I know it's a bit late to be setting goals for this year, but I figure better late then never right?
With the first week of the new semester almost over, I have decided I want to set some goals to help keep me focused on this whole learning technology thing.
Here they are:
- Have some podcasts posted on this blog. (I will be learning all about podcasting in one of my classes, so this goal should be an easy one, knock on wood)
- Independently learn some HTML code because as of right now, it's all gibberish to me
- Post more pictures
- Learn more about short video documentaries and how they are transforming journalism
- Share my thoughts about new issues surrounding media
- Get some followers
'Crossing my fingers that I can get these done by this time next year, and also have fun doing them'
1.28.2010
1.26.2010
The College Newspaper
So tonight was the first meeting of the semester for my college paper, the Endicott Observer. With a new editor, it seems like the paper is making a change for the better. Ideas were flowing and hopefully we will get more readers around campus.
Because I attend a private college, there is no true "free press." Stories are usually limited to the awards the school has recently won, or a new club. No student really wants to read about the boring stuff happening around campus like community service, they want something that they can read over lunch or while waiting for their next class. I think there are ways around the administrations guidelines, after all, shouldn't it be a newspaper for the students?
As probably one of the only college newspapers without an online element, I am going to make it my goal to start getting stories on the website, even if they are only the one the administration likes to read. It's really hard when someone asks to read some of your clips online and you have nothing to offer them but sending actual clips through snail mail. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this semester will be a great one for the Observer.
Because I attend a private college, there is no true "free press." Stories are usually limited to the awards the school has recently won, or a new club. No student really wants to read about the boring stuff happening around campus like community service, they want something that they can read over lunch or while waiting for their next class. I think there are ways around the administrations guidelines, after all, shouldn't it be a newspaper for the students?
As probably one of the only college newspapers without an online element, I am going to make it my goal to start getting stories on the website, even if they are only the one the administration likes to read. It's really hard when someone asks to read some of your clips online and you have nothing to offer them but sending actual clips through snail mail. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this semester will be a great one for the Observer.
1.25.2010
Graphic Design
Does a newspaper/magazines web design have anything to do with how may readers it gets?
A newspaper has a very distinct look and design to it, and magazines have become more about graphics and clear photos. But, when you read the newspaper online in the morning, does it have the same affect as reading it in print edition? The design of a web page, according to Adam Westbrook, a multimedia journalist in London, is the reason why people refuse to pay a fee for online news.
As Westbrook notes in his article, every news website has a similar format. A few columns, the middle column for the article and pictures and video on the side. The need for web designers is huge, and this article further proves that journalism students absolutely need to be aware of all the multimedia that embodies a story today. The New York Times online edition is formatted like a newspaper, perhaps that is why it's so popular?
Anyways, there are tons of employment opportunities when you know how to use software programs that are used for graphic design. I definitely need to put that on a to do list.
A newspaper has a very distinct look and design to it, and magazines have become more about graphics and clear photos. But, when you read the newspaper online in the morning, does it have the same affect as reading it in print edition? The design of a web page, according to Adam Westbrook, a multimedia journalist in London, is the reason why people refuse to pay a fee for online news.
As Westbrook notes in his article, every news website has a similar format. A few columns, the middle column for the article and pictures and video on the side. The need for web designers is huge, and this article further proves that journalism students absolutely need to be aware of all the multimedia that embodies a story today. The New York Times online edition is formatted like a newspaper, perhaps that is why it's so popular?
Anyways, there are tons of employment opportunities when you know how to use software programs that are used for graphic design. I definitely need to put that on a to do list.
1.21.2010
Internship: Over
Some tips I have learned from my internship:
-get to know people in the newsroom, it will help you in the long run. I wish I had gotten to know some of the reporters a bit better, especially the ones who have been in this industry a long time
-Take classes that are going to advance your understanding of multi media. With every story, there is the potential to turn it into audio, video, and a web piece. Know how to use a Flip camera as well as a digital camera.
- Know how to write in different styles. Everything from hard news to light hearted features. Personally, I can work on creative writing skills
- Have a beat
Overall, I think working at a "real world" newspaper has definitely given me a better perspective of this industry. I still have no idea what my beat is, but I do see how much I still have to learn.
-get to know people in the newsroom, it will help you in the long run. I wish I had gotten to know some of the reporters a bit better, especially the ones who have been in this industry a long time
-Take classes that are going to advance your understanding of multi media. With every story, there is the potential to turn it into audio, video, and a web piece. Know how to use a Flip camera as well as a digital camera.
- Know how to write in different styles. Everything from hard news to light hearted features. Personally, I can work on creative writing skills
- Have a beat
Overall, I think working at a "real world" newspaper has definitely given me a better perspective of this industry. I still have no idea what my beat is, but I do see how much I still have to learn.
1.19.2010
Surgeon or Journalist?
This article describes what some think to be one of the many dilemmas of journalism ethics. Dr. Sanjay Gupta is a neurosurgeon who has been reporting on the medical catastrophe in Haiti while helping patients. The author of the article, Steve Pendlebury, questions whether or not there is a line between covering a story and participating in it.
Who would tell a better story, a journalist who knows little about medical issues, or a reporter who first handedly understands exactly what the medical disaster is in Haiti right now? Sometimes getting the right quote, or capturing the perfect shot is not the most important thing. Right now, journalists have a life changing opportunity to get the most out of covering the disaster in Haiti. Putting down the notepad for a few minutes to help dig in the ruins for missing people, or in this case, pick up a scalpel to save a life is more important than getting a good story.
Who would tell a better story, a journalist who knows little about medical issues, or a reporter who first handedly understands exactly what the medical disaster is in Haiti right now? Sometimes getting the right quote, or capturing the perfect shot is not the most important thing. Right now, journalists have a life changing opportunity to get the most out of covering the disaster in Haiti. Putting down the notepad for a few minutes to help dig in the ruins for missing people, or in this case, pick up a scalpel to save a life is more important than getting a good story.
Rough Day
Today, I officially learned that writing stories about someone who has passed away is a nearly impossible task. I opened my big mouth at an ideas meeting and said that an '08 high school graduate from our town recently died. Well, (again with the big mouth) a week ago I had mentioned to my supervisor I wanted to variety of stories while on my internship. Lucky me got assigned this one. So to begin, I looked at the facebook page that was created in her honor and contacted her best friend. Then I called her house, where the last thing a relative wants to do is talk to a reporter. I pretty much failed at this assignment today. But I have learned one thing from it: you are not always going to have sources that cooperate. Take two at it tomorrow.
I've heard that writing this type of story is one of the hardest assignments. Going to a families house, where they are trying to grieve, can be a really difficult endeavor. I know I will have to face my fear of writing this type of assignment one day, but as a freshman, I don't know if I'm ready. I don't do well holding in my emotions.
I've heard that writing this type of story is one of the hardest assignments. Going to a families house, where they are trying to grieve, can be a really difficult endeavor. I know I will have to face my fear of writing this type of assignment one day, but as a freshman, I don't know if I'm ready. I don't do well holding in my emotions.
1.18.2010
Podcasting
Next semester I am taking podcast journalism. Honestly, I have absolutely no idea what exactly "podcasting" is or how to even begin doing it. I googled podcasting basics and this is what I came up with. Pretty good information on this site. About.com, although may not be the most trust worthy source, usually has some good stuff.
So, the second half of next semester, I am supposed to come up with 4 episodes of a podcast, that means I have about 2 months to learn all I can about creating, interviewing, and editing audio. Should be quite the experience.
In relation to journalism, I think podcasting proves to be yet another medium of story telling. Again, like video, it adds a more conversational feel. I remember first hearing the term podcast from itunes, when I got a new ipod and in the menu bar there was a category for podcasts. I have never subscribed to any podcasts, but I am definitely going to start exploring it. Any suggestions?
So, the second half of next semester, I am supposed to come up with 4 episodes of a podcast, that means I have about 2 months to learn all I can about creating, interviewing, and editing audio. Should be quite the experience.
In relation to journalism, I think podcasting proves to be yet another medium of story telling. Again, like video, it adds a more conversational feel. I remember first hearing the term podcast from itunes, when I got a new ipod and in the menu bar there was a category for podcasts. I have never subscribed to any podcasts, but I am definitely going to start exploring it. Any suggestions?
1.17.2010
Quick thoughts
After three weeks of interning at my local newspaper, I have learned new things about the world of journalism and also see a lot of potential for it. In order to be a successful journalist, I realize, you have to constantly come up with new ideas. Ideas that are innovative and different from other newspapers are going to sell with readers. Personally, I love watching stories in the form of video. I find it so intriguing, and so much more interesting than reading a story. I think there is an aspect to video that makes the story more conversational, and more personnel to readers, or in this case, viewers.
One of the things the paper I am interning for has started doing is holding stories from going online. Some stories are only printed in the paper, particularly one of the opinion columns. Obviously this is to try and sell more newspapers, and I don't really see a problem with it. I have heard people around town disagree with the idea of holding stories from going online. However, perhaps this is the beginning of a "turn around" for the newspaper industry. I think it's a great start to getting readers to buy print editions. Or maybe it will just force people to start buying other papers?
One of the things the paper I am interning for has started doing is holding stories from going online. Some stories are only printed in the paper, particularly one of the opinion columns. Obviously this is to try and sell more newspapers, and I don't really see a problem with it. I have heard people around town disagree with the idea of holding stories from going online. However, perhaps this is the beginning of a "turn around" for the newspaper industry. I think it's a great start to getting readers to buy print editions. Or maybe it will just force people to start buying other papers?
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