This is an expensive, sometimes stressful experiment, backed by nothing but my own moxie, funded by assignments and the generosity of strangers. I have no savings, no credit cards, no second income to fall back upon. Every story finances the next one.
When the journalism industry stabilizes, perhaps things will get easier. Until it does, good journalists must stay and fight the good fight. I believe in this profession strongly enough to lay my life on the line. Crazy? Perhaps. I have no husband, no children, no home. I have nothing left to lose. If I fail, I will go down writing.
Editors:
Work is always welcome. I’m a college-educated, 22-year veteran journalist with bylines in national and international publications including TIME, Christian Science Monitor, and New York Times. I am capable of providing complete photo/text/multimedia/social media packages and available for travel short notice anywhere within the U.S. Opportunities for staff positions will also be considered. References available upon request.
Phone: 205-246-9757
Email: cksisson@mac.com
Writing clips (click excerpts for full story)
Photo portfolio
Resume/CV
LinkedIn
General Public:
1. Encouraging words help. I’m often lonely, sometimes scared. You’d be surprised how a comment or email can brighten my day.
2. Story ideas are my lifeblood. If you think you have a good one, email me at cksisson@mac.com.
3. Paypal donations gratefully accepted at cksisson@mac.com. All funds will be used for travel and lodging.
4. Hotel points, frequent flyer miles, and gas cards are nice. Many people have more points than they will ever use, and it’s easy to make a transfer. I’m a member of most rewards programs and will be happy to provide membership numbers upon request.
5. Read the newspaper. Take out a subscription. Buy an ad. Purchase a magazine. Make your favorite newspaper your homepage. Support the publications that keep food on my table.
6. Believe.
Important Note:
I strictly adhere to the journalism code of ethics as outlined by the Society of Professional Journalists and the National Press Photographers Association. If you’re connected to a story I’m writing or may write in the future, please don’t be offended if I decline your generosity. The news — and those who create it — must remain independent of special interests and the appearance of bias. I’m trying a relatively new business model, roughly inspired by pioneers like Spot.Us and ProPublica, but I’m not certain how it’s going to work out, ethically. For the moment, I’m playing it by ear, assessing things on a case by case basis. If you’re a journalist trying something similar, or if you have a better idea, please contact me.