@pdworkin: Not a problem. You’re keeping me on my toes. You know, you obviously have a passion and you write better than most people found on online discussion groups.
This may sound silly after revealing the paltry sum I’m making with my column, but you may want to consider becoming an Examiner yourself! (or starting a blog, if you don’t already have one) Here’s why: if you were to start now and write about something related to your work passion, by the time you graduate, you could have quite a nice portfolio demonstrating your work, your research, and your insights, which would be a big help when you look for a job after graduation. Heck, put it all together and you’ll have a book!
If you want to apply, go to Examiner.com, click on Write for Us, and choose your city and topic (or create your own niche, which might be even better). At the bottom of the application page, they ask who referred you (Find Your Examiner). I’d love for you to enter my ID # 16337 and then click on my name, Kathryn Marion. That will give your application faster and more serious consideration. And, yes, in the spirit of full disclosure (which I always tell people I refer), they do offer a small ‘finder’s fee’ for referring people who are selected as new Examiners.
The site is ranked around #600 in Alexa so it’s an incredible opportunity for anyone who wants to essentially blog without cost or HTML skills and gain national exposure, professional credibility…oh, and a few pennies, too. I can tell you’re a motivated person and have a lot to share, so I hope you’ll consider it!