It’s been a productive – if a bit tiring – day today. A late night out last night meant I was a bit reluctant this morning, but it was worth the effort and I’ve arrived home with a brand new task to get my teeth in to.
New opportunity
The new challenge involves interviewing clients of the NHS Jobs website. The site covers all jobs available within the NHS, and claims to make searching and applying for jobs a simple task. To illustrate this point, the site carries numerous success stories told by past clients. My brief is to contact individuals who are willing to use their experience of the site as a case study to be published online.
Am I worrying about nothing?
This sounded fine to me, until it emerged I would interviewing the people by phone. I’ve never used this interviewing technique before, and I’m pretty much up for a challenge these days, but it still seems a little daunting. I have expressed concern for my ability to write, listen, and plan the next question all at the same time before. Now, it seems, my multitasking skills will truly be tested. I don’t know if it’s a male thing or not - I can only speak personally – but the thought of it unnerves me. It also involves persuading my housemates keeping quiet for longer than five minutes, and I’m genuinely not sure which will prove harder.
New recruits
As the pioneering Camden Calling / Poached Creative representative, I was pleased to see another Camden Calling member, Dan, join Poached today. CC’s resident graphic designer, he started a six week course today with a view to improving the quality of their art and design work. Another trainee, Michelle, also started the design course today. To be honest, I haven’t had a chance to speak to either of them yet, but it’s good to have new people on board!
Less is more
The feedback I received on the latest Camden Calling newsletter was very useful. Hints on style, sequence, and presentation are always of great use. The primary problem, though, was just as I suspected: it’s too long. But if I make it much shorter, how will I possibly cover everything? The answer to that is by being ruthless. Cut every unnecessary word possible. I can certainly see the logic in that. What I don’t get is why, time and time again at school, it was drummed in to my head that somehow ‘more is better.’
Come on... we all did it!
In their school days, I’m sure that, occasionally, everyone padded out work purely to meet some stupid minimum word or page limit. This is ridiculous – surely being concise is more of an art-form than producing elongated waffle filled with pointless joining words. The apparent correlation between number of words written and quality produced mystifies me.
With my rant over, it’s time for me to end this for another week. Anyway, I think I’ve just reached the word limit.
Thursday 30 July 2009
Thursday 23 July 2009
A little rusty... already?!
I was only away for a week, but the start of my second six weeks at Poached coincided with me forgetting how to string words together. It was a worrying hour or two, but sure enough by 11.00 I was back to normal and enjoying the fact I agreed to stay on. I was pleased by the news that Brij would also be staying on for a while, as we get on well and it would be sad to see him go.
My usual network problems
The morning was disrupted by various internet problems – mainly caused by my new Virgin connection - which doesn’t like me connecting to any other wireless networks. After finally triumphing over temperamental technology, the day was highly productive and certainly a success.
Marked improvement
I managed to all but complete a short article for a social enterprise magazine, and received some very complimentary feedback on it. I was particularly proud of this, as it’s quite rare for me to finish a piece of work in a working office environment. That sounds strange, I know, but I usually work best when I’m on my own, have no deadlines to meet, and feel that there is less pressure on me. I think the completion of this piece means I am more focused - and perhaps more confident in my own ability.
STOP PRESS: change of plan!
I expected to work on August’s Camden Calling press release at some point today. However, after some consultation with Jess, and Jess’ consultation with Alex, it was decided this would be put on hold. Although I had never thought about it before, I can understand Jess’ reasoning on this. A press release is supposed to alert the media about a big, important current event, and so is best used when you really have something to shout about. Sending one out at regular intervals means some of the time the content will not be particularly dramatic – and will not grab enough attention.
It gets easier (I hope)
The Camden Calling newsletter will go ahead as planned – and I’m more relaxed about writing it this time. I’ve been given some topics to include, and I know what is expected of me. The last one was really well received, so I’ll be hoping to replicate the response this time round.
Up for the challenge
This second stint has started equally as well as the first, so once again I can say that I’m more than content with how things are with me at the moment. I felt quite proud that I was at Poached today, considering when I started I was only expecting a six week stay. Comparing myself then to how I feel now, I can say for sure that I am much more at-ease and far more capable. Long may it continue.
My usual network problems
The morning was disrupted by various internet problems – mainly caused by my new Virgin connection - which doesn’t like me connecting to any other wireless networks. After finally triumphing over temperamental technology, the day was highly productive and certainly a success.
Marked improvement
I managed to all but complete a short article for a social enterprise magazine, and received some very complimentary feedback on it. I was particularly proud of this, as it’s quite rare for me to finish a piece of work in a working office environment. That sounds strange, I know, but I usually work best when I’m on my own, have no deadlines to meet, and feel that there is less pressure on me. I think the completion of this piece means I am more focused - and perhaps more confident in my own ability.
STOP PRESS: change of plan!
I expected to work on August’s Camden Calling press release at some point today. However, after some consultation with Jess, and Jess’ consultation with Alex, it was decided this would be put on hold. Although I had never thought about it before, I can understand Jess’ reasoning on this. A press release is supposed to alert the media about a big, important current event, and so is best used when you really have something to shout about. Sending one out at regular intervals means some of the time the content will not be particularly dramatic – and will not grab enough attention.
It gets easier (I hope)
The Camden Calling newsletter will go ahead as planned – and I’m more relaxed about writing it this time. I’ve been given some topics to include, and I know what is expected of me. The last one was really well received, so I’ll be hoping to replicate the response this time round.
Up for the challenge
This second stint has started equally as well as the first, so once again I can say that I’m more than content with how things are with me at the moment. I felt quite proud that I was at Poached today, considering when I started I was only expecting a six week stay. Comparing myself then to how I feel now, I can say for sure that I am much more at-ease and far more capable. Long may it continue.
Thursday 9 July 2009
One step at a time
A question asked of me today prompted a realisation – I don’t really have any clear, long-term goals. Having now given it some thought, I don’t really see this as a problem, however.
As I see it, part of going through a rehab program is supposed to be about building an enjoyable life. To achieve this, I’m trying a few different areas of business until I find one that really suits me. I’ve completed numerous courses and workshops, and all the time I am adding to my knowledge and experience. When I reflect on the progress I’ve made and the options I now have, I feel satisfied with my current situation. So I am quite content living without long term objectives – for now at least.
Same again, please
My six week training program is now complete, and it has been agreed that I am staying for another six weeks at least. I will be working on Poached projects as well as more Camden Calling-related things. This length of commitment is fine for me at the moment – as I have been advised to ease myself back in to full time work.
I’m just beginning
Remaining at Poached is so pleasing to me as I feel that I have so much more to learn in this field. The past few weeks have only scratched the surface of what it’s like to be involved in writing – and I feel I have so much more to explore. We have covered a wide range of areas, so I am only just narrowing down which specific areas I am most interested in pursuing. It’s too good a learning opportunity to miss, so writing and communications is definitely my primary focus at the moment.
Keeping options open
That isn’t to say I can never take my interest in mentoring further at some point. The qualification I gained in peer support will always be there, but there is no rush to build on it. The relevant personal experiences I have will never go away, and people in that field tend to be much older than me anyway.
Pleasant surprise
Deciding on writing as my focus coincided with a phone call from the editor of a magazine called Chatterbox. I wrote a small article for the publication a while back, and I have been offered the chance to contribute again. The magazine is distributed to substance misuse organisations across London. It runs stories written by people who have been through the system and have had positive experiences. In a way, it’s purpose is not dissimilar to peer mentoring. It acts as inspiration and offers hope to those who are struggling to see an end to their problems. I see this as a thoroughly worthwhile cause and I happily accepted the offer of writing for it.
No mercy!
I was in the presence of another expert guest speaker today. Not for the first time, this coincided with the equivalent of public execution for a piece of Camden Calling literature. The deserving target this time was a recent press release. The loathsomeness felt for this document by Emma, speaker and public relations connoisseur, made palpable the work required when I take control of press duties next month.
Another skill to add
The session was really useful as I now have some great tips on how the piece should look, read, and how it should be structured. It will be my first attempt at a press release, so I’m thankful for the hints on how to make it a success. Emma had several suggestions on success in other areas of PR – and again one of the most important things to remember is to know your audience when writing.
Sense of fulfilment
I came away from my final session feeling immensely satisfied, and extremely grateful for the help I have received in the last weeks. While this is the end of my training course, I have no intention of ending my regular updates here. I am actually quite enjoying posting - so who knows how long this blog could run for?
Don’t ask me, I don’t plan long-term.
As I see it, part of going through a rehab program is supposed to be about building an enjoyable life. To achieve this, I’m trying a few different areas of business until I find one that really suits me. I’ve completed numerous courses and workshops, and all the time I am adding to my knowledge and experience. When I reflect on the progress I’ve made and the options I now have, I feel satisfied with my current situation. So I am quite content living without long term objectives – for now at least.
Same again, please
My six week training program is now complete, and it has been agreed that I am staying for another six weeks at least. I will be working on Poached projects as well as more Camden Calling-related things. This length of commitment is fine for me at the moment – as I have been advised to ease myself back in to full time work.
I’m just beginning
Remaining at Poached is so pleasing to me as I feel that I have so much more to learn in this field. The past few weeks have only scratched the surface of what it’s like to be involved in writing – and I feel I have so much more to explore. We have covered a wide range of areas, so I am only just narrowing down which specific areas I am most interested in pursuing. It’s too good a learning opportunity to miss, so writing and communications is definitely my primary focus at the moment.
Keeping options open
That isn’t to say I can never take my interest in mentoring further at some point. The qualification I gained in peer support will always be there, but there is no rush to build on it. The relevant personal experiences I have will never go away, and people in that field tend to be much older than me anyway.
Pleasant surprise
Deciding on writing as my focus coincided with a phone call from the editor of a magazine called Chatterbox. I wrote a small article for the publication a while back, and I have been offered the chance to contribute again. The magazine is distributed to substance misuse organisations across London. It runs stories written by people who have been through the system and have had positive experiences. In a way, it’s purpose is not dissimilar to peer mentoring. It acts as inspiration and offers hope to those who are struggling to see an end to their problems. I see this as a thoroughly worthwhile cause and I happily accepted the offer of writing for it.
No mercy!
I was in the presence of another expert guest speaker today. Not for the first time, this coincided with the equivalent of public execution for a piece of Camden Calling literature. The deserving target this time was a recent press release. The loathsomeness felt for this document by Emma, speaker and public relations connoisseur, made palpable the work required when I take control of press duties next month.
Another skill to add
The session was really useful as I now have some great tips on how the piece should look, read, and how it should be structured. It will be my first attempt at a press release, so I’m thankful for the hints on how to make it a success. Emma had several suggestions on success in other areas of PR – and again one of the most important things to remember is to know your audience when writing.
Sense of fulfilment
I came away from my final session feeling immensely satisfied, and extremely grateful for the help I have received in the last weeks. While this is the end of my training course, I have no intention of ending my regular updates here. I am actually quite enjoying posting - so who knows how long this blog could run for?
Don’t ask me, I don’t plan long-term.
Thursday 2 July 2009
No carpet, no problem
Today has been another productive day. In fact, I would go so far as to say most days are productive for me at the moment. Poached Creative and Camden Calling are providing challenges, but they are realistic challenges I know I can rise to. Away from the work side of things I am coping with – dare I say enjoying – life generally.
The ups with the downs
I have built up a resilience that I did not have until recently. I can accept that sometimes life throws up surprises, problems, and generally just doesn’t go the way you planned. I am gradually gaining the ability to accept this and continue through life without dwelling on misfortune. This means I can handle situations far better than I could before. In other words, it takes a whole lot more to piss me off than it used to.
Natural disaster avoided
This new-found tolerance was put to the test a few days ago however. I was visiting my family at the weekend, when I received a phone call from my landlord informing me that my ground-floor bedroom had flooded.
To be honest it wasn’t actually as bad as I had thought. I rushed back to Kentish Town expecting to be washed away by some huge tidal wave upon opening the door. There was no such drama however, just a soaking wet, ruined carpet from where the water had seeped under the patio door. I mentioned in this blog that I am quite proud of my newly-organised self, and this is a case in point. Had any clothes, CDs, discarded pieces of paper, folders etc been left on the floor at the time of flooding, they would have certainly perished. As it was, only the carpet was affected.
Every cloud...
The whole incident has brought all seven residents of my house closer together. It’s strange, but through my adversity and everyone else’s sympathy, we have developed a sort of unity and a closer friendship. It’s great to know I have this kind of support from people I live with, because there is no guarantee of it in a house in which I did not hand-pick the occupants.
Multitasking – one for the ladies
By the time I arrived in Wood Green today, the fact that I have no carpet was not bothering me one bit. More new learning opportunities were on the agenda today; this week it was interviewing to gather information for an article. This seems to be a real art form - involving asking a question, listening to the answer, writing down the answer, and thinking of the next question - all at once. The structure of questioning has to be thought through too – sandwiching tricky questions in-between easier, more light-hearted ones. I devised a set of questions to ask Otu (a Poached Creative adviser), and tested them in mock-up interviews with Brij and Jess. I don’t know what the real interviewee would have made of it all though – it was far from seamless.
So the flag was just blowing in the ‘wind’, then?
This afternoon we looked at differences in features and articles – a feature being more detailed and thought provoking than a regular news report. Specifically, we compared pieces on the 40th anniversary of the moon landing. The news piece focused on the facts, whereas the feature included all sorts from personal accounts to bits on how, apparently, the whole thing was faked. Features tend to stray from the Inverted Pyramid style of reporting we studied a few weeks back. The inclusion of pictures, diagrams and graphs adds to their visual effect.
Life beyond Poached
Next Thursday will be the last day of my six week programme. This certainly doesn’t mean the end of the road for me as a trainee writer, though. I have made contact with Rokpool to let them know I am ready to take on some of the subbing work they offered. I have some other options too, which I will discuss with Jess next week. After some positive, enlightening experiences so far, I am keen to pursue this interest and hopefully find an arrangement which will help my writing progress.
I will fill you in with more on my future plans next week.
The ups with the downs
I have built up a resilience that I did not have until recently. I can accept that sometimes life throws up surprises, problems, and generally just doesn’t go the way you planned. I am gradually gaining the ability to accept this and continue through life without dwelling on misfortune. This means I can handle situations far better than I could before. In other words, it takes a whole lot more to piss me off than it used to.
Natural disaster avoided
This new-found tolerance was put to the test a few days ago however. I was visiting my family at the weekend, when I received a phone call from my landlord informing me that my ground-floor bedroom had flooded.
To be honest it wasn’t actually as bad as I had thought. I rushed back to Kentish Town expecting to be washed away by some huge tidal wave upon opening the door. There was no such drama however, just a soaking wet, ruined carpet from where the water had seeped under the patio door. I mentioned in this blog that I am quite proud of my newly-organised self, and this is a case in point. Had any clothes, CDs, discarded pieces of paper, folders etc been left on the floor at the time of flooding, they would have certainly perished. As it was, only the carpet was affected.
Every cloud...
The whole incident has brought all seven residents of my house closer together. It’s strange, but through my adversity and everyone else’s sympathy, we have developed a sort of unity and a closer friendship. It’s great to know I have this kind of support from people I live with, because there is no guarantee of it in a house in which I did not hand-pick the occupants.
Multitasking – one for the ladies
By the time I arrived in Wood Green today, the fact that I have no carpet was not bothering me one bit. More new learning opportunities were on the agenda today; this week it was interviewing to gather information for an article. This seems to be a real art form - involving asking a question, listening to the answer, writing down the answer, and thinking of the next question - all at once. The structure of questioning has to be thought through too – sandwiching tricky questions in-between easier, more light-hearted ones. I devised a set of questions to ask Otu (a Poached Creative adviser), and tested them in mock-up interviews with Brij and Jess. I don’t know what the real interviewee would have made of it all though – it was far from seamless.
So the flag was just blowing in the ‘wind’, then?
This afternoon we looked at differences in features and articles – a feature being more detailed and thought provoking than a regular news report. Specifically, we compared pieces on the 40th anniversary of the moon landing. The news piece focused on the facts, whereas the feature included all sorts from personal accounts to bits on how, apparently, the whole thing was faked. Features tend to stray from the Inverted Pyramid style of reporting we studied a few weeks back. The inclusion of pictures, diagrams and graphs adds to their visual effect.
Life beyond Poached
Next Thursday will be the last day of my six week programme. This certainly doesn’t mean the end of the road for me as a trainee writer, though. I have made contact with Rokpool to let them know I am ready to take on some of the subbing work they offered. I have some other options too, which I will discuss with Jess next week. After some positive, enlightening experiences so far, I am keen to pursue this interest and hopefully find an arrangement which will help my writing progress.
I will fill you in with more on my future plans next week.
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