Confessions of a media writer: why I’m leaving journalism
Today is media and technology editor Nic Christensen’s final day at Mumbrella. As he prepares to step out of journalism and into a communications role, he reflects on his eight years working as a journalist in the multimedia landscape.
“Et tu, Nic” read the congratulatory email from one of my good friends, who – with all subtlety and arrogance that only a fellow journo can wield – made his meaning clear.
In his mind, I’d sold out. To be fair to him, maybe he’s right and I have, but for the record: I have my reasons, which I’ll get to in a moment.
Let me start by acknowledging that as far as journalism careers go I think I can, just about, get away with the claim that, relatively, I’m still a baby. I’ve had eight awesome years in this profession and I can honestly say I’ve loved every minute of the job.
All the very best with the new chapter Nick.
In my opinion your arrival at Mumbrella heralded an era of strong investigative and longer-form journalism. Whilst I don’t think this will end with your leaving, it will no doubt not be the same.
Oh and you don’t need the ‘of’ after myriad…
Stay in touch.
Best of luck Nic
Good luck Nic. I’m new to Mumbrella, but I can see you have been a significant contributor over your time there. I’ve enjoyed reading your views and I hope your big shoes are sufficiently filled.
Re: the mention of how to use the word myriad.
Instead of writing ‘….launching a myriad of different apps’ – wouldn’t it be better articulated simply as ‘launching myriad apps’?
Thoughts?
Why are 2 of these comments solely around their commentor’s high falutin penchant for correcting what is in fact a correct usage of myriad?
Why not focus on Nic’s brilliant journalism over the last few years, which has been, in my opinion, the defining critical voice in Australia media, when everyone else falls back to pandering and puffery.
So to settle this argument before if goes further, do a simple google before you ask for Nic’s thoughts on your desire to be seen as a great writer, because you thought you were so clever picking up on your perceived incorrect usage of Myriad:
Throughout most of its history in English myriad was used as a noun, as in a myriad of men. In the 19th century it began to be used in poetry as an adjective, as in myriad men. Both usages in English are acceptable, as in Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s “Myriad myriads of lives.” This poetic, adjectival use became so well entrenched generally that many people came to consider it as the only correct use. In fact, both uses in English are parallel with those of the original ancient Greek. The Greek word mrias, from which myriad derives, could be used as either a noun or an adjective, but the noun mrias was used in general prose and in mathematics while the adjective mrias was used only in poetry.
(Source: Google search, first click)
Now go and find a story worth telling, because I’m pretty sure with Nic gone, they will be few and far between.
Could of used myriad more better.
LOL
All the best Nic. You always approach each story with infectious enthusiasm.I will watch Nine Ent Comms with renewed interest!
The issue with c grade journos like you is that you start reporting the news, you move to then commenting on the news (whilst still being a nobody reporter), to thinking you Are the news (this article). It happens on TV and now here. With full respect Nigel – who cares what you think. It’s like asking a punter at the
cricket his views on the Australin team – plenty of opinions however very little insight. Don’t believe your own bulllshit son.
All the best in the new role however and all our love.
Straya
Classy response. Why do you bother reading Mumbrella then?
The issue with z grade trolls like you is that you start reading the news, you move to then commenting on the news (whilst still being a nobody troll), to thinking anyone gives a shit about your trolling of the news (as above). It happens on Twitter and now here. With full respect Spineless Anonymous Troll – who cares what you think. It’s like asking a drunken idiot at the
pub his views on veganism or Team TayTay – plenty of opinions however very little insight. Don’t believe your own bulllshit son.
Nic,
You’re a good journalist and a better bloke. Your departure is a loss to Mumbrella and a gain to whoever employs you in the future
all my very best wishes for continued success
Charlene…
‘could have’
I fink Charlene was joking an’ that.
You have done an awesome job as a media reporter, Nick. Be proud! And best of luck in the transition!
Have enjoyed your input Nic. Good luck with your next challenge.
All the very bet Nic! Great to read of the many highlights.
Nic,
How far you’ve come, since we talked politics each week on The Wire, and I’m sure you’ve still a long way to go. Loved reading about the adventures along this road you’ve travelled and I hope, in some way, we will continue to hear about your adventures.
Onward and upward my friend. Keep fighting the good fight and I hope to read something from you again sometime soon.
Faith
Best of luck Nic, I reckon Nine is about to get excellent service from its media agency.
Go well Nic. You’ve been a champ in this job and I’m sure you will continue to be one in the next.
Leysie
A good innings – Nic demonstrated hunger for a story and definitely went against the grain of media trade press gushing over shiny new objects and looked a bit deeper into things.
Nine needs someone with fresh/curious eyes, so a good hire.