Some of you may have known that my last blackberry drown in the toilet at the Brisbane city council library. It really was one of the most heart-wrenching moments for me, may he rest in peace. And so, for the last couple of weeks I had been lagging around this brick that shook loudly as it ‘silently’ notified me of a new message. Desperate to get rid of it I’d spent the last couple of weeks tossing up whether I should get a pre-paid phone or plan.

The thought of going on a plan has always scared me, for those who don’t already know me, I could talk forever and I still not get bored. Hence, a ridiculous bill I probably wouldn’t be able to pay until I was fifty. But I realised that I always needed to check my emails or get onto the net and my last phone didn’t have an Internet connection.

The idea slipped my mind until John mentioned a guest lecturer Stephen Quinn coming to talk about the mobile phone and journalism. Super keen and excited I waited for Friday to come.

Sitting through Stephens lecture on mobile journalism (MOJO) and how journalists could use these amazing tiny devices to break news gave me a stroke of inspiration to get that beautiful blackberry. I had my eye on it for a while, it was like a sign telling me that it needed me, and well I obviously succumbed to my desire and signed up straight after friday’s class.

As the Vodafone guy gave me the papers to sign, the reality dawned on me, what if I go over my cap, what if I am debited a thousand dollars?, these were the thoughts that shot through my mind. Slowly as I signed, I felt like I was selling my soul to the devil. However, as Stephen mentioned in his lecture these small devices are a necessity for a journalist, although I wasn’t too convinced.

The Blackberry bold 9700 that I got has a 2x megapixel camera with audio and video recording. Not really thinking that much of it I walked around the city with my friends laughing and shopping until I heard music.

We gravitated towards the centre of Queen Street where the Music Video Mash Up competition just happened to be held and where a local brisbane band Skinny Jean was performing.

So I stood there not thinking twice I whipped out my phone, began taking photos, and recorded as much audio as I could. I didn’t know what the lead singer of the bands name was, so I jumped onto their myspace website and quickly took down notes during their performance. I also looked up the Music Video Mash Up website and found the organisers names and sponsors.

Then after, I popped on my ‘Avelima Eliepa journalist’ media alliance tag and ran out back, nervous but determined I walked right up to the lead singer and asked him for an interview. Knowing that I have bad teeline, I happily held out my phone and recorded everything he said as I interviewed him.

The band was so nice. I was hoping he couldn’t see my hand shake as I held the phone to my mouth then to his. Nevertheless, the interview was a success. I wouldn’t have had any pictures, audio or footage if it wasn’t for that phone or stroke of inspiration from Stephen’s lecture.

It may not have been the best quality but at least I know that when I am in a situation where I need pictures, notes and audio fast the beautiful blackberry I own can handle the load. Gotta love mobile journalism.