Anal-ysis

As an extra credit assignment for my mass media law class, we read a New York Times article by David Barstow titled, "

Behind TV Analysts, Pentagon’s Hidden Hand

Catchy, ain't it?

Here's my response -- I figured it deserved a chance to be read by someone other than Sig Splichal...

--The underlying point of this report is that the government is essentially embedding Pentagon war analysts to preach “the good news” to the public. Not only does this go against the entire notion of democracy, but it is quite offensive to find out we’re being duped. As journalists, we desire the truth (or at least we should). As citizens of the United States of America, we expect the truth. But to be fair, you would have to be deaf, dumb and blind to think the media accurately and fairly portrays what is currently going on.

The legal issues that arise in this article deal with freedom of information (FOIA) and access to public records. I found it interesting that the New York Times successfully sued the Defense Department for 8,000 pages of previously unreleased documents. We, as part of the media and the public, have the ability (if you have the $) to retrieve what is rightfully ours. Thankfully we let NYT reach into their own pocket and not ours.

As journalism students, we know the media is an active watchdog over government. We trust this -- otherwise we may as well be an aristocracy. Possibly the most disturbing fact provided by David Barstow’s reporting is that there is a reciprocal relationship between the war journalists and government officials. The exchange of [sometimes classified] information is treated as a gift instead of an expectation. Journalists feel compelled to please these information donors by giving them good press.

The questions is whether or not these journalists will recite the journalistic code of ethics before preaching something that may very well be nonsense. “Several analysts acknowledged they suppressed doubts because they feared jeopardizing their access,” Bartow said. And there is no doubt in my mind that this form of bribery has occurred during every war.

Now, what is the solution? Can we ensure that all future war analysts are actually reporters and not public servants? Is it possible to fight back in hopes of obtaining the truth? Maybe we, as Americans, simply CAN’T HANDLE THE TRUTH (circa ’92-A Few Good Men)! The truth is a frightening, my friends. We should enjoy the fresh air while we can.--

Summer is here, and it is here to stay...as I will try, I hope we (whoever "we" may be) stay in touch.

The time has come...to say goodbye

Classes are out, summer is in the air, and we're still unsure of where this world is heading.  Without CNJ 442 under my belt, I'd be about as certain as my future in journalism as the nation is about our economy.  Fortunately, I am confident that I have learned new skills such as web production, video editing with Final Cut Pro, and most importantly enhancing my ability to tell a story (isn't that what journalism's really all about).  

Every minute I spent on the class truly made me grow as a person/writer/professional/etc.  I know I may sound repetitive, but it is difficult to get such a true point across.  With the creation of this blog to building my own portfolio page to gaining 46+ [current] members of CommTogether, I definitely have something to show for it.

Next semester I will be taking over the new position of WEB EDITOR for Distraction Magazine which will involve first creating a website and then controlling what content goes on the site.  On top of that I will begin my tenure as Opinion Editor for The Miami Hurricane.  I honestly cannot imagine myself committing to these enormous tasks without the boost I've received from Chris Delboni and her CNJ classes. 

Overall, the only thing I can say about this class [442]  is that it is REAL WORLD.  It is the most professional, practical and pragmatic (ooo, I like that word) class in the SoC.  I believe the future of this class will truly be a sign of convergence, having multiple classes working as one to create a final multimedia piece that is sure to win awards.  You must shoot for the stars in order to get off the ground -- that's what I've learned.  

first and foremost

This is my original web video bio for my portfolio site. It didn't end up working for my site because it leans more towards a video blog than a video bio. I thought it deserved a chance to be seen...enjoy:




My next blog will be explaining what I learned CNJ 442 (online media) and what changes I believe should be implemented.

Here it is.

Wow, I apologize for the extraordinary delay. It's been over a week since I've shared my thoughts with my possible readers. No excuses.

Just as a side note: (if you go to University of Miami) pick up the second addition of Distraction. If you don't know what Distraction is, it is a student-run publication that does, as is should, give you a few moments to get away from the stressful life we all lead.

Next semester, as managing editor, I hope to create a website for Distraction. The website will enable a larger audience to enjoy exactly the same (plus supplementary) material only UM students, faculty and staff get a chance to see.

On another note, CNJ 442 has created a communications social network called CommTogether (you better get that Beatles reference). I began inviting anyone an everyone who I believed would participate and truly enjoy the mode and mindset of constant communication. Of the 30 some-odd people I invited was Rabbi of ChabadUM (Jewish organization) Mendi Fellig.

Within 15 minutes, I received a text message, then a telephone call from Mendi describing what a terrific idea he thought it was.

The ideas began flowing.

One network we decided to create was a closed network strictly for board members. Another was an open network for anyone to join. This concept of constant and immediate communication makes it so much easier for organizations to communicate. In the coming months, semesters, years, I am sure this idea will change the way companies, organizations and whatever else, runs. Objectives will become easier to accomplish and goals will be that much closer to start.

Argghhh (like a pirate) 2

I suggest looking at this website: 10 ways the internet will die.

It is quite comprehensive and creative in that it explores many details that some of us may have never even contemplated. It discusses several possibilities of "online pirates;" but not in the sense of pirating music. Hackers, thieves, villains -- they all exist in cyberspace; which is pretty interesting to think about. Back in the day (or even still today) pirate ships would dock at specific port city's. These cities would become known for their evil attributes and subsequently deemed the "bowels of Earth."

Now that cyberspace has offered the possibility of spaceless space, or cyberspace, these same [types of] villains can go above and beyond anything you or I have ever imagined.

Soon, if not already, they will be able to hop over your firewall and send your Norton AntiVirus into the depths of cyberhell.

You may feel nice, warm and cozy now, but when your credit card bills are out the roof and your identity is obtained and used by groups of villains, I promise you won't feel the same.

If the government can tap your phones, read your emails and even watch your instant messages, then why couldn't the smartest of evil men and women do the same?

My intent here is obviously not to scare you, although I am well aware I may be doing just that. In fact, I believe if you live your life scared, nothing will get accomplished. Rather, I intend to inform you so when and if something so terrible as your identity being stolen happens, it won't come as a surprise.

Good Luck, and enjoy>>

Argghhh (like a pirate)

It seems as though the cat is out of the bag. "Oh no! Fault cannot be admitted! That would make us...ahhh...failures."

Well indeed it would. But who has ever perfected anything on the first try? I'm pretty sure that for every new and upcoming concept/idea/invention/creation/convergence, there is a gestation period in which logistics are tweaked and kinks removed.

If you haven't already figured it out, I am hinting at the fabulous concept of converging CNJ442 with CVJ341. Chris Delboni and Dr. Michelle Seelig should be proud, even honored to have ignited a spark that WILL change the University of Miami's journalism programs forever. I am not trying to say that they reinvented fire, that is not even the intention. The intention is to use that fire to make an oven. Inside that oven are two cute little guinea pigs (ie. CNJ/CVJ classes).

*I don't know who eats guinea pigs, but just follow me.

So we have two guinea pigs in an oven and if their cooked incorrectly, the meat might be raw or even burnt. Wow, that was a terrible analogy, I thought I had something in the works, but I guess not. What I'm trying to say is that the concept is ingenious, but the time was not taken to work out the minor details.

These minor details seemingly grew to into confusion, frustration and apathy which lead to an arduous string of blaming. Just thinking about it sort of makes me want to scream, but the lesson to be learned here is that it DOES NOT hurt to try. If you don't try, the ball will never get rolling and we'll be stuck in this infinite state of static technology. Boring.

Who wants that?

Whole New World.

Thinking of the future, several questions hover over most University students' heads.  

1. What am I going to do in a year or two when I graduate?

2. How will I be able to put food on my table?

3. Is there a balance between work and pleasure (ie. will I enjoy my job)?

...etc.

Well, as my junior year comes to a close, I have to start looking at my options.  My father has connections in the business world, but do I really want to take that (simple) specific route?  Or do I want to follow my dream and make money using my written words?  Is there some sort of way to combine my ability to be clear, concise and correct while earning a decent living?

I've been thinking about this for some time now, and I was thinking that any connections I may have now cannot possibly know what the future holds and how this converging world of ours will look in five, ten, fifteen years.

Think about it.  We are the first generation that will truly be able to see, and be apart of the absurdity to come.