Comments on: Light Blogging This Week, But …

By: Reggie Jet

Reggie Jet — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 16:27:32 +0000

This is a very worrisome time for journalism. NewsOK is a leader among American newspapers in making the transition to the digital world. (Didn’t The Oklahoman just win an award for their digital efforts?) The problem is, how does The Oklahoman make money from this new environment to stay in business. It’s a problem for all newspapers today.

If you have the time, stamina, desire and family support to go for the history degree, now may be the time to do it.

Love your reporting and your blog, Steve. I was able to tell Ed Kelley that at the Skirvin book launch. And I can’t imagine a better person to get a new Oklahoma City history museum started!

By: Nick Roberts

Nick Roberts — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 04:59:03 +0000

Yeah I just don’t think the history industry has the stated requirement like a masters degree for starting positions, but if it did, having written several books would be a good start..

By: david ball

david ball — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 22:10:52 +0000

a master’s degree in history is not likely to increase your marketability. the books you have already written likely do you far more good in that regard than the degree itself.

the most important thing of all is, DO what you LOVE doing, and you will be a success at it! frankly, i think that’s why you are a success right now. if you want to go to school for the accomplishment of obtaining the master’s, then by all means do so. however, no amount of money can EVER make a miserable job worth enduring. i am blessed to have a job that i love, and that is the one thing that i would wish upon everyone. the ones who endure their miserable existences make life difficult for all of us, don’t they? you, on the other hand, have given much joy to those who enjoy your efforts, because you obviously love what you do.

you may not always have the exact position you hold today, but never stop doing what you love, whatever it is.

By: Nick Roberts

Nick Roberts — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 21:18:37 +0000

Unfortunately Oklahoma colleges don’t offer decent urban planning programs. OU used to, but not anymore..

By: Michael Heaton

Michael Heaton — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 15:36:44 +0000

Not too much to add, but I would go for it Steve. I got my masters while working at OU, and it really turned out be a good thing for my career. Depending on your work schedule, you might be able to knock it in 18 months; however, for added gravitas, I’d pick a thesis option over comps.

By: Matt

Matt — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 15:10:30 +0000

I think you should get a dual masters in history and in Urban Planning. You understand all of the concepts and you have a passion for urbanism, it seems natural.

By: slackmeyer

slackmeyer — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 14:47:12 +0000

I’m anxious about journalism as a business Nick – and I’m not too shy about that. And I’m doing everything I can to make a difference, and that included talking with you and others to learn what we could do to stay relevant to future generations. But I’m also finding myself more and more hooked on history. To quote Harry Truman, “the only thing new in this world is the history you don’t know.”

By: Jeanne

Jeanne — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 14:07:45 +0000

I earned my MBA in 2007 at the ripe old age of 51. It helped me secure better emmployment. More than that, it taught me some skills I needed to succeed. It was a lot of work, but I really enjoyed the effort. Even if you don’t change careers, continued education is rewarding and, if it is in your passion, can be fun. I would miss your coverage of downtown OKC. I don’t always agree with your opinions, but I appreciate the inside information. If you are looking for opinions, I say go for it.

By: Nick Roberts

Nick Roberts — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 07:44:09 +0000

Steve, as long as I’ve known you, you’ve always been very anxious about your job security as a journalist. I remember when I was a wee little freshman in college and meeting you for coffee at the Buzz downtown..the first thing you asked my opinion on was job security, what you could do to keep up with the times, etc. Now I don’t mean to get on your blog and brag about the time I met you for coffee..because I don’t do that, I mean I had coffee with Thomas Jefferson the other day and didn’t tell anyone about it (oops)..but I just think you’ve always been nervous/anxious about your job security.

If it’s something you think you’re going to continue to be anxious about, it might be an excellent idea to think about more solid options.

Now, IF you getting a masters in order to provide for your family interferes AT ALL with us getting the latest scoop on the downtown community, then I’d have to say absolutely not! No way! haha just kidding.

By: Blair

Blair — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:42:56 +0000

^
Only if newspapers outlive traditional cars.