Personally, I don't go for the celebrity stories or gossip because I just don't see it as time (or money) spent wisely. Like Whatup said though, supply and demand. If the public wasn't so eager to see a "falling star" or sexual tidbits, then there would be no market for it. People tend to read about celebrity lives to confirm that even though they are celebrities, they are people with embarrassing moments and marriage issues just like the average person. The moral issue of the debate is something that shouldn't be a writer's responsibility as a whole, but must start at home. Society has lost some very valuable morals and unless parents teach the next generation, morals will continue to decline. It is not the news, the government, or the schools responsibility to teach morals by making laws and rules, but a parents responsibility to teach morals by example. There are things that go against my morals so "I" don't participate. MJ - Sending happy thoughts!

Hi Jdubub This was meant to a comment to your thread not a xombyte, apologies, Some journalists and news photographers might argue that his or her's first byline is akin to finding a pot of gold at the end of their rainbow... Trainee "journos" and "snappers" are indoctrinated at college. Sheffield, a city to the north of Manchester in the UK, is one of the main NUJ/NCTJ colleges in the UK where most newspapers send trainees (or used to when company funds allowed). All trainees long for this opportunity, as the NUJ and NCTJ qualifications are held in high esteem worldwide. The 2/3 year day release course will ensure that you leave as a real newshound, regardless of whether you want to be or not. Most "staffers" find it particularly exhilarating when a story breaks, is followed, archived and then revived later by one of "their" team. More often than not, the camera, notepad and shorthand are merely the hammer and chisel of news and photo journalism. A true reporter might argue that the real craft is one of an investigator as opposed to a word smith. Working as a photojournalist or a reporter on a newspaper or popular magazine is not just about perfecting your craft as a writer or photographer. It's about breaking news and earning browny points with your Editor. Once you have a number of reputable breaking news "nuggets" under your belt you are ready to go it alone. Most press journalists and photographers get work as freelancers based on the stories they have broken and captured. If their work has been syndicated to AP or Reuters for example, and they were lucky enough to get a byline, then hey, it's really happy days! Having assisted on stakes outs on "milder" jobs such as scouting for the black cat of Bodmin Moor or waiting for Princess Diana's alleged lover to emerge after her death, I can honestly say that 8/200 lens is a must. However, Please read this bit.. My personal view... I absolutely detest how so called "news" is regarded as valuable information. I admire information ("news or features") that make a a difference to people's lives. Whether it's Jade Goody's relentless struggle with cancer or an overseas correspondent reporting the attrocities of war... these stories touch peoples lives and make us all stop and think.. Therefore, I TOTALLY abhor and disregard anybody who profits from information that is not in the public interest. In the UK, the media is "self governed" and although I think this has worked quite well over the years, it is now "frayed at the edges" due to the huge sums of money involved. If you are a reporter or photojournalist it's a bit like going to a fancy dress Disney party every hour of your life. Your friends think you look great and want to talk to you, remove your mask and you reveal the true character within.