Around the blogosphere
It's been a long week producing this story so I am anxiously looking forward to the weekend. Here are some great posts that I've been saving in my RSS reader.
E-Media Tidbits (Poynter)
Getting Commenters to Play Nice
"Post a clear, plainly worded comment policy that says what is encouraged and what is not allowed."
SteveOuting.com
Twittering reporters
"I just wanted to update you on our Twitter coverage at WCNC. We did it for the primary yesterday, and it was incredibly successful."
Reportr.net
Taking stock of how newspaper editors see the future
"35 percent believe print will reign supreme."
Online Journalism Review
How to get your site into Google News
"Google News is one of the world's most popular news portals, 'in the top five worldwide.'"
New Media Bytes
The Secret to Increasing Traffic from Facebook without Building Applications
"Facebook provides a number of tools that can help you promote your content and cash in on social network referrals. And the best thing is - Anyone Can Do It!"
The Editorialiste
6 Tips For Landing Your Dream J-Job
"4. Remember that any progress is good progress."
Journalistopia
Overcome evil article pagination with Firefox add-on
"Hard-core news junkies hate it. Matt Drudge hates it. You surely hate it too: article pagination."
And a sincere thank you to everyone reading 10,000 words. You really inspire me and keep me going!
E-Media Tidbits (Poynter)
Getting Commenters to Play Nice
"Post a clear, plainly worded comment policy that says what is encouraged and what is not allowed."
SteveOuting.com
Twittering reporters
"I just wanted to update you on our Twitter coverage at WCNC. We did it for the primary yesterday, and it was incredibly successful."
Reportr.net
Taking stock of how newspaper editors see the future
"35 percent believe print will reign supreme."
Online Journalism Review
How to get your site into Google News
"Google News is one of the world's most popular news portals, 'in the top five worldwide.'"
New Media Bytes
The Secret to Increasing Traffic from Facebook without Building Applications
"Facebook provides a number of tools that can help you promote your content and cash in on social network referrals. And the best thing is - Anyone Can Do It!"
The Editorialiste
6 Tips For Landing Your Dream J-Job
"4. Remember that any progress is good progress."
Journalistopia
Overcome evil article pagination with Firefox add-on
"Hard-core news junkies hate it. Matt Drudge hates it. You surely hate it too: article pagination."
And a sincere thank you to everyone reading 10,000 words. You really inspire me and keep me going!
Friday, May 09, 2008
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10 Things I wish they'd told me in J-School
1. Despite all the various multimedia skills I've learned over the years, the only one I'll really use is Flash.
2. Good journalism jobs are hard to find...and worth fighting for.
3. Most of my future co-workers will not be as effervescent and optimistic as my classmates.
4. Hold on to those business cards.
5. Always keep a clear separation between work and personal life.
6. Two weeks to complete a story is not really a deadline.
7. Fast food is not a lifestyle; pack a lunch.
8. I will not work 24 hours a day like I do in J-School. I will, however, do the same amount of work in an 8-hour day.
9. There is this thing called a cubicle...
10. There's always public relations.
2. Good journalism jobs are hard to find...and worth fighting for.
3. Most of my future co-workers will not be as effervescent and optimistic as my classmates.
4. Hold on to those business cards.
5. Always keep a clear separation between work and personal life.
6. Two weeks to complete a story is not really a deadline.
7. Fast food is not a lifestyle; pack a lunch.
8. I will not work 24 hours a day like I do in J-School. I will, however, do the same amount of work in an 8-hour day.
9. There is this thing called a cubicle...
10. There's always public relations.
Thursday, May 08, 2008
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News games are fun (and informative!)
There are the usual suspects when it comes to multimedia news pieces: slideshows of the wonders of nature, interactive diagrams of new buildings, video interviews with the downtrodden... all of which likely teach the viewer something new. But sometimes the news needs a little dose of fun factor.
A new crop of online games that subliminally teach a lesson or two or incorporate news headlines in some way are quickly going viral because they are simply entertaining. While every news story shouldn't become an online game, the ones that are encourage participation amongst otherwise passive readers. The games also — and this is good for advertising — increase the time spent on the page.
American Public Media seeks to educate players about eco-friendly living with its Flash game Consumer Consequences. The game itself is convoluted and preachy, but its suggestions on how to improve one's lifestyle based on interaction with the game are laudable.
The Genetic Science Learning Center at The University of Utah demonstrates the effects of drugs on the brain with a couple of animated mice. The sad and tragic news is softened and more absorbable in the "game" environment and most importantly isn't overbearing.
MSNBC has thrown its figurative hat in the ring with NewsBlaster and NewsBreaker, the latter of which is reminiscent of the Pong of Mac games, Brickles. News headlines are integrated into the fairly simple games and while it is an admirable effort, one StumbleUpon reviewer offers the most insightful critique: "If I want news, I'll go to news sites. If I want games, I'll go to gaming sites. The two don't mix."
SexyPolitics has been covered on this blog before, but it's worth repeating — this game is fun AND informative. Virtual strippers reward correct answers are rewarded by removing clothing, but the game also has an option to lessen the sexy factor. Even news buffs will be challenged by some of the questions on the issues and the candidates.
Newseum's website is more than just Today's Front Pages. It's NewsMania trivia game lets players choose from three levels: Intern, Reporter and Editor, with commentary from sassy virtual host Rita.
St. Louis Dispatch has an innovative assortment of multimedia, including this quiz that compares the player's geography skills to those of the young adults in the United States. A few news quizzes can also be found on Facebook, including the ever popular New York Times News Quiz and the equally entertaining, but less popular, Reuters News Quiz.
If you're looking for inspiration for your next online game, consider a trip to the local museum. Many exhibits, like those at the California Science Center in Los Angeles, are incorporating gaming and technology to provide a greater learning experience for visitors.
Considering many people under 30 aren't picking up newspapers or listen to non-music radio programming, making a fun online game is a great way to hook them in. As long as the games remain diverting without being overbearing, they will continue to succeed.
A new crop of online games that subliminally teach a lesson or two or incorporate news headlines in some way are quickly going viral because they are simply entertaining. While every news story shouldn't become an online game, the ones that are encourage participation amongst otherwise passive readers. The games also — and this is good for advertising — increase the time spent on the page.
American Public Media seeks to educate players about eco-friendly living with its Flash game Consumer Consequences. The game itself is convoluted and preachy, but its suggestions on how to improve one's lifestyle based on interaction with the game are laudable.
The Genetic Science Learning Center at The University of Utah demonstrates the effects of drugs on the brain with a couple of animated mice. The sad and tragic news is softened and more absorbable in the "game" environment and most importantly isn't overbearing.
MSNBC has thrown its figurative hat in the ring with NewsBlaster and NewsBreaker, the latter of which is reminiscent of the Pong of Mac games, Brickles. News headlines are integrated into the fairly simple games and while it is an admirable effort, one StumbleUpon reviewer offers the most insightful critique: "If I want news, I'll go to news sites. If I want games, I'll go to gaming sites. The two don't mix."
SexyPolitics has been covered on this blog before, but it's worth repeating — this game is fun AND informative. Virtual strippers reward correct answers are rewarded by removing clothing, but the game also has an option to lessen the sexy factor. Even news buffs will be challenged by some of the questions on the issues and the candidates.
Newseum's website is more than just Today's Front Pages. It's NewsMania trivia game lets players choose from three levels: Intern, Reporter and Editor, with commentary from sassy virtual host Rita.
St. Louis Dispatch has an innovative assortment of multimedia, including this quiz that compares the player's geography skills to those of the young adults in the United States. A few news quizzes can also be found on Facebook, including the ever popular New York Times News Quiz and the equally entertaining, but less popular, Reuters News Quiz.
If you're looking for inspiration for your next online game, consider a trip to the local museum. Many exhibits, like those at the California Science Center in Los Angeles, are incorporating gaming and technology to provide a greater learning experience for visitors.
Considering many people under 30 aren't picking up newspapers or listen to non-music radio programming, making a fun online game is a great way to hook them in. As long as the games remain diverting without being overbearing, they will continue to succeed.
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
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Tips for shooting better video for the web
The number of news organizations producing video exclusively for the web is increasing. Here are some things to keep in mind when shooting video for the web:
Picking a camera
Most major news outlets by now have a stash of video cameras (okay maybe just one) available to multimedia/ video shooters. But if your newsroom is just catching up and/or is reluctant to spend a gajillion dollars on a video camera, know that a web quality camera can be bought on the cheap. Purchasing a video camera that can also shoot photos and capture audio is ideal for the backpack journalist who plans to create a total multimedia experience. There are some other technical factors to consider, including external mic and headphone jacks and a firewire terminal. This previous post lists some inexpensive cameras that will get the job done.
Once you have the right camera, play around with the settings and become familiar with them, but don't mess them up before you get out to the field. You don't want to have shot an exclusive interview and later found out you messed up the white balance settings — which is to say check your white balance settings. You can't always fix it in post.
In the field
One of the top causes for headaches in the editing process is not having enough footage to produce the best quality story. The trick is to shoot more footage than you think you will need, including B-roll and ambient sound. However, if the video will be produced on a tight deadline, don't shoot too much or you will end up with a mess of video clips that must be sifted through and uploaded.
Video should be shot outdoors whenever possible to take advantage of the great lighting the sun provides, but sometimes this isn't an available option. Make sure to turn on overhead lights, lamps or whatever will help to brighten up the room (unless you're going for the scary, shadowed, whistleblower look. Some cameras will produce a grainy effect in low light situations that should be avoided whenever possible.
The importance of a tripod cannot be stressed enough. Not using one will cause visible shaking that is incredibly distracting, especially on relatively small computer screens. If the boss was too stingy to cough up the money for a tripod, you can still steady the camera by leaning against a wall with your upper back and both legs spread in a 'V' in front of you for leverage. For low angle shots, kneel on one knee placing your elbow on the raised knee and holding the camera to your eye. If this sounds too complicated, use a steady flat surface such as a table and increase the height of the camera using thick books. Avoid using the camera's zoom function as any shaking becomes more apparent the more the camera is zoomed.
Interviewing
Be sure to use a good pair of headphones (not earbuds) to be sure of audio quality before you begin to roll. In an interview situation, have the speaker talk naturally before you the actual interview begins to make sure there is no audio interference and you can in fact hear them. If you are a one person show, keep one headphone on and keep an eye on the camera, but remain engaged with the interviewee. You can also keep both headphones on but slide the arc of the headphones to the nape of the neck to lessen the distraction.
If you are blessed with a tripod or monopod, avoid panning and tilting during an interview because it is also distracting and you will hate yourself come editing time.
Editing time!
Final Cut Pro is the industry standard for editing video for good reason: it has more features than one will probably every need. But when it comes to the web, iMovie or any of these alternatives will suffice. Editing on the cheap isn't a bad thing. A video is only as bad as its editor (and shooter).
As internet connection speeds get faster and faster and more internet users have taken to the idea of watching video pieces on the web, the temptation increases to put even longer video clips on the web. But it is important to remember that many web surfers have the attention span of a walnut and rarely sit through long video.
Again the importance of using headphones, especially when editing, is paramount. You may have shot Peabody Award-worthy video but if the audio sounds like crap, then the whole clip is a wash.
For more tips on shooting video for the web, visit Creative Pro, Ourmedia, the Online Journalism Review, or andydickinson.net.
Have a tip for shooting video or your own personal technique? Share it in the comments!
Picking a camera
Most major news outlets by now have a stash of video cameras (okay maybe just one) available to multimedia/ video shooters. But if your newsroom is just catching up and/or is reluctant to spend a gajillion dollars on a video camera, know that a web quality camera can be bought on the cheap. Purchasing a video camera that can also shoot photos and capture audio is ideal for the backpack journalist who plans to create a total multimedia experience. There are some other technical factors to consider, including external mic and headphone jacks and a firewire terminal. This previous post lists some inexpensive cameras that will get the job done.
Once you have the right camera, play around with the settings and become familiar with them, but don't mess them up before you get out to the field. You don't want to have shot an exclusive interview and later found out you messed up the white balance settings — which is to say check your white balance settings. You can't always fix it in post.
In the field
One of the top causes for headaches in the editing process is not having enough footage to produce the best quality story. The trick is to shoot more footage than you think you will need, including B-roll and ambient sound. However, if the video will be produced on a tight deadline, don't shoot too much or you will end up with a mess of video clips that must be sifted through and uploaded.
Video should be shot outdoors whenever possible to take advantage of the great lighting the sun provides, but sometimes this isn't an available option. Make sure to turn on overhead lights, lamps or whatever will help to brighten up the room (unless you're going for the scary, shadowed, whistleblower look. Some cameras will produce a grainy effect in low light situations that should be avoided whenever possible.
The importance of a tripod cannot be stressed enough. Not using one will cause visible shaking that is incredibly distracting, especially on relatively small computer screens. If the boss was too stingy to cough up the money for a tripod, you can still steady the camera by leaning against a wall with your upper back and both legs spread in a 'V' in front of you for leverage. For low angle shots, kneel on one knee placing your elbow on the raised knee and holding the camera to your eye. If this sounds too complicated, use a steady flat surface such as a table and increase the height of the camera using thick books. Avoid using the camera's zoom function as any shaking becomes more apparent the more the camera is zoomed.
Interviewing
Be sure to use a good pair of headphones (not earbuds) to be sure of audio quality before you begin to roll. In an interview situation, have the speaker talk naturally before you the actual interview begins to make sure there is no audio interference and you can in fact hear them. If you are a one person show, keep one headphone on and keep an eye on the camera, but remain engaged with the interviewee. You can also keep both headphones on but slide the arc of the headphones to the nape of the neck to lessen the distraction.
If you are blessed with a tripod or monopod, avoid panning and tilting during an interview because it is also distracting and you will hate yourself come editing time.
Editing time!
Final Cut Pro is the industry standard for editing video for good reason: it has more features than one will probably every need. But when it comes to the web, iMovie or any of these alternatives will suffice. Editing on the cheap isn't a bad thing. A video is only as bad as its editor (and shooter).
As internet connection speeds get faster and faster and more internet users have taken to the idea of watching video pieces on the web, the temptation increases to put even longer video clips on the web. But it is important to remember that many web surfers have the attention span of a walnut and rarely sit through long video.
Again the importance of using headphones, especially when editing, is paramount. You may have shot Peabody Award-worthy video but if the audio sounds like crap, then the whole clip is a wash.
For more tips on shooting video for the web, visit Creative Pro, Ourmedia, the Online Journalism Review, or andydickinson.net.
Have a tip for shooting video or your own personal technique? Share it in the comments!
Labels: video
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
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Magazine archives have you covered
The latest trend in online magazines is to have an online gallery of the covers of past issues. It's a great idea and invokes nostalgia in readers who remember the fond memories tied to each issue. There are a few magazines who are making use of the online space and giving their cover galleries a little extra zip:
Wired includes links to each issue's stories:
Seventeen has video and slideshows documenting each cover girl:
LIFE has slideshows of its covers as well as quizzes and the option for users to vote on their favorite covers:
Rolling Stone has a great flash interface for searching for covers:
VIBE posts not only its covers, but also the links to its cover stories:
For more on the story behind the magazine fronts, check out Cover Awards, a unique blog that covers the covers. For today's newspaper front pages, visit Newseum. More online cover archives after the jump.
Vogue (UK)
Time
Sports Illustrated
Esquire
Vanity Fair
New York Magazine
O, The Oprah Magazine
Wired includes links to each issue's stories:
Seventeen has video and slideshows documenting each cover girl:
LIFE has slideshows of its covers as well as quizzes and the option for users to vote on their favorite covers:
Rolling Stone has a great flash interface for searching for covers:
VIBE posts not only its covers, but also the links to its cover stories:
For more on the story behind the magazine fronts, check out Cover Awards, a unique blog that covers the covers. For today's newspaper front pages, visit Newseum. More online cover archives after the jump.
Vogue (UK)
Time
Sports Illustrated
Esquire
Vanity Fair
New York Magazine
O, The Oprah Magazine
Friday, May 02, 2008
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Happy RSS Awareness Day!
Today is RSS Awareness Day. Are you aware of RSS? Were you aware that RSS Awareness Day existed? And I'm totally not asking because I think you should subscribe to the 10,000 words RSS feed. While RSS is popular in many tech circles, your average internet users hasn't quite caught on.
In the spirit of the day, here are some of the possibilities of RSS:
1. Get sports scores
2. Check the weather
3. Create a custom newspaper
4. Get constant updates on the latest in multimedia and technology news and commentary
In the spirit of the day, here are some of the possibilities of RSS:
1. Get sports scores
2. Check the weather
3. Create a custom newspaper
4. Get constant updates on the latest in multimedia and technology news and commentary
Labels: rss
Thursday, May 01, 2008
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Why aren't all journalists "citizen" journalists?
After working in a newsroom for some time, many journalists began to work in a bubble and lose touch with the community on which they report. Rather than writing great journalism to enlighten readers, some journos began to write solely for the adoration of their peers and editors, or at worst, for journalism competitions.
"Citizen journalist" has come to refer to, in its most basic form, the common man who makes his voice heard, but the term itself sometimes takes on a derogatory connotation. They aren't real journalists, of course, just some bozo with a computer. This attitude coupled with the fact that some reporters are perturbed by the recent surge of citizen journalism suggests a disconnect between our work and the lives we lead outside of the newsroom. It's time to stop reading blogs simply to raid them for story ideas, but to become a part of the discourse that is happening outside of our own news sites.
Before Web 2.0 and multimedia journalism began to change the landscape of the newsroom, the focus was mainly on newsroom diversity. Many media companies recognized the benefit in a staff that reflected the community. But if a diverse staff doesn't see itself as part of the community, then the very purpose of diversity fails.
It's easy to be inspired by the work of our peers at mainstream media powerhouses like the New York Times and MSNBC, but there is great multimedia reporting happening outside of the traditional journalism sphere that should not be discounted. Sites like Wikipedia are often maligned by professional journalists, and even though they are fallible, are a case for the power of an online community coming together to create a substantial resource outside of the hierarchy of a mainstream news outlet.
Those crazy remarks in the online comments section can be a further put off and are often cited as a case against letting average Joes in on the conversation, but insightful information can also be found amongst the craziness.
Journalists should be an active part of the community they cover and not discount citizen journalists as untrained hacks. Lack of formal journalism training doesn't negate the voice of the average citizen. To ignore those voices is to ignore the voice of the community on which you report.
Ultimately it comes down to never thinking you know more than your audience. I'm not suggesting all journalists should drop their notepads and write whatever the heck they want. Rather, journalists should remember that we are all "citizens" of the communities we cover and our reportage should reflect that.
"Citizen journalist" has come to refer to, in its most basic form, the common man who makes his voice heard, but the term itself sometimes takes on a derogatory connotation. They aren't real journalists, of course, just some bozo with a computer. This attitude coupled with the fact that some reporters are perturbed by the recent surge of citizen journalism suggests a disconnect between our work and the lives we lead outside of the newsroom. It's time to stop reading blogs simply to raid them for story ideas, but to become a part of the discourse that is happening outside of our own news sites.
Before Web 2.0 and multimedia journalism began to change the landscape of the newsroom, the focus was mainly on newsroom diversity. Many media companies recognized the benefit in a staff that reflected the community. But if a diverse staff doesn't see itself as part of the community, then the very purpose of diversity fails.
It's easy to be inspired by the work of our peers at mainstream media powerhouses like the New York Times and MSNBC, but there is great multimedia reporting happening outside of the traditional journalism sphere that should not be discounted. Sites like Wikipedia are often maligned by professional journalists, and even though they are fallible, are a case for the power of an online community coming together to create a substantial resource outside of the hierarchy of a mainstream news outlet.
Those crazy remarks in the online comments section can be a further put off and are often cited as a case against letting average Joes in on the conversation, but insightful information can also be found amongst the craziness.
Journalists should be an active part of the community they cover and not discount citizen journalists as untrained hacks. Lack of formal journalism training doesn't negate the voice of the average citizen. To ignore those voices is to ignore the voice of the community on which you report.
Ultimately it comes down to never thinking you know more than your audience. I'm not suggesting all journalists should drop their notepads and write whatever the heck they want. Rather, journalists should remember that we are all "citizens" of the communities we cover and our reportage should reflect that.
Labels: citizen journalism
Thursday, May 01, 2008
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