Media Production and Usage Diary

The Aim: To Record, Analyse and Evaluate my media usage and production over a period of fourteen days (two weeks).

What is media? The idea of media is constantly changing, with the media reaching the wider population in more ways than ever before. There is no real inclusive or exclusive definition of what's media, and what isn't, therefore I decided to record my time spent using/watching/listening/reading audio media, visual media, television, social media, the internet and smart phone applications, as well as my time spent producing this blog. Media, especially content on the internet and social networking, plays an increasing role in our lives. Just look at the way we use media has changed in the past two years. Whether we realise it or not, media plays a significant role in our lives, a role which is constantly increasing with technological advances.

Did you know? - 2009

Did you Know? - 2011

The Results:

Over a period of fourteen days I spent 2780 minutes or the equivalent of almost two entire days (46.3 hours), consuming or producing media. Almost half of that time was spent watching television, with a large amount of my time time spent watching news programs, Australian dramas and sports related programs.  Facebook was the only media which I consumed everyday, only because of the convenience of accessing Facebook anytime, and anywhere using the iPhone application. 

Analysis:

Over the two weeks I found that I had a tendency to frequent many of the same news sites, watch the same television shows, and listen to the same radio stations. I also found that most of the time this was due to convenience. If the radio station was tuned to NOVA I would listen to NOVA, if my dad was listening to 4BC, I would listen to 4BC, if the television was on Channel Seven, then it would stay on Channel Seven. The 'Wordle' below illustrates what products and services I consumed the most:

Surprisingly I listened to the radio more than I used the Internet (excluding social networking). Over the two weeks I accessed news through television, online, newspapers and talk back radio, as well as Facebook, which linked me to news through pages which I had liked including 'The Queensland Police Service' and 'The Brisbane Broncos' as well as friends who posted links to news articles. 

Evaluation: 

Newspapers

Over the two weeks I didn't spend as much time as I normally would reading the newspaper. I mainly used the newspaper to access local news, purchasing the Queensland Times and The Fassifern Guardian, and using free online content to access news which affected the wider population, including Australian and International news. The graph opposite illustrates that over three quarters of the the time spent reading a newspaper, was spent reading local publications (The Queensland Times and The Fassifern Guardian). Over the two weeks I found that whilst I enjoy reading the newspaper, the inconvenience of going to the local shop to purchase the paper, meant often I didn't read a newspaper unless someone else brought the newspaper home. 

Radio

Over the two weeks I found that the radio was a convenient way to access the news as well as entertainment. I was surprised by the amount of time I spent listening to the radio, not realising before now that I listened up to an hour of radio on days that I wasn't at home. All of the time that I spent listening to the radio was in the car. I spend quite a lot of time travelling, living forty minutes from the train station and twenty five minutes from work so its not surprising that I listened to the radio as much as I did. I found that the main stations that I listened to were Nova FM and 4BC. I didn't access any Podcasts, illustrating that the radio is something that I listen to when travelling, and not something that I go out of my way to consume. 

Television

Television was the most used form of media, using television to consume entertainment as well as news and current affairs. Some of the shows I watched were a a mix, including Sunrise which has elements, of news, entertainment and current affairs. I found I accessed my television news from the same channel, which was also the same channel which I watched shows purely for entertainment. The only time I seemed to change channel was when I watched the sport. I found that that I tended to watch this channel as I found not only the shows more enjoyable but I also found the way in which the news was presented nightly more engaging than other channels. Whilst I tended to gain my news from the one source on television, I supplemented this by reading from a range of online news sites, owned by different companies. The main reason that I watched television (other than news programs) was to relax or to watch the football. I also found that whilst I appeared to watch a lot of television, often the television would be on in the background whilst I was reading or using the computer, making it hard to record an accurate television consumption. 


Online

I found that my time online was split between three main sites, Brisbane Times, Ninemsn and Yahoo7. I used news sites to access news quickly and easily and also found them to be good sources of information on a topic or issue which I had heard about but wanted to know more about. I spent the most time on Ninemsn as it is the homepage on my computer and therefore each time I went on the internet, I was able to quickly read the news without actually searching for the news. I have however found that since I purchased an iPhone, I read the news less online as a lot of the sites I used to visit on the internet such as Facebook, my emails and banking are accessible on my phone, using applications. This means the need to actually go on the internet on my computer is now less than it used to be and I have found that I'm not consuming as much news online. 


Other sites that I visited online normally had to do with Uni, such as lectures online or research for assignments and tutorial preparation. I used the internet less than I thought I would have. This is because during the two weeks that I studied my media usage, due to personal reasons I was not home often and didn't have time to access to the internet. This also meant that when I did access the internet it was for study rather than for leisure, as I had little time during the two weeks to play games or watch videos on YouTube. I still visited sites like Facebook everyday, mainly because I could easily access them on my phone. 


Media Production

The time spent producing media focusing mainly on my time updating my blog as well as the time that I spent posting statuses on Facebook. I found that like my internet usage, due to personal reasons I updated my blog less than I would have liked to, and less than I had in the previous weeks. I also found that I rarely posted a status on Facebook, posting one status and one check-in in the two week period. This was not however and unusual behaviour as I rarely update my status. I also found that on the days that I did update my blog, I would make more than one post, spending up to two hours on posts for my blog. I found that I had a tendency to spend large amounts of time at once updating my blog because I find writing for my blog enjoyable and almost addictive. 


The large amounts of time I spent at once updating my blog, meant that I spent the same amount of time updating my blog as I did on Facebook, which I used everyday. 


General Observations and Comparisons:

Using the results of a survey conducted using JOUR1111 students I have made the following observations about my results and media usage compared to other journalism students:
- I use less internet than most students, with over a third of students reporting they used more than four hours of internet a day. This however is most likely due to the fact that over the two weeks that I recorded my media usage I had little time to access the internet.  
- Like most of my cohort, I have one Twitter and one Facebook account, with the twitter account being established for the use in this subject. 
- I own an iPhone along with almost half of the JOUR1111 cohort. I believe that this is more due to the popularity and selling power of the iPhone than anything else. 
- I spend most of my time online using Facebook. Almost 90% of those surveyed also spent most of their time on Facebook, illustrating that social networking sites like Facebook are becoming a large part of our day to day rituals, including my own. 
- On an average day I watch the same amount of television as most people surveyed (anywhere from under an hour to two hours) however on some days I may watch less television and others I'll watch more. The main reason for this is that I'll only watch shows that interest me. Normally, I watch the same shows, and rarely watch something new. 
- On the days which I was travelling I listened to just under an hour of radio, with over half of the JOUR1111 group surveyed listening to under an hour of radio a day. Like the majority of these students I listened to the radio whilst travelling in the car, which suggests that radio is primarily listened to because of its convenience. 
- Like many of those surveyed I got my news from a variety of sources, which was expected as news is so easily accessible in a variety of mediums. 


It's also reassuring to know I'm not the only one who doesn't like filling out surveys, with most respondents indicating that they're not particularly interested in surveys.  

Conclusion: 


Over the period of fourteen days I've managed to learn a lot about myself and my media usage. I enjoy using a variety of different types of media, and like many people my age, use Facebook daily. I would be interested to record my media usage again over a two week period which I wasn't as busy with family issues and see if the results were different. The biggest discovery I made from recording my media usage and production is that I will consume the type of media which is most convenient at that time which means over the course of a day I'm exposed to a wide variety of media. 

I will be back!

Things are pretty hectic at the moment, but here's something to remind you I'm still alive. Read about my hometown, and the impact of coal seam gas mining -
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/town-of-400-fears-industry-advance/story-e6frg6nf-1226116308021

Will the tale of Todd Carney end 'Happily Ever After?'

Notorious bad boy Todd Carney was caught drinking with Nate Myles and Frank Paul-Nuuasala, fellow Sydney Roosters players, whilst the struggling club was on a player imposed drinking ban. It's the ending that no one wanted...Not Todd Carney, not the Club who gave him the second chance, not the NRL, not the promoters, and most of course his fans and supporters. It is however the story of a troubled young man, one whose demons are perhaps to large to overcome with the gift of football alone.

When the siren sounded for the last time in 2010, the story of Todd Carney looked promising, it looked hopeful, gone was the kid who was deregistered from the NRL for alcohol related issues, and replaced with a man, a Dally M winner, and a Grand Finalist. Almost a year on, the story is less than promising and as his career hangs on the line, certainly less than hopeful.

Those who've met Carney will say he's quiet, that he's shy - a young guy from the country thrown into stardom. Those who watch Carney play will say he's gifted. Those who read the papers and watch the news however will see Carney as yet another overpaid, misbehaving footballer. What everyone often forgets however is off field Carney is being put through a very public battle with alcohol. Instead of being judged Carney needs help....From his family, from his friends, from his supporters, the media and his employer. Most importantly however, he has to be willing to help himself.

Whilst Carney will plead his case to the Sydney Roosters board this afternoon, perhaps its not the best club for him. The culture of the Sydney Roosters has in recent times been questioned. In recent times clubs like Brisbane and Canterburry have tried to clean up their culture, it's time the Roosters do to.

"You are potentially wrecking your own life too"

David Cameron's Speech

"Good morning. I've come straight from a meeting of the Government's Cobra committee for dealing with emergencies where we've been discussing the action that we will be taking to help the police to deal with the disorder on the streets of London andelsewhere in our country.

"I've also met with the Metropolitan Police Commissioner and the Home Secretary to discuss this further and people should be in no doubt that we will do everything necessary to restore order to Britain's streets and to make them safe for the law-abiding.

"Let me, first of all, completely condemn the scenes that we have seen on our television screens and people have witnessed in their communities.

"These are sickening scenes - scenes of people looting, vandalising, thieving, robbing, scenes of people attacking police officers and even attacking fire crews as they're trying to put out fires. This is criminality, pure and simple, and it has to be confronted and defeated.

"I feel huge sympathy for the families who've suffered, innocent people who've been burned out of their houses and to businesses who have seen their premises smashed, their products looted and their livelihoods potentially ruined.

"I also feel for all those who live in fear because of these appalling scenes that we've seen on the streets of our country. People should be in no doubt that we are on the side of the law- abiding - law-abiding people who are appalled by what has happened in their own communities.

"As ever, police officers have shown incredible bravery on our streets in confronting these thugs, but it's quite clear that we need more, much more police on our streets and we need even more robust police action and it's that that I've been discussing in Cobra this morning.

"The Metropolitan Police Commissioner has said that, compared with the 6,000 police on the streets last night in London, there will be some 16,000 officers tonight. All leave within the Metropolitan Police has been cancelled. There will be aid coming from police forces up and down the country and we will do everything necessary to strengthen and assist those police forces that are meeting this disorder.

"There have already been 450 people arrested. We will make sure that court procedures and processes are speeded up and people should expect to see more, many more arrests in the days to come.

"I am determined, the Government is determined that justice will be done and these people will see the consequences of their actions.

"And I have this very clear message to those people who are responsible for this wrongdoing and criminality: you will feel the full force of the law and if you are old enough to commit these crimes you are old enough to face the punishment.

"And to these people I would say this: you are not only wrecking the lives of others, you're not only wrecking your own communities - you are potentially wrecking your own life too.

"My office this morning has spoken to the Speaker of the House of Commons and he has agreed that Parliament will be recalled for a day on Thursday so I can make a statement to Parliament and we can hold a debate and we are all able to stand together in condemnation of these crimes and also to stand together in determination to rebuild these communities.

"Now, if you'll excuse me, there is important work to be done. Thank you."

David Cameron - British Prime Minister

Coming Soon

My view on the London Riots, the economy, coal seam mining and Sam Thaiday taking over the Bronco's as captain next year.

Lecture Three

Lecture Three - 

Pictures, Pictures, Pictures. They play an important role in journalism, one that is increasing with technology. In photo journalism, pictures should tell a story. Hopefully these pictures tell a story to you. 

The story of Queensland's wettest summer: 

Day Six - Census Night

Day Six - Do your bit!

It's Census Night - I thought I'd share with you some facts from the Official Census Twitter Page.
(Based on 2006)

- There are 922 weight loss consultants
- There's 18709 Journalists and writers, hopefully by the time I'm finished uni, there'll be room for one more.
- There are 6757 athletes in Australia
- 58503 people classed their religion as 'Jedi Knight' even though it's not listed as a religion

Fill out your Census form - I've done mine!

Day Five - Body Image? Reality or Self-Perception?

Day Five - 'Beauty is not a duty'

Find a girl that thinks she's beautiful. You probably won't with the majority believing that they are not beautiful. The need for us to be beautiful, to feel beautiful starts at a young age. The pressure today however is just as much from society as the girl herself. The pressure today to be beautiful is greater than ever before. What is beauty? Who is beautiful? What does it look like? Young girls are bombarded with images and ideas of what they should look like, what type of figure they should have. With magazines filled with air-brushed models it's no wonder we feel the pressure, without realising that our perception of beauty isn't real, rather the result of photoshop. Even those of a young age struggle with the idea of beauty, the desire to be a 'Cutie Patootie'. It's not just our youth however who battle with body image, with eating disorders amongst those in their 30's and 40's becoming increasingly common. Beauty isn't just a battle with ourselves, it's a battle with the media. Sadly women are losing both wars. 

We spend so much time trying to be beautiful. The question is, do we ever truly recognise what it is?

Is it any wonder even young girls feel pressured to be beautiful? To be Barbie, instead of play with Barbie?

Day Four - Funny or Plain Tasteless?

Joke about Flooded City 'Not Funny'

On Thursday night an episode of the NRL footy show aired with a comedy piece about the South East Queensland city of Ipswich. It is comedy sketch which Ipswich Mayor Paul Pissale believes was offending and 'not funny'. I watched with mild amusement on Thursday night, after all the jokes that Tahir the comedian was making were those that people who live in or near Ipswich make themselves. When its aired on national television however, it's not funny, just offensive to the residents, many who are battling after the floods during the summer. In today's paper there was not an uproar as well as an apology from Channel 9. Comments on the Queensland Times website, the local paper in Ipswich, however told a different story with many of the readers, Ipswich residents, finding it funny. Funny or tasteless? I guess its up to your own ideas and sense of humour. Personally I didn't find it anywhere near as funny as the time a segment aired with Ben Te'o claiming to be former Bronco Israel Folau, with Ipswich residents falling for it...Hook...Line...and Sinker. 

An Iconic Ipswich Hotel during the 2011 Floods

Day Three - One Small Step for Presto, One Giant Leap for Rugby League

Day Three - Close The Gap 

It's 'Close the Gap' Round once again in the NRL, however this year its more special, with indigenous player and pioneer of the 'All Stars' game Preston Campbell announcing his retirement. So what's the Gap? And what's it got to do with Rugby League? With 13% of players in the NRL of indigenous heritage its a way for the NRL to draw awareness to the fact that Indigenous Australians face tougher conditions and a lower life expectancy, something which is close to Campbell's heart.

'You only have to look at remote places in Australia with Indigenous populations and you’d think you were in the third world... We should be able to help these people. Rugby League is a great platform to create awareness...For an Indigenous person to look at footballers, especially Indigenous footballers, it sets goals. “If they can get there, why can’t I?"' (Oxfarm Australia Interview with Preston Campbell)

Preston Campbell will auctioning off a pair of signed boots in an attempt to help raise money for the campaign, with many indigenous players from a variety of clubs all contributing in their own ways. If you want to know more check out Close the Gap or watch the video below.

Ladette?

ladette

noun

ladettes, plural

A young woman who behaves in a boisterously way or crude manner and engages in heavy drinking. 

The fate of the Global Economy is looking worse than that of Voldermort, so its no surprise today that online news sites are crawling with stories that take peoples minds off the predicted doom and gloom for the world. Stories of Shane Warne and his diet shakes...Is he looking Slim and Trim to keep up with Liz Hurley? Or the tale of Anna Bligh's son, the tears and the 'here, here's' as she told parliament about her sons extra role in the latest Climate Smart add. One story however that all online outlets seem to running is the concerns about the lack of class that todays women now have, hence the title ladette. Not sure what a ladette is? Watch the video below - 

Now, I'm no ladette - well I wouldn't be a contender for 'Ladette to Lady' anyway. I do however find the idea about Ladette's interesting and honestly unsurprising. As young girls we grow up being told we can do what the little boys in the playground can do. After all this is the 21st Century and we're meant to have gender equality. The young girls in the playground do the things their grandmothers weren't allowed to. They play with dirt, they watch football with their fathers and brothers, they don't wear frilly dresses. They're allowed to do what the boys do, they're taught that when they grow up, they can be a engineer or a sports reporter, even if its the path meant to be trod by the little boys in the playground. With the idea that we're all equal, that the girls aren't brought up to be housekeepers, teachers of nurses, it's no surprise that we grow up trying to keep up with the boys in other aspects of life. 

When its time to leave the playground, the swings and slippery slides behind, the Ladette's of this world want to keep up with the boys in their new playgrounds, even if they're not 'designed' so to speak to drink as much, or if it's not 'right' for a girl to behave like they do. 

Young girls growing up don't choose to be a ladette, rather it's the result of their parents and grandparents strive for gender equality, the idea that 'what a girl can do a boy can do' and 'what a boy can do a girl can do'. 

Ladette? Or Gender Equality? 

It's all about the spin

The Labor Party as well as the Coalition claim that jobs will be lost as a result of Climate change/carbon tax with the other party in power. I'm new to the whole twitter 'thing' but I thought it would interesting to follow both the Government and the Opposition on Twitter, what struck me however was how similar, yet different there tweets were. The Coalition (or LNP to Queenslander's) was first to attack, claiming that 18,500 jobs would be lost in the Hunter Valley alone with the introduction of the Carbon Tax with an estimated 31,000 jobs to be lost in NSW alone. The Labor party later tweeted that Joe Hockey; Shadow Treasure had told ABC that the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency would be abolished under a Liberal National Government. Jobs lost? Around 1000.

If you put it into perspective isn't 1000 jobs lost better than more than 30,000? That's 29,000 less families struggling to put dinner on the table at night.

Reflection Time - Lecture Two

So how do you write a story? Apparently when it comes to news, you just put the most important first so your editor can cut from the bottom, simple enough. When it comes to features writing however, there's a whole lot more scope, more room to have fun when you're writing. Lecture Two was all about how to write in different styles with tips and suggestions from Courier Mail Journalist Rod Chester.

The lecture was interesting, I mean how often do you get a lecture that swears more than you do? At the same time however if was helpful, and also helped to show what it's like to a be a journalist. The challenge involved, the changes in the industry as well as exactly what being a journalist involved. Who knows, one day it might be me talking to a JOUR1111 lecture.

Day Two - Online Shopping, The Economy and The Australian Dollar

With a high Australian dollar and the world at our fingertips it’s no surprise that retail sales took a dive in the latest report released. It is expected this year that $5 billion will be spent using credit cards on overseas internet transactions by Australian's aged under 21. Startling? With the American economy in crisis, hence a high Australian dollar, it is relatively cheap for Australians to shop online, and we're taking advantage of it. Whether or not that is good for our economy is a whole different story. If Australian retailers want to keep sales on shore, they'll have to get more competitive or smarter. Most are choosing the later option. I recently purchased a pair of boots in-store for a small fortune, only to find them for over a $140 cheaper online - the smarter way? Ban online retailers from shipping this brand to Australia, just like the makers of the boots have done. For brands that do ship to Australia however, you can make great savings in fact i'm waiting by the door for the delivery of my new jeans, which I brought for half the price. I don't know much about the economy, but I do know a lot about shopping, and like most people if I can snatch a bargain, I will. 

The boots in question, and my latest online purchase

Video Didn't Kill the Radio Star

In honour of MTV's 30th Birthday and the moment when video didn't really kill the radio star but made them even more famous, I thought I'd share with you some of my favourite video clips - first though, check out the first video clip to air on MTV.

Last Friday Night - Katy Perry
There's something about a culture clash of the 80's and today that make this video fun to watch.

Skin (Sarabeth) - Rascall Flatts

Simple, yet emotional. 

 

Mine - Taylor Swift

There's something about Taylor Swift's video clips that makes me want to watch them all. 

The last video probably isn't classed as a video clip but just watch and enjoy!

Today's Top 5 in Under 5 - 3rd August

1. Darren Lockyer to play farewell at Suncorp
Whilst sport isn't necessarily 'high' on everyone's scale of importance when it comes to news, the fact that Darren Lockyer gets to play his last game at Suncorp on a Sunday is big news to Queenslanders'. Friday night games traditionally create higher ratings for channel nine, however fans especially from country and regional Queensland where rugby league is often the heart and soul of their community have the chance to say thanks to Darren Lockyer for his unmatched service to the Broncos. It may seem like a loss to channel nine in terms of ratings, but it's a win for the fans especially those who aren't 'city slickers' including those from Lockyer's home town of Roma as well as a win for Rugby League in a bid to win the hearts of AFL supporters.

2. Bomb Strapped to Girl
In a story that is still developing an 18 year old girl in the Sydney suburb of Mossman is thought to have a bomb strapped to her. Bomb squads are located outside the home and the surrounding houses have been evacuated.

3. Dead man's sperm allowed to be used

An Ipswich woman has won a court case, allowing her to use the sperm of her dead fiance. Whether or not the outcome of this case is positive or negative is debatable. With the ethical standards of issues involving IVF still largely being developed this story is sure to cause debate amongst the community, as well as set a legal precedent.

4. Chaplains legal battle
A challenge to get rid of Chaplains in State Schools is set to occur, with supporters believing that counselling in schools should be non-denominational. I went to a public school, where the Chaplain was someone you could go to no matter what your problem, with religion playing only a small role in their job. Our Chaplain was someone who a student could trust and could turn to, something that is needed in our schools

5. Ipswich Towns to benefit from NBN rollout
The National Broadband Network will be rolled out in Goodna and Springfield Lakes as early as November. Whilst these towns will benefit by gaining faster access to the internet many towns are still unable to receive broadband let alone 'fast' internet. With the NBN aiming to bring internet to all Australian's shouldn't these towns be amongst the first to benefit from the rollout of the NBN?

Reflection Time - Lecture 1

When I was younger my mum would ask me what I'd learnt each day at school, so what have I learnt so far in JOUR1111? I hope to keep you up to date each week with my reflections on what I have learnt. 

For me, after studying a semester at QUT, the first lecture was no surprise. A basic idea of what journalism is, what 'studying' journalism is and what stories are of interest to people as well as the challenges including technology that are facing the industry. The lecture also asked the question, 'Why are you doing this course?'

So why am I doing this course? - Other than the fact that it's required as a part of the Bachelor of Journalism, I believe it will help me gain a better understanding of what journalism really is. I want to be a successful journalist, to write 'factual stories', whether that be in a newspaper or a different medium, perhaps one which hasn't even been thought of yet. 

In the lecture, we were given a range of quotes about peoples perspectives of journalism. For me, the quote that I found most true, and most interesting was by Phillip Graham, who has worked for the Washington Post. He said, 'Journalism is the first rough draft of history'. As a history student this quote resonated with me. What is news today will be history tomorrow, what the journalists write, and what I hope to write are the stories that the future generations will study and learn about. 

As humans we have a desire for news, and journalists ensure that this desire fulfilled. Someone once asked me, 'Why Journalism?'. My answer? 'Isn't breaking the news, informing others of the moments that will change their lives, isn't that the most exciting thing?'.

Day One - Hendra Virus - The story driving everyone 'batty'!

Here's the plan, as a part of my blog I'm going to post a photo everyday. Not just any photo however, but a photo taken that I believe shows you the news that is relevant to you, relevant to my me, relevant to my community, and hopefully interesting. I will also post a link to an article for you to read more and find out more. 

Day One - Hendra Virus

The photo was taken of a horse stud at the back of where I live. Whilst this particular stud has not been affected by Hendra Virus, many properties with horses in the region which I live have been affected. Whilst the virus is normally contracted by horses from bats it can also be contracted by humans from horses and a dog was recently diagnosed with Hendra Virus, alarming health authorities and calling for the control of bats. 

Me! Me! Me!

So i'm sitting here staring at the screen trying to think of something witty that will make you read on, honestly I can't think of anything. Everything that I try sounds un-original, I mean there's only a limited number of ways that you can introduce yourself. I could start with 'Hi my name is Angela and I'm an alcoholic', but that wouldn't be truthful, my name is Angela but I'm not an alcoholic (as proof I've even attached a photo of me drinking my sparkling grape juice). I also considered the cheerleader introduction, 'I'm sexy, I'm cute, I'm popular to boot, I'm bitchin', great hair, the boys all love to stare...Call me Big Red', once again that wouldn't be totally honest, as much as I like to think I have great hair it's not red (as you can probably tell), hence I really can't say 'I'm Big Red'. I've decided just to start with the basics, the most unoriginal introduction I could think of - 

Hi, my name is Angela and I'm a first semester Journalism/Arts student at UQ. Just like this isn't my first attempt at Uni, this isn't my first blog, however unlike that blog I promise I will update this one (regularly), after all I don't like to fail, and this blog is a part of my assessment for my course. How'd I end up studying Journalism/Arts? I guess you should say I'm a law school dropout, after studying Law/Journalism at QUT last semester and thought Journalism/Arts sounded fun. Now here I am, hoping a choice of Journalism/Arts will be more interesting than law and my parents are hoping I'll stick at it longer.

I've always had a keen interest in reading, taking newspaper to the toilet from the moment I learnt to read, and have always strived to know more, to find out more, and to write. I guess that makes journalism the perfect career choice for me. Except one thing - the alarming trend of a drop in newspaper sales, a medium which I hope to one day make a living from. However this doesn't alarm me, after all nothing was meant to be easy right? Not everyone who wants to be a famous rockstar will be a rockstar, not everyone who plays Toyota Cup will be the next Darren Lockyer, just like not everyone Journalism student will end up becoming a journalist. Every career is hard to get into, that's why I plan to work hard and hopefully in a few years time you'll be reading something that I've written in a major newspaper.

So what's the point of this blog? Here's where I'll post my assessment, reflections on uni life as well as news which I find interesting as well as my views on the news and the impact that it has on my life. 

If you don't like it comment, let me know. If you do like it, comment let me know. Whether you like it or not, follow me, I promise you won't be disappointed. Oh and as forced to do, there's a photo of me below. (If you haven't worked it out already I'm the one on the left)