Dear friends, mothers, lovers and other strangers,
Welcome to my blog! Blech. That word (“blog”) still takes some getting used to for me.
Let me explain. I’m someone who has been surrounded by “serious journalists” for the past decade whom I honestly think tend to stereotype (and secretly…or not so secretly judge) bloggers. I’m guilty. I think part of the reason for the judgement is because journalists have felt their jobs threatened by “we the people” in this new age of “everyone with an iPhone and social media account can be a journalist” mentality. Some wonder if journalists are even needed anymore. My opinion = heck yes. Someone with an education in the core tenets of journalistic ethics and news judgement needs to be behind the pen/typewriter/computer keyboard vetting information. However, is there room in the news world for bloggers? My opinion = heck yes.
I’ve learned bloggers are not just a group of foodies and fashionistas (though don’t get me wrong; those DO exist). A blogger is simply someone who writes content and has the ability to publish it on the Internet. So now that’s what I am doing. Don’t judge me.
Here’s the deal. I’ve been working for months on launching my own news website. It was finished. It looked GOOD. But for some reason, I was avoiding making it known to the public. After a lot of prayer and soul-searching, I realized I’m tired of not sharing my voice.
For the past several years I’ve worked really hard to be an “unbiased” journalist. Unbiased is in quotes because let’s get real, everyone has an opinion; some journalists are just better than others at keeping theirs in check. Let’s also be real about the fact that most media outlets these days do reveal some bias one way or another. It’s not right, but it is what it is. The point is — I have truly tried to train my mind to be open and see all sides (there’s often more than two) to an issue, or story, or person. I’ve by no means perfected that skill, but I’m trying.
However, for the first time in my life, I don’t have a boss! I am my own boss, and I have an opinion that is sick of being stifled. I’ve realized it’s okay to have an opinion, and I would like to finally take the opportunity to share mine.
So I started over. I created a very simple little nook on the Web under a name (my Twitter handle to be exact) I’ve used for years — Rebekah Reports — where it will be okay to say what I think about news and current events when I feel so inclined. Will every post contain opinion? Probably not. Because of my journalism training, I continue to put a high value on fact, accuracy, and truth above all else, and I think there are some stories where only the facts should be shared. Will I offend you? I hope not, but sometimes opinions tend to rub people the wrong way. Let’s do something in this Web nook that’s all too often not done in our society — let’s have a dialogue about disagreements. Let’s not argue, make rash judgements, or call people names. Let’s respectfully agree to disagree if need be.
With that, I’ll get to writing and hope that Rebekah Reports enlightens, or at the very least, entertains you.
Thanks for keeping an open mind, and let’s enjoy some news!