Local: A shout-out to Jonathan Ahl’s newswriting class

October 30, 2007
By Billy Dennis

At the request of intrepid newsie/journalism teacher Jonathan Ahl, I pretended to hold a press conference for his weekly news writing class. Some thoughts and comments for the students:

  • gcc.jpgI enjoyed my brief visit. The format didn’t allow for much discussion before or after, but I enjoyed the class nevertheless. It took me back to the days when I thought I knew everything. Of course, now I REALLY DO know everything. Just read my blog.
  • I cannot believe more of you do not write for the Bradley Scout. What’s up with that? Even if you aren’t going to do journalism as a career, any sort of career in marketing or public relations benefits from having a working idea of how a newsroom operates and, more importantly, how editors and reporters think.
  • Normally, bloggers and/or citizen journalists don’t hold press conferences. You realize that, right? Good.
  • Your questions indicate that quite a few of you are quite capable of thinking like journalists. You picked apart my little presentation and got right to the issues I wanted to gloss over.
  • Mr. Ahl knows a bit or two about this racket, so listen to what he has to say.
  • Usually, when I do this sort of thing, there’s an honorarium involved. Or at least a official “Caterpillar Global Communications Center coffee mug.” Ahem.
  • Seriously, get blogs. Good writers get that way by writing for an audience, and since so many of you aren’t doing that (apparently), I suggest you start a blog today. There are many, many other reasons for doing it as well. I recommend wordpress.com, which produces blogs that are much prettier and easier to use than than the stuff Blogger generates, but are just as free.
  • All of you are invited to Blogger Bash. For details, see the previous post. If you go, Mr. Ahl ought to cough up some extra credit for the field research into the culture of citizen journalism.

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5 Responses to “ Local: A shout-out to Jonathan Ahl’s newswriting class ”

  1. C. J. Summers on October 30, 2007 at 12:23 am

    What was the subject of your faux press conference?

    Also, you do realize you weren’t Jonathan’s first choice, right? Good. :-)

  2. Billy Dennis on October 30, 2007 at 12:31 am

    Several thoughts:

    1. The subject: Muni WiFi.

    2. A true gentleman never speaks of such things.

    3. The same thing could be said of Mrs. Summers.

    4. I may have been Mr. Ahl’s second choice, but judging by relative hot counts and page views, I am the first choice among Peoria blog readers.

    5. You really do need to quit mimicking my site.

    6. Attention journalism students: Despite appearances, C.J. and I are pals. He’s sorta like the annoying younger brother who follows you around and imitates your every move.

  3. Peo Proud on October 30, 2007 at 1:02 am

    Please tell me you didn’t subject them to your continuing quest for muni-wifi :) It’s a pipe dream.

    Coming in second is often a good thing…just ask Al Gore.

  4. Guffawing Gaffer on October 30, 2007 at 1:29 am

    nah, he just talked about himself.

  5. C. J. Summers on October 30, 2007 at 6:34 am

    1: Good choice for topic.
    2: Never accused of being a gentleman.
    3: You’re single.
    4: Touche.
    5: Pundit theme will change (again) in 5… 4… 3… 2…
    6: Much younger brother.