| How to Work as a Freelance Journalist Posted: 23 Jul 2017 05:00 PM PDT If you're an independent person who enjoys journalism but doesn't want to be restricted to a single publication, freelancing may be the career for you. As a freelance journalist, you'll have the freedom to work at your own pace and write about topics that interest you. However, being a freelance journalist is also hard work and requires dedication and follow through. If you follow the right steps and take a structured approach, you can land your first assignment and thrive as a freelance journalist. EditGetting Your First Job - Sign up on freelance writing websites. If you don't have any experience or samples, employers won't be able to evaluate your skills. To get the initial experience that you may need, try signing up to freelancing websites such as Freelancer, Elance or oDesk. These websites have small one-time assignments offered by people who need writers. Create an account and start to bid on offers in their database.[1]
- Make sure the employers that you take jobs for are verified to ensure that you get paid for your work.
- Build a network. Talk to family and friends and see if they know of any publications that are looking for journalists or if they can get you a job. If you know of any other freelancers, try to talk to them or invite them to lunch to talk about what kind of opportunities exist. Continue to talk to people in the industry so that they can keep you abreast of any jobs or assignments that might be available.[2]
- If you are in school, talk to the editor of the school newspaper and see if there are any opportunities to write for them.
- Join an online community. Several online journalist communities can help you get work as a freelance journalist. Look for communities on LinkedIn and Facebook and become members of them. Start talking to other journalists to help build your network and gain more knowledge. These online communities can help you further your career and is a great knowledge base for new journalists.[3]
- Other online communities include JournoBiz Forum, Mumsnet, and The No1 Freelance Ladies' Buddy Agency.
- Research publications that you can write for. Read different publications and find ones that you'd like writing for. Get to know their writing style and what kind of topics they usually write about. This will give you clues on how to pitch to them. Try to find contact information for editors so that you can send them pitches for articles.[4]
- For instance, if you're a movie buff, look at publications that review or evaluate new films that come out.
- If you're really into gaming, research gaming websites or magazines that talk about computer or video games.
- Build a website. A website is a perfect way to show off past examples of your work. A website will give potential employers an idea of the type of content they can expect from you. You can either hire someone to build the site for you or build the website yourself. Remember to include your contact details so that people can connect to you.
- Your website should contain contact info, a biography, examples of past work, and possibly a link to your personal blog.
- Avoid cluttering your website with nonessential links or photos.[5]
- Start pitching article ideas to editors. A pitch is a small summary of an idea that you have for an article. Typically freelance journalists will pitch article ideas to editors who will accept or reject your pitch. If you don't have experience, you can pitch entire articles to editors so they have an understanding of how you write. Pitches contain a catchy headline and then a couple of sentences that explain what you want to write, and why people would want to read it. Start writing multiple pitches to different editors and see if you get any responses.[6]
EditPitching Article Ideas - Think of unique article topics. Make sure that you're not pitching an article idea that they have already covered unless you can bring new information or a fresh perspective to the story. The best bet is to pitch article ideas on pieces that are missing. Look for niche stories that relate to the content that they usually publish, but a topic that's been underreported.[7]
- For instance, if you're pitching for a local newspaper, you can get ideas from local gossip or controversies that may not have been covered yet.
- Reporting on smaller, marginalized communities may be something that other journalists have not done.
- If a report came out recently, you can try to be the first person to write a synopsis of how it impacts people.
- Pitch often. Many of your pitches are likely to get rejected, especially if you haven't developed a relationship with the editor. Play the odds and pitch often. Pitching your ideas to more than one editor can increase your chances of getting your article picked up. Take the assignment that comes first.[8]
- Doublecheck your pitch for grammar and spelling. One of the biggest turnoffs for editors is a poorly formulated pitch. A pitch that's riddled with spelling or grammatical errors shows the editor that you don't care and gives them a negative impression. Make sure to double check your pitch and edit it so that there are no errors.[9]
- Create a catchy article title. The top line of your story will be the first thing that editors will see and you want to make sure that it grabs their attention. Use actionable verbs and try to make the title of your article as catchy and compelling as possible.[10]
- For instance, instead of writing "How to Eat Healthier" write "Eat Your Way to Great Health."
EditImproving and Staying Productive - Learn other technical skills. Skills like photography, graphic design, and coding will lend themselves well to a career as a freelance journalist. These skills can translate to journalism and will increase your value to most editors. If you're having issues finding work, let the editors know that you have these other skills and can incorporate them into your work.[11]
- Create and stick to a schedule. If you work with multiple publications it can be hard to get all of your work in by the deadline. Write down a schedule of your day-to-day operations and stick to it. This will help you finish your articles by deadline and will keep you on track while you're working.[12]
- Wake up early and change your clothes every day. Even if you start working from home, it's important that you wake up and get dressed as if you are going to an office. This will help keep you focused throughout your day and get you in the mindset to work efficiently.[13]
- Set a time to avoid distractions. When working from home, it can be hard to stay focused. Instead of getting distracted, set a timer for 45-50 minutes and focus solely on working on a single project. Do not respond to emails, answer the phone, or pay attention to any distractions. Once the timer is up, relax and take a break for 20-30 minutes.[14]
- Manage your workload and learn to say no. Sometimes when you're lucky, assignments will come rolling in. It's important that during these times that you manage your workload. If an editor assigns you an article, it's best to be transparent about your workload. Consider if they are pay is high enough and whether you have the free time to complete it by the deadline. If you don't feel like you can complete it by the deadline or it doesn't pay enough, decline the assignment.[15]
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| How to Recycle Old Computer Hard Drives Posted: 23 Jul 2017 09:00 AM PDT Electronic waste (or e-waste) is a major problem. You can help mitigate this problem by recycling your computer hard drive. Before you discard your hard drive, it is important to make sure all of your data has been removed. Then, once you have removed your hard drive, you can choose between disassembling the hard drive and recycling all the aluminum, or simply sending the hard drive to the manufacturer for recycling. EditWiping Your Hard Drive - Use software to wipe your hard drive. Before you discard your hard drive, it is important for you to remove any personal information. One method of achieving this is to use a computer-wiping software. Just choose (and in some cases purchase) the software you'd like to use, install it, and follow the prompts.[1] Some software options include:
- Killdisk
- Derik's Boot and Nuke
- ErAce
- Destroy your hard drive. If there is no chance that you will be using this hard drive again, you can also break the hard drive manually. This will make it impossible for anyone to access your personal information. You have numerous options for destroying the hard drive. These include:
- Drilling holes into it
- Hammering it
- Magnetizing it
- Contact a Windows-certified refurbisher if you have a PC. If you have a Windows PC, there are some Windows-certified refurbishers that can wipe your hard drive for a small fee. Visit https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/refurbishedpcs to locate the refurbisher of your choice.[2]
- Some refurbishers will provide a free shipping label.
- Some will offer to recycle the hard drive for you, and others will send it back to you wiped clean.
- Send your hard drive to the Apple recycling center if you have a Mac. If you have a Mac computer, you can send your hard drive to the Apple recycling center. The Apple recycling center will wipe your Mac hard drive (and recycle it) for free. Contact Apple to receive a free shipping label for your hardware.[3]
EditSending Your Hard Drive to the Manufacturer - Research the policies for your brand. If you don't want to go through the trouble of disassembling the hard drive yourself, you may be able to send it directly to the manufacturer for recycling. You can choose to send in your whole computer or just your hard drive. First, look into the policies for your brand of computer.[4]
- Apple provides free shipping labels and free hard drive wiping.
- IBM will not wipe your hard drive for you or provide shipping labels, but they will accept your old hardware for recycling.
- Dell will provide a shipping label. In some locations they also allow you to drop off your old hardware at Goodwill.
- Request a shipping label. If you will be working with a company that offers free shipping, contact that company (by phone or online) and request a pre-paid shipping label. Print out your label.[5]
- Send in your hard drive. Once your hard drive has been removed, you can package it up and bring the package to the appropriate mail carrier.[6]
- Package the hard drive in bubble wrap (or other materials) so that it does not get damaged in transit.
- If you have received a shipping label, remember to affix this to your box. Also, be sure to visit the mail carrier that matched your shipping label.
- If you have not received a shipping label, you will need to pay for shipping at the mail carrier of your choice. Be sure to bring the address (available on the website of your brand).
EditRecycling the Aluminum - Remove the first set of screws. With the label facing up, remove the six visible screws with an 8x60 Torx screwdriver. There is usually at least one screw covered by the label. Use your fingers to find the depression, then use a utility knife to expose the screw.[7]
- Remove the second set of screws and cut the seal. Turn the drive over and remove the screws that fasten the drive controller card to the drive. Using a utility knife, cut the seal that runs along the side of the drive on all four sides.
- Open the cover and remove more screws. Carefully pry open the drive cover, and set it aside. Remove all visible screws and set these aside as well.[8]
- Remove the magnets and the read/write arm. Use a flat head screwdriver to remove the first rare earth magnet. Next, use the flat head screwdriver to unscrew the drive read/write arm and remove it. With the read/write arm out, you can remove the second magnet.[9]
- You can retain and reuse these magnets.
- Remove the data disk. Use a 7x60 Torx screwdriver to remove the round plate that retains the data disk. Pull out the retaining ring and data disk. Save or destroy this data disk.[10]
- Remove the motor and remaining magnets. Use an 8x60 Torx screwdriver to remove the drive motor. Now that the drive is completely disassembled, you can remove the two remaining magnets.[11]
- Recycle the aluminum. With the exception of the motor, the remaining parts are all aluminum. The average hard drive produces one-half pound of recyclable aluminum. Bring this material to an aluminum recycling center.[12]
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| How to Obtain a Security Clearance Posted: 23 Jul 2017 01:00 AM PDT A security clearance is required to access confidential information. If you're a government employee or work for certain government contractors, then you may need a clearance. Unfortunately, you can't get a security clearance on your own. Instead, you must be sponsored by a government agency or by an appropriate employer. After you apply, an investigator will perform a background check and review any security concerns that turn up. EditApplying for a Security Clearance - Identify the clearance level you need. There are three levels of security clearances: confidential, secret, and top secret.[1] Identify which one you need.
- Confidential. You can access material that could cause measurable damage if improperly disclosed. Most military personnel get this clearance.
- Secret. You can gain access to material that could cause serious damage to national security if it were disclosed improperly.
- Top secret. You can access to information or material that could cause exceptionally grave damage to the nation's security if improperly disclosed.
- Complete the questionnaire. You will need to complete the Personal Security Questionnaire, SF-86, online.[2] This form will ask for substantial amounts of information, such as where you've lived and worked for the past 10 years and your relationship with family members. Answer all questions honestly and thoroughly.[3]
- Talk to your company's Facility Security Officer (FSO) for information on accessing the questionnaire.
- Choose your references wisely. The application will request work, school, and personal references. It will also ask for the names of neighbors and landlords. If possible, you should avoid naming family members. Also try not to list someone as a reference more than once.
- For personal references, you should name at least one person who has known you for the past seven years. This person should also know your other friends.[4]
- After you complete the questionnaire, the FSO will review it and then forward it to the Department of Defense Central Adjudication Facilities (DoDCAF). If they approve it, they forward it on to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), which will conduct your background check.[5]
EditUndergoing a Background Check - Give fingerprints. A background check must be performed before you can be approved for a clearance. You will be told where to go to give your fingerprints. You may need to go to the police station, or the agency requiring the clearance might fingerprint you.[6]
- Identify what will be checked. The investigator will perform a criminal and credit check. They will also send inquiries to employers, schools, and references to confirm information. If you are seeking a Top Secret clearance, then the investigator may also interview employers, references, and others.[7]
- Investigators can also look at your social media profiles, such as Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.[8] Make your profiles private if you don't want anyone seeing anything embarrassing.
- Attend an interview. Within a few weeks of submitting your application, you will attend an interview with the investigator.[9] You will go through the information on your application. The interviewer may also ask you to bring supporting documents, such as your Social Security card, passport, or birth certificate.
- You will also be asked questions about anything from your background check that has raised a security concern.
- Show allegiance to the U.S. You'll raise a security concern if you've ever associated with people trying to overthrow the U.S. government, or if you have close ties with non-citizens. For example, you might be currently living with a non-citizen or have a family member who has close ties to a foreign country.[10] You can expect the investigator to ask you questions about these circumstances.
- You won't automatically be disqualified from a security clearance for these reasons. For example, you might have been involved in seditious activities mostly out of curiosity and only for a brief period of time.
- The government might need to investigate any non-citizen you are close with to determine they are not an agent of a foreign power.
- Discuss any substance abuse issues. Alcohol and substance abuse are red flags for the investigator. You may need to discuss these issues, especially if you've been diagnosed as dependent on drugs or alcohol or been convicted of a crime while high or intoxicated.[11]
- You can lessen the seriousness by showing that your involvement was not recent or that it was an isolated incident.
- Also let the investigator know if you've completed a treatment program, such as Alcoholics Anonymous.
- Prove emotional stability. The investigator will look to see whether you have engaged in a pattern of behavior that shows emotional instability. Examples include compulsive sexual behavior, failure to take prescription medications, or high-risk and aggressive behavior.[12]
- You should explain to the investigator that there is no current problem. Ideally, you will also have a recent opinion from mental health professional stating that your behavior is not likely to occur again.
- You should also explain if your past behavior resulted from a temporary problem, such as a divorce or the death of a loved one.
- Discuss any financial difficulties. Financial difficulties can raise red flags for an investigator, because someone who is financially distressed is more likely to disclose confidential information for money. A history of defaulting on loans will cause concern.[13]
- You can lessen the seriousness of financial difficulties by pointing out how they were beyond your control. For example, you might have gone into debt because of a medical emergency or unemployment.
- You can also explain how you made a good faith effort to pay your debts back.
- Answer questions about your criminal history. The investigator will closely review your entire criminal history, so be prepared to discuss any crime you have been convicted of or even charged with.
- Try to put your criminal history in context. For example, explain if the behavior was isolated and a long time ago. These facts can lessen any security concerns the investigator will have.[14]
- If you were acquitted, point out that fact. However, you shouldn't insist you were innocent if you were convicted. That sounds like you are trying to avoid responsibility for the crime.
- Also explain how you have rehabilitated yourself. For example, point to your solid work history and recent clean criminal record.
EditReceiving Your Clearance - Receive an interim security clearance. Your hiring office might request that you receive an interim security clearance. They are given only in exceptional circumstances, but you can get one within a few weeks of submitting your complete security package.[15]
- Your FSO should be able to tell you whether they are seeking an interim security clearance.
- Wait for your clearance. DoDCAF reviews the results of the investigation and decides to either grant you a clearance or not. It shouldn't take longer than three months to receive your clearance, from start to finish.
- Contest a denial. You will receive a Statement of Reasons (SOR) if you are denied. This document will identify every reason that has prevented you from obtaining a clearance. You'll also be told how to submit a written rebuttal and/or request a hearing.[16]
- In your rebuttal, you will need to explain or deny each reason stated in the SOR. For example, you might be denied because you have a home in foreclosure. You can provide context by showing how an illness caused you to fall behind on your mortgage payments. Find supporting documentation, such as medical records.
- Consider hiring an attorney or security clearance consultation to help you respond to the denial. It's possible to convince the agency that you are qualified for a security clearance, but you'll probably need expert help.
- Undergo periodic investigation. Your clearance is only good for a certain amount of time. Before it expires, you must submit a new security package and have another background check. You will be reinvestigated according to the following timetable:[17]
- Confidential clearance: every 15 years.
- Secret clearance: every 10 years.
- Top secret clearance: every 5 years.
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