What's the diff?

A friend once asked me, what's the difference between a journalist and a reporter? At first, that question got me stumped. I thought both were the same. As an ever faithful dictionary definition person, I thumbed through my Oxford.

reporter n. a person who reports news for a newspaper or a broadcasting company.

that seems simple enough.

journalist n. a person who writes for newspaper or magazines or prepares news news or features to be broadcast on radio or television.

woah...now the definition is longer. Hmm...but then it seems to be getting complex.

So what is the real definition and difference? Well, I believe that a journalist has more responsibilities and expectations compared to a reporter. Anyone can report, but not everyone can stand in the frontline, gather news, interview sources, live in their cars and still have the energy to write an article.

Writing has been one of the most rewarding experiences to me. I enjoy putting words onto paper and to see how seemingly meaningless words are strung together and bring a whole new meaning.

When I was young, I couldn't make up my mind what I wanted to be. I wanted to be a ninja, a scientist, a genius, a musician and an explorer. There's more, but that's most of the popular ones. That's why I couldn't decide what I wanted to do in my university years.

Finally after much thought, and soul-searching I finally wanted to do journalism. I realized that I wanted to earn my living through what I write. (Hopefully that's an OK idea). Now, after 3 years, I'm a graduate looking for a job as a journalist. All the best to me then..

So, what's the diff then? Well, I'm a journalist ;-)

Write? No? Wrong? Nah, Write!

The writing process can be a daunting on to many people. This is especially so for those who fear the ever white empty screen or paper that would force them to draw out all vocabulary known to man. This is sometimes a failed attempt at exhausting the inexhaustible cravings for words.
At times, this is also because of our inner critic. The small peculiar voice that says. "What you are writing is utter rubbish!", "You call that an essay?" and the best yet, "Who would ever read such a thing?". As with the probability of no one but me reading this blog, I believe that writing in itself is a rewarding experience. Something just seems to connect in my mind when I put pen to paper, or when my fingers dance across the keyboard. There is nothing as exhilarating as writing to me.
Yet, my inner critic will always be my greatest enemy. One who tramples all ideas and thoughts. This is my attempt at revenge *cue thunder, storm and background music* or rather my release from its grasp.

The world is often a strange place. One that is hostile yet seemingly comfortable. Complex yet seemingly simple. It has become my inspiration to write on any topics coming to my mind and give a twist to it. Who knows what will happen? All I can be sure is that my inner critic isn't too happy about it. ;-)