Previous KhaoZ Media member, Dom Smith
We catch up with previous KhaoZ Media team member Dom Smith, who joined the group for two years in 2008 in the days when it was still KhaoZ Radio, based at BBC Radio York and with enough members to fit into a small car. Dom has gone on to trade as a freelancer, setting up a web magazine, Soundsphere, which he has now taken to print.
We caught up with Dom to reflect on his times at KhaoZ Media and how it contributed to his development.
KM] How you got involved with KhaoZ Media? When was it and what were your first impressions?
DS] I got involved after my friend Mike (Leigh Cooper) talked to me about the concept and I was looking for something to do after I finished my MA in 2008. I felt excited and encouraged by KhaoZ because it presented all of these great opportunities within the media in York.
KM] When you first joined, how did it appeal and where did you think it was going?
DS] Again, I felt proud to be a part of it, and I thought that it was going to be a great voluntary opportunity that would turn in to a social enterprise and lead to some paid work with great contacts at the BBC and around York at my disposal.
KM] What skills did you bring to the group and how do you think they contributed to the mix?
DS] Journalism, I suppose. I started the blog and all of the social media. They’re all still active in one form or another, so I guess that they’ve lasted and are doing well. I don’t regret contributing the time that I did over my period with KhaoZ, I consider it two years well spent.
KM] What are your highlights and lowlights from your time with us?
DS] Going to Romania and hosting social media workshops at the central library. Once in a lifetime experiences that I am very proud of.
KM] Where did you get to go with the KhaoZ team and what did you do on your trip?
DS] Romania. It was amazing. I acted as a journalist and correspondent recording all of our work in a blog. I am really pleased with that record of work and I consider it my best.
KM] Do you think your involvement with KhaoZ Media helped shape or influence your future at all?
DS] Absolutely. I think working for something associated with the council helped my job prospects and for the first time allowed me to establish myself as a journalist rather than being typecast as a music journalist.
KM] Considering you were part of the group for some time and saw a lot of development – what advice would you give to someone wanting to get the most out of KhaoZ Media?
DS] Ask people to do things for them. Not just in KhaoZ, but on other external projects. Ask them if they know anybody who can help you with your goals. Do not wait to be given something. Be pro-active. If you’re going to go on Facebook in KhaoZ time, then make sure you are updating the fan page!
The resources are there, and you just have to make the effort to make the most of them and ask the more experienced people for opportunities.
KM] Tell us about yourself. What are you working on at the moment – is it what you expected and how does it compare to KhaoZ Media?
DS] It gives me more money, but I do miss KhaoZ for the people and the opportunities to travel around the country and world. Some of my best friends were made during my time in that group.
I am working on Soundsphere magazine. I am also employed part-time by York St John University for its Connect project, and I am attempting to develop two businesses called The Creative Condition and Disabled Entrepreneurs alongside doing freelance work when it comes along.
KM] How would you describe KhaoZ Media in five words?
DS] “Opportunity, Friendship, Volunteering, Diverse, Supportive.”
