10 myths that will stop you innovating in journalism
If there’s anything I’d ever wish you to take away from reading this blog over the years, it would be the following ten points.
They underline everything I’ve learned in two years of searching for new ways to do journalism, and the four years of reporting before that. Please share with anyone you think wants to do big things – but is holding back.
10 myths that will stop you innovating in journalism
.01 you don’t have enough time
Truth: you will never have enough time, so just get on with it.
.02 you don’t have enough money
Truth: you will never have enough money, so just get on with it.
.03 you don’t have a good idea
Truth: everyone has good ideas; they just don’t write them down – so start writing every one down.
.04 you don’t know video/web design/HTML/CSS – it’s too complicated
Truth: Nothing is too complicated so buy a book and teach yourself
.05 your idea will never work
Truth: Most ideas don’t work. But they often create opportunities for better ones, if you start them
#6 It’s safer/more secure to get a ‘proper’ job
Truth: the recession has proven that job security does not exist.
.07 If you take a risk and fail you’ll go bankrupt/get in trouble/will never be employed again
Truth: obviously it’s up for you to weigh up your own personal risks; most people find though that fears of bankruptcy/bailiffs/divorce and homelessness are mere phantoms.
.08 There’s no point in going out to write an article/shoot a film if no-one’s going to pay for it
Truth: then you’re denying yourself great opportunity to practice and master your craft (unless you’re the greatest journalist/writer/film maker the world has ever seen)
.09 You’re the greatest journalist/writer/film maker the world has ever seen – and as soon as people realise, you’ll get the job you deserve
Truth: you’re not, so just get on with it.
.10 This is too difficult and too much like hard work.
Truth: Life is difficult for everyone, so just get on with it.
Adam Westbrook // ideas on digital storytelling and publishing 
This is a very inspiring email. A can connect with all of them. Very nervous about focusing on my life in what I love to do.
I’ve learned that if you’re nervous about it then it’s probably the right thing to do. There are quite a few writers who view fear not as a bad thing, but as a compass to guide you towards what you really want to do. Thanks for your comment 🙂
This post helped me so much! I finally started putting my ideas into words. Thank you so much for sharing your insights with us.
Really glad you’ve found it useful! Writing down ideas was one of the best bits of advice anyone gave me; I always carry a notebook around with me now!
Brilliant Adam! Sometimes people need to hear the honest-yet-blunt truth that their excuses just don’t cut it. Well said 🙂
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