What the hell, Journ? What's going on in this world?

I will admit. I searched the list of available blogs to review in terms of how interesting the URL sounded and stumbled across http://whatthehelljourn.blogspot.com. As shallow as it is to select a blog to review based on the appeal of its name, I felt that title of the blog “What the hell Journ?” just captured the exact feeling I (and I’m sure many other journalism students) have some days. The paradox of being both overwhelmed and underwhelmed by your subject really echoed through this title.

The introduction made clear the objective of the blog which linked to the title again as the writers: Caelyn Woolward, Tatum Holloway and Phillipa Bradbury proceeded to explain that they aimed to make journalism seem relevant and exciting again – a refreshing change from the punctuation lessons we had been receiving in lectures.

Despite the rather bland style of blog background and design the content certainly made up for it. Stories included topics on animal rights activism, governmental corruption and poverty in Africa, social-life violence in Grahamstown and a lighthearted take on life around Rhodes campus. So readers can look forward to balanced articles with refreshing takes on both international and locally relevant concerns. The stories were compelling and stylish yet the language was simple and entertaining enough to be relevant to the average student or cyberweb surfer.

“What the hell Journ?” successfully documents important issues while simultaneously adding a twist of student-street smarts to the mix that comprises this world-wise blog. So if you need a fresh outlook on life at Rhodes University or even an adolescent spin on global issues check it out. What the hell? What do you have to lose?

By: Tarryn Ross