I submitted the following plan to Larry Goldbetter on Jan. 29, 2009. He said something to the effect that it was a good first step in the union getting involved in the issue mentioned in the plan. He urged me to post it on the NWU ListServe to get feedback and work on improving it. NO ONE has ever commented on it.
With the Delegates Assembly approaching, I decided to post the plan on the blog I created for the NWU's Chicago membership. Here it is.
HELPING JOURNALISTS IN CRISIS
Writers’ union needs to furnish information to members
To: Larry Goldbetter
From: Martin Zabell
Date: Jan. 29, 2009
Larry:
During the time that I’ve spent phoning lapsed National Writers’ Union (NWU) members, I’ve concluded that the best ways to boost membership are for NWU officials to communicate regularly with members and to provide information that is of value to them.
How can this be accomplished? After reading the article that I sent you on Jan. 18 about the predicted demise of about a dozen major newspapers, I drafted a plan for the NWU to formulate a report on “The Future of the Journalism Industry.” I sketched out my ideas on Jan. 21 and am now on Jan. 29, putting the ideas into this report.
I should also give Loretta Campbell of the New York City branch some credit for this initiative. Although I can’t recall her exact words, she kept on saying something to the effect that the NWU needed to offer a service that other unions don’t and that thought was in my head as I read the report on the demise of major American newspapers.
The major premise of this plan is that writers in the National Writers’ Union want to help their colleagues and receive help from their colleagues. That is the feedback that I have received on the phone. The number of people who complained that they were only contacted when politics was the subject is large.
Instead of contacting members and non-members when the NWU needs their votes or money, the union should be making members feel like they’re making intellectual contributions and are part of an active group throughout the year. Writers need “news they can use.”
In any case, my plan includes the following elements:
* Contacting journalists in our union as well as ex-members to ask them about writing opportunities in light of the journalism industry’s collapse. Are more writers involved in public relations? Technical writing? Books? Web sites? Research? Education?
* Conducting research to ascertain what professional journalism industry analysts have concluded about the future of the industry.
* During the course of the research, posting some of the insights that our members and ex-members have on the NWU Web site.
* During the course of the research, e-mailing some of the insights that our members and ex-members to people who live in the same region as the person providing the insight. In other words, if someone from Denver has a insight about Denver-area publications, we could e-mail that insight to others in Denver.
* Working toward putting journalists in the union in touch with each other so they can help each other, particularly those who live in the same area.
* Building long-term membership by contacting current members regularly. In these contacts, the union should be sharing what it has gathered from other members.
* Putting together a skill development section in the report as well as a Tip section on the Web site as the report is being put together. For example, a member or ex-member could write something about how to increase audiences for Web sites or blogs or teach others how to put together blogs with graphics.
* Listing projects that our members or ex-members are working on. The purpose would be to improve the chances that the projects come to fruition. For example, a book being written by one person in the privacy of his or her home might be going nowhere, but he or she could use the help of another writer or non-writers that union colleagues could put him or her in touch with.
* Posting news updates on the Web site and e-mailing these updates to members.
* Boosting membership by reaching out to ex-members and other non-members. Making them feel part of an important project could enhance the chances that they will join or rejoin.
* When the report is complete, it should be put out in a user-friendly region-by-region format so members can easily access information.
* The report should also have sections. The first item on this list provides an idea of how to break this down. For example, there should be a section on books, education, Web sites, etc.
* The report should also include lists. For example, it could list newspapers that are still paying decently, new Web sites, specialized magazines that our members are now writing for, etc.
* The report should also include anecdotes. Members essentially would be telling their own stories whether they be horror stories about people and publications others shouldn’t be dealing with or the opposite.
* The report should also include the equivalent of advice columns from our members.
I sincerely believe that they would get a lot of cooperation from members and non-members of the National Writers’ Union. At minimum, we should be providing them more information on a regular basis. Many of the stories on the Web sites are ancient.
I’m sure that I can provide more depth to this proposal if asked.
Shalom,
Martin Zabell
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Thursday, July 9, 2009
EVENTS & PROJECTS
Please list the kinds of events that will lead you to drop all your dishes and rush into the city or a suburb to attend. Our last event, for example, was a self-publishing workshop. What kinds of events would interest you.
And please list the kinds of projects that the Chicago branch of the National Writers Union should be involved in. For example, we once put out a collection of works written by members.
And don't be afraid to tell us that you don't just want to be a spectator, but would prefer to be a presenter. For example, if you wrote a book, perhaps we can put together an event that includes self-published authors or science fiction authors or whatever and you will have a chance to sell your book. One of our members did that successfully in January.
Shalom,
Martin Z.
Chapter chair
And please list the kinds of projects that the Chicago branch of the National Writers Union should be involved in. For example, we once put out a collection of works written by members.
And don't be afraid to tell us that you don't just want to be a spectator, but would prefer to be a presenter. For example, if you wrote a book, perhaps we can put together an event that includes self-published authors or science fiction authors or whatever and you will have a chance to sell your book. One of our members did that successfully in January.
Shalom,
Martin Z.
Chapter chair
WHAT SHOULD UNION DO FOR YOU?
Please post your thoughts on what you think the National Writers' Union's Chicago branch should be doing for you.
For example, should we be creating a Job Hotline or pressing the national branch to revive its hotline? Should we be more active about creating an informational service that will alert our members about publishers who are good to work with and bad to work with? Should we be publishing a newsletter with columns of tips that will be useful to members?
I am also hoping these thoughts will include what you think YOU should be doing for us.
Thank you very much,
Martin Z.
For example, should we be creating a Job Hotline or pressing the national branch to revive its hotline? Should we be more active about creating an informational service that will alert our members about publishers who are good to work with and bad to work with? Should we be publishing a newsletter with columns of tips that will be useful to members?
I am also hoping these thoughts will include what you think YOU should be doing for us.
Thank you very much,
Martin Z.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
JOURNALISM MAY SURVIVE CRISIS
Distinguished panel more optimistic than expected
By Martin Zabell
CHICAGO – The glass half-full/half-empty cliche doesn’t really fit the debate going on in most journalistic circles about the industry’s future.
Most journalists, it seems, are looking at the proverbial glass as 90 percent empty.
On June 18, though, a panel of very distinguished Chicago journalists was surprisingly optimistic despite a crisis that includes the bankruptcies of both major city newspapers and perpetual layoffs at numerous Chicago-area newspapers. The current crisis, they said, could spur a future that’s a lot brighter than the industry’s 2009 predicament.
“This is an opportunity like when we moved from the horse and buggy to the automobile,” said Monroe Anderson, a longtime renowned television reporter in Chicago and a columnist for EbonyJet. “The rules are not set so you can contribute to (the new rules).”
Anderson was speaking at what the sponsor, the Northern Illinois Newspaper Association, called “a discussion on the fast-changing state of the profession and the strategies for survival.” The others were moderator Dirk Johnson, a Northern Illinois University teacher and a former bureau chief for The New York Times and Newsweek; Chicago Sun-Times columnist Mark Brown; Chicago Tribune investigative reporter Ray Long; Eileen Brown, the innovations editor at the Daily Herald; Chicago Sun-Times’ editorial page editor Tom McNamee; and Andrew Huff, the editor of GapersBlock.
The event at the Union League Club of Chicago was attended by about 60 journalists. It was sponsored by the Chicago Headline Club, the law firm of Kelley Drye & Warren, and APCO Worldwide, a public affairs and strategic communications firm.
The panelists acknowledged journalism was in a transition phase with newspapers reducing salaries and staffs and numerous newcomers on the Internet challenging the mainstream media, but putting out products that are often hampered by paltry budgets and writers whose experience and skill is often questioned.
In the long run, though, the panelists were optimistic that journalism would survive – and might even thrive.
“There will always be a need for news,” said Eileen Brown. “Journalists will always be needed. I’m not worried about journalists. I’m worried about how we’re going to get paid.”
Eileen Brown elaborated on her half-full/half-empty perspective by saying that she often jokingly says “hell no” when first asked if young people should become journalists, but upon reflection recommends that they pursue their dreams, but focus on developing skills that will help them outside the newspaper world.
“Journalists have the skill set to be successful in many careers,” she said. “The problem is if you box yourself in, if (writing for newspapers) is all you can do.”
“If you’re good at gathering information and can write, you can still break through (in journalism),” added Mark Brown.
There seemed to be a consensus that the financial support of journalists was a bigger problem in the long run than the ability of young people to be capable writers.
“Young people are really sharp,” said McNamee. “I’m not worried about the caliber of young people going into the business. I am worried about the depth of journalism.”
McNamee cited the long investigation into the behavior of a Chicago police commander who tortured suspects into making confessions as an example of a series of stories that declining newspapers and fledgling Web sites might not pursue. He said new ventures like TribLocal.com need to be even more local and should hire skilled writers rather than just being a “bulletin board” used by ordinary citizens and organizations seeking positive publicity.
For most of the approximately 1-hour discussion, the mainstream journalists were very complimentary toward the kind of online publications that have started in the last several years although they often stressed that it could be many years before the quality of journalism rebounded from its recent decline.
Near the end of the discussion, though, there was some fireworks. Huff said six-year-old GapersBlock and other online ventures are doing significant investigative journalism and the primary reason why newspapers are trusted more is “longevity.”
Long objected. “We’re breaking stories every day,” he said. “(Our strong reputation) is not because we’ve been around a long time; it’s because we’re breaking news every day.”
Huff and McNamee also disagreed about the quality of some blogs.
By Martin Zabell
CHICAGO – The glass half-full/half-empty cliche doesn’t really fit the debate going on in most journalistic circles about the industry’s future.
Most journalists, it seems, are looking at the proverbial glass as 90 percent empty.
On June 18, though, a panel of very distinguished Chicago journalists was surprisingly optimistic despite a crisis that includes the bankruptcies of both major city newspapers and perpetual layoffs at numerous Chicago-area newspapers. The current crisis, they said, could spur a future that’s a lot brighter than the industry’s 2009 predicament.
“This is an opportunity like when we moved from the horse and buggy to the automobile,” said Monroe Anderson, a longtime renowned television reporter in Chicago and a columnist for EbonyJet. “The rules are not set so you can contribute to (the new rules).”
Anderson was speaking at what the sponsor, the Northern Illinois Newspaper Association, called “a discussion on the fast-changing state of the profession and the strategies for survival.” The others were moderator Dirk Johnson, a Northern Illinois University teacher and a former bureau chief for The New York Times and Newsweek; Chicago Sun-Times columnist Mark Brown; Chicago Tribune investigative reporter Ray Long; Eileen Brown, the innovations editor at the Daily Herald; Chicago Sun-Times’ editorial page editor Tom McNamee; and Andrew Huff, the editor of GapersBlock.
The event at the Union League Club of Chicago was attended by about 60 journalists. It was sponsored by the Chicago Headline Club, the law firm of Kelley Drye & Warren, and APCO Worldwide, a public affairs and strategic communications firm.
The panelists acknowledged journalism was in a transition phase with newspapers reducing salaries and staffs and numerous newcomers on the Internet challenging the mainstream media, but putting out products that are often hampered by paltry budgets and writers whose experience and skill is often questioned.
In the long run, though, the panelists were optimistic that journalism would survive – and might even thrive.
“There will always be a need for news,” said Eileen Brown. “Journalists will always be needed. I’m not worried about journalists. I’m worried about how we’re going to get paid.”
Eileen Brown elaborated on her half-full/half-empty perspective by saying that she often jokingly says “hell no” when first asked if young people should become journalists, but upon reflection recommends that they pursue their dreams, but focus on developing skills that will help them outside the newspaper world.
“Journalists have the skill set to be successful in many careers,” she said. “The problem is if you box yourself in, if (writing for newspapers) is all you can do.”
“If you’re good at gathering information and can write, you can still break through (in journalism),” added Mark Brown.
There seemed to be a consensus that the financial support of journalists was a bigger problem in the long run than the ability of young people to be capable writers.
“Young people are really sharp,” said McNamee. “I’m not worried about the caliber of young people going into the business. I am worried about the depth of journalism.”
McNamee cited the long investigation into the behavior of a Chicago police commander who tortured suspects into making confessions as an example of a series of stories that declining newspapers and fledgling Web sites might not pursue. He said new ventures like TribLocal.com need to be even more local and should hire skilled writers rather than just being a “bulletin board” used by ordinary citizens and organizations seeking positive publicity.
For most of the approximately 1-hour discussion, the mainstream journalists were very complimentary toward the kind of online publications that have started in the last several years although they often stressed that it could be many years before the quality of journalism rebounded from its recent decline.
Near the end of the discussion, though, there was some fireworks. Huff said six-year-old GapersBlock and other online ventures are doing significant investigative journalism and the primary reason why newspapers are trusted more is “longevity.”
Long objected. “We’re breaking stories every day,” he said. “(Our strong reputation) is not because we’ve been around a long time; it’s because we’re breaking news every day.”
Huff and McNamee also disagreed about the quality of some blogs.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Although I don't have the specific information in front of me, the National Writers Union's national office is looking for volunteers from Chicago to help it administer the Aug. 5 through Aug. 9 national assembly in Chicago.
Participating in the national convention will be very exciting. Please post your interest on the blog and I will put you in touch with the national officers, two of whom are Chicagoans.
Shalom,
Martin Z.
Participating in the national convention will be very exciting. Please post your interest on the blog and I will put you in touch with the national officers, two of whom are Chicagoans.
Shalom,
Martin Z.
TOURISM ADVICE FOR VISITORS
A few dozen non-Chicagoans will be in the Windy City from Aug. 5 through Aug. 9 for the national assembly so I encourage Chocagoans to post their advice on what to do and see while they're here.
I personally love the Museum Campus because I'm a nerd. The Adler Planetarium, the Shedd Aquarium, and The Field Museum (upcoming exhibits -- Ancient Americas, Africa, Animal Biology, Earth Sciences, Evolving Planet, and more) are all very close to each other and about one mile south of the hotel where the conventiongoers will be staying and the assembly's activities will occur.
It should also be noted that the Sears Tower, which will be renamed the Willis Tower soon, has just opened a ledge that juts out from the 103rd floor and includes a glass floor. I think it's going to be like the CN Tower in Toronto. It could be scary to look down and see nothing but the ground below, but I'm sure anyone in the union is an adventurer.
Most visitors like Wrigley Field, but it's not within walking distance. Chicagoans are free to offer transit advice.
Shalom,
Martin Z.
I personally love the Museum Campus because I'm a nerd. The Adler Planetarium, the Shedd Aquarium, and The Field Museum (upcoming exhibits -- Ancient Americas, Africa, Animal Biology, Earth Sciences, Evolving Planet, and more) are all very close to each other and about one mile south of the hotel where the conventiongoers will be staying and the assembly's activities will occur.
It should also be noted that the Sears Tower, which will be renamed the Willis Tower soon, has just opened a ledge that juts out from the 103rd floor and includes a glass floor. I think it's going to be like the CN Tower in Toronto. It could be scary to look down and see nothing but the ground below, but I'm sure anyone in the union is an adventurer.
Most visitors like Wrigley Field, but it's not within walking distance. Chicagoans are free to offer transit advice.
Shalom,
Martin Z.
NWU ASSEMBLY RESOLUTIONS
As was mentioned in previous posts, the national National Writers Union Delegates Assembly will be in Chicago from Aug. 5 through Aug. 9.
Officially, Chicago has three delegates to the national assembly -- Regina Baiocchi, Tom Gradel, and me, Martin Zabell. However, it would be a dereliction of duty for us to only propose resolutions, plans for action, changes, etc. that we personally are interested in. There are lots of things that members are interested in that just haven't reached our eyes and ears.
We would appreciate it if Chicago writers who are members of the union as well as non-members who are interested in what the union can do for writers (future members, we hope) would post your ideas about what we should try to achieve from Aug. 5 through Aug. 9.
And please understand that non-delegates are welcome to attend the Assembly. The schedule is on an earlier post.
Shalom,
Martin Z.
Officially, Chicago has three delegates to the national assembly -- Regina Baiocchi, Tom Gradel, and me, Martin Zabell. However, it would be a dereliction of duty for us to only propose resolutions, plans for action, changes, etc. that we personally are interested in. There are lots of things that members are interested in that just haven't reached our eyes and ears.
We would appreciate it if Chicago writers who are members of the union as well as non-members who are interested in what the union can do for writers (future members, we hope) would post your ideas about what we should try to achieve from Aug. 5 through Aug. 9.
And please understand that non-delegates are welcome to attend the Assembly. The schedule is on an earlier post.
Shalom,
Martin Z.
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