On Second Thought

On Second Thought

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Advice From Freelancers to Journalists Who Were Laid Off
A special edition for anyone in media who’s been laid off and looking to freelance, whether for a long time or short, here are some pointers from…
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Erik Sherman
It’s Not Just Corporations, The Whole Country Insists On Putting People Out Of Work
The desire to keep a few extra dollars in the wallet, the fascination with technical toys, and the lack of respect for labor all combine into the…
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Erik Sherman
2
National Geographic Cuts Most Staff Writer Positions
The magazine, part of Disney, says that the reductions ‘will not change our ability’ to provide ‘exceptional multi-platform storytelling with cultural…
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Erik Sherman
1
Will the Country Finally Admit That Personal Economics Is a Big Problem?
Too many politicians, economists, and pundits keep insisting everything is fine. It’s absolutely not.
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Erik Sherman
1
Neither Trump Nor Anyone Else Can Order A ‘Fix’ Of Living Costs
Ordering that you want prices to go lower doesn't mean they will. Problems are deeper than wishful thinking and there seems to be no thought in how to…
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Erik Sherman
2
Raising Retirement Age For Social Security Means Cutting Benefits
It's not just having to wait a little longer. Even a year's increase in age is 7% less per month than now. Make people wait until 70 and they get 23…
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Erik Sherman
1
Sad to See a Journalist Pass Along Bad Work as Journalism
I’ve respected Matt Taibbi’s direct work, but a recent third-party video he promoted through his newsletter is an example of the worst cynical…
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Erik Sherman
4
Warning about a new email scam
It's a fake Social Security notice that offers a chance to learn some skills that generally will help keep you safer online.
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Erik Sherman
Can a President Be a Crook?
Donald Trump's lawyers argue that the former president cannot be held liable for a criminal action because the office affords absolute immunity. Like so…
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Erik Sherman
Generative AI and Thought Followship
When you have a machine chase what others have already written, you are no longer offering thought leadership in your marketing efforts.
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Erik Sherman
Putting (Most of) the Crankiness Aside for Some Drink-Related Reviews
Mostly coffee, one big desk gulp of water, plus, a bonus image for anyone in the mood to complain about poor slaughtered communications from a sheriff’s…
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Erik Sherman
How to Get a Presidential Cabinet Without Confirmations
Keep the ones already in office — if they’re willing, of course. And an ultimate disappointment of the Stanley Quencher insulated tumbler.
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Erik Sherman
© 2025 Erik Sherman
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