a fee based stock photo collection of your images
Take photos of products for small stores and boutiques
Become the official photographer for a band, artist, fashion designer or actor

Increase Your Earning Power In A Bad Economy: Part 1 of 5 Part Series

Ideas to earn extra cash with skills from your hobby or academic major

In the poor economic climate, many students are scrambling to earn extra cash at every possible chance. Rather than relying solely on a minimum wage, part-time retail or fast food job, look within at your own skills and branch out by freelancing or creating your own mini-business. Here are some lists of academic majors and skills you may have and suggested activities to get your creative juices flowing, who knows one may even become your next pay-check opportunity.

Major: Graphic (Digital) Design, Fine Arts
Skills: Illustration, Painting, Web Design

Become a street artist and illustrate portraits for people
Become a face painter
Become a make-up artist
Create websites for start-up businesses
Create custom murals
Illustrate t-shirts and other merchandise
Design logos, brochures and other materials for businesses
Create banner ads for websites

Media Fellowship International

Media Fellowship International reaches out to media and entertainment professionals for Christ. Their website states that their mission is to, "reach media and entertainment professionals worldwide for Christ." Their vision: "MFI ministers among media and entertainment professionals in key arts and media cities worldwide who are seeking a safe spiritual haven, transforming them into Christian leaders who serve, challenge and influence." Their goals: "MFI's goal is to: encourage, equip and energize individuals to live for Christ. Expand the international network of Christians in the media. Encourage interpersonal relationships where Christians can learn how to incorporate their faith into the workplace. Provide information, education and training to improve professional competencies based on Biblical principles. Provide a platform from which Christians in the media may communicate their faith."

Media Fellowship International

http://www.mediafellowship.org/nmission.htm

Newhouse Graduate Fellowship and Apprenticeship in Newspaper Journalism for Minorities at Syracuse University

The Newhouse Graduate Fellowship and Apprenticeship in Newspaper Journalism for Minorities
at Syracuse University located in Syracuse, New York offers an extensive career building program to help minority students gain an edge in the world of journalism. This year's February 1 deadline has passed.

According to their website they are "seeking students with outstanding qualifications and the potential to make significant contributions to the field of newspaper journalism. It also seeks to increase the number of minority journalists in the country. Applicant must be a U.S. citizen and member of an under-represented group: African American, Hispanic/Latino, Native American or Asian, have an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university in a field other than journalism, have and undergraduate GPA of B or better. The winner gets free tuition for master’s level study in newspaper journalism at Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. Also, he will receive part-time reporting and editing student internships during graduate school, $1,100 monthly stipend, health insurance coverage, moving expenses, travel expenses, academic expenses and a full-time paid professional internship after graduation for one year as a reporter at the Newhouse Paper."

Newhouse Graduate Fellowship and Apprenticeship in Newspaper Journalism for Minorities
http://newhouse.syr.edu/prospective/grad/newhouseFellowship

Organizations That Help Women in Communication Arts

There are countless resources for women in diverse areas of communication arts, here are a few organizations that cater to the unique needs of women in the industry.

Association for Women in Communications (WOMCOM)
This organization supports the professional growth and success of its members in the following industries: print and broadcast journalism, television and radio production, film, advertising, public relations, marketing, graphic design, multi-media design, and photography. Resources include a job board, mentor program, national conferences, recognition of professional excellence awards and national association chapters. They have professional chapters in Rochester and Westchester/Fairfield, NY and Northern New Jersey and student chapters at Cornell University, Hofstra University and Syracuse University to name a few.

Association for Women in Communications (WOMCOM) Homepage
http://www.womcom.org

WOMCOM New York/New Jersey Professional Chapters Page http://www.womcom.org/about_us/professional_chapters.asp#N

WOMCOM New York Student Chapters Page
http://www.womcom.org/about_us/student_chapters.asp

Women Make Movies
According to its website the organization was, "established in 1972 to address the under representation and misrepresentation of women in the media industry, Women Make Movies is a multicultural, multiracial, non-profit media arts organization which facilitates the production, promotion, distribution and exhibition of independent films and videotapes by and about women."

Women Make Movies (WMM) Homepage
http://www.wmm.com/

IndependentFilm.com

Independentfilm.com features news from the film festival circuit, indie movie reviews, new film equipment technology info and a resources section.

Independent Film Homepage

http://www.independentfilm.com/

Organizations That Support Women in Diverse Communication Arts Fields

Here is a list of organizations that help women in various areas of communication arts succeed and grow in their craft.

Women in Film (Lon Angeles)
www.wif.org

New York Women in Film and Television
www.nywift.org

Women in Film and Video of Washington D.C.
www.wifv.org

Women in Film (Seattle)
www.womeninfilm-seattle.org

Women in Film GM (Sponsored by General Motors)
www.women-in-film.com

Reel Women
www.reelwomen.org

Women's Media Center

www.womensmediacenter.com

Women in Media and News

www.wimnonline.org


Girls, women media project

www.mediaandwomen.org

Women, action and the media

www.centerfornewwords.org

Arab women active in arts and media

www.awaam.org

The Women's International Media Group

www.womensgroup.org

International Women's Media Foundation

www.iwmf.org

Media Awareness Network

www.media-awareness.ca/english/index.cfm

Women's Institute for Freedom of the Press

www.wifp.org

Ground Spark

www.groundspark.org/what

Journalism and Women Symposium

www.jaws.org

Women in Digital Journalism

www.widj.org

Women in Journalism

www.womeninjournalism.co.uk

American Women in Radio and TV

www.awrt.org

McCormick Foundation New Media Women Entrepreneurs www.newmediawomen.org

Women's News Media

www.womensnewmedia.com

The Adrienne Shelly Foundation: Supporting women filmmakers www.adrienneshellyfoundation.org

Women Make Movies

www.wmm.com

The Association for Women in Communications
www.womcom.org

New York Women In Communications

www.nywici.org

Advertising Women of New York

www.awny.org

Washington Women In Public Relations

www.wwpr.org

The International Association of Women In Radio and Television
www.iawrt.org

American Women In Radio and Television

www.awrt.org

Seattle Writergrrls

www.seattlewritergrrls.org

The Poynter Institute: Educates Students in the Craft of Journalism

The Poynter Institute is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to take their journalistic skills to the next level of excellence.
Their website says, "the Poynter Institute is a school for journalists, future journalists and teachers of journalism. We cover the range of skills journalists need in the digital age. From individual coaching and in-person seminars, to online courses, webinars and publications, we deliver training that fits your schedule and meets your needs."

Poynter Institute Training Programs Page

http://www.poynter.org/training

Association of Alternative Newsweeklies

The Association of Alternative Newsweeklies not only is a professional trade organization for publications to join but it also offers programs to help journalists start out their careers at alternative weekly papers. One such program is their diversity grant program.
According to the association's website, "The AAN Diversity Grant Program was instituted in 2001 to help papers add diversity to their newsrooms and to encourage minority journalists to start their careers at alternative newsweeklies. This program awards up to four grants of $1,250 annually." And the other is the Academy for Alternative Journalism, "held in conjunction with the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, is a residential summer program designed to train and recruit minority journalists to work at AAN papers. Through classroom instruction by Medill faculty and guest lectures by professionals from the alternative press, Academy students focus on long-form journalism and literary techniques that are the signature of most alternative weeklies. The 2009 Academy for Alternative Journalism will run from June 21 to Aug. 16. All participants will receive a $3,000 stipend as well as allowances for travel and housing. The application deadline for 2009 has passed." In addition, they also have their Alternative Journalism Writers Workshop that is, "designed for alternative newsweekly writers and reporters. Instructors address alternative approaches to news and arts coverage and provide training in investigative and narrative techniques. The workshop is held at the Medill School of Journalism on the Northwestern University campus in Evanston, Ill."

Association of Alternative Newsweeklies Homepage
http://www.aan.org/alternative/Aan/index

Association of Alternative Newsweeklies Academy for Alternative Journalism Page
http://aan.org/alternative/Aan/ViewPage?oid=oid%3A130688

Association of Alternative Newsweeklies Alternative Journalism Writers Workshop Page
http://aan.org/alternative/Aan/ViewPage?oid=oid%3A503590

Cut & Paste Digital Design Tournament 2009

Cut & Paste is a company that puts on digital design tournaments all over the country and all over the world, from NYC to LA and London to Tokyo, they have creative talent in the digital design industry covered. The talented artists completing specialize in 2D, 3D and Motion Design. They set up these events as a way to showcase talent and provide a way for people to see talented graphic designers in action. The participants design their digital masterpieces live in front of an audience on a platform with computers. In short, these tournaments are a good place to see and be seen, to network and meet the next up and coming digital designers and to further bring together the design community. Be sure to catch the Cut & Paste Digital Design Tournament 2009, in NYC on March 21.

Cut & Paste Digital Design Tournament 2009 Page
http://www.cutandpaste.com/events/2009/mar/21/newyork-2009

Cut & Paste Digital Design Tournament 2009 2D Design Competition Page
http://www.cutandpaste.com/tours/program/format/2d-design

Cut & Paste Digital Design Tournament 2009 3D Design Competition Page
http://www.cutandpaste.com/tours/program/format/3d-design

Cut & Paste Digital Design Tournament 2009 Motion Graphics Competition Page
http://www.cutandpaste.com/tours/program/format/motion-graphics

Random House Associates Program

Book publishing giant Random House has a specialized one year, entry-level training program called the Associates Program. The training program introduces college graduates to the many departments that Random House has. Trainees rotate from one department to the next and learn about the functions of each and also get participate in lunch time seminars where they listen to speakers who are at the top of their game at Random House. When the program is finished the trainee is able to apply to an area of Random House that they have an interest in.
For more info, check out their program FAQ page to find out about requirements and how to apply.

Random House Associates Program Page
http://careers.randomhouse.com/Entry-Level/Associates-Program.html

Random House Associates Program Frequently Asked Questions Page
http://careers.randomhouse.com/Entry-Level/Associates-Program/Program-FAQ.html

Current TV Internships

Current TV, it reminds me of something similar to PBS but in a hip, 21st century, MTV-esque kind of way. The channel is amazing in that its content is almost entirely created by viewers who are up and coming producers and film makers. Its a novel way to give much lesser known creative people a voice and a platform to show whats going on in the world through their eyes. The channel's operations are based in LA and below are links to some of the internship programs that they offer.

Music Department Internship - Spring 2009
Spring 2009 Internships
Vanguard Journalism Internship - Spring 2009
Infomania Internship- Spring 2009
Current Fix Internship - Spring 2009
Programming Internship- Winter/Spring 2009
The Rotten Tomatoes Show Internship- Spring 2009

Media That Matters Film Festival

Media That Matters Film Festival is a film festival that features "short films that inspire action" according to their website. Their website further explains, "The Media That Matters Film Festival is the premier showcase for short films on the most important topics of the day. Local and global, online and in communities around the world, Media That Matters engages diverse audiences and inspires them to take action. From gay rights to global warming, the jury-selected collection represents the work of a diverse group of independent filmmakers, many of whom are under 21. The films are equally diverse in style and content, with documentaries, music videos, animations, experimental work and everything else in between. What all the films have in common is that they spark debate and action in 12 minutes or less."

Media That Matters Film Festival
http://www.mediathatmattersfest.org

Drew Barrymore's Production Company: Flower Films- A Beautiful Place to Work

Drew Barrymore was the cover girl on the April 2008 issue of Domino Magazine (the soon to be defunct publication that always featured a chic, cute mix of home decor and practical lifestyle articles). Inside the magazine they featured the office of Drew's production company, Flower Films. It was beautifully decorated! This is the kind of stylish place that any lady would want to live in. I thought to myself it would be nice to work their just because of the fantastic decor, the kitchen (serene green and blue) and the powder room (bright cheery sunshine yellow and cream) were the most colorful common spaces. That was the nicest production company office space I've seen.

Links to Flower Films Office Photos, Drew's Office
http://www.dominomag.com/galleries/2008/04/drew_barrymore_office

The Kitchen
http://www.dominomag.com/galleries/2008/04/drew_barrymore_office?slide=10

The Powder Room
http://www.dominomag.com/galleries/2008/04/drew_barrymore_office?slide=11

Local Fox 5 News Training Program in New York City

Fox 5 News in New York City has a six month training program for aspiring news station workers. From news gatherers to creative services they have a spot for everyone with varying interests. Below is a quote and program information from their website.

"FOX Television Stations, FOX 5/WNYW and MY 9/WWOR offers a hands on six month training program for College Graduates interested in obtaining valuable experience in the various fields of Television Broadcasting. This training program requires no previous broadcast
work experience, thereby, when the six-months training period is completed, the goal is to provide the trainee with the prerequisite skills to acquire an entry-level position in the broadcasting field. We request that anyone interested in applying for the training program
should send a resume and cover letter indicating a preference for any of the areas listed below to the above address."

The Six Month Training Program is offered in the following departments:

Programming
Production/Engineering
Sales
Traffic
Newsroom
News Library/Research
“Good Day New York”
Finance/Accounting
Creative Service/Promotions
Human Resources

The Training Program offers:
Hands-on training with experts in the various fields of broadcasting;
Access to staff employment opportunities pending availability and
qualifications; Six months of employment which includes a full work
week of 37 ½ hours at a pay rate of $7.15 per hour.

TRAINING PROGRAM FOX 5 WNYW / MY 9 WWOR
Human Resources Department Training Program
205 East 67th Street
New York, NY 10065

Training Program Information Page
http://www.myfoxny.com/dpp/about_us/work_for_us/Job_Opportunities_At_Fox_5

NBC Universal Careers Portal

NBC Universal Careers is the ultimate portal for employment at that network, there you will find the main job search engine, a list of the various internship programs and their early career programs as well.

Job Search Engine (mostly General Electric jobs, they own NBC)
https://xjobs.brassring.com/1033/asp/tg/cim_home.asp?partnerid=54&siteid=5346

Universal Studios Hollywood & Universal Orlando Resort Jobs
http://www.nbcunicareers.com/search/parks_resorts

Below are links to internships and early career programs at NBC.

Internships:
EAST & WEST COAST
LOCAL TV STATIONS
CABLE NEWS NETWORKS
EMMA BOWEN FOUNDATION

Early Career Programs:
PAGE PROGRAM
ENTERTAINMENT ASSOCIATES PROGRAM
NEWS ASSOCIATE PROGRAM
UNIVERSAL PICTURES LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
COMMERCIAL LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
TALENT DIVERSITY INITIATIVE
DIVERSITY INITIATIVE FOR WRITERS
TALLER TELEMUNDO
WRITERS ON THE VERGE
GE LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS (Link is broken on the GE website)
NBC NEWS/NEW YORK FILM ACADEMY, SCHOOL OF BROADCAST JOURNALISM

NBC Universal East & West Coast Internships

NBC Universal is one of the major TV networks with many channels in its portfolio of holdings. Among these holdings are a treasure trove of internship possibilities that are just waiting for students. Two of the many internship programs they have include their East Coast and West Coast programs. (As of today their website says that they are currently hiring for summer internships.) Apply soon before they are filled!

The East Coast internships are located in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut in the following areas:
News & Journalism
Production & Entertainment
Sports & Olympics
Advertising & Promotions
Graphic Arts/Digital Media /iVillage
Sales & Marketing
Corporate (Finance, HR, Publicity etc.)

NBC Universal East Coast Internship Program Info Page
http://www.nbcunicareers.com/internships/coasts.shtml


Their West Coast internships are in Universal City and Burbank, California in the following areas:
Broadcast & Journalism
Marketing
Publicity
Digital Media & Technology
Corporate Internships (HR, Finance, Legal, etc.)
Fine Arts & Graphic Arts
Telemundo & Mun2 (Spanish Language networks)
TV Production, Development, & Programming
Film Production & Development
Focus Features/Rogue Pictures

NBC Universal: West Coast Internship Program Info Page
http://www.nbcunicareers.com/internships/coasts.shtml

Specialized Professional Organizations: Writers/Editors

There are literally hundreds, maybe thousands of different writing specialties to cater to every niche under the sun. Accordingly there are professional organizations to fill the career needs of these niche writers, below is just a sampling of the different groups to join and excepts from their websites explaining their offerings.

The North American Association of Travel & Lifestyle Writers

"Membership in TravelJourno is open to working professional travel, wine and food journalists, photographers, and broadcasters. Our membership also extends to publishers and editors of consumer and trade publication, book authors and freelancers. Affiliate membership is open to public relations personnel who represent clients in the wine, food, hotel, resort, cruise and airline industries."

New York Financial Writers' Association

"The New York Financial Writers Association is the nation's oldest organization devoted to business and financial journalism. Since its founding in 1938, hundreds of journalists from news organizations in every facet of media, newspapers, magazines, television, radio, wire services, online website services, and other new media have enjoyed the benefits and camaraderie of membership."

New York State Sports Writers Association

"Founded in 1967, the New York State Sportswriters Association has long been regarded as an authoritative voice and the leading source of information about scholastic athletics. Begun by sportswriters Larry Serrell of the Schenectady Gazette and Chuck Korbar of the Buffalo Evening News, NYSSWA membership grew from a mere 12 in 1967 to 246 in 1971. Larry died in 1983 and Chuck passed away in 1998, but they built the foundation of an organization that includes more than 300 reporters, coaches, administrators and assorted fanatics who receive 50 annual issues of the newsletter. Our membership includes prep writers and editors from virtually every newspaper in New York -- many of whom contribute countless hours compiling rankings information and statistics -- as well as a number of other media outlets and college coaches from across the country."

National Sportscasters & Sports Writers Association and Hall of Fame

"The National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association and Hall of Fame is the only organization dedicated to the crafts of sportscasting and sportswriting in the United States. Our more than 700 members are the most accomplished and talented sports media in the industry covering professional, collegiate and amateur sports both in the U.S. and abroad."

Association of Food Journalists

"The Association of Food Journalists, Inc., is a networking system especially created for journalists who devote most of their working time to planning and writing food copy for news media worldwide. AFJ's primary goal is to encourage communication among food journalists. In addition, AFJ tries to increase members' knowledge of food and to sharpen their writing, design and broadcast skills. The group also strives to foster professional standards among its members and other members of the media."

American Association of Sunday and Feature Editors

"The American Association of Sunday and Feature Editors is an organization of editors from the United States and Canada dedicated to the quality of features in newspapers and the craft of feature writing. AASFE supports its membership with an annual conference, a writing contest, an annual magazine and a Web site."

Editorial Rate Guidelines For Freelancers

The Editorial Freelancers Association's website summed up beautifully the fair market editorial rates for freelancers, which is just a set of basic pricing guidelines for which freelancers may charge clients or employers may pay freelancers. Of course rate may vary but its a good frame work to build reasonable rates. Below is their take on rates.

"Common editorial rates —regardless of whether a project is flat rate or hourly— tend to fall within the ranges indicated below. These should be used only as a rough guideline; rates vary considerably depending on the nature of the work, the time frame of the assignment, the degree of special expertise required, and other factors. The industry standard for a manuscript page, however, is a firm 250 words."
Type of Work
Estimated Pace
Range of Fees
Copy Editing, basic
5–10 ms pgs/hr
$25–40/hr
Copy Editing, heavy
2–5 ms pgs/hr
$35–50/hr
Substantive Line editing
1–6 ms pgs/hr
$40–65/hr
Developmental Editing
1–5 pgs/hr
$50–80/hr
Layout Newsletters
1–4 pgs/hr
$40–70/prn pg
Layout Books
6–10 pgs/hr
$45–85/hr
Indexing
8–20 prn pgs/hr
$35–65/hour$3.50–12/indexable prn pg
Project Management
NA
$9.00–20.00/prn pg $40–70/hr
Proofreading
5–10 ms pgs/hr
$25–35/hr
Researching
NA
$25-50/hr
Translating
300–500 wds/hr
20-50¢/wd
Writing
1–3 ms pgs/hr
$50–100/hr $1–$2/wd
Transcribing
variable
$3–$5/pg
NOTE: ms = manuscript, prn = printed, pg = page, hr = hour, wd = word
Updated: September 2008

Writer's Resources

Writers need all the help they can get to perfect their craft in order for them to stay competitive. Here are five resources that will expertly help writers take their skills to the next level.

New York Writer's Workshop
"New York Writers Workshop is an alliance of experienced, professional writers of poetry, fiction, non-fiction, plays and screenplays who live and teach in New York City. Our mission is to serve a growing community of aspiring writers with workshops that teach craft, foster creativity, and enable writers, no matter their background or experience, to achieve their full writing potential," their website said.

NY Writer's Coalition
Their website says, "NY Writers Coalition Inc. (NYWC) provides free and low-cost creative writing workshops throughout New York City for people from groups that have been historically deprived of voice in our society."

NYC Pitch & Shop Conference
According to their website, "This writer conference event promotes aspiring authors writing in the genres of commercial and literary fiction, serious and light women's fiction, historical fiction, mystery/thriller and detective, high-concept young adult, as well as memoir and narrative nonfiction.

Gotham Writers' Workshop
The summary on the website explains, "Gotham Writers' Workshop is the leading private creative writing school in New York City and online. Professional writers present workshops in more than a dozen forms of writing. The school’s interactive online classes, selected as “Best of the Web” by Forbes, have attracted thousands of aspiring writers from across the United States and more than one hundred countries."

The Village Quill: A New York Writer's Loft
"A writer's loft and art galley in the heart of Tribeca, The Village Quill has been a haven for creativity for almost four years, providing workspace for both emerging and established writers and a showcase for artists. Located in one of Manhattan's most coveted neighborhoods, The Village Quill seeks to foster the literary success of its members while offering a creative forum for professionals of all genres," according to their website.

Editorial Freelancer's Association

The Editorial Freelancers Association is the ultimate professional group for freelancers of all kinds in the editorial industry.

Their website bills its self as, "The professional resource for editorial specialists and those that hire them. EFA members are editors, writers, indexers, proofreaders, researchers, desktop publishers, translators and others who offer a broad range of skills and specialties."

The many features of the their website include a member directory available to anyone to browse candidates to hire for work. Additionally, they have a job list section on which employers can post jobs for free. Plus, they have their events listings and resources.

Also, there is a list of regional chapters including ones in Rochester and Albany, as well as local networking groups in Manhattan and Brooklyn.

Editorial Freelancer's Association
http://www.the-efa.org

Mogulus: Live Broadcast

Mogulus has one of the best concepts I've seen so far in broadcasting video over the internet, think YouTube only with better, more professional content. Anyone can launch a channel on their website is the great thing about it. To do that, it offers two memberships: free and pro. Plus, for people who like what they see on their website, they have a great selection of jobs. Below is a quote for their website on what they are all about.

"Mogulus is the most powerful live broadcast platform on the internet. Producers can use the Mogulus browser-based Studio application to create LIVE, scheduled and on-demand internet television to broadcast anywhere on the web through a single player widget. Our service comes in two flavors Free (ad-supported) and Pro (white-label, no-ads, pay for usage). Unique features include the ability to mix multiple live cameras, imported videos clips, and overlay graphics.
With Mogulus, producers can broadcast live from a mobile phone; use a customizable flash player with integrated chat; and develop a branded channel page on Mogulus.com that incorporates interactive chat."

Mogulus
http://www.mogulus.com

The Suso Project is a Stroke of Pure Genius!

The Suso Project is one of the most exciting things that I've learned about in a long time. Months ago I was checking out blogs and I came across a mention of Suso in a post and it was so interesting I had to check out their site. They basically create a forum for people to ask for help and offer help with projects that need launching, it provides such a great opportunity to collaborate with like-minded creative people. Suso Project allows a person to post their project and call for collaborators. Very simple, very easy. Bringing people together to collaborate is not a new concept but the way they do it is very novel, exciting and fresh. Below is an excerpt from Suso's website, they sum up beautifully what they are about. Pure genius, enjoy!
"The SUSO Project is the result of a simple idea: Bring creative and determined people together to create something amazing. People with unlimited imaginations and skills who come from everywhere, making the project's collective thinking uniquely global. Basically, we want to create a social network for thinkers and doers.
The dream is to grow The SUSO Project into a creative network where the user’s imagination, creativity and knowledge is multiplied through collaboration with others. We want it to be a place where a variety of creative skills and passions can collide to make 'stuff' happen."

Suso Project

http://www.susoproject.com

Fox 5 News Internship Program: Local New York City Fox News Affiliate

FOX Television Stations, FOX 5 WNYW and My 9 WWOR has an ongoing internship program for college juniors and seniors majoring in broadcast communications and/or journalism, as well as other areas. Individuals have the opportunity to learn from trained professionals in various departments. Students must be able to receive college credit in order to be eligible for the program.
We request that anyone interested in applying for an internship to send a resume and cover letter indicating a preference for any of the areas listed to the above address. The internship program is offered in the following departments:

Sales
Newsroom
News Library/Research
Web/Internet News
“Good Day New York”
Finance/Accounting
Public Relations/Community Affairs

The internship program offers:
Hands-on training with experts in the various fields of broadcasting;
access to staff employment opportunities pending availability and
qualification; and a $5.00 per day travel stipend.

INTERNSHIP PROGRAM CONTACT INFO:
FOX 5 WNYW / MY 9 WWOR
Human Resources Department
Internships
205 East 67th Street
New York, NY 10065
All text is from the Fox 5 News website.

Fox News Jobs

Fox News has a myriad of employment opportunities posted on their job page. Both staff and freelance positions are available in the following divisions:

• Fox Business
• Fox News
• Fox News Radio
• FoxNews.com

Fox News Channel University: Internship Program

Fox News Channel has a great internship program called Fox News Channel University. Their website is jam packed with great videos that highlight what their internship program is all about. They are big on featuring their interns in photos and videos and having them share what they do and how they are benefiting from the internship program. It has a featured intern section and a blog in which the interns talk about their experiences and what they are learning. The website is a great insider’s look at what a Fox news intern really does.

Fox News Channel University: Internship Program Info Page

http://fncu.foxnews.com

Fox News Channel Internship Positions Page

http://fncu.foxnews.com/category/internship-positions

Fox News Channel Intern Blog

http://fncu.foxnews.com/category/blogs

Fox News Channel Home Page

http://www.foxnews.com

Become An Expert on MonkeySee.com and Host Your Own Internet Show

MonkeySee.com not only gives filmmakers a chance to practice their craft, it also has opportunities for budding TV show hosts as well. They call these "experts" and they have two levels of expert status. One is a basic expert, who may upload their videos made at home and showcase their business or hobby and they can be amateurs. The second level is featured expert, these people produce professional quality videos and receive premium placement of their videos. An account and upload capabilities are free for both levels. Both are unpaid.

How to Become An Expert on MonkeySee.com Info Page

http://www.monkeysee.com/expert/become

MonkeySee.com Filmmaker Program

There's an interesting website called http://www.monkeysee.com/. It has a vast How-To video library that is completely free to view. Topics range from careers and education to health and fitness. All the videos that are on the site are independently produced for the experts that appear in them. It allows people with a film production background to create videos with a nice pay rate per project. The pay ranges from $200-$500 for simple video creations and up to $2,000 for more complex videos. In this poor economy, this site can offer opportunities to earn a little pocket change or a serous income for highly motivated videographers. Aside from earning money from the videos, a filmmaker would also be able to build their professional network as they work with all sorts of different experts, which may even lead to a full-time job for the lucky ones.

MonkeySee.com Filmmaker Program
http://www.monkeysee.com/filmmaker/become

Comm Creatives: Pro People- Now on Tumblr.com!

Comm Creatives: Pro People is the second spin-off of my original Comm Creatives Blog. Here we will feature and promote the established professionals that have shaped the Communication Arts field. Plus, we will highlight their industry insights, innovations and advice for young professionals in the field in written interviews, Podcasts and videos. *OUR SPIN-OFF SITE*

Comm Creatives: People- Now on Tumblr.com

Comm Creatives: People is the first spin-off of my original Comm Creatives Blog. Here we will promote the freshest emerging talent in the Communication Arts field. Plus, we will highlight their successes, the unique problems they face and the opportunities they have in written interviews, Podcasts and videos. *OUR SPIN-OFF SITE*

Communication Arts Project Participants Needed ASAP!

I am looking for current New York Institute of Technology students; alumni; professors; staff members; students from other colleges and non-students who are (or can recommend) emerging talent in the Communication Arts field to be featured in my multimedia blog project.

Talented people are needed to share their professional career insights, industry insider knowledge and technical know-how in videos, Podcasts and written interview formats.

Participants must have had one or more internships, jobs, freelance work and/or advanced knowledge in one or more of the following areas:

- Advertising
- Audio Recording
- Book Publishing
- Broadband Production
- Broadcast Journalism
- Computer Graphics
- Corporate Video Production
- Documentary Film Production
- Electronic Journalism
- Film Production
- Graphic/Web Design
- Interactive Media
- Magazine Publishing
- Media Management
- Media Studies
- Photo Journalism
- Print Journalism
- Public Relations
- Radio Production
- Television Production

ALL participants who volunteer to be featured on the blog must be comfortable and willing to be viewed in video, heard in audio or quoted in writing, which will be viewed by a large global internet audience. A release form will be given and must be read and signed by all participants prior to interviews.

Inquires may be directed to the Comm Creatives Editor at ccreativesblog@yahoo.com

Welcome to Comm Creatives Blog

The Comm Creatives Blog is an online career guide for people who are just starting out in the communication arts field. It was created as a guided project for a graduate level course that I am taking while still an undergrad in New York Institute of Technology’s Communication Arts program. It was started in early January 2009 as the spring semester gets underway.

The blog will feature emerging talent in the field and highlight the unique problems they face and the opportunities they have. The goal of the blog is to build a career information resource to provide communication arts students and recent grads with career information straight from the young professionals in the field as they are beginning their careers and creating the news and innovations that will change the field.

When the semester is finished, it is my hope to continue the blog and eventually become a trusted source for communication arts career information and industry resources.