In my senior year of undergraduate studies for a journalism degree, I suggested doing an independent sturdy project that would involve the actual production of a publication, from idea conception to distribution of the printed product.
Although the subject matter was the sport of rugby, the project was surprisingly – at least to me – approved by my faculty advisor.
As such, I calculated advertising rates based on cost, which was determined by printer’s price quotes, then pounded the pavement near the university, selling ads to area businesses.
Editorial content covered all facets of the local rugby club, as well as information on the sport itself. I wrote much of the content, solicited contributions from others, secured permissions for reprinted material and obtained photographs. I hired a writer for one centerpiece story and a photographer from the local paper for the cover shot.
Layout was done the old-fashioned way via typesetting machine and paste-up at the journalism program’s lab. Photographs were printed or touched up in the darkroom.
The end result was a 20-page, tabloid-sized newspaper that served as the yearbook for the rugby club. Printing of 500 copies was done by the local newspaper, fortunately at a discounted rate.
When printing was completed, I distributed copies first to each participating advertiser, followed by distribution to members of the rugby club for them to hand out as opportunities presented.
The balance was kept to hand out to spectators at home matches during the season.
It was a lot of work, far more than originally anticipated, but it was a tremendous learning experience – much like combining classes in writing, editing, photography, advertising, marketing and publication design – in a working environment with an actual deadline and financial obligation.
The publication was well-received by advertisers, members of the rugby community and, most importantly, but my faculty advisor.
In addition, because the project was conceived and treated as any other working publication, I was fortunate to make a personal profit, half of which was donated to the rugby club.
Because of the success of the project, however, the policy was changed for independent study projects so that students could not make money off their course work.
The mechanics of publication design and production were used in some way, shape or form throughout a journalism career that has spanned almost three decades. It also led directly to a job as the managing editor of Rugby Magazine, which was based in New York City, after they had received a copy of my publication.
Now, my print journalism experience provides a solid foundation, especially in terms of industry transition, as I pursue a Master’s Degree in Information and Communication Technology.
Although the subject matter was the sport of rugby, the project was surprisingly – at least to me – approved by my faculty advisor.
As such, I calculated advertising rates based on cost, which was determined by printer’s price quotes, then pounded the pavement near the university, selling ads to area businesses.
Editorial content covered all facets of the local rugby club, as well as information on the sport itself. I wrote much of the content, solicited contributions from others, secured permissions for reprinted material and obtained photographs. I hired a writer for one centerpiece story and a photographer from the local paper for the cover shot.
Layout was done the old-fashioned way via typesetting machine and paste-up at the journalism program’s lab. Photographs were printed or touched up in the darkroom.
The end result was a 20-page, tabloid-sized newspaper that served as the yearbook for the rugby club. Printing of 500 copies was done by the local newspaper, fortunately at a discounted rate.
When printing was completed, I distributed copies first to each participating advertiser, followed by distribution to members of the rugby club for them to hand out as opportunities presented.
The balance was kept to hand out to spectators at home matches during the season.
It was a lot of work, far more than originally anticipated, but it was a tremendous learning experience – much like combining classes in writing, editing, photography, advertising, marketing and publication design – in a working environment with an actual deadline and financial obligation.
The publication was well-received by advertisers, members of the rugby community and, most importantly, but my faculty advisor.
In addition, because the project was conceived and treated as any other working publication, I was fortunate to make a personal profit, half of which was donated to the rugby club.
Because of the success of the project, however, the policy was changed for independent study projects so that students could not make money off their course work.
The mechanics of publication design and production were used in some way, shape or form throughout a journalism career that has spanned almost three decades. It also led directly to a job as the managing editor of Rugby Magazine, which was based in New York City, after they had received a copy of my publication.
Now, my print journalism experience provides a solid foundation, especially in terms of industry transition, as I pursue a Master’s Degree in Information and Communication Technology.