Writer's Cramp: Journalism Burnout

There are people that would argue that the Internet has been nothing but a blessing for the world that we live in. Ask any newspaper or magazine editor and they'd probably smack you upside the head with either palm of their hand or a copy of Webster's Dictionary.

Journalists are finding it harder and harder to practice their craft, especially these days when newspapers that have websites are more concerned with the number of clicks an article receives.

There's no other way to say that it sucks to be a journalist. With access to information 24-hours a day and 7-days a week, anyone, albeit a good one, can be a reporter. Throw in smartphones with their 5-megapixel cameras, a FLIP pocket camcorder and what we have is guerrilla reporting or "Hybrid Journalism" at it's best.

Let's talk about the basic principles: journalism is the art and science of telling stories.  Video production is a form of journalism.  Hybrid Journalism combines these crafts- videography, producing, directing, lighting, talent and editing- and delivers a product that conveys information.


Today, the Internet is fostering a high burnout among some journalists due to the fact that some media outlets are tying pay to the number of clicks on a story. Wow!