Comments on: Are you waiting for approval?

By: Prime

Prime — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 10:44:02 +0000

It’s not just journalists and artists, but a lot of people were conditioned that in order to succeed in one’s career, one has to gain approval from those who have the power and prestige – the so-called gatekeepers such as the editor, the curator, the manager, the expert. it’s all about validation and pinning one’s self worth to this validation. I confess that I’m one of those who craved for that validation- chasing jobs in big media companies, connecting with some important editors, joining (and winning) awards. In the end, however I got burned out and realized that this is not what I want (I esp dont want pandering to egoistic editors who think themselves as the only arbiters of good journalism) i prefer to be independent and more entrepreneurial – and I don’t need validation from gatekeepers.

Thanks a lot for this inspiring post.

By: Journalism posts: a summary V « Adam Westbrook

Journalism posts: a summary V « Adam Westbrook — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 10:47:02 +0000

[...] Are you waiting for approval to go out and do something epic? [...]

By: Jena Olson

Jena Olson — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 16:39:24 +0000

Here here. Thanks for the dose of inspiration on a day when it was much needed.

By: Deborah Bonello

Deborah Bonello — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 10:25:37 +0000

Hey Chris – good for you. I’ve done the same in the past.

Honestly, I don’t think there’s any denying that the majority of journalists and aspiring journalists still see a mainstream job, or getting published by mainstream media, as a measure of success. I’m not saying that’s right, but I think that’s how it is.

But I agree, we have to create our own products and we’re totally qualified to do so.

Thanks for the mention, Adam.

By: ChrisG

ChrisG — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 06:54:26 +0000

I completely disagree with this ethos. You don’t have to be published in the mainstream to have talent…

I’m in the same boat as your case study. I’ve set up something from scratch, and think it is more satisfying knowing you set up something yourself, rather than just being a slave to the mainstream. It’s so much more rewarding.

And it is steadily growing….

http://www.plentyonyourplate.com