Philadelphia Weekly

1. David Williams said... on Sep 3, 2008 at 06:17AM

“Excellent, Excellent, Excellent! Sounds like you miss us?”

2. Colleen said... on Sep 3, 2008 at 06:30AM

“wow what an amazing article...excellent”

3. Karen A. Hoffman said... on Sep 3, 2008 at 07:17AM

“I truly do feel inspired.. and I can honestly say that if I had never taken a class with GW, I probably would've run for the hills far far away from journalism.. Thanks for always being a motivating source for all of us.. It's weird not having a class taught by you this year!!!!!”

4. Tara Moore said... on Sep 3, 2008 at 08:17AM

“I truly do feel inspired.. and I can honestly say that if I had never taken a class with GW, I probably would've run for the hills far far away from journalism.. Thanks for always being a motivating source for all of us.. It's weird not having a class taught by you this year!!!!! ”

5. lafleur said... on Sep 3, 2008 at 09:55AM

“Thank you for this great article. As somone who is considering a career in Journalism at a time when all the signs say "don't" this was highly informative.”

6. Flanewsgirl said... on Sep 3, 2008 at 10:33AM

“Is it really going to be up to today's journalism students, or is the business end going to make the call on what journalism looks like in the future? ”

7. Karen A. Hoffman said... on Sep 3, 2008 at 11:47AM

“Chris was taught well, but his intelligence, maturity, and drive have benefited him more. We at Garnet Valley are still impressed by all his accomplishments. He is a true leader and has success written all over him. Good luck, Chris! P.S. Erie, PA isn't all that bad! ”

8. b said... on Sep 3, 2008 at 12:09PM

“Great article, this has truly inspired me”

9. Peak johnson said... on Sep 3, 2008 at 01:09PM

“Great article, this has truly inspired me”

10. b said... on Sep 3, 2008 at 01:49PM

“I got chills while reading this...makes me proud to have been in your class. ”

11. papreps said... on Sep 3, 2008 at 02:40PM

“the internet and cable is where the future is at ... i would encourage kids to apply to anything that has a large .com element ... cnn.com, espn.com, msnbc.com.....”

12. Ben Watanabe said... on Sep 3, 2008 at 03:27PM

“Right on, that's why I teach journalism too :)”

13. Carrie Brown said... on Sep 3, 2008 at 04:27PM

“Right on, that's why I teach journalism too :)”

14. Raymond Majorino said... on Sep 3, 2008 at 05:00PM

“Your article is inspiring to those passionate about jounalism. Although I did tell my daughter to find someone who can support her, that was before I realized what an acheiver she was. There will always be news and there will always be a need for people report it. I know my little girl will be one of those that does it as well as anyone. ”

15. Ben Watanabe said... on Sep 3, 2008 at 07:29PM

“George, I was one of the journalists who spoke to the Temple News staffers last month, and while I agree that it is a very personally rewarding field, don't forget that you "teach." Keep in mind that it's very different to call an extremely uncertain time "inspiring" when you're out of the fire. In academia, where your paycheck isn't on the line, this time may be exciting; in the real world, it's a little scary.”

16. Kellie Hughes said... on Sep 4, 2008 at 10:09AM

“As one of George's undergraduate professors and as one who has appointed him to various academic positions (pre-Temple), his article is a the perfect example of "why I teach journalism." He is one of the five-percenters -- the number of journalism majors that we can expect to be hard core in their pursuit of a journalistic career. Multiply that across all the programs in the country, and maybe we are collectively turning our about 1,000 career journalists every year. That doesn't happen unless there are professors and teaching professionals who are totally excited by the awesome responsibilty and challenge that journalism presents today.”

17. Andrew Ciofalo said... on Sep 4, 2008 at 11:09AM

“As one of George's undergraduate professors and as one who has appointed him to various academic positions (pre-Temple), his article is a the perfect example of "why I teach journalism." He is one of the five-percenters -- the number of journalism majors that we can expect to be hard core in their pursuit of a journalistic career. Multiply that across all the programs in the country, and maybe we are collectively turning our about 1,000 career journalists every year. That doesn't happen unless there are professors and teaching professionals who are totally excited by the awesome responsibilty and challenge that journalism presents today.”

18. Ronald Crawford said... on Sep 4, 2008 at 06:40PM

“Dear Mr Miller, I am Ronald Crawford, a therapist who works in North Philadelphia with “at-risk” adolescents and men who were recently released from incarceration. With all due respect, in the very near future, someone will be perceived as being very smart for “discovering me.” This, in my humble opinion, is the result of a project that I’ve developed that, with the right exposure, could not only be a New York Times Best Seller but could also be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in a way similar to how Tookie Williams was nominated for his series of children’s books that addressed preventing gang participation. Ask yourself, will you be that “smart” person? First of all, if there is anything that I can do to offer you assistance, don’t hesitate to ask. In 2000, I earned a Masters of Human Service Degree from Lincoln University, so I am confident that this training will enable me to assist you in any initiative you are involved in that is geared toward helping others. My contact info is rjcrawford7263@yahoo.com, and I am willing to serve. I am writing you because I need “a favor.” If you could read my letter in its entirety, you would be helping me assist families in Philadelphia and in urban areas across the country. I am writing you because I recently read “Stop the Presses,” and I experienced a range of emotions. I thought the article was very interesting, and relevant to my pursuits, and I enjoyed reading it. However, I’ve recently been in the process of “reaching out” to Philadelphia Weekly without any success, so I was a bit angry when yet another story that I could relate to was written. Please don’t take my feelings of anger “the wrong way,” as I believe I am simply angry that you guys at Philadelphia Weekly are doing something that I want to be a part of but have not been able to thus far. The fact of the mater is I’m probably angry that no one responded to the multiple letters that I sent several people at the paper. I’m trying not to be sarcastic, but why do you guys print your email addresses if you don’t response to people when they email you? I know my letters are not the only ones mailed to you, but I personally think that my letters are worthy of a response, if nothing more than to acknowledge their receipt with a little “we got your letters and they suck…don’t send us anything anymore.” I had always known of Philadelphia Weekly, but I became an avid reader after reading an article written by Ms Liz Spikol. I have a great deal of respect for Ms Spikol, as her contributions as a writer, an activist, and an advocate demonstrates her unique ability to address issues such as race and mental health challenges in a manner that reflects dignity, respect, and cultural sensitivity. I first became aware of Ms Spikol in an article that she wrote titled, “A Horse Race of a Different Color.” I agreed with much of what she wrote about in the article, and I was very impressed with her ability to accurately articulate the “struggle” of African Americans in this country despite her not being African American. The most inspiring point she made in the article was when she described a personal experience that resulted in her changing careers (from a full-time writer to a social worker). This was amazing to me because it’s similar to what I’m doing now (only in reverse). Since 1992, I have worked in the helping profession, but I have spent much of the last two years indulged in my first writing project. My first project is a book that addresses the murder rate and the level of violence in Philadelphia (and the country) by increasing literacy and exploring the impact that rap music/hip hop culture has on youths of our society. This is relevant because statistics indicate that far too often, those that are either committing the violence or are the victims of it are within the age range that makes them members of the hip hop culture. My exploration of rap music and hip hop culture is non-traditional, as my approach is unlike the usual one where negative aspects of the music and the culture are addressed. This approach, however non-traditional, is rather effective, and if you ask me, pretty ingenious. This fact is evidenced by my daily interactions with those that I work with, as they have functioned as sort of a focus group. I am writing you because I’ve gotten into the habit of writing anyone who I think can help me. Unfortunately, I’ve been hardened by writing so many people without anyone responding. I’m embarrassed to say that I’ve written, authors, scholars, entertainers, sports personalities, politicians, and record execs (I even briefly met Mayor Nutter and gave him some info about my project), and no one has responded to my outreach efforts. Maybe I’m the only person who feels that the level of violence in Philadelphia is a problem. Let me preface my next point by explaining that I do understand how a person can write a celebrity and not receive a response. I “get” that famous people can be so busy (and receive so much mail), they cannot possibly read and respond to all of the mail sent to them. In many cases, they give the responsibility of managing this task to others. However, if there is at least one letter that a person doesn’t receive, the person responsible for receiving and reading the mail is not doing their job. What if a letter that wasn’t read was from a person who could cure cancer, AIDS or the “isms” we face in our society (racism, sexism, and classism)? Now, if someone’s popularity is such that their supporters are sending them so much mail that the person responsible for receiving and reading it is overwhelmed, then more people are needed to manage this task. After reading Ms Spikol’s article, I got the impression that the people at your newspaper may be willing to support my efforts. I need help securing the remaining funds for my project. I would graciously accept donations, so if you know of any grants, organizations, or individuals that would be willing to sponsor me or “support the cause,” I would appreciate it. I have invested $5,000 into my project so far, but I’m in need of another $5,000. The challenges I have encountered securing the remaining funds has frustrated me, especially since the budget of my program is significantly less than the budgets of traditional social service programs. It’s also frustrating to know that millions of dollars are invested in social services programs that don’t work (and I know because I work in them), so the nominal amount of money I need makes investing in my project “a bargain.” You can assist in several ways (by giving me exposure, asking Ms Spikol is she would review my book, or offering advice about fund raising), so please don’t be “put off” by me mentioning my need for funding. It’s just that since I have your attention (which I must have if you’ve read this much of the letter), “I had to ask.” Besides, “closed mouths don’t get fed.” Plus who knows, you may know a philanthropist (or some Bon Jovi type) who wants to “help someone help others.” An objective of my project that is as important as increasing literacy is introducing my readers to fundamental concepts of counseling, as many in my target audience may benefit from counseling services but are resistant to the practice due to misinformation, distrust of the “system,” and ineffective and culturally insensitive delivery of services. One skill that I encourage readers to develop and practice is the ability to identify and express feelings. I promote improving this skill because I understand that many of my readers lack the skill due to the stigma in our society that has to do with people, especially men, expressing feelings being a weakness. I believe that if more people were able to effectively express feelings, especially hurt and anger, there would be less violence in Philadelphia (and in our society). Another concept of counseling that I teach readers of my book is how to honestly assess the situations in their lives. At times, the ability to do this is very difficult for many people in our society (even for myself), as honestly evaluating situations sometimes results in a great deal of pain. Often times, people attempt to avoid the pain of their situations by either ignoring them or viewing them inaccurately so they “see things the way they want to see them.” This behavior is called denial, and it is at the root of this society’s most costly social ills. Very often, we don’t change problems in our society or even aspects about our personalities because we don’t honestly look at them due to the pain involved, and this impacts that way that we view and treat people. I will attempt to model emotionally healthy behavior by “practicing what I preach” and identifying and expressing the feelings I experience when writing people about my project and them not responding. When I honestly assess how I feel about writing so many people “who don’t have the time to respond,” I’d have to say that I am very disappointed. Actually, I’m not being totally honest about my feelings, and in order to effectively express them, I have to be honest when labeling them. One way that we minimize our feelings is the way that we label them. We are taught to label our feelings in cute and non-threatening ways. We are taught to say that we are disappointed because that sounds better than being angry – taught to say that we are angry because that sounds better than being mad. When I think of all the letters that I have written without a response, I feel rejected, and that makes me mad as shit! “There…I said it!” Please don’t be put off by me “venting,” as “venting” allows me to process my feelings of anger in a healthy way. For many years, I encountered challenges due to no one teaching me this anger management skill. In fact, I was taught that I shouldn’t even be angry or if I was angry, I shouldn’t “let it show.” I was taught that I’m supposed to ignore the feelings that I experience and “act as though I’m not angry at all.” This coping skill is quite dysfunctional, but it is one that was taught to many of us in this society, especially men. With so many unexpressed emotions, it’s no wonder that we “act out” in unhealthy ways such as suicide, homicide, substance and domestic abuse, overeating, stress, and physical and verbal outbursts. After I wrote my initial letter to Philadelphia Weekly, I waited for a response while I read the paper and hoped that something was written that indicated your receipt of my letter (as I’m writing this I realize how naïve that sounds). I didn’t get a response, but I was angered when I read the next few issues. Very shortly after writing you, I read a few articles in the paper that “made me cry.” The cover of one edition mentioned ?estlove, the drummer from the Roots saying that he has trouble crying due to his experience in the music industry. Also in the issue, I read an ad or some type of PSA that attempted to encourage people in the city to get involved in helping others. The problem with this was that my project wasn’t mentioned as an intervention, only various ineffective agencies in the City of Philadelphia whose best efforts over the years have resulted in the conditions that we now have. When we talk at length (or when you read my book), you will learn my views about theses agencies that are either designed to fail or do nothing other than make the helpers “feel good about giving back” by visiting “tha hood” and growing a garden or putting some mirrors or other kinds of art in neighborhoods where people need money, education, opportunities, and safety (not freshly grown vegetables and murals). I was angered when reading the ?estlove article because men being unable to cry (and express other emotions) is a issue that I address in my book and in the groups I facilitate with those I work with. I told him (and Jill Scott) this in letters that I wrote to them before a Jill Scott concert a few months ago (needless to say, I got no response). A few issues ago, Ms Spikol did a piece on Supported Independent Living homes, and I related to that story due to the five years I spent as a Case Manager in a Supported Independent Living Program for people with mental health challenges and were formerly homeless. Although I was angered about reading these articles, I “connected” to them because they detailed experiences that I “related to.” I was livid when reading a recent article in Philadelphia Weekly that embraced hip hop culture, which is only the key component of my project. The cover story detailed the story of three young men from South Philly who developed and self published a magazine about mix tapes. I was so excited when I read about these three “street smart” guys with no money, no connections, and no publishing experience who developed a magazine “that may work” that I almost overlooked some blaring similarities. Like these guys, hip hop was a central theme of my project, and like these guys, I have no money, no connections, and no publishing experience. I asked myself why where these guys getting “buzz” for their project when I still haven’t gotten a response to my letters despite my writing the newspaper two months ago and pitching my project to anyone who’ll listen for the past two years. I don’t have the answer to that question, but my mind and my past experiences want to tell me things that I refuse to believe. I just hope that I’m not being naïve or that this is not a form of denial. Let’s just hope that I haven’t gotten a response yet because no one has gotten a chance to read my letter or my project didn’t “move you” (and everyone else) for some reason or another. Hopefully by now you can understand why I experienced so much emotion when I read your article. I think it was because, you were writing about a topic that is close to me. I want to say that I would write you again if you didn’t write back, but I’m tired of writing you guys. My not writing you back is in no way a sign of me quitting, it’s just that I’m a social worker who works 65 hours a week, and I’m trying toself pulish my first book. Excuse me if I don’t have the time to write people over and over again hoping that they might write me back (I’d rather be helping people to change their lives). I could use some assistance in meeting Jay Z since his music is the focal point of my project. I am certain that when my project is explained to him, he’ll be impressed with its level of genius. In a perfect world, I could simply talk to Jay Z (directly) and “pitch” my project to him. The unlikelihood of this results in my becoming more creative in my approach to meeting him. A person that may speak to Jay Z on my behalf is ?estlove, as he and Jay have worked together in the past. I can meet, email, or call ?estlove and “pitch” my project to him before he “goes to Jay,” so he can determine for himself if my project is as ingenious as I claim. This is where you come in. I’m not sure about the relationship that you have with ?estlove, but he and the Roots were featured in your paper, so I hope that you would speak to him on my behalf. If it’s inappropriate for me to ask you to speak to people on my behalf (or be my mentor), I apologize, and I mean no disrespect. I can imagine my request(s) appearing to be either utterly ridiculous, wishful thinking, or simply inappropriate. However, having the courage to simply “ask people for exactly what I need” is the result of my “hunger” and having absolutely “nothing to lose.” Because of these reasons, my requests seem rather reasonable to me (if I am wishful enough to believe that you'll respond to this letter, then I’m “swinging for the fence” and trying to speak to the person who could assist me the most). Besides, I play the lottery, and the odds of me winning that aren’t exactly in my favor. So… I am embarrassed that this is such a long email, but I have so much to say (and it’s not like I’ll have the time to sit in a coffee shop somewhere and have a lengthy conversation with you. Recent events in Philadelphia have resulted in it "feeling like" the perfect time for a project like as mine. This has resulted in me becoming so impatient that I may appear a bit aggressive (or even inappropriate) when soliciting assistance. I offer my sincerest apologies, but my eagerness is the result of my belief that my project will help many Philadelphians but also be enjoyed by millions of people worldwide. Attached is brief description of my project. If you could read it and provide me with some feedback, I would appreciate it. I’d be honored if you requested that I sent you a more detailed description of my project. Thank You, Ronald Crawford ”

19. anon said... on Sep 4, 2008 at 07:23PM

“I need to agree with Mr. Watanabe. George is teaching a good number of classes it seems, so it is easy for him to look at the journalism world and say it is inspiring. The truth of the matter is, its a fairly idiotic financial decision to pick up and go halfway around the country for an entry level journalism job at a broadsheet community newspaper. It is wonderful that people are as passionate about what they want to do as Chris, but the reality is that newspapers aren't willing to pay for that kind of quality. I've read Chris's work and he's very good. If he has any dreams of job security, financial security, or retiring at some point and I would recommend he try his hand at a different kind of journalism. Somewhere he doesn't need to be either laid off, or a low wage scab. Why should any of us with half decent talent go to work for an industry that thinks they should be able to pay a college grad less than $30k a year and not guarantee job security?”

20. Myriam said... on Sep 5, 2008 at 11:15AM

“These are the reasons to this day I am proud to say i was a student of Mr. Miller. Lovely article!”

21. newshound said... on Sep 8, 2008 at 04:09AM

“God help us... this is the most boring thing I've ever read.”

22. Connie Schuster said... on Sep 9, 2008 at 12:29AM

“I expected this article to address the real issues relating to journalism and the media. I don't know why I haven't lowered my expectations yet, since "journalists" almost always disappoint me. The REAL issue facing journalism and journalists is the increasingly narrow range of information and opinion in mainstream media. The REAL issue is the corporate control of the media. Instead, the only issue addressed in this article is the future of careers and paychecks for another generation of mindless yuppies, all ready to be "embedded" journalists. ”

23. Whitney Segel said... on Sep 9, 2008 at 06:04AM

“I agree that journalism is not going away it is simply changing. There will always be a want and need for news. People have a natural desire to know what is going on around them, and they need journalists to do that for them. I am proud to say I am studying journalism regardless of the fact that most people I tell that to, tell me I am entering a dying field. ”

24. marie said... on Sep 9, 2008 at 03:40PM

“Get real - as a reporter for 30 years- a journalism degree - Sigma Delta Chi Award holder - THIS ARTICLE IS DISHONEST!!!! THERE ARE NO JOBS - THERE ARE NOT GOING TO BE ANY PRINT JOBS AND ADVISING ANYONE, ANYONE TO MAJOR IN PRINT JOURNALISM IS DISHONEST!!!! i FOUND a new career, new love - hey so will pay phone installers, etc - PRINT IS DEAD - the Inquirer and Daily News are cutting more jobs tomorrow!!!!! Wake Up!!!”

25. Brader said... on Sep 9, 2008 at 06:13PM

“Good stuff G, always delivering the funk (truth)”

26. Chucko said... on Sep 9, 2008 at 09:15PM

“I have been teaching journalism at Temple for more than 20 years. Have had all these expereinces with 32 years at Inquirer and now outside a glum Inquirer newsroom. AmI surprised at the state of things.No way. When Charter Oil bought the Bulletin, how did that work out. Current owners of Philadelphia Media don't seem to care abouit journalism. Personal opinion and experience tells me that TV, radio and talk shows could not exist if not parasites of local newspaper. My suggestion: Make TV stations get own news and leads and hire own reporters. If not, pay a fe for each news item they telecast or broadcast. Put all info in newspaper and gathered by real reporters off limits somehow to other media outlets. Violate this and sue them for plagiarism. I'm serious.”

27. Kevin Brosky said... on Sep 17, 2008 at 12:18PM

“I'm a member of the current staff of the Temple News and I agree that it is both an exciting and frightening time to be going into journalism. I've had a class with George and, like many people who have, I've really been inspired and have learned a great deal from him. I feel like, while it's clearly changing as a field, journalism is kept alive by people like George. It's just going to take some figuring out as to what forms of journalism can be profitable and viable. ”

28. Dfresh said... on Sep 28, 2008 at 09:44AM

“It's hard and a little disturbing to imagine spending 4 or 6 years in college earning a BA degree of a masters and not attaining a job. This is the reality we journalism majors have to deal with. However, where there's a will there's a way, and those of us who truly love what we do must push forward into the forrest of uncertainty. If we have prepared ourselves enough a job will come. At least I hope so.”

29. Kellie Hughes said... on Oct 5, 2008 at 04:56PM

“I really injoyed the article and information given!”

30. Jacqui German said... on Aug 31, 2009 at 09:04PM

“This makes me want to immediately change my schedule and get another class with George Miller. Also makes me proud to be a Garnet Valley kid, way to go Chris!”

31. Rosa Wai said... on Jan 2, 2011 at 02:23PM

“arrest hearing Jan 5. @ 9 a.m. - Magisterial District Court 15-1-02, Devon, PA 19333

Arrest Hearing on 1/5/2011 @ 9 a.m. Magisterial District Court 15-1-02, Devon, PA 19333


- my story may serve to warn young people from doing
impulsive acts that may put them in the criminal system and jeopardise
their future!
- if you find my story interesting, I'd appreciate any help you can
offer me that may help to drop those charges.

IS IT MORALLY RIGHT FOR AN EX-FIANCE TO ARREST HIS JILTED BRIDE FOR
BREAK INTO THE HOME THAT THEY ONCE SHARED?
**PHYSICS PROFESSOR OF URSINUS COLLEGE IN COLLEGEVILLE, PA, THROW
EX-FIANCE TO JAIL FOR BREAK-IN**
Dec.30, 2010

I was arrested on Dec. 30, 2010 at 1 p.m. in Berwyn , PA for break into
my ex-fiance's house. PRELIMINARY HEARING IS ON JAN. 5, 2011 @ 9 A.M.
However I am in a dire situation now, because I am going for my
Naturalization fingerprint on Jan 3 @ 9 a .m. in Hartford , CT. This
arrest will mean that I will be deported upon”

32. R. Wai said... on Feb 6, 2011 at 07:42AM

“Visit www.BlinkingYellow.com for details of abovementioned Devon court case - Magisterial District Court 15-1-02, Devon, PA 19333 - Chris Cellucci / Comm. of PA vs. Rosa Wai
”