by Alexander Poe

Created on: May 14, 2008   Last Updated: July 24, 2010

This is an excellent inquiry. Is one able to become professional through self expression? Well, I may recall many people who have done this same thing, such as Robin Williams, Will Smith, Dane Cook, Simon Cowell, and so forth. Although these people are not completely associated with journalism, they do share qualities of a person who stepped to the top through self-engagement. Now, through the perspective of a journalist, how might we correlate these examples?

A journalist must have the ability to portray their thoughts clearly and concisely. It does not come natural to all that may write; however, it is a task that one can become accustomed to. Finding common ground with your audience is also an important part of writing. Knowing your audience is the first step in proper communication. Without the audience's interest, the quality is nullified. Also, simplicity in words is a must. When writing, one must be able to explain a subject in detail, but with the simplest possible outcome.

If a citizen journalist has the ability to write, does he or she have the ability to relate? Just as an actor must relate through method acting, Lee Strasberg's adaptation of acting, a writer must relate through words. When someone sits down and reads a finished product from a journalist, they should be able to nod their head and tell themselves, "yes, I understand," or "no, I do not understand." A reader should not be confused, they should have an outcome of agreement or disagreement. Confusion is dangerous for a reader, as well as a writer.

A writer must have confidence in what he or she is writing. Knowledge is an essential key in productiveness. A citizen journalist must also have credibility behind them. Without credibility, the public does not know if the information they possess is accurate. In order to build credibility, a writer must research and analyze. Through construction of many articles, newsletters, blogs, and reviews, one is able to gain reputation. Through reputation and a consensus of the publics' opinions, one gains credibility. Without credibility a citizen journalist is not able to become professional.

In conclusion, A citizen journalist is, in fact, able to become a professional journalist with the proper abilities aforementioned. The consideration of the employer and client is a given. With all of these abilities, a journalist must know their audience and must please their employer. Through all of this, credibility may be reached and a professional background may be pursued.

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