University of South Florida St. Petersburg » Wendy Biddlecombe ’12 http://www.usfsp.edu The Jewel by the Bay Fri, 17 May 2013 16:13:21 +0000 en-US hourly 1 Faculty Snapshot: Professor David Snyder http://www.usfsp.edu/blog/2012/10/04/faculty-snapshot-professor-snyder/ http://www.usfsp.edu/blog/2012/10/04/faculty-snapshot-professor-snyder/#comments Thu, 04 Oct 2012 18:50:12 +0000 Wendy Biddlecombe '12 http://www.usfsp.edu/?p=4923 Continue reading →]]> Two years ago, I decided to leave my editor job at a New York-based media company and pursue a master’s degree in journalism.

One of my main concerns was being isolated in academia and disconnected from the professional world.

I liked editorial meetings with colleagues throwing out ideas until one sounded good enough to pursue; and it wasn’t unusual for me to spend the afternoon outlining an article on the enormous whiteboard wall.

Shortly after starting at USFSP, I realized how wrong I’d been. Our faculty and staff actively contribute to their respective fields, and practice what they teach, whether by publishing academic articles, shooting and editing videos, acting as liaisons between student reporters and local media outlets or serving as food editor at the Tampa Bay Times.

Dr. David Snyder teaches media law for the Journalism and Media Studies department at USFSP.

Below is a brief interview with Professor David Snyder, who teaches media law at USFSP. Snyder was raised in St. Petersburg and received his Juris Doctorate from Stetson University. His list of accolades and accomplishments are extensive, and include organizing the Florida Bar’s first reporter’s workshop in 1990. Prof. Snyder recently completed a term as chair of the Florida Bar Statewide Advertising Grievance Committee, which acts as a grand jury to determine probable cause for violating Bar advertising rules.

As a personal attorney, Prof. Snyder has provided pro bono services to organizations such as the Tampa Bay Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. After 34 years of service, Dr. Snyder retired from the Navy reserves in 2001 at the rank of Captain (O-6).

How long have you been teaching at USFSP?
Fall 2006, hiatus, Fall 2011-present

What do you hope students take away from your classes?
How to acquire, create and publish content within the law and where to push the law appropriately.

What’s the last great book you read?
Summer for the Gods: The Scopes Trial and America’s Continuing Debate Over Science and Religion by Edward J. Larson

When can we hear you speak on media law?
Oct. 10, 2012: Sunshine seminar at the Lakeland Ledger
Oct. 12, 2012: Sunshine litigation seminar at USF Tampa

 

]]> http://www.usfsp.edu/blog/2012/10/04/faculty-snapshot-professor-snyder/feed/ 0 The Importance of Silence and Picture Frames http://www.usfsp.edu/blog/2012/09/18/the-importance-of-silence-and-picture-frames/ http://www.usfsp.edu/blog/2012/09/18/the-importance-of-silence-and-picture-frames/#comments Tue, 18 Sep 2012 20:55:03 +0000 Wendy Biddlecombe '12 http://www.usfsp.edu/?p=4641 Continue reading →]]> I arrived at the retreat center in Tampa last Monday with two bags full of books, and two goals: work on my thesis, and meditate.

The pit of my stomach ached all weekend in anticipation as I rounded up articles printed out two months ago but still unread. I was a bit behind on my thesis–the only academic obligation I have this semester. I had to get serious and disciplined–like yesterday.

Before I unpacked my books, notebooks and binders, the urgent panic had melted away. And, for four mornings, afternoons and evenings, I slept in, reheated meals prepared by the center’s chef and floated between hours of writing and periods of reflection–of doing nothing down by the river. I spotted a gator most mornings, and one evening saw McDonald’s golden arches in the distance light up with nightfall (I thought the were always on?). I didn’t speak more than a good morning other than the daily check-in to make sure my boyfriend, our cat and apartment were still intact.

And it worked. By Friday morning, I had a somewhat-complete first draft of my literature review, the first step in a long paper that will be due in less than two months (eek!).

In Anne LaMott’s Bird by Bird–an excellent book on life as a writer–the author explains how “big challenges fall into one-inch frames”–a good reminder if one is overwhelmed:

“I go back to trying to breathe, slowly and calmly, and finally notice the one-inch picture frame that I put on my desk to remind me of short assignments. It reminds me that all I have to do is to write down as much as I can see through a one-inch picture frame. That is all I have to bite off for the time being. All I am going to do right now, for example, is write that one paragraph that sets the story …

I know I’m not the only one who has trouble getting started. And if you’re like me, and can’t even think about sitting down to write until the dishes are done and every paper is cleared from the desk, I advise you get away as well. Spending four days in seclusion is a bit extreme, and even little changes can yield excellent results. Turn off your wireless and find a quiet corner of the library. Break up your daily routine and sit in a new coffee shop to work. Or unplug completely and take a walk by the bay or the Gulf. Bring a notebook and see what you notice. And, if all else fails, write enough to fill a one-inch frame. The next inch will come easier.

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