Dear Normative Narratives Community,

Unfortunately I will not be able to post my regular weekly updates this week. Between my internship at the UNDP, and my IPED comprehensive exam, there are simply not enough hours this week. After  5 months of regular updates, I probably deserve a break; but blogging has become so enjoyable for me that the only way I would take one is if I absolutely needed to (as I do now).

Hopefully over the past few months you have learned a few things, so that my absence will not to too costly (/sarcasm, I know you will all get on just fine). As for news sources, you should by now realize that 95% of the things I post come from two sources, The New York Times and Reuters. There certainly are other sources out there, but I find these to be the two most consistent sources.

So here is a little homework assignment while I am gone. Check up on news sources and try to apply Normative Narratives thinking to what you are reading. Challenge what the writer is saying. think analytically and critically; progress and change are not made by blindly following but by actively participating in public discourse. Do not be afraid to speak your mind and put you opinion out there, especially on subjects you are passionate about (I know I’m not!) .

I guess what I am saying is that I believe there is an inner blogger/ social commentator / news analyst in all of us. This would be a great time for me to renew my call for guest bloggers–I have not had any so far and really would like to see that change.

Also, there are only 29 days left to contribute towards my advertising campaign. I have already started an ad on Google and it has been working quite well; I would like to continue to advertise as long as possible but unfortunately this costs money. The more I raise, the more I can spread the Normative Narratives message.

Last but not least, be sure to check out my Facebook page, which I will continue to regularly update with stories I believe are important. I will be back to my regular blogging schedule in just one week, April 18th (mark the date on your calendars!!).

I’m sure there will  be lots to talk about between now and then, I look forward to getting back on a regular blogging schedule as soon as possible.

Best,

Ben Zupnick