Conversation

I get now why “service journalism” is called that. As a writer, it’s basically unfulfilling so you genuinely have to bring a sense of service to the task to care enough to write half-decent things. You’re not learning/surprising yourself enough to make it personally fulfilling.
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The last few issues have definitely been in this category. It’s not journalism, but it is service writing. Felt I had to have a decent 101-gigwork-basics series. Regular programming on the newsletter is me figuring stuff out for myself or just having fun. Ideally both.
Replying to
Reminds me of the idea of “service courses” from grad school teaching days. Teaching intro fluid mechanics or linear algebra was mildly useful as a refresher, but basically not fun. It was service work. Designing and teaching my one 600 level course otoh was a huge amount of fun.
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