Why we stay in journalism

From Mark: Anyone else beaten down by this season of newspaper layoffs? I think I've heard enough crap about "right-sizing" and dying industries to last a lifetime. I'll admit it. I need something to feel good about. Here's the best idea I could come up with: Let's start a conversation about reasons for hope — some great work, something innovative, something inspiring. "This makes me want to stay in journalism…"

I'll toss in two to start:

1. C.J. Chivers' expose of America's hidden casualties of chemical weapons. http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2014/10/14/world/middleeast/us-casualties-of-iraq-chemical-weapons.html .

The kind of work that makes all journalists proud.

2. My former colleagues…