Saturday 31 December 2011

DoCJ Mumbai initiates 'Marathi Novel Writing Month' Movement


The global  ‘National Novel Writing Month’ movement that lured millions of lay persons  to attempt to write fiction has now been launched in Marathi also.

The movement in Marathi has been initiated by the department of Communication and Journalism, University of Mumbai.  

The idea is that you have to begin writing a novel on January 01, 2012 and complete it by March 31, 2012. 

Click here www.jamlekhan.org for details.


जाम लेखन उत्सव म्हणजे?
Nanowrimo म्हणजे National Novel Writing Month. तीस दिवसात पन्नास शब्दांची कादंबरी लिहिण्याचा हा एक भन्नाट वार्षिक प्रकल्प आहे. आयुष्यात निदान एकदातरी कादंबरी लिहायची आहेअसं वाटणार्या जगातील असंख्य लोकांसाठी हा प्रकल्प ख्रिस बेटी या मुक्त लेखकाने जुलै 1999 साली सॅन फ्रांसिस्को बे या अमेरिकेतील शहरात सुरू केला. पहिल्या वर्षी 21 लोकांनी यात भाग घेतला होता. 2000 साली वाईट हवामानाचा फायदा मिळावा’(जोरात हिमवर्षाव झाल्यावर घरी अडकल्यावर काय करावं?) म्हणून हा प्रकल्प नोव्हेंबर महिन्यामध्ये करावा असे ठरले. त्यावर्षी 140 लोकांनी या प्रकल्पात भाग घेतला. इंटरनेट, सोशल नेटवर्किंग साइट्स, वर्तमानपत्रे, दूरचित्रवाणी या सगळ्यांनी या प्रकल्पाला इतके उचलून धरले की हा राष्ट्रीय प्रकल्प बघता बघता आंतरराष्ट्रीय झाला. यामध्ये सहभागी होणार्यां ची संख्या  इतकी वाढली की यासाठी निर्माण केलेले संकेतस्थळ गडबडले. 2010 साली दोन लाख लोकांनी यात भाग घेतला आणि 2,87,26,82,109 शब्द लिहिले. यावर्षी हा आकडा 3,07,31,76,540वर जाऊन पोचलाय. आहे की नाही भारी?

जामलेखन
2012
जागतिक मराठी लेखन उत्सव अर्थात जामलेखन उत्सव हा मराठीतून लेखनाभिव्यक्ति करू इच्छिणार्‍या जगातल्या प्रत्येकाचा उत्सव आहे. ताई, माई, अक्का, दादा, अण्णा, आप्पा, विन्या, पम्या, विनी, सोनाली अशा घरातल्या मोठ्यातल्या मोठ्या आणि लहानातल्या लहान लिहिणार्‍या व्यक्तीसाठी हा उत्सव आहे. आपल्या मनातली गोष्ट सांगून पाहावी एकदा असं वाटणार्‍या प्रत्येक व्यक्तीसाठी हा उत्सव आहे.
आठवतात का त्या कथा, कादंबर्‍या, ती नाटकं, चित्रपट, इतिहासातल्या त्या घटना आणि पात्रं ज्यांनी आपल्याला भारावून सोडलं? आठवतात त्या लेखकांशी झालेल्या भेटी आणि त्या सगळ्यातून ती जबर्दस्त उफाळून आलेली लिहायची इच्छा? आठवताहेत त्या टीव्हीवरच्या, रेडिओवरच्या लेखकांच्या, प्रकाशकांच्या मुलाखती? त्यातून झालेली ती इच्छा की आपणही काहीतरी लिहिलं पाहिजे? आठवताहेत त्या स्पर्धा शाळेतल्या, कॉलेजातल्या? आठवतात का ते दिवस जेव्हा आपण कामात आणि कुटुंबात व्यस्त होतो आणि राहून गेलं लिहायचं? ती संमेलनं, चर्चासत्रं, गप्पाटप्पा नदीकाठी जेव्हा मित्रांनी पाठीवर थाप देत सांगितलं होतं 'लिही गड्या एकदा हे सगळं'? आठवते ती मैत्रिणींमध्ये आपण म्हणून दाखवलेली छोटीशी कविता? गणपती उत्सवात केलेलं नाटक, कॉलेजातल्या गॅदरिंगसाठी लिहिलेली एकांकिका? आपल्या आयुष्याला वळण देणारी ती माणसं, आपल्याला आह्वान देणारी माणसं, आपल्याला हरवणारी, आपल्यासमोर हरणारी ती सगळी माणसं, ती परिस्थिती, आपल्याला पडलेले प्रश्न, काही अजूनही अनुत्तरित तर काहींची आपल्याला सापडलेली उत्तरं या सगळ्याची करा नोंद, मांडा आपल्या आयुष्यावरचे आपले उपनिषद जगापुढे यावर्षीच्या जामलेखन उत्सवात.
कागदावर पेन गिरवा किंवा की-बोर्डवर बोटं आपटा....तुमच्यात असणा-या सृजनतेला मोकळं करा. डोक्यातल्या विचारांना शब्दांच्या माध्यमातून बाहेर काढा. खच्चून लिहा, अक्षरांच्या राशी रचा, विचारांनी पानंच्या पानं भरा, भावनांना शाईची वाट करून द्या, अलंकारांशी खेळा, स्वरव्यंजनांच्या माळा गुंफा, जामलेखन करा.
पन्नास हजार शब्दांची कादंबरी, चित्रपट पटकथा, नाटक, आत्मकथन, जीवनचरित्र नव्वद दिवसात लिहा. 1 जानेवारी ते 30 मार्च, 2012 (31 मार्च तारीख ठेवली तर एक्याणण्णव दिवस होतात ना???? म्हणून), या नव्वद दिवसांत पन्नास हजार शब्दांचे वर उल्लेखिलेले काहीही लिहा आणि व्हा यावर्षीचे जामलेखक.
थोडासा भागाकार वगैरे केलात तर दररोज लिहायचे आहेत केवळ 555 शब्द. बस्स्स! अगदी सोप्पं आणि सहज शक्य आहे. मग वाट कसली पाहताय? येऊ द्या बाहेर मनातील ती पात्रे, त्या घटना, ते संघर्ष, ते वादविवाद, ती स्वप्नं, ती मजा, ती मौज, ती सुखदु:खं, ते सगळे आठ रस (की नऊ, की बारा...की.....) आणि चार भाव. अवतरू दे शब्दांत तुमच्या मनातले जग. करा धमाल, खेळा शब्दांशी, अलंकारांशी, स्वरांशी, व्यंजनांशी. करू देत त्यांना धमाल तुमच्या मेंदूत आणि बाहेर पडू देत एक मस्त कलाकृती. एकदा पहा बनून विश्वकर्मा.
अलिबाबाची ही गुहा नवीन वर्षाच्या स्वागतासाठी 1 जानेवारी रोजी 00.00 वाजता उघडेल आणि 30 मार्चला 23.59 नंतर त्वरित बंद होईल. मग 1 तारखेला तयार व्हा 'खुल जा सिमसिम' म्हणायला आणि उतरा या अभूतपूर्व लेखनोत्सवात.
For those who could not understand the approach explained above, here is what the original NaNoWriMo explains the concept at http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/ywp

“The is a fun, seat-of-your-pants approach to novel writing. Participants begin writing on November 1. The goal is to write a 50,000 word, (approximately 175 page) novel by 11:59:59, November 30.
Valuing enthusiasm and perseverance over painstaking craft, NaNoWriMo is a novel-writing program for everyone who has thought fleetingly about writing a novel but has been scared away by the time and effort involved.
Because of the limited writing window, the ONLY thing that matters in NaNoWriMo is output. It’s all about quantity, not quality. This approach forces you to lower your expectations, take risks, and write on the fly.
Make no mistake: You will be writing a lot of crap. And that’s a good thing. By forcing yourself to write so intensely, you are giving yourself permission to make mistakes. To forgo the endless tweaking and editing and just create. To build without tearing down.
As you spend November writing, you can draw comfort from the fact that, all around the world, other National Novel Writing Month participants are going through the same joys and sorrows of producing the Great Frantic Novel. Wrimos meet throughout the month to offer encouragement, commiseration, and—when the thing is done—the kind of raucous celebrations that tend to frighten animals and small children.
In 2010, we had over 200,000 participants. More than 30,000 of them crossed the 50K finish line by the midnight deadline, entering into the annals of NaNoWriMo superstardom forever. They started the month as auto mechanics, out-of-work actors, and middle school English teachers. They walked away novelists.”
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Thursday 22 December 2011

Two posts in UoHyd for electronic Media and Print/New Media journalism

The following has been sent to me by Prof Vinod Pavarala:

Please pass the word around

Two of our unfilled posts have been advertised again. The posts are as follows:

1. Associate Professor (SC) -- Electronic Media Production
2. Assistant Professor (OBC) -- Print Journalism and New Media

Both posts are under the 2010 UGC regulations, which means that Post 1 also requires a PhD.  We would be grateful if you could suggest suitable candidates, if any, to apply. The deadline is: January 25, 2012.

The details are available in the university recruitment announcement at the following link:
http://www.uohyd.ernet.in/uploads/morelinks/Recruitment/UHFACAD.pdf

Thank you for much.

regards,
Vinod

Tuesday 13 December 2011

columnist/ good tech review writer required


I have received the following from a consultancy that is looking for a columnist/ good tech review writer 

Proposal Editor' - TL
 A Bachelor's degree in English, Journalism, Communications, or a related discipline. Master’s degree in English would be preferred.
 Minimum of 6 + years of experience as a proposal editor or writer for Software Company, applying the rules of US /global English; understanding of IT software lifecycle will be highly preferred
 Excellent command of the US/global version of the English language and its application, both written and verbal.
 Highly developed interpersonal skills and ability to effectively communicate with technical writers, peers, and Subject Matter Expert (SMEs).
 Previous experience in developing and documenting department-level style and applying it to documentation; a highly developed knowledge of style guide principles.
 A high level of competence with industry-standard technical writing tools, including, Microsoft Word, and Adobe Acrobat. Familiarity with other standard office environment software tools, including Microsoft Office.
 Excellent cross-discipline communication skills.
 Strong problem solving and decision-making abilities
 Significant experience with file-management and version-control systems


Tuesday 6 December 2011

International Seminar on Media in Kolkatta on January 09, 2012

I have received the following announcement from Prof Tapati Basu, Head of the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, University of Calcutta, about an


International Seminar on Media

 on 9th January, 2012.

 


“Issue of Journalistic Ethics and Freedom in
the Contemporary Age of Digital Media”


Sub – Theme:-
             I. Technical Strides and Development
             II. Significance and Role of Media

  1. Political Influence
  2. Commercial Influence
  3. Priority
  4. Credibility and
  5. Timeliness

             III. Impact on Security, Economy, Society and Entertainment

Last Date for submission of Abstract and Full Paper for the publication with ISBN No. that will be   
released on the 9th January 2012 in the Inaugural Day is on 31stDecember, 2011.
The soft copy of the abstract and full-paper to be sent to–

The Hard Copy of the Abstract and Full Paper along with the Demand Draft should reach within  31st December, 2011.


For registration: - Demand Draft of Rs. 500/- to be drawn in favour of “Journalism Congress” payable at Kolkata to reach:


Professor. Dr. Tapati Basu.
Head of the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication,
University of Calcutta,
Senate House,
87/1, College Street,
Kolkata – 700 073.

Email:  tapatiindia@yahoo.co.in
            tapatibasu@tapatibasu.com
            tapatiindia@gmail.com



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Monday 28 November 2011

Call for papers for UGC-sponsored seminar in Kolkatta on Journalism in the age of New Media


I received the following from Prof Uma Shankar Pandey. Please spread the word around:
--------------------------------------------------------- 

UGC-Sponsored National Seminar on
Journalism in the Age of New Media
Organized by: Department of Journalism
& Mass Communication,
Surendranath College for Women
24, M G Road, Kolkata 700009 (India)
In Association with Calcutta University
January 10-11, 2012
Call for Papers
Abstracts Due: December 12, 2011
Full Papers Due: December 27, 2011

Seminar Dates : January 10-11, 2012
Registration Fee: Rs 500.
Venue: Gitanjali Auditorium, Kolkata
Mail: uspcalseminar@gmail.com

Introduction:
This national seminar will explore intersections between new media, journalism and technology in order to enhance our understanding of the influence of information and communication technology, specially internet technology on traditional journalism. Are new media fundamentally changing the practice of democracy? Recent years have seen a significant transition in the role computer mediated communications play in the political sphere. A technological revolution driven by economic and market forces is undermining settled practices, established institutions, and traditional communications norms.
The digital revolution in information and communication technologies has created the platform for a free flow of information, ideas and knowledge across the globe. The new media (internet) has been able to incorporate all other means of communication the newspaper, magazine, radio, television, cinema, photographic image, and video. The consequence is the Internet divergence from mass communication. Not only has it led to normative rethinking on the traditional role of the press, it has also led to the  adaptation of publication roles. Apart from the more apparent evolution of the content in mainstream mass media, it has also led to a rethinking of the role of the media professionals.  Added to this is the greater ’interiority’ and also ‘interactivity’ of the audience , which is no longer regarded as a passive entity.
The hyper-local media is now accessible on the international platform. New media outlets have now made it possible for highly differentiated local discourse to be available to a wider transnational media. Interest groups now easily access alternative voices that were hitherto available only to a smaller community audience, across national boundaries. Apart from a plethora of content available for dissemination, new technology also makes it possible for patterns of similar events and issues to be associated across various societies. Solutions to local problems are no longer restricted to the community themselves but are picked up by interest groups, the world over and projected as exemplars.
Classical theories of mass communications are being reworked for the new media, because of its structural differences. The new media has also removed passivity among the media audience by enabling simultaneous reception, alteration and redistribution of cultural objects. It dislocates communicative action from the posts of the nations, provides instantaneous global contact and inserts the late modern subject into a machine apparatus that is networked.Marshal McLuhan had first associated technology with content in his celebrated treatise. He outlined four different media cultures. The first was the ancient culture of oral communication, exemplified by many of the old Sanskrit texts followed by a literature culture using the phonetic alphabet and a handwritten script which coexisted with the oral culture. The third progression, according to McLuhan described as ‘The Gutenberg Galaxy’ was that of mass-produced mechanical printing. Finally we are in the midst of what is known as the culture of the ‘electric media’ — radio, television and computers.
But as we have seen earlier, computer mediated communication provides a separate media culture altogether. The important characteristics of the new media are that media texts are dematerialized in the sense that they are separated from their physical — newsprint — form. The data can be compressed into very small spaces and it can be accessed at very high speeds in non-linear ways.
The seminar, in addition to the usual program of contributed presentations, posters and invited presentations, the main conference will include a selection of keynote talks from prominent media educators and professionals.

Suggested topics for papers include, but are not restricted to, the following:

  • Alternative journalism
  • Analyzing the relationship between new media and mainstream media
  • Best practices in online journalism
  • Business models for news
  • Challenges to journalism education
  • Changes in journalists’ professional identity
  • Changes in the relationship between journalists and the public
  • Changes in workflows and news production routines
  • Changing relationship between editors and reporters
  • Citizen journalism
  • Conflict of Interests in Journalism
  • Democratization of Communication
  • Digitization and journalism practice
  • Doing more with less resources
  • Education, ICT and Media
  • Ethical and legal issues related to globally accessible journalism
  • Ethical Issues in Journalism
  •  Globalizing tendencies of Indian journalism
  • Human computer interaction; social media tools
  • Innovative news formats
  • Inter-Media Rivalry
  • Internet and Participatory culture
  • Marketization of news
  • Media Ecology
  • Media and Education
  • Media Literacy
  • New social media applications; interfaces; interaction techniques
  • Participatory journalism
  • Political Economy of ICTs
  • Politics of access and transparency in E-Governance
  • Psychological, personality-based and ethnographic studies of new media
  • Qualitative and quantitative studies of new media
  • Social media (Facebook, Twitter, blogs, etc.) and news
  • Soft news, infotainment and political life
  • The commoditization of news
  • The effects of the changing nature of journalism on democracy
  • The impact of new technologies on reporting
  • The Implications of Cross Media Ownership
  •  Transnational journalism in India

ONLINE SUBMISSION OF ABSTRACTS

Please submit your abstracts and papers via the conference management system, EasyChair.
Kindly create a username and a password to access the system. Save your password since you will need it to access the system. Click the link
below to submit abstract online.

 https://www.easychair.org/conferences/?conf=janm12

All accepted papers and abstracts will be published in the conference proceedings.
Send me an email at uspcalseminar@gmail.com or call me at +919433180755 for any clarifications. Spot registration is welcome. Local accommodation can be arranged for Rs 300-400 per person on a twin sharing basis at hotels close to the seminar venue. Prior booking is advised

Kolkata, the third largest city in India is regarded as its cultural capital. It is the only city in India to have produced Nobel laureates. Rabindranath Tagore, Mother Teresa and Amartya Sen are all identified with Kolkata.  It was the capital of British India till 1911. It is regarded as one of India’s busiest tourist destinations.
Mid-January is the best time to be in Kolkata with minimum temperatures around 12degrees and the maximum around 25 degrees Celsius.
 The seminar venue at 24, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Kolkata-9 is very close to the Sealdah Railway station. It is a 10 minute walk from the University of Calcutta, College Street campus and 4 km from Howrah station. The city airport is just 15 km away. Being located in central Kolkata, access to different parts of the city is extremely convenient.



Uma Shankar Pandey
Seminar Convenor
+919433180755

Friday 18 November 2011

Call for papers for the July-Dec 2012 issue of Media Watch

I have received the following announcement Prof Dev Vrat Singh

The Media Watch, research journal on Journalism and Mass Communication, invites research papers on:

Media and Human Rights
For its forthcoming issue July-December 2012.
With the cooperation from media researchers, teachers and eminent media scholars, the Centre for Communication Studies has been regularly bringing out mass communication research and studies journal, ‘Media Watch’ for some years now. In its earlier issues, the journal has published papers and articles on some of the important issues in journalism, new media, broadcasting, and information and communication technologies.

The journal has been publishing articles and research papers on specialised themes in journalism and mass communication from its inception.

The current issue of the journal, July-December 2011, has published specialised research papers on ‘On-line Advertising/Internet Advertising.’The next issue of the journal, January-June 2012 will focous on ‘Changing Face of Indian Media.’
Themes for July-December 2012 Issue. Human Rights have become an important part of media debate recently. It is therefore, bounden duty of a research journal to highlight the issues in this area.

Logically, therefore, the next issue of Media Watch journal, July-December 2012 will
concentrate on diverse areas of research on media and human rights.
Papers are invited for publication in the journal by March 30, 2012. Suggested topics are as
under:

1. Freedom of expression Right to information
2. Corruption and criminalisation of politics Political violence by non-state actor
3. Disability HIV/AIDS
4. Labour and child rights Environmental disaster
5. Domestic violence

Please Note
Authors are requested to adhere to Media Watch’s style sheet posted on Media Watch Website (www.mediawatch.org.in). Contributions may preferably be sent preferably by e-mail.
Acknowledgement will be sent immediately.

For any inquiry, please write to Editor, Media Watch at mediajournal@ymail.com
Dr. R.C. PATTNAIK
Editor, Media Watch (Mobile : +91-94395 37641)
Media Watch: Home
www.mediawatch.org.in