Radio, An Illustrated Guide

Let me begin by saying what a great article this is. I love the whole idea of putting these radio and interview pointers in comic format.  It's so unique, so informative, so effective. It's awesome.

Although a lot of what is pointed out in this article has been discussed in class already, the visual addition  makes everything a little bit easier to understand. For a moment, I visualized myself in Ira's position and went through the motion as I read on in the comic strip. Not only that, but I also applied it to past interviews that I had done. Take our last project for instance. After I read the tips that Ira gave, I looked back and tried to think of what I would ask now that I know a little more about interview procedures. I know for sure that I would reword the way I asked my questions so that I can come up with something a little more specific instead of just a broad answer.  I also know that I would try to set a goal for the interview, and be more focused on what I am trying to get out of it. I think that is the key.

One more thing about this article. I really enjoyed reading how Ira Glass got his start in radio, but even more motivating, was Alix's story. Reading about how she was just so persistent and wouldn't take no for answer (and eventually landing the internship) really gave a me a glimpse of hope that maybe, just maybe, I could do something like her. But then here comes Cartoon Ira, who despite acknowledging the fact that Alix's actions were brave and indeed successful, just dismisses the story and basically says that this is not the way to go about it and that we will probably be spending the first couple of years broke and working for free until hired. Now, I understand where he is coming from, and I am in no way denying that this is true, but does he have to be so blunt about it? I mean, what's the point of writing this article in comic format if they're just gonna slap us in the face with a reality check. We get enough of that from our professors anyway. (In a good way!) Besides, I'm sure anybody who is picking this article up to read a few pointers already realizes the competitiveness of the field and doesn't need to be reminded. It just hurts so much when you hear from Cartoon Ira.