i: thoroughness & comprehension (+)

I truly admire your direct and targeted idea for your blog posts. It’s something you’re interested in, it’s a popular topic, AND it’s something that very few Chicago-based bloggers do: review events (though many attend them.)

My only concern is labeling yourself as a “grad student” first and foremost, because that shouldn’t define your work, as journalism is a practice and profession, not necessarily and academic discipline (as much as we’ve been formally instructed.) For some people this “grad student” concept will legitimize your work, and it will alienate others. This is an overarching thought that doesn’t have to manifest itself in this blog, but something we (as NAJ students) should discuss as we venture out into the real world, because we sit on the intersection of academia, professionalism, the “real world.”

ii: creativity (+)

The focus of the blogs is great, and you even have a catchy little title! Will you be making a logo next? The metaphor of a “little black dress” is great, and the historical research adds an authority on your later analysis of the building and its use. Also, I’m a sucker for anyone who mentions fellow Swede, Carl Sandburg, as we were born in the same town.

iii: use of platform (+)

This piece is a tapestry of information, both visually and intellectually. The “cover photo” of this piece adds a much needed break between the introduction and the meat of the story. Though this piece would have benefitted if you made the introduction to this series a different blog post… though it’s genius in the way it makes you read the piece….I’m undecided and the perfectionist in me wants it both ways, just because some people would be interested in the blog idea but not necessarily the Poetry Foundation, and vice versa. Plus Medium is limited in the tagging/audience aspect. The photos break up the minimal text, which makes you feel as if you’re reading far more than what is there, which is a GREAT trick, and a fantastic use of this platform. And everything is captioned and attributed which shows the level of detail you put into this piece.