Journalism in a modern society can be helped by gathering information from the "crowd."
Crowd Sourcing: a group of committed individuals can come come together to provide value for a website and outperform a small group of experienced professionals.
Open-Source reporting: using transparency to provide a benefit for your audience and acquire benefits.
Pro-am journalism: allows users to publish comments on the same platform that journalists write on.
Crowdsourcing is popular cause "citizens are desperate to broadcast their message to their communities, i.e. blogs. Crowdsourcing also provides more stories and human elements that journalists can use. For example, during the Florida hurricanes in 2004, journalists used information via crowdsourcing.
Open-Source reporting is important as modern journalism needs to be transparent, authentic and collaborative. It welcomes the audience's feedback. It started through email and now has evolved into on website tips.
An interesting take on this is beatblogging. Beatbloggers report on a specific topic and receive feedback on that topic.
**Links! Linking expands the web and can further peoples knowledge when journalists link information into their webstory.***
Pro-Am Journalism: DIY journalism allows people to be their own journalists. A popular known form of this is CNN's iReport.
Print journalism has tapped into the power of web journalism. For example, newspapers have print-only community newspapers.
Basically, online journalism and print journalism's future is towards a collaborative effort with the audience.
23 February 2010
18 February 2010
Chapter 6: Visual Storytelling with Photographs
Digital Photography has changed photography as now anyone can take a picture, upload, and have it published.
It is important to know the basics of photography, such as composition in today's journalism world.
Digital cameras are great tools as the allow people to
-take as many pictures as they want
-immediately see if the picture they took is one they want
-upload photos, anytime, anywhere
-avoid having to purchase film
-easily edit photos
Make sure to understand the new copyright laws concerning photos on the internet. Don't Steal!
Camera Basics:
There are two kinds of digital camera, the "point and shoot" which is an all-in-one camera that is compact and easy to use and the "DSLR" which captures better photos but is expensive and tricky to use.
Basic camera functions are:
-Camera Modes
-Zoom
-Flash
-View/Delete
** An important tip for a good picture is to have quailty lighting such as 1) natural light only 2) a flash as the primary light source or 3) a mix of the both. **
When shooting mug shoots, there are also many tips of the trade:
-avoid high-noon sunlight and strong backlight
-try to photograph when the skies are overcast, or try to photograph in a situation that replicates overcast skues
-use a flash as a last resort
-pick the right background, as least busy as possible
-position the subject away from walls
-make sure there isn't anything "growing" out of a person's head, such as a telephone pole
The biggest mistake new photographers make is not having enough TIME to take decent photos.
Since journalists normally take more photos than needed, be careful in selecting a "good" photo. A fresh eye is always helpful.
Keep your photos well organized on your computer for easy access. There are many editing softwares for all types of photographers to help suit your needs.
Here are some helpful hints to prepare an image for online publishing:
-Edit a copy of the photo (never use the original.)
-Crop the Photo.
-Resize the Picture.
-Modify the resolution.
-Tone and color correct the picture
-Save a Web version.
-Keep it simple.
Journalism Next recommends using the software "Photoshop Elements" to edit photos for journalists.
It is important to know the basics of photography, such as composition in today's journalism world.
Digital cameras are great tools as the allow people to
-take as many pictures as they want
-immediately see if the picture they took is one they want
-upload photos, anytime, anywhere
-avoid having to purchase film
-easily edit photos
Make sure to understand the new copyright laws concerning photos on the internet. Don't Steal!
Camera Basics:
There are two kinds of digital camera, the "point and shoot" which is an all-in-one camera that is compact and easy to use and the "DSLR" which captures better photos but is expensive and tricky to use.
Basic camera functions are:
-Camera Modes
-Zoom
-Flash
-View/Delete
** An important tip for a good picture is to have quailty lighting such as 1) natural light only 2) a flash as the primary light source or 3) a mix of the both. **
When shooting mug shoots, there are also many tips of the trade:
-avoid high-noon sunlight and strong backlight
-try to photograph when the skies are overcast, or try to photograph in a situation that replicates overcast skues
-use a flash as a last resort
-pick the right background, as least busy as possible
-position the subject away from walls
-make sure there isn't anything "growing" out of a person's head, such as a telephone pole
The biggest mistake new photographers make is not having enough TIME to take decent photos.
Since journalists normally take more photos than needed, be careful in selecting a "good" photo. A fresh eye is always helpful.
Keep your photos well organized on your computer for easy access. There are many editing softwares for all types of photographers to help suit your needs.
Here are some helpful hints to prepare an image for online publishing:
-Edit a copy of the photo (never use the original.)
-Crop the Photo.
-Resize the Picture.
-Modify the resolution.
-Tone and color correct the picture
-Save a Web version.
-Keep it simple.
Journalism Next recommends using the software "Photoshop Elements" to edit photos for journalists.
16 February 2010
Going Mobile
Cell phones have allowed information and "breaking news" to spread faster. New Mobile reporters can report at any time, their deadline is right now!
Mobile Journalism: More than 2/3s of Americans of ALL AGES own cells. Journalists are trying to take advantage of this by publishing material for mobiles.
Making Mobile Journalism: KEEP IT SIMPLE
-Choose your story
News that the users what right this second, such as sporting events
-Gear up and get out: Report on the go
~become a gearhead,a journalist who constantly mobile reports with the most
advanced and up to date technology
~ OR become a light packer, a journalism who only sometimes reports
immediately and only needs the basics
If your a gearhead, here are some recommended equipment: Laptop computer, internet connection, camera, video camera, tripod, audio recorder, head phones, microphone, and of course, cell phone.
A light packer? You really only need a smartphone!
There are many options to publish your stories via mobile journalism.
1) A common way is through microblogging, such as on Twitter.
2) Or if you have a laptop, using a regular blog such as blogger.com is a great idea.
3) Mobile video, allows a journalist to stream videos from anywhere to the web or even a video player.
4) Mobile multimedia: A journalist can concentrate on each element of video, sound, and text separately and upload together.
Finally, it is important to note Mobile crowdsourcing. News corporations can benefit from photos, videos, etc. that are sent in from the actual users. This helps research out to the audience and had a personal element. A great example was the coverage of Barack Obama's presidential inauguration in which users sent in photos of how they were viewing the ceremony.
Mobile Journalism: More than 2/3s of Americans of ALL AGES own cells. Journalists are trying to take advantage of this by publishing material for mobiles.
Making Mobile Journalism: KEEP IT SIMPLE
-Choose your story
News that the users what right this second, such as sporting events
-Gear up and get out: Report on the go
~become a gearhead,a journalist who constantly mobile reports with the most
advanced and up to date technology
~ OR become a light packer, a journalism who only sometimes reports
immediately and only needs the basics
If your a gearhead, here are some recommended equipment: Laptop computer, internet connection, camera, video camera, tripod, audio recorder, head phones, microphone, and of course, cell phone.
A light packer? You really only need a smartphone!
There are many options to publish your stories via mobile journalism.
1) A common way is through microblogging, such as on Twitter.
2) Or if you have a laptop, using a regular blog such as blogger.com is a great idea.
3) Mobile video, allows a journalist to stream videos from anywhere to the web or even a video player.
4) Mobile multimedia: A journalist can concentrate on each element of video, sound, and text separately and upload together.
Finally, it is important to note Mobile crowdsourcing. News corporations can benefit from photos, videos, etc. that are sent in from the actual users. This helps research out to the audience and had a personal element. A great example was the coverage of Barack Obama's presidential inauguration in which users sent in photos of how they were viewing the ceremony.
13 February 2010
Chapter 4: Microblogging: Write Small, Think Big
After bloggging, came Microblogging, a 140 word blog that allows for quick, short updates. The most popular microblogging service right now is Twitter. Facebook NewsFeed is also a form of microblogging, which allowed the website to surpass Myspace in popularity.
After the San Diego fires in 2007, Twitter really took hold as citizens were able to quickly "tweet" about road closing and other issues due to the fire. This soon promoted "impromptu journalism," and evolved into a source of breaking news journalism.
By using Microblogging as an RSS feed, website such as Twitter helps journalists understand their readers as readers can provide feedback and tweet about what interests them most. Microblogging can also give journalists leads to important stories as well.
In order to have a successful microblog, Mark Briggs of Journalism Next suggests an 80/20 rule. Microblog 80 percent of what the online reading community wants, and 20 percent of self-promoting, such as links to personal blogs or asking for help.
As Twitter is the most popular microblogging tool, it is important to learn the basics of "tweeting."
First, make sure you know what your going to do with your twitter. Having a goal helps give the microblog have a purpose.
Luckily, there are only a few Twitter terms that need to be learned:
-DM: Direct Message
-@: For a reply, it precedes your name in your reply message to a tweet
-Tweet: the equivalent to a post on regular blogs.
-RT: Retweet, reposting what someone else said.
-Hashtag: a label for a tweet that should be grouped with others tweets
Some basic rules of Tweeting, is to Post, Read, Reply, and sometimes send direct messages.
A good way to receive a following on Twitter, is to follow other's microblogs.
It's much easier than people think. Listen to your internal thoughts and comment on things in this world.
One of the best innovations is the ability to tweet from a cell phone, such as an IPhone or Blackberry.
After the San Diego fires in 2007, Twitter really took hold as citizens were able to quickly "tweet" about road closing and other issues due to the fire. This soon promoted "impromptu journalism," and evolved into a source of breaking news journalism.
By using Microblogging as an RSS feed, website such as Twitter helps journalists understand their readers as readers can provide feedback and tweet about what interests them most. Microblogging can also give journalists leads to important stories as well.
In order to have a successful microblog, Mark Briggs of Journalism Next suggests an 80/20 rule. Microblog 80 percent of what the online reading community wants, and 20 percent of self-promoting, such as links to personal blogs or asking for help.
As Twitter is the most popular microblogging tool, it is important to learn the basics of "tweeting."
First, make sure you know what your going to do with your twitter. Having a goal helps give the microblog have a purpose.
Luckily, there are only a few Twitter terms that need to be learned:
-DM: Direct Message
-@: For a reply, it precedes your name in your reply message to a tweet
-Tweet: the equivalent to a post on regular blogs.
-RT: Retweet, reposting what someone else said.
-Hashtag: a label for a tweet that should be grouped with others tweets
Some basic rules of Tweeting, is to Post, Read, Reply, and sometimes send direct messages.
A good way to receive a following on Twitter, is to follow other's microblogs.
It's much easier than people think. Listen to your internal thoughts and comment on things in this world.
One of the best innovations is the ability to tweet from a cell phone, such as an IPhone or Blackberry.
12 February 2010
Chapter 2: Advanced Blogging
Every college journalist should have a blog to work on web writing techniques.
Blogging is an expansive tool of conversation and a modern news source.
However, blogs are not magical. It takes skill, practice and patience to learn to blog well.
First, blog basics:
**The history of blogging can be followed with the history of the internet but the turning point in blogging popularity was a result of the 9/11 attacks**
Blogging and journalism are still evolving together with innovation and experimentation.
So you want to become a blogger now?
First, it's important to learn the language stated in Mark Briggs Journalism Next.
-"Post: An entry on a blog or, as a verb, to make an entry on a blog.
-Permalink: A link available on each post that provides direct access to that post, usually with comments visible.
-Trackback: A mechanism for communication between blogs, enabling one blogger to let another know that he or she is linking to their material.
-Blogroll: A collection of links usually found on the sidebar of a blog.
-Vlog: A blog that features video commentary as its primary medium.
-Moblog: Blogging from a mobile device.
So let's get started!
First decide what you 1) what to name your blog 2) think of a description for your blog and 3) what will you write about? What is the point?
Now, choose a blog system to upload your posts on to. Decide on a name and theme.
Next, customize your blog with fonts, colors, etc. Look into adding a widget, a tool used to add extra functionality to one's blog.
Now you have a blog, but how do you get readers? Think of what the readers wants to read. Make sure your ideas are clear and organized and be an "authority" on something. Also, make your posts scanable, include links and have an overall good attitude.
**It's much more colorful to add pictures and images.***
Here's a few last second tips to create a successful blog:
-Make sure you post as often as possible, at least once a day if possible to keep your readers attention.
-Participate in blogging communities to gain readers.
-Create an RSS feed to link to other blogs.
Blogging is an expansive tool of conversation and a modern news source.
However, blogs are not magical. It takes skill, practice and patience to learn to blog well.
First, blog basics:
**The history of blogging can be followed with the history of the internet but the turning point in blogging popularity was a result of the 9/11 attacks**
Blogging and journalism are still evolving together with innovation and experimentation.
So you want to become a blogger now?
First, it's important to learn the language stated in Mark Briggs Journalism Next.
-"Post: An entry on a blog or, as a verb, to make an entry on a blog.
-Permalink: A link available on each post that provides direct access to that post, usually with comments visible.
-Trackback: A mechanism for communication between blogs, enabling one blogger to let another know that he or she is linking to their material.
-Blogroll: A collection of links usually found on the sidebar of a blog.
-Vlog: A blog that features video commentary as its primary medium.
-Moblog: Blogging from a mobile device.
So let's get started!
First decide what you 1) what to name your blog 2) think of a description for your blog and 3) what will you write about? What is the point?
Now, choose a blog system to upload your posts on to. Decide on a name and theme.
Next, customize your blog with fonts, colors, etc. Look into adding a widget, a tool used to add extra functionality to one's blog.
Now you have a blog, but how do you get readers? Think of what the readers wants to read. Make sure your ideas are clear and organized and be an "authority" on something. Also, make your posts scanable, include links and have an overall good attitude.
**It's much more colorful to add pictures and images.***
Here's a few last second tips to create a successful blog:
-Make sure you post as often as possible, at least once a day if possible to keep your readers attention.
-Participate in blogging communities to gain readers.
-Create an RSS feed to link to other blogs.
Chapter 9: Data-Driven Journalism and Digitizing Your Life
The world is exponentially becoming more and more globalized everyday. In order to be on the forefront of journalism, one must digitize one's personal journalism.
But first, one should digitize one's life!
How?
-Organize one's email by using tools such as folders
-Find the right personal productivity tools, such as a virtual office to store documents
Now, Data Driven Journalism
Why? Journalism on the web can be much more colorful and informative, i.e. using web links in text.
Every story is filled with information. By using weblinks or databases, a reader can find out more information.
By telling stories with data, readers can read the actual information and decipher the information.
The internet also helps journalism by allowing journalists to research information online.
Finally, sharing data (API) allows anyone to tap into information journalists have collected.
Sharing Information is one of the best tools the internet has given us.
One of the best was to organize information is through spreadsheets and databases which are easy to use with programs such as Excel or Google Docs.
Map Mashups helps users find stores, products, etc in a certain location such as Google Maps. Journalists can use Map Mashups to direct users to the story's location. This can be especially useful in "Breaking News" scenarios.
-These maps can be interactive for users with programs such as UMapper.
But first, one should digitize one's life!
How?
-Organize one's email by using tools such as folders
-Find the right personal productivity tools, such as a virtual office to store documents
Now, Data Driven Journalism
Why? Journalism on the web can be much more colorful and informative, i.e. using web links in text.
Every story is filled with information. By using weblinks or databases, a reader can find out more information.
By telling stories with data, readers can read the actual information and decipher the information.
The internet also helps journalism by allowing journalists to research information online.
Finally, sharing data (API) allows anyone to tap into information journalists have collected.
Sharing Information is one of the best tools the internet has given us.
One of the best was to organize information is through spreadsheets and databases which are easy to use with programs such as Excel or Google Docs.
Map Mashups helps users find stores, products, etc in a certain location such as Google Maps. Journalists can use Map Mashups to direct users to the story's location. This can be especially useful in "Breaking News" scenarios.
-These maps can be interactive for users with programs such as UMapper.
Chapter 1: We Are All Web Workers Now
Basic Web Technologies:
-How Web Browsers Work
-How to Make RSS work for you
-How FTP tranfers large files over the Web
-How HTML, CSS, and XML work
First! Digital Information:
*Bits and Bytes of information ranging in kilo, mega, and giga
*Files, i.e. PDFs or video clips
How does the Internet Work?
Internet = World Wide Web? NO!
The web does NOT include email, instant messaging, and file transfer.
How Web Servers Work?
***"Web server is a special type of computer that stores and distrubutes information over the Internet.***
But HOW?!? By the URL or Web Address! and the IP address (a unique, numeric identity of the webserver location) and a domain name (a "human readable" web address)
Web Browsers: A tool to access the internet (think Firefox, Internet Explorer, or Safari)
Cache: temporary storage of all the files one downloads while browsing the web :)
***Plug-ins and Extensions such as Adobe can make surfing the Web even more colorful and fun! ***
What is an RSS? RSS is Really Simple Syndication. It allows the reader to subscribe to certain information for constant delivery.
So How do I set up a RSS and subscribe to these "feeds" of information? Simple!
-Choose if you want an
A) Web based reader (such as gmail) or
B) Stand Alone Readers such as NewsGator or
C) the best of both worlds, such as Netvibes, or
Pageflakes
-Select the information you want
-Add it to your feeder
So what is the FTP? FTP is File Transfer Protocol or moving HUGE files email can't handle.
To do this one must:
-Set up an FTP Program such as CoffeeCup, ACE, Mac, Fetch, etc.
-And one is ready to transfer files
Web Design Basics: Not So Scary?
-Learn HTML and the basics for the FUTURE OF JOURNALISM
-Use a text editor to help with HTML such as Notepad
**helpful hint: images are a great way to liven up a page
The most know HTML editing software is Adobe Dreamweaver. And tutorials can help with more information.
Next WebDesign tool is... CSS or Cascading Style Sheets. CSS helps makes a website look "nice" with font styles, size, line-spacing, etc. Tutorials can also be found for CSS.
Finally, XML or Extensible Markup Language which allows readers to subscribe to a feed to receive updates. Of course, tutorials can be found on XML as well.
-How Web Browsers Work
-How to Make RSS work for you
-How FTP tranfers large files over the Web
-How HTML, CSS, and XML work
First! Digital Information:
*Bits and Bytes of information ranging in kilo, mega, and giga
*Files, i.e. PDFs or video clips
How does the Internet Work?
Internet = World Wide Web? NO!
The web does NOT include email, instant messaging, and file transfer.
How Web Servers Work?
***"Web server is a special type of computer that stores and distrubutes information over the Internet.***
But HOW?!? By the URL or Web Address! and the IP address (a unique, numeric identity of the webserver location) and a domain name (a "human readable" web address)
Web Browsers: A tool to access the internet (think Firefox, Internet Explorer, or Safari)
Cache: temporary storage of all the files one downloads while browsing the web :)
***Plug-ins and Extensions such as Adobe can make surfing the Web even more colorful and fun! ***
What is an RSS? RSS is Really Simple Syndication. It allows the reader to subscribe to certain information for constant delivery.
So How do I set up a RSS and subscribe to these "feeds" of information? Simple!
-Choose if you want an
A) Web based reader (such as gmail) or
B) Stand Alone Readers such as NewsGator or
C) the best of both worlds, such as Netvibes, or
Pageflakes
-Select the information you want
-Add it to your feeder
So what is the FTP? FTP is File Transfer Protocol or moving HUGE files email can't handle.
To do this one must:
-Set up an FTP Program such as CoffeeCup, ACE, Mac, Fetch, etc.
-And one is ready to transfer files
Web Design Basics: Not So Scary?
-Learn HTML and the basics for the FUTURE OF JOURNALISM
-Use a text editor to help with HTML such as Notepad
**helpful hint: images are a great way to liven up a page
The most know HTML editing software is Adobe Dreamweaver. And tutorials can help with more information.
Next WebDesign tool is... CSS or Cascading Style Sheets. CSS helps makes a website look "nice" with font styles, size, line-spacing, etc. Tutorials can also be found for CSS.
Finally, XML or Extensible Markup Language which allows readers to subscribe to a feed to receive updates. Of course, tutorials can be found on XML as well.
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