It's Sad What Society Deems Newsworthy

The other day I caught a glimpse of an article strewn across the front pages of USA Today discussing how churches were "going green." I thought what a marvelous idea and went home to do a bit of research. I was delighted to learn that many congregations are beginning to use eco-palms. I submitted my work to AC and was told that it wasn't considered newsworthy enough and wouldn't interest enough people to be deemed "paid" work.

I don't blame AC for their decision, but it did make me think about what society thinks is newsworthy material or suitable enough to be deemed that way. Here, a story that covered the front of USA Today wasn't interesting enough to be on Associated Content. It made me think about online viewers, search engines, and what peaks people's interest.

Clearly the pages of US Weekly and People get far greater hits than most noteworthy news organizations. It made me kind of sad to think that no one could possibly interested in an environmental strategy that Christian churches around America are using to be more environmentally conscious, assist communities who harvest these palms, or learn a bit about the historical value of Palm Sunday.

At times I write to reveal inner thought (now) and sometimes I write based on what people are buying. One of the reasons I began writing under a pen name was I was getting paid to write marriage articles and parenting articles yet I am neither married nor have children. Publishers just liked what I had to say and I had enough real world knowledge with relationships and enough credentials in childhood development to apply to both matters. There are times however that I try to write with greater purpose.

For those who haven't followed my work, I at times try to highlight charities, beneficial programs, or things that people or groups are doing to make the world a better place. Ironically, I rarely receive upfront payment for these articles, yet articles about who has the best cupcakes bode well for me financially. I won't complain - I like to try cupcakes, and pizza and all of the other goodies I often review!