Let me start by saying that I like your blog, although I’m a little disappointed that you’re a Laker fan. But it’s like my old pappy always told me: you’re worthless, and you’ll never amount to anything, Mike.

Wait, that was the other thing he told me. The quote I meant to use was: Laker fans are people, too, Mike.

My advice to you: the degree you choose is relatively inconsequential, but I would go down the magazine and electronic media paths of the journalism school if I were you. Also, focus on learning as MUCH software as you can: Final Cut, InDesign, Photoshop, Flash, etc. Also learn website design. That’s a huge thing that I wish I had learned. And take some photo classes, too.

But none of that is as important as getting clips. Start writing for the Emerald immediately. Student paper, yeah, but it’s a good place to start. Then start applying for internships at the R.G., Eugene Weekly, The Oregonian, Portland Mercury, etc. Get published. That’s what matters. Make connections while you’re still a student. Then when you graduate, you’ll have opportunities waiting for you.

As far as your blog goes, just keep doing what you’re doing. Both of you guys are clearly knowledgable on the NBA. Make sure you proofread your posts. Nothing says “we’re cheap and lazy and ugly” quite like a typo in the middle of your lead. I think that you could afford to let yourself off the leash a bit with your writing voice. Have fun with it. No need to turn into a sarcastic douche like me, but I think you could stand to inject a little more opinion into your reporting, dig? Your boy Cole might want to rein it in a bit, but that’s certainly a stylistic choice. Also, I don’t care for Boston homers.

Hope that helps. Take care.

–Mike

Thanks,
Umberto Diona