It's Not You, It's Me...

"Who is this elusive creature, the reader? The reader is someone with an attention span of about 30 seconds--a person assailed by many forces competing for attention. . . . It won't do to say that the reader is too dumb or too lazy to keep pace with the train of thought. If the reader is lost, it's usually because the writer hasn't been careful enough."

--On Writing Well, by William Zinsser

This quote was memorable for me because it opposes a conventional view of reading and writing: that if you as a reader cannot understand what you are reading, the writer is probably just smarter than you. This isn't true at all! If you are so overwhelmed by the complicated phrasing and elaborate vocabulary that you cannot even understand what you are reading, it's not your fault; it's the writer's! The writer's sole duty is to write in a way that is clear and understandable to the reader, NOT to show off their thesaurus skills. It's not that impressive. In fact, it's pretentious and inconsiderate. I know this is something I need to keep in mind when I write. Sometimes, as a writer, it's fun to get carried away with the "fluff" and the language, but if the reader is lost, I know I haven't fulfilled my purpose. I am continuously impressed with Zinsser's wisdom and boldness to blast the stereotypes that come with being a writer.

Reflections on My First Interview

Today I conducted my first interview of the year for an article I am writing about Gordon's Campus Events Council (CEC). I brought my tape recorder, which has helped tremendously with capturing exact quotes, but I did not limit myself to it. I used my reporter's notebook, but also tried to make eye contact and not stare down at my writing too much. It's a difficult balance to achieve, and the process is intimidating at first! However, "Uncle" William Zinsser says in his book On Writing Well that interviewing will become less awkward over time, so I have hope. I am trying to listen back to the interview and organize my notes now before I forget everything! I'm bad with procrastination, so I want to end that habit before I even start. The tricky part is, of course, representing my subjects with accuracy and respect. Though the CEC isn't exactly the juiciest, most controversial story, I still don't want to accidentally implement my bias or misquote my subjects to match how I view the story. There's a lot to think about and consider, but I already feel like I've learned so much. Well, I'm off to another interview. That's right: two in one day. Jo really is throwing us into the river!

Rock You Like a Hurricane!

While many Gordon students took refuge from Hurricane Irene in their dorm rooms, eating ramen noodles and surfing the internet, daredevil duo Rylee Rainwater, 19, and her roommate Katie Madison, 21, had bigger things to surf: the ocean waves. Though the girls were urged by their friends, parents, and Gordon public safety not to go out into the storm, they simply couldn't pass up the opportunity. "I have never experienced a hurricane and was curious to see what it was like," says Rylee. "I didn't know if I would have the chance again." Even in the intense winds, rain, and high tide, Rylee and Katie went swimming. Luckily, the hurricane was not as severe as anticipated, and the girls arrived back on campus safely later that day. "It was totally worth it," Rylee remarks. "I had tons of fun and we survived, so I'm glad we did it."

Journalism Student: Sarah MacDonald

Sarah MacDonald, 20, from Bangor, Maine, is a Communications major with high hopes for the expansion of journalism at Gordon College this year. Sarah usually gets her news from the websites of well-known news sources such as ESPN and CNN. As a student in an intro journalism class this fall, she is excited for the chance to report the news herself. Journalism students are required to participate in the new-and-improved Gordon newspaper, which will be published in print as well as online. "I would like to see the paper cover current and relevant news so the students feel more connected with each other and with the campus," says Sarah. Be sure to pick up a copy of the paper on September 9th and tell us what you think!