In every carrier you have risks. Maybe you’ll think less of some profession, but be sure that there is a challenge in every profession you can think of.
When you compare two carriers, for example, police officer and doctor, you will always first say policeman has bigger professional risk and you’ll may be right. But, on the other hand, doctor has the responsibility to save lives, help and cure.
So, every profession has its own risks and difficulties.
Today I’m talking about top 3 obstacles, risks and dares for people who are or deciding to become citizen journalists.
1) Risks
If you live in undemocratic country then you are certainly affraid and worried for your safety.
People who live in those closed countries know best how dangerous is to write about government and what are the consequences. Meaning of ” eaten by the dark ” is crystal clear to them.
But instead of chasing presidents, senators or criminals, you should write about ordinary things. Leave investigative journalism, crime and high corruption and start searching for some every day events.
Start from little and go towards big.
2) Time
Nowadays we may have almost everything but time. Lack of time is modern disease and main issue everyday.
We always complain how we have not enough time for all our duties and things. Jobs, house, family, hobby, recreation, visits, dating, travel, computer, TV… List is endless. Where to add in that list citizen journalism?
Lets be honest, there is enough time.
If you organize and plan you can always find and make time to realize what you want.
Don’t pressure yourself. Because first great thing regarding citizen journalism is this: do not take it as another obligation, you don’t have to do it everyday.
When you find interesting material, use it.
3) Education
No one will blame you for misspelling few words, because important is to find news and information. Important is to write facts and truth.
Traditional journalists also make mistakes, but they have editors to fix them. Since you are your own editor and if you write in a hurry, then some mistakes are not so dangerous.
Don’t worry, next time will certainly be better because you grow and develop as a person, so you will definitely grow and upgrade yourself as a citizen journalist, too.
Don’t be ashamed of yourself and your education, talent is crucial and final touch in every carrier.
My advice would be : Practice to perfection.
Tags: citizen journalists, education, obstacles, time
