Photos from the Beat
Changes in the Writerjax Blogosphere
...It's probably already apparent that the Writerjax blog is undergoing some changes, the first of which being a look 'n feel revamp.
That was made possible -- or in actuality, necessary -- by Blog City's switch from a portlet system to a new set of widgets. Which is fine. I'm navigating the new system marginally well, and I'm not trying to kiss blog-ass when I say Blog-city has been great to work with, generally more visually oriented than other blog hosts, and above all, expedient in answering my emails.
But there's more on tap than a few design changes. Within the next two weeks, TravelJax will be launched as a companion blog to this one, and to my (still developing) Web site, writerjax.com.
As my career has (thankfully) grown and matured, so has this blog. It began in 2004 as a random mix of musings and comments on everything from the latest headlines to the book I had just finished reading. It has always celebrated the Journalism Cool Factors -- all things great and small that make being a writer worthwhile -- but I have continued to shift and hone its focus to be as relevant as possible to readers and potential readers. In recent months, this has meant a still-wide array of posts, which nevertheless are tied together by the experience of living life as a journalist.
However, I was noticing a widening disconnect between my travel-writing posts and all others. Traveling to cover a story, and moreover traveling as an intrinsic part of the story, opens up many more virtual doors for a blogger. There's the story to promote, and the interesting reporting experiences to relay, but also a bevy of information and anecdotes that can also be shared about the location, and getting there. Travel is also its own industry unto itself, whether I inhabit it as a writer or not. Constantly, there are new airline developments, vacation trends, happenin' locales, and other tid-bits that keep me, other writers, and other adventure-seekers in general in the know.
I'll probably still blog a bit about specific articles or experiences, but WriterJax is entering yet another phase, hopefully as a helpful resource for other writers, as well as avid readers. JCFs will remain a staple, as will posts about the intriguing careers and business trends I learn about through my job. I hope to post more about the professional pros and cons of Creatives in general, too, and will try to expound a little more on the topic I spent two-years in grad school trying to define: organizational development.
A big thanks to my faithful few, who read and offer praise as well as advice -- keep it coming.
The split makes sense. Best of luck!
