INTERVIEW WITH A JOURNALISM HND STUDENT
A journalism student revealed how he practices his writing: Jotting down around 2000 words every day, catering towards an audience of alcoholics, drug addicts, and his own psyche. Brian Webster, 28, is currently studying Practical Journalism HND at the Cardonald campus in Glasgow Clyde College. Asked about when he decided to pursue journalism, Webster recounted his years in primary and secondary education. “During school I was quite….an unengaged pupil, I really disengaged from a lot of different subjects. But, I was always real keen on reading and writing, so English was always something I was passionate about.” Webster is influenced mainly by writers such as Charles Bukowski, Jack Kerouac, as well as Hunter S. Thompson. He says he aims to emulate their observational, personal style. To this end, he writes in spontaneous prose most days. “[I] tend to write about 100 or 200 words per day whether it’s forced or natural, it can flow into 1000, 2000 words, but I always write something about….what I think, how I’m feeling, whether I’m happy, sad, and I always try and keep it as true as I can.” When asked about the audience he aims to appeal to, Webster simply stated: "Alcoholics and drug addicts."
[Video of Hunter S. Thompson reading the aforementioned Campaign Trail. Thompson’s unique, stream-of-consciousness analysis is often credited as leading to the creation of the “Gonzo” journalism style.] “My style, it’s like, psychological, y’know, it’s like breaking down barriers, not being afraid to speak and share.” “The most embarrassing part of our psyche is very hidden, I think that creates a big problem in society, y’know? So, I write to conquer that, so I don’t get affected by it.” Webster also touched on his own approach to different philosophies and social groups, saying that he attempts to remain open-minded, rather than subscribing to an agenda. “There’s a struggle in modern society by people believing other people’s word as a holy scripture of sorts, y’know? Whereas the challenge for [journalists] is to remain unbiased regardless of our views.” Webster currently works as part of the Lifestyle team for Glasgow Clyde’s On The Button online magazine.