what brought me to solent?

As a young person, I had always been interested in the news. I wouldn't say I'm a nosey person, but I do like to know what is happening around me. Therefore I decided that I wanted to do a Journalism degree. Some of my teachers told me that it would be better to do an English degree and then move on to a postgrad in Journalism, however that wasn't for me, as I felt that I'd do better doing a more hands on degree. I looked at many different Journalism degrees and then came across Multimedia Journalism, I later decided that this was the course for me. 

I came to Solent through clearing, as I originally applied for Bournemouth University. Being me I stupidly didn't give myself an insurance choice, therefore I was stuck. The first uni I saw when I searched through clearing was the course here. I rang up and I was lucky enough to get a place. I visited the uni a few days after and loved it. 

The equipment here is brilliant and I couldn't believe how many Macs there were. Other uni's I had visited didn't even have one. I also feel the uni has a very friendly environment and that's great because visiting new places is quite daunting for me. I wouldn't say I'm shy it just takes a little while for my full personality to come through, which I guess is the same for a lot of people.

I like to think I'm a funny person, well I try. Therefore I have thought that I'd like to go into radio. I used to have a radio station at my sixth form called "Radio Sheldon" however I never joined, partly because it was more about playing music than actually talking and interviewing people. The only problem is I wonder whether my voice would suit radio because you have to have that "radio voice", on the other hand with vocal coaching I may be able to get to that level. 

I do enjoy writing about events that are happening in the world, as you can see from my previous posts. Plus I'm also interesting in talking about politics even though I didn't do well at it in my A Levels. However if you were to ask me something political, regarding the UK or USA I would easily be able to have a conversation with you about it. I'm gonna use the excuse "I don't test well" which is also why I thought this course would be good for me because it isn't all exams after exams, its essays and coursework which is what suits me best.

  

below is an image of my double page spread from my magazine, in which i managed to get a real interview.

below is an image of my contents page from my magazine

below is an image of my front cover from my magazine

government government government.

Pensions are decreasing and disappearing? Child benefits gone? So much for the conservatives being a changed party eh? The government is suppose to be a coalition but all i ever see is Cameron this Cameron that, i swear i never see or hear much about what Clegg does. However i did recently read an article about Clegg's Youth Contract from the telegraph, it didn't show him in a good light though. It said about how young people with one non core GCSE will be barred from Nick Clegg's Youth Contract. It was a scheme aimed at helping the "Neet" generation, however it will not help 16-17 year olds that have managed to get one GCSE. This is unfair because they are still in the "Neet" generation. However, just because they have one more qualification they are not allowed. In this day and age you must have Cs or above in English, Maths, and occasionally Science. Therefore those teenagers are going to find it difficult to get work, or go on to further education. So shouldn't they be allowed on the scheme too? 

Conservatives are traditionally known for the fact they tend to favour the rich and are on the right side of the spectrum, nowadays they seem to be more centre right. However they are still taking away child benefits to people who earn over £50,000 or above in their household? I don't think that's fair? If you have good qualifications and have been working in the same profession for years, you may earn more than that on your own. So because of how much parents earn their children loose out? And what is with all these cuts in the most important sectors of society? For example the NHS, police departments, education. Isn't education one the most important things needed, yet they are cutting teachers and teaching assistants. Without education there will be more and more young adults in the "Neet" generation that everyone is so concerned about it. 

Where as the Lib Dems are on the completely opposite side, they are known for their liberal views, for example equal rights, strong support for the welfare state, education seen as key driver for social justice, ect. However none of these polices seem to be within the coalition, it says they accept the need to reduce inequality in society, which isn't making it equal is it? And they say they are accepting diversity in society and promote tolerance of different groups and cultures. 

All in all, i know that the government are only trying to do best for the country and stop it from completely breaking down because of the major recession we are facing. But in my opinion some things that are being taken are way may be the things that are needed the most.

What advantages and disadvantages do citizen journalists pose for mainstream media?

The creation of new technologies including blog sites, social networks, and the use of smart phones with cameras, allow members of the public without any journalistic training to participate in debates and publish their own point of view about a range of subjects. Articles written by citizen journalists may contain anything within the news, however there have been debates as to whether this type of journalism is good or bad for mainstream media?

Some advantages of citizen journalists are that members of public are able to alert the media to news stories that they may not already know about, or that professional journalists have not got the ability to cover. Citizen journalists can be a massive help by providing written reports in addition to photographs and videos in real time. For example many stories regarding the Arab Spring have been covered by citizen journalists when mainstream media were unable to reach areas of conflict or a media blackout was in place. Smaller newspapers often need to rely on citizen journalists for the latest updates, due to their low staff count.

Some disadvantages are that as journalists your views are suppose to be non-biased and balanced, however citizen journalists will generally only put their view across, which effectively could give the article an unfair outcome. Many professional journalists believe that the quality of an article from a citizen journalist is often of a poor standard, and lack content. As a British citizen you have freedom of speech, therefore as a citizen journalist, you have the power to say what you like, however this can sometimes be dangerous resulting in the possibility of libel claim. During the past year a number of people have been charged for statements they have published via social networks or online blogs due to them being offensive or untrue. Professional journalists have rules to abide by albeit these are under review following recent scandals.

Through my own experience of posting on social networks I see citizen journalists as complementing mainstream media by providing speedier reports and information from a range of sources that allow mainstream media reports to be better balanced and factually more accurate.

the rising price of train fares.

now this post is completely out of the blue, but it is one thing that really frustrates me. i'm a 17 year old girl who does have a job, but my hourly wage doesn't even get me a return ticket to bath. if i was to go to bristol that would be a whole different matter. i've also never understood why there isn't a student rate? oh wait there's those railcards that knock a third of the price off, but they cost a bomb. if you're with friends it is very handy to buy a group ticket it makes a ticket half the price it should be if you were to pay separately. however i've only recently discovered this. 

only in the past year have a realised this rise, this is probably due to the fact i pay for pretty much everything nowadays. if i were to go to bristol it would cost me over £7, then cause you're out with mates you go for a coffee or whatever at lunch, depending on where you go that will probably be a fiver. that's £12 before you even start shopping.  

I don't understand how people afford to travel to and from london everyday, cause blimey have you seen those prices!? then again i guess if you're working in london chances are you have a decent job and the train fare doesn't break your bank.

Overall they are priced ridiculously considering you are never guaranteed a seat (unless you pre-book), aren't always on time, and when its busy there are always about 3 first class carriages always empty, that really irritates me.