So, lately I've been thinking about getting my certificate for online writing. I'm not sure how useful an English Literature degree is going to be in the future. For some reason, I went with that instead of professional writing. I'm a pretty big fan of writing online because it usually allows for creativity and expression in ways that traditional academic writing do not. I mean, I know how to make a point, and I shouldn't have to find 20 other people who have made the same point before me in order to have credibility. Can't logic speak for itself?
Additionally, online writing has space for people to write stuff that maybe not even 20 other people have ever thought about. In the past couple of years, I've had some great ideas for papers but have been told that I had to change my topic because no "academic" sources exist for me to draw from. What if I'm the first person to think of something? Traditional academic writing doesn't allow for that, unless you are working on a thesis, dissertation, or already have a doctorate. With online writing, if I want to compare and contrast fanfiction and fan-videos online, I can just do it. I don't have to wait until the topic is obsolete and a bunch of out-of-touch professors have already put in their two cents before I can say anything. I could literally start writing about that topic RIGHT NOW and could find a webzine or a site like AssociatedContent.com to publish it within a week.
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3 comments:
The important thing is finishing the degree. Alot of people don't even use their major in their line of work. That's why you have to take such a wide variety of coursework. One of my brothers has a degree in Political Science. He is a V.P. at a communications (pagers) company. My other brother got his degree in hotel and restaurant management and is a manager at a Footlocker. My sister also got her degree in hotel/restaurant management and was a manager at JoAnn Fabrics. She is currently unemployed though. The point is that once you have received the degree you have a chance to prove yourself at whatever direction you decide to go.
I personally know people who have Masters degrees and are lacking in common sense and they have no initiative. Even though they have the degrees, they will never get promoted or make management because they just don't have what it takes. Just because someone has a degree doesn't mean they've got it made. The degree just makes it easier to get your foot in the door.
And as far as you thinking of something no one else has ever thought of before. Keep thinking! Thats what makes the difference between people who suceed and people who are content with the status quo.
Don't feel bad I changed my major like 3 times before deciding on Professional Writing. The certificate sounded interesting, and I learned alot from the pre-reqs. I'm out in a couple of months!!! Yeah!!! I agree the most important thing is to finish a degree (one that suits your interests). It's hard...after having my son, my own family thought I would give up on college. I told them heck naw, if anything I am now more determined than ever because it is no longer just about me.
Freedom in general is my favorite part about the internet. I feel I can search, find, learn, see, listen to, just about anything I want with a few clicks...it is very freeing. Whnen you consider writing online, it is VERY freeing because it is a forum no one can regulate (generally, unless you are writing bad stuff on kids' sites or something crazy).
The internet would give you that freedom to write about whatever you want. And, you can find otehr that are interested in those topics, whether they are from the U.S., Japan, Iceland, wherever. There is a way for people with like interests to connect and relate that is impossible in most academic settings. Even if you get your work published in the U.S through Purdue, it is not likely someone in Japan will see it, at least not any time soon.
So, I think you could do quite well writing online, it is a field that will only continue to grow and grow.
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