Listen Up

[jerusalem-s.livejournal.com]

I've been told that the youth of today have impressionable minds. This is truly a marvelous thing as I intend to make one hell of an impression. If you're lucky, you'll take something away from this course other than mental scars.

But don't count on it.



I don't want to be here, so I'm a bit on edge. I indulge in recreational drugs, mood swings and the occasional bout of violence. I'm not allowed to actually hurt you physically, so I'm inclined to take it out on you in other ways. If you don't believe in fates worse than death, you will.

So yes. I'm that Spider Jerusalem. I make and break presidents, I avert riots almost as often as I cause them and I'm here as a punishment - probably for us both. Again, don't make me take my frustrations out on you, because I assure you, it will hurt you far more than it will me.

The milk of human kindness has dried up long ago and if you cut me, I bleed acid.

Now to the bad news. Welcome children, for I shall be your Journalism teacher. Yes, I'm famous, but in most places you aren't old enough to read the things that I write, even my daily column. Don't think to kiss up to me if you've read my books - half the world has, and most of them are still morons.

I have a short, required reading list of a few of my shorter columns. Be familiar with them before the first class or be prepared for public humiliation. If you are familiar with my writing, feel free to skip these.

One
Two
Three
Four
Five
Six
Seven



Now that we know each other, so to speak, feel free to leave any comments or questions below. Assignments are going to be handled as in the real world - unexpectedly and to a deadline.

Complaints of unfairness will get you an automatic F and this is in no way open to interpretation.

With a little luck, you might even learn something.

Comments

[jerusalem-s.livejournal.com]

Cameras would be welcome. I haven't used the damn things in ages, working live-feed and still shots through my glasses.

I'm thinking that the newspaper is a go, but I'm going to want the students to take complete responsibility for actual production. Let me know what you dig up and I'll see who I can scare up for student staff.

[humanenigma.livejournal.com]

Send the students that want one, and I'll see what they deserve. You need one?

Good. Have found a printer for newssheets and a computer with appropriate software. Not hard to use, but will need instruction.

That DeWorde and Chriek look up to it.

[jerusalem-s.livejournal.com]

I have plans for Chriek. He can contribute to the paper, certainly, but I think I want at least part of his focus to be on Photojournalism, not simply photographer. I'm considering an actual workstudy of some kind.

Someone remind me to talk to the principal.

Damn it, I miss my damn assistant.

[humanenigma.livejournal.com]

Good.

Perhaps look into a TA?

[jerusalem-s.livejournal.com]

I'm seriously considering it. I haven't had to keep track of the fucking minutae for years. This is driving me nuts.

[humanenigma.livejournal.com]

Definately look into a TA.

[last-worde.livejournal.com]

I'd like to be either an editor or a journalist, or possibly both, if we get a newspaper up and running.

[jerusalem-s.livejournal.com]

A volunteer... rare creature. I feel I should stuff you and put you in a case somewhere. Especially with the word 'editor' attached.

Yes, you may be the editor. I will require you to be enrolled in Journalism 301 or higher, however, and you can choose either Advanced Journalism or Combat Journalism to go with it.

[last-worde.livejournal.com]

I like writing, sir. And bad writing makes me twitch.

I'm already enrolled in Journalism 301, and I'd like to take Advanced Journalism if I can.

[jerusalem-s.livejournal.com]

I'm allergic to editors, but I think you'll survive.

Journalism 301 and Advanced Journalism.

Talk to that Mars girl about the newpaper, would you?

[last-worde.livejournal.com]

I intend to.

I've mentioned the possiblity of a Yearbook club to her, but I think I'd prefer to concentrate my efforts on the newspaper, so when she replies I'll redirect her this way.