Essay 1

1. What were your newspaper reading habits — prior to receiving the Wall Street Journal. How often did you read a newspaper? Which paper(s) did you like to read. Give expansive answers, give details. If you answers are never and none, explain why not, and where you got your news.

Prior to this class, I have not had any consistent reading of a newspaper. I tend to get my news on the radio while at work, on the TV while at home, or the word of mouth communication from friends, coworkers, and family.

2. What is your opinion of newspapers, in general? Like them? Hate them? No use for them? Can’t live without them? Explain

I enjoy reading. Therefore the answer to this is easy: I like them. The thought of having a fair chunk of the news at my fingertips is exciting, but at the same time when I sit down to read I prefer to read books. News, and most other things in a newspaper, is something I prefer to hear or see rather than read. It may sound odd, but if the same articles in a newspaper were put into a book, I would be more likely to read them. Maybe it is the feel of a book in my hands, or maybe something entirely different. I don’t really know. What I do know is that the concept behind a newspaper is right down my alley, but the manner in which I get that content seems to lean on other avenues of communication, mainly audible or visual.

3. How do you feel about using the Wall Street Journal to learn about mass communications? What are your learning expectations for the class, and do you feel the WSJ will meet your expectations?

At first thought, it seemed odd to be reading the WSJ instead of a textbook, but it has grown on me more as time has passed. The idea is riveting. Through this class, I expect to become not only more knowledgeable regarding communication to the masses, but also on current events and topics that each and every American, in order to be informed, should be aware of. Ignorance in this age of technological advancement in communications is an unforgiveable excuse.

4. How do you feel about using a newspaper rather than a traditional textbook?

Rather than reading a textbook which talks in generalities, what about reading specific examples of communication in the real-world? Not only is the information more relevant, it is also exciting and different from the typical college experience. To go against the grain is a very popular thing these days and even the slightest change of scenery (like a newspaper instead of a traditional textbook) is more then welcome.