Read the results: http://blog.webjournalist.org/2010/08/23/why-am-i-a-journalist/

Attention all working and non-working journalists: I need your help!

We’ve been furloughed, laid off, and have been poorly paid for decades. We’ve worked long hours, have lost relationships over breaking news and been promised that we “not only will survive, but thrive.”

We’re are some of the smartest, creative, passionate, witty people that serve the community. And based on emails and comments, they aren’t all fans.

So, why? Why the heck are we journalists?!?!? What drives you to chose this career… this lifestyle?

I want to put a crowdsourced, multimedia presentation together answering this question… and I need your help.

Please take a moment and email me, tweet me, call me (213-290-5067 and leave a voicemail) or send me a link to your video answer. Keep it short and to the point. Feel free to submit multiple responses.

Here are some of my reasons why I’m a journalist:

· I LOVE knowing more than other people. “Yeah, that’s a great story on A1, but here’s the stuff we couldn’t put in…”

· While I’m shy, there is no bigger honor than hearing someone’s unique story… and then having the challenge and privilege in telling/sharing their story with others.

· My attention span and curiosity would drive me nuts in another profession, in journalism it’s an asset.

· Because I want to be part of the Fourth f**king Estate, the profession protected by our constitution.

The audience is for new journalism students and those needing a reminder of why we put up with this abusive relationship.

Well, it’s official… I just stepped out of my time machine and have entered the blogoshpere.

This has been a long, long time coming. Those of you who know me know, like every blogger, I have ideas, theories and opinions on just about everything… but this blog is going to mainly focus on the Internet, Technology and Journalism.

What took so long? I just never had the time. I’ve shared my thoughts with those around me, especially with my toughest editor — Connie, my wife. But now I hope to commit more time to share it with others. (We’ll see if that’s a good or a bad thing.)

As you know, this is a social medium, so I need your active participation to tell me what is good, bad or ugly. Send me tips, send me feedback, send me whatever… through Twitter, e-mail or call.

To geek out for a moment, this WordPress blog is hosted WestHost, on a secondary domain name (which made it a a little tougher to install). The theme is Music Illustrated, but I’ve hacked and tweaked it… I expect it to evolve quite dramatically.

Well, let’s get to work!

Robert