Mario Said:

Journalism jobs on the web--freelance?

We Answered:

Hello,

you could get a job as a freelance writer. I would suggest you visit internet marketing forums such as DP forums and Warrior Forums. there are people constantly looking for content providers and writers. also you can post your ad there and the people will get to you. also visit sites such as getafreelancer where you can advertise your services.

Also I would suggest you get yourself a simple website (info domain are just 1.99 for a year) and have people order through there as well.

Christopher Said:

What is the best way to get a job in journalism?

We Answered:

the usual way is to get an internship with a local paper, radio or news station. perhaps you could volunteer for your local paper to get a portfolio together.

Harold Said:

Freelance journalists, how do you go about getting your stories?

We Answered:

I think that you have gotten some really good answers so far. I'd just like to add a few thoughts of my own. I got my start freelancing video for the local tv stations. They can't be everywhere and sometimes they just don't have people on duty to catch breaking news. I lived on the edge of the viewing area and was easily able to get to stories sometimes before the stations even knew about them.
Over time I got a reputation for being able to identify good spots news and bad spots news and started to sell a lot of video. It wasn't long before they started calling me when they were shorthanded or knew I could make it to a scene before they could.
If that's the route you want to take get a scanner, basic camera or video gear, a map and a cell phone and you're ready to go.
Here are just a couple of basic rules.
1. Don't oversell the story. If there is nothing to it, say there is nothing too and wait for the next one. It will help you build credibility.
2. Don't consider information on the scanner to be accurate. Calls have a nasty habit of starting big and then scaling back.
Get accurate info from someone in authority at a scene, police, fire or medic.
3. When dealing with authorities at a scene you will always catch more flies with honey than with vinegar. This is for getting scene access and information. (Work with them and they will work with you......most of the time)
4. Don't sweat it when you miss a story. You don't catch every fish when you go fishing. Stories are like buses, there will be another one along in about 20 minutes.
5. Always be ready to cover a story. Remember that the spot news business is not a matter of if but when.
Good luck and more importantly have fun.

Michele Said:

How easy or difficult is it to get a writing job at a newspaper with only a journalism certificate?

We Answered:

Difficult--you need some experience first. Go to the US Department of Labor Job Description site. The site should help you answer the rest of your questions about a position in journalism.

Alice Said:

How could one eventually land a fake journalism job?

We Answered:

Another definition for the "fake" journalism you write about is called comedy.

Jeanne Said:

Is it possible to get a freelance journalism job?

We Answered:

It's been my experience that most papers are willing to hire freelancers who don't have a related degree or experience.

Your best bet is to look for an event your local newspaper wouldn't usually cover (think something small), do a little research on it and think up an angle, and then call the local paper's metro or managing editor and pitch your idea.

If they're not into that, find a feature story you'd like to write or a topic you can cover without a tight deadline, do the story on your own and then take the finished product to the editor of the paper and see if they'd be interested in running it. They may sit on it for a while, but something like that will come in handy when another story falls through on short notice or they've got a big section to fill.

As far as pay goes, don't expect a lot. Most papers aren't willing to shell out more than $50-75 for a story unless you're particularly good or it's a long, in-depth story.