On Monday, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reporter Dave Umhoefer won a Pulitzer Prize. This is the first time the newspaper has been awarded journalism’s top honor since Milwaukee’s two daily papers – the Journal and the Sentinel – combined back in ’95.
Umhoefer won in the category of Local Reporting for his investigative report last summer that detailed pension deals for county workers. You can head over here to read more about Umhoefer’s article and its significance if you want.
Apparently, the Milwaukee Journal had won five Pulitzer Prizes before it merged with the Milwaukee Sentinel. But that doesn't matter right now. What truly matters is that the Journal Sentinel currently has a really strong staff vigorously committed to journalism. I mean, to have a writer who can compete with all of the big wig papers out there and win top honor, well, that deserves more than just a pat on the back!
Not only has Umhoefer received props for his report, Milwaukee and its local newspapers and the journalists and writers working in the city have also gained outstanding acknowledgment.
As a writer I’m very impressed by Umhoefer’s work and his achievement. Actually, I'm inspired. It proves that if you keep your nose to the grindstone, something amazing will eventually become of it; and in this case, something that can rival the movers and shakers around the country!
So, way to go! High-fives all around!
Well, that's pretty nifty.
Posted by: Amanda | April 10, 2008 at 09:44 AM
Hate to break it to you, but bloggers aren't writers. Just saying.
Posted by: anonymous | April 10, 2008 at 12:17 PM
I disagree.
Anon, what exactly makes someone a writer then? And what qualifies you to judge?
Posted by: Karen | April 10, 2008 at 12:39 PM
I guess an actual writer would be someone who has been published regularly by someone else, not just on their own blog. I just don’t see a blogger as a writer.
Posted by: anonymous | April 10, 2008 at 01:52 PM
Anon, what have you published that you are an expert? This is a well written, intelligent blog site, that shares intersting information about Milwaukee. Nobody said it's Pulitzer Prize worthy. All that was stated is that Karen recognizes accomplished writing and she congratulates them. Get a life, read a book, write an obituary.
Posted by: me | April 10, 2008 at 03:54 PM
anonymous internet rhetoric doesnt make you NOT a jerk, either, anonymous!
Posted by: yo boy | April 10, 2008 at 04:25 PM
Deja vu! I think we've had this debate on here before...
Okay, I guess I can see that, Anon, but I also think that a writer could encompass many facets, including blogging. Especially because many bloggers are pretty skilled writers and I’m sure many have been published outside of their own blog -- but even if they haven’t, they are still writers in my opinion.
In an article I read it states that defining a writer is as simple as asking, "What makes an electrician an electrician?" In this line of thinking, an electrician is someone who installs electrical devices and wiring, so a writer then is someone who writes. I also think a writer is someone who is dedicated to the craft of writing. So, if you simply must write today, as you did yesterday, last week and last year -- you are a writer.
Many artists go for years and years without selling any of their work. Take Van Gogh for instance. He painted throughout his entire life, but never became famous until after his death. So was he not an artist until he sold his work? Are people living out their passion for art by painting, sculpting or drawing really not considered an artist simply because they don't have their work on display in a gallery?
I suppose this is something that will always be argued...
Posted by: Karen | April 10, 2008 at 04:27 PM
Me-
Thanks for your support, but I wouldn't worry about it. I *think* Anon is just making a generalization. Plus, people are entitled to their own opinion...
Anyway, I'm a writer even based on his definition. I don't need to justify that any further. :)
Posted by: Karen | April 10, 2008 at 04:58 PM
Karen, I think you handled this argument splendidly and I agree with your statements. Also, I think you're a fabulous writer. Keep it up!
Posted by: Amanda | April 11, 2008 at 10:11 AM
I second that!
Posted by: Suzieq | April 11, 2008 at 11:19 AM
To clarify, I wasn't suggesting that this is a poorly done site or that the writing is bad. Karen, I like your blog. I think it offers thoughtful, descriptive and interesting reviews and new stories. The content is good. The writing is good. I didn't say bloggers weren't talented either because clearly many are. Karen is. I just don't think bloggers are writers because anyone can blog and you don't have to be good at it. But, if Karen or any other blogger has been published by an outside source, then fine, call yourself a writer and I might agree with you.
Posted by: anonymous | April 11, 2008 at 01:14 PM
I support you a hundred percent Karen. Once again you proved that you are a strong individual with a great knowledge of debate.
In other news...am I the only one that did not know the Journal Sentinel was a separate entity before 95? Oh boy! This may be one reason why I love your site. I am informed of Milwaukee's history through your writing.
Posted by: Melanie | April 12, 2008 at 07:08 PM
I think you put it perfectly with the electrician comparison. A writer is someone who writes. Just as a runner is someone who runs and a sculptor is someone who sculpts.
It's always so easy for people to criticize anonymously, isn't it?
Posted by: Erin | April 14, 2008 at 09:16 AM
Seriously. *sigh*
Posted by: Karen | April 16, 2008 at 04:29 PM
Ha Ha Erin, you stole my comment - so I will echo Erin's comment.
By the way Karen, if you are not a "writer" then what are we reading?
OOHH Typing....
so you are a typer then?
and are we readers or something else? hummm........
Posted by: wfbdoglover | April 17, 2008 at 12:49 AM
LOL!
Posted by: Karen | April 18, 2008 at 12:33 PM