When a company is bought out--or a new editor takes the helm at a magazine or Web site--job cuts are likely.

So, when the Tribune Co. was sold, it was no surprise some layoffs would come--but the fact that they were announced via an internal company newsletter? That feels a little wrong.

True, there's no great way to let people go--in most cases, they're not thrilled to be eliminated. But including lay-off news in a newsletter seems really impersonal, and just a little curt. What do you think--is that just a sign of the times now that most communication is electronically based, or was it a misstep on the Trib's part?

If that's what you're asking, don't feel bad: We asked ourselves, too. There are many blogs out there on this newfangled InterWeb that don't really serve a purpose: And no one wants to read a rambling account of my day (well, maybe my mom).

However, the blogs that do a great job of breaking down and reacting to an industry's events are a real resource. Do they make news? Not really. But do blogs give readers a different perspective on the news? If they're done well, yes.

Ed2010 Chicago has two simple goals--to offer information and entertain. Hopefully, our blog will do both. Come to our happy hours to network and get career advice from media professionals (and, of course, there are cocktails to make sure that whole "happy" part happens). But in between gatherings, read our blog to get a new take on the media world. Use Ed2010 Chicago's message board daily to get and give input.

Melanie Wolkoff Wachsman (who is now the head of the Louisville, Ky. Ed2010 chapter) and I started this group about seven years ago because we felt the Chicago media market was really spread out--and we wanted to bring it together. We were Ed2010's first external chapter; the organization now has 14.

As Ed's chapters have grown, we have, too. Our first year, we just had happy hours. Now we offer panel discussions, resume workshops, speed networking events and more.

Almost every happy hour--which will be bimonthly this year, by the way--that doesn't feature a special career-based workshop or panel includes a special media guest from a local or national publication. We've had speakers from places like the Chicago Tribune, Time Out Chicago and Chicago magazine and have hosted a number of published freelance writers, book authors and broadcast news producers from ABC and CBS.

Our media group is free, and it's what you make of it. Use it often and get a stronger sense of the local media community and its members; tell us what you want for future events and what resources you'd like us to add.

It's our sincere hope that this group will help you take your career to the next level. So talk to us, and talk to each other. We're all rooting for you to meet your goals--whatever those goals may be.

--Erin B., Ed2010 Chicago Co-Founder

   Mel and I at an early Ed event (with early hair colors.)