I don't think the age part is crazy, but I would definitely look at if you think having the master's degree will get you a bigger salary, and if so, by how much. I think my MS was worthwhile financially, but the loan payments are still a huge chunk of money.

It may not be a master's, but I brought my diploma to work today so I could admire it and validate all the hard work I went through the last 4 years. And I'm turning 40 in less than a month.

What's your goal as far as a career goes, Allyson? Do you want to be a journalist? What kind? I'd strongly suggest talking to someone in the field right now and see what they suggest as far as getting your masters. I have a journalism degree, but every professional that ever spoke at my university journalism classes counseled AGAINST journalism degrees--especially higher degrees.

I dunno. It's hard. It's a lot of money and you have to figure out what the level of return is going to be. Will it help you get a journalism job that will actually pay off your student loans? Pay in the field is often quite low.

You already write VERY WELL. I don't know how much more education you would need to break into the field.

Yeah, the age thing isn't crazy at all (I didn't finish my PhD until I was 36), it's more what Jesse (ETA: and Cash) said that would make me pause.

Of course, I did the absolute worst thing (financially speaking) in that I applied for a MA and then switched to a PhD. In New York City!

La la lalalala la la la lalaaaaa... [link]

Dickipedia.

People, not body parts.

People, not body parts.

One of my favorite Letterman Top Tens ever!

Top 10 Body Parts or Van Pattens

10. Heart

9. Kidney

8. Vincent

7. Trachea

6. Joyce

5. James

4. Bladder

3. Timothy

2. Spleen

1. Dick

Thinking...

Also, hilariously, they offer a concentration in Online Communities in their Communications school:

Online Communities

Online communities are the future of our economic, political, and social lives. USC Annenberg’s pioneering track in online communities is the first in the world to recognize that the development and leadership of online communities is critical to the future success of a wide array of industries, including communications, marketing, political campaigning, advocacy, social networking, professional networking, intellectual property, entertainment law and management, nonprofit management, social support and illness support, and healthcare, to name just a few.

At USC's Charles Annenberg Weingarten Program on Online Communities (APOC), you will join a select group of graduate students who will focus their education on the effective management, production, development, use, and power of online communities. You will spend a fast-paced year working with and learning from a diverse student population, world class faculty, industry professionals and acclaimed "gurus". Classes will focus on a range of topics from design and management to emerging technologies, industry innovations and science of persuasion and affiliation. You will gain the knowledge, insights, and technical experience to become the next generation of leaders and managers of online communities.

ahhhhhh ha ha ha

Seriously?

Of course, I did the absolute worst thing (financially speaking) in that I applied for a MA and then switched to a PhD. In New York City!

I did the second-worst thing and applied last-minute to a program that has no endowment.

OK, Dikipedia is hysterical if David Blaine's entry is any indication: [link]