Good news or bad news?

Reading the newspaper on-line has become an everyday ritual. It's one of the first things I do when I turn on my computer whether it's in the morning or afternoon. Keeping abreast of all the latest in news headlines keeps me aware of what is going on in the world. I always thought this was a good thing. Lately, I'm beginning to wonder.

Wherever I look there's bad news posted on the page. Murder, violence, drugs, accidents, fraud, crime, war. I'm sick of it. I'm sick of seeing all the negativity in the world. Yes, I know that the reality is that there are good and bad people. Unfortunately, it's just those that commit crimes or do something stupid who get attention. The individuals who actually make a positive difference to society are rarely heard of. Why? Yes, we are obsessed with bad news. It's what sells. Just like sex sells, bad news sells. Which newspaper would you be more likely to buy, 'Five Beat Up in Nightclub Raid' or 'Mother of Five Saves Stray Dogs'?

Shouldn't journalists be paying as much, if not more attention to stories that show the positive sides of people. Wouldn't that have a positive impact on society's behaviour? Set an example to act like decent human beings? Maybe it's all the bad news that's broadcast around the world which is leading to even more crime and violence. I'm worried that in five or ten years time it's going to be dangerous to go outside like portrayed in one of those lame futuristic films.

What do you think?

October Reading List

'No Second Chance' by Harlan Coben – I was hoping it would take a week to read but after purchasing the book, two days later it was finished. It was one that brought me to tears at the end. This guy can write. I love it when a book has that affect on me. I read it so fast that I'm sure I'll benefit from reading it once more. Might learn something too.

'Flat Earth News' by Nick Davies – This one's a non fiction book I picked up about a month ago. There's a lot of interesting stuff about newspapers. A lot of the news we read is false, rewritten and the sources aren't completely checked nor verified. Things that should be reported on are ignored, and most newspapers are run by conglomore multinationals with their own agendas – that means not informing the public of the latest news but making big bucks. Of course no surprise there.

'How to Make a Real Living as a Freelance Writer' by Jenny Glatzer – I picked this one up from Amazon after reading Jenny Glatzers websites as well as all the reviews about this book. I'm half way through it and I have to say, I am impressed. It answers a lot of the questions I've had about freelancing and getting an editors attention. Now I have to start using some of her advice when it comes to my own querying. I'll definitely be reading and rereading this book more than once or twice.