YCNniversary, a year in review

Today marks the one year anniversary for me that I had my first article published on Yahoo! Inc. as a Y! Contributor.  For many, this may not be a big deal, but for a small town girl who is only use to writing locally, this is huge.

This anniversary marks many triumphs for me.  It was with this accomplishment that lead to many life changing experiences for me.  During the time that I wrote my first article, I was falling into a deep depression.

Living in a toxic environment where I felt useless, I knew writing was at this point my only rescue of hope.  Writing gave me a revived feeling of life and excitement that I hadn't had since my son was born.  I shared my success with my kids and I knew through their happiness that I should continue with my writing, despite the criticism that surrounded me by others.

As I look back over the year and see the success that has came with everything I've accomplished, I can't help but be proud of myself.  I did what I was told a year ago, that I wouldn't be able to do- I started writing again and became successful.

But don't get me wrong, being successful wasn't my goal.  That is simply just a privilege that followed what simply helped save my well being.

Through my writing, I have been able to give my children a more healthy and happy lifestyle.  I've been able to travel the world (in a sense) and help make a difference in the lives of others. 

I've been inspired to do more work with charities.  I've learned to better myself as a writer, and that it's possible to turn dreams into reality.  Through my writing I've learned how to productively reach my goals and better manage my time.

Who knew something as simple as publishing an article, could inspire someone in so many ways?

I was told nothing would come of my writing.  My writing was a waste of time.  I should have concentrated on the more important things in life, like "getting a real job". That writing was "silly" and "useless".  I was told that I spent too much time on my computer and stayed up too late.

Today is my one year YCNniversary.  A special thank you to my kiddos for their smiles and cheers. Thank you to those who supported me during my moments of writer's block and brief moments of insanity, and to those who said I'd fail- you can kiss my article.

In all seriousness- Thank you, who gave me those negative words- for pushing me to my limit.

Now, have a drink with me and enjoy this piece as I take you back one year and bring this article to life from my Y! vault. Cheers my friends! Click here to enjoy
 

The good and bad of journalism

In journalism, it's important to get all of the facts clear and true. Okay, we all understand that.  But is it really necessary to report something such as "hair still looks to be spray painted red" (via Jenna Deery/Dayton Ohio)?  Seriously, what is happening to our news reports that they have to say such a thing?

Recently, a man shot and killed twelve people and injured many more while they were viewing the newly released Batman movie.  Today the world watches as news stations show the suspect James Holmes during his first court appearance.  Not only are they showing this coverage live on television and the internet, they are also doing their job on the social networks as well.

What concerns me is the target audience that the news stations are trying to reach with their information.  Who exactly are you trying to reach by discussing this man's hair color? Yes, we all know what this man did- but is it really necessary to advertise the information over and over and.. over? By discussing this man's appearance in court continuously, you are taking away the well deserved attention from the victim's.

Drama.

We are all human and even though many refuse to admit it, nature allows us to love drama every now and then.  But, to what to extent?

My Twitter and Facebook newsfeed has been blown up this morning about this man who did this unforgettable crime.  I however, am a firm believer in positive social news.  It's known that if you want a certain kind of attention or business, that you reach out to a certain target audience.

There is just as much a crave of attention for the victims and heroes involved in this tragedy, as there are for the suspect (suspect: politically correct b.s. term for, we all know he's guilty and even though he admits it we still have to say the word to cover our butts from lawsuits). Which is why I am writing this blog.  To help bring awareness to the fact that shifting journalism to become more positive is not impossible.

Journalism has already tremendously shifted from print to social media.  Who's to say we can't change it, but in a more positive way?  There will always be drama in the news, but it's time we concentrate more on the hero's and less on the evil-doers.

So on this note I will leave you with a moment of remembrance for those who lost their lives during this tragedy.  I ask that we begin shifting the media from the concentration of Mr. Holmes, to those who lost their lives and survived instead.

-->Remembering this victims.<--