A cab driver gave me a lesson in “citizen journalism” recently. When I mentioned the name of the paper I edit, he told me that on the advice of our former horoscope writer, he had bought a lottery ticket 10 years ago and won $10,000. He still had the prize receipt, which he showed me to prove it.

Oh, no, I thought, the “horoscope,” in the words of one of my former copyeditor bosses.

And yet, this was news that potentially helped change this cabdriver’s life, because $10,000 could be seed money for many wonderful things.

I recalled also how my mother and the group of powerful women she lunched with at work at a major downtown bank always slipped the year’s forecast horoscope for people born on that day into each other’s birthday cards. Accurate or not, this was news that was truly about THEM. When you don’t get a byline, looking for your zodiac sign can be the next best thing.      (more)

Illinois Woman’s Press Association

The objective of IWPA is to maintain and improve the professional standards of members in mass communications in Illinois, to promote their interest, and to provide for the sharing of ideas and information.

IWPA is an affiliate of the National Federation of Press Women.

P.O. Box 59256

Schaumburg, IL 60159-0256

(312) 458-9151

iwpa@comcast.net

www.iwpa.org