The goal of mainstream multimedia is to have an "active audience" in their attempt to modernize or upgrade their online publications. The media must engage in what the younger audience's interests are like music and the arts. Too many publications limit their focus to news that they lose sight of the entertainment value that a news outlet possesses. The mainstream media attempts to modernize these online publications to younger viewers by appealing to a broad range of tastes. The problem with this is that there is often a lack of coverage or personal involvement of readers dedicated to the topic.
While, the media is certainly getting the attention of the younger audience, it might not be the best way to go about it. I would focus on lighter news as a means of capturing the web-savvy younger audience. After all, that's what our generation cares about. We don't want to hear about income taxes, we want to know why Kid Rock attempted to punch out Tommy Lee at the VMAs. The solution is appropriate content for the appropriate generation. The younger audiences want timely, accessible and interactive material like online polls, quizzes, videos and mp3 downloads to engage in while on the website.
I don't know that I would change the news that is reported to younger audiences as much as I would tone it down and make the delivery lighter and more appealing. Young people want the news "on their terms" when they can fit it into their busy schedule. This is a major advantage for online publications because users can access it whenever the time allows. Andrew Heyward , president of CBS News, calls young people "information impressionists," because of the way they go to different sources for news, and then reassemble it in a way that is relevant and convenient. In this case, I would change how news is reported by reporting what is relevant to them in simple terminology and user-friendly technology.
These publications should be put together online using creative expertise to engage the reader and "talk the language of their audience." The younger audience tunes out when they don't understand what you are talking about. Also, student reporters would contribute to readership with emphasis on using multi-media like YouTube and iTunes to view and download audio and video packages. Finally, online news for younger audiences would definitely need a place for user-contributed content, so the readers feel like they have a say in what is reported.
Beyond technology, news would be published with an unconventional flair for younger "twenty-something" audiences. This would included provocative columns and a long list of resources about bars and music specifically which bars are hot, which are too crowded, and which have the best drink specials. I can't think of a better way to modernize and update a stale online publication intended for younger audiences!
Monday, December 3, 2007
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Web 2.0: The Future of the Net?
What is the internet ? The internet "is a worldwide, publicly accessible series of interconnected computer networks that transmit data by packet switching using the standard Internet Protocol." What does this mean in layman's terms? The internet teaches its users through fast and accessible knowledge and interaction with others. Being connected means involving the user. Whether it is buying ringtones, chatting on a web cam, or watching a user-contributed video, the viewer is engaged.
The internet is more than just the World Wide Web. It is MySpace. It is Facebook. It is eBay. It is social networking. It is the iPhone. It is the Blackberry. It is mobile technology. I never thought the day would come that you could access the internet on a cell phone. But, that day did come. With the dot-com bubble burst in 2001, Web 1.0 was on its way out and a new era was dawning for the internet. Web 1.0 was boring. It was outdated. And it did not involve collaborative effort on the part of the user. Web 2.0, on the other hand, is a "participartory web."
Web 1.0 versus Web 2.0 is the biggest step forward in the evolution of the World Wide Web . It is reading versus writing, companies versus communities, client-server versus peer to peer, home pages verus blogs, lectures versus conversation, advertising versus word of mouth, HTML versus XML. You get the idea. It's old school versus a "perceived second generation of web-based communities." Web 2.0 also creates a social element where users can generate and distribute content. Web 2.0 is utilized through sites like YouTube and Digg in allowing users to contribute and share their own content. The media could gain from Web 2.0 by using it as a platform to engage interest in their companies because it relies heavily on user interactivity. It will be interesting to see where the web will take us next..how much more interactive can we get?
The internet is more than just the World Wide Web. It is MySpace. It is Facebook. It is eBay. It is social networking. It is the iPhone. It is the Blackberry. It is mobile technology. I never thought the day would come that you could access the internet on a cell phone. But, that day did come. With the dot-com bubble burst in 2001, Web 1.0 was on its way out and a new era was dawning for the internet. Web 1.0 was boring. It was outdated. And it did not involve collaborative effort on the part of the user. Web 2.0, on the other hand, is a "participartory web."
Web 1.0 versus Web 2.0 is the biggest step forward in the evolution of the World Wide Web . It is reading versus writing, companies versus communities, client-server versus peer to peer, home pages verus blogs, lectures versus conversation, advertising versus word of mouth, HTML versus XML. You get the idea. It's old school versus a "perceived second generation of web-based communities." Web 2.0 also creates a social element where users can generate and distribute content. Web 2.0 is utilized through sites like YouTube and Digg in allowing users to contribute and share their own content. The media could gain from Web 2.0 by using it as a platform to engage interest in their companies because it relies heavily on user interactivity. It will be interesting to see where the web will take us next..how much more interactive can we get?
Sunday, November 18, 2007
First man walks on the Moon
The race to the moon is over. NASA celebrates the first man in history to walk on the Moon's surface. Neil Armstrong, Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin and Michael Collins made up the Apollo 11 team that blasted off from Kennedy Space Center four days ago. Armstrong and Aldrin landed on the Moon. The two went down on the Lunar Module, called the Eagle. Collins stayed in orbit while performing experiments and taking pictures. The astronauts walked around for three hours. They also did experiments, picked up bits of Moon dirt and rock and placed a U.S. flag on the Moon. All three astronauts came back to Earth safely. It has taken less than 10 years. President Kennedy's wish has come true. Man has walked on the Moon.
Multimedia
- Video of the astronauts in orbit and landing on the moon's surface
- Photo slide show of the astronaut's preparation for the mission
- Pictures/Bios about Armstrong, Aldrin and Collins
- Pictures/Descriptions/Samples of the experiments and data collected on the mission
- Timeline of NASA space mission history
- Interview with astronauts via satellite in orbit
- Interview with doctors/space mission team
- A link to buy: Apollo 11 mission biography
- Online poll: Did you expect NASA to be the first to put a man on the moon?
- User-contributed media link (message boards)
I would like to talk to/get facts from
- Doctors that prepared the men for space
- NASA's Apollo 11 space/control crew
- Armstrong/Aldrin/Collins on their first-hand experience
- engineers that built the spacecraft
- President Kennedy on his thoughts for the Apollo 11 mission
- personal accounts from the astronaut's family members
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Sex Apnea: People that commit violent sex crimes in their sleep
Stanford researchers believe that a medical disorder known as "sleep sex" is the cause of a medical disorder caused by glitches in brain waves during sleep. It causes rape-like behavior towards bed partners. Behavior ranges from disruptive moaning to full on physical sexual attacks while in the dream-like state.
"One man actually tried to strangle his wife while on the throes of one of these disturbances. Another victim tried to stop the behavior by using restraints. He broke two fingers while attempting, in his sleep, to escape. " Sex apnea is treatable . Some people both men and women have been putting themselves and others at risk for years. The disturbances have gone unreported because of fear and embarrassment. Many sufferers believe that nothing can be done, but the disorder can be treated. Sex apnea can be treated with Valium or even treatment used for people with sleep breathing problems.
Recently, Dr. Michael Mangan wrote the first and only book about sleep sex, Sleepsex: Uncovered . The author discusses how people feel about the problem, possible causes and dangers - for instance, legal implications. Some people have been falsely accused of rape and assault while in the throes of an attack of sleepsex. "Currently sleepsex has not been classified as a unique type of sleep disorder." He goes on to explain that it is, in fact, a variant of sleepwalking. Sleepwalking is classified as an arousal disorder, and, more generally, as a parasomnia. He covers the negative experience and the positive experience including another look at the dark and bright sides of the disorder. Finally, he has some suggestions as to things one can do about sleepsex.
Dr. Simone O'Gorman is currently putting together an international documentary on sleep sex. The world’s leading experts on this sleep disorder have agreed to be involved in what will be a scientifically accurate investigation into sexual behavior that occurs in sleep. Some people seem to enjoy it and view it with a sense of humor. However, it can be disturbing, annoying, embarrassing and is a potentially serious problem for some couples and individuals.
Cosmo would benefit greatly from a story about sex apnea. It would be an eye opening experience for its audience about a disorder that often gets swept under the rug. The article would be featured in the Health Check section of the magazine under real-world stories of Cosmo's readers. The sex apnea article would appeal to all ages because it is a health concern that has very little research done to educate the general public. Readers would also have the opportunity to purchase Dr. Mangan's book and participate in Dr. O'Gorman's documentary on sleep sex. The article would also feature multimedia options to further interest the reader including:
"One man actually tried to strangle his wife while on the throes of one of these disturbances. Another victim tried to stop the behavior by using restraints. He broke two fingers while attempting, in his sleep, to escape. " Sex apnea is treatable . Some people both men and women have been putting themselves and others at risk for years. The disturbances have gone unreported because of fear and embarrassment. Many sufferers believe that nothing can be done, but the disorder can be treated. Sex apnea can be treated with Valium or even treatment used for people with sleep breathing problems.
Recently, Dr. Michael Mangan wrote the first and only book about sleep sex, Sleepsex: Uncovered . The author discusses how people feel about the problem, possible causes and dangers - for instance, legal implications. Some people have been falsely accused of rape and assault while in the throes of an attack of sleepsex. "Currently sleepsex has not been classified as a unique type of sleep disorder." He goes on to explain that it is, in fact, a variant of sleepwalking. Sleepwalking is classified as an arousal disorder, and, more generally, as a parasomnia. He covers the negative experience and the positive experience including another look at the dark and bright sides of the disorder. Finally, he has some suggestions as to things one can do about sleepsex.
Dr. Simone O'Gorman is currently putting together an international documentary on sleep sex. The world’s leading experts on this sleep disorder have agreed to be involved in what will be a scientifically accurate investigation into sexual behavior that occurs in sleep. Some people seem to enjoy it and view it with a sense of humor. However, it can be disturbing, annoying, embarrassing and is a potentially serious problem for some couples and individuals.
Cosmo would benefit greatly from a story about sex apnea. It would be an eye opening experience for its audience about a disorder that often gets swept under the rug. The article would be featured in the Health Check section of the magazine under real-world stories of Cosmo's readers. The sex apnea article would appeal to all ages because it is a health concern that has very little research done to educate the general public. Readers would also have the opportunity to purchase Dr. Mangan's book and participate in Dr. O'Gorman's documentary on sleep sex. The article would also feature multimedia options to further interest the reader including:
- Video Clips of an interview with sex apnea expert Dr. Mangan
- Bios on individuals suffering from sex apnea
- Online poll: Do you believe sex apnea is a diagnosed and treatable disorder?
- A link to purchase Dr. Mangan's book Sleepsex: Undiscovered
- A link to participate in Dr. Simone O'Gorman's international documentary on sleep sex
Monday, November 12, 2007
Social Networking: Facebook versus MySpace
MySpace and Facebook are two of the biggest social networking systems on the net. Personally, I prefer the latter of the two. I think the appeal is widespread for most internet users. It's obviously a great way to keep in touch with friends and family. Beyond that, they are user-friendly and a healthy way to express your creativity. There are, however, a few drawbacks to these programs.
There are definitely elements of both networks that are better than the other. Facebook is the most familiar to me since I use it everyday. The privacy settings are superb and the user-customization features make the program individual to your own personality. I liked how Facebook was originally open only to college students and alumni. That was what set it apart from MySpace. It was like the club everyone wanted to be a part of. It felt exclusive. Now, any idiot can join. "Facebook is becoming a bunch of bullshit. I liked it when it was just for us college elitist snobs. Now the pothead losers who dropped out of high school or the jocks working at Mcdonalds want in and are ruining it," one Digg user commented.
In contrast, MySpace is almost distracting with the wide variety of options available to the user. There are far too many options for design. "MySpace would be so much better without the huge glitter text, tacky backgrounds and horrible music. Basically, they need to destroy the current infrastructure and start fresh; the current one can't be saved," another Digg user added. In terms of actually keeping in touch with friends, MySpace falls short. It should instead be used for musicians who want to promote their music, which was its original purpose to begin with.
The problem is not that the sites are missing anything at all, the problem is that they are overloaded with applications. "It is the choice and variety of applications and the information being pushed at us that makes it overwhelming. The next phase should be cleaning up and making things easy to use. Most importantly, Facebook needs to make it easier to communicate, which could be as simple as making the Wall more prominent," Alex Iskold writes. My biggest frustration with using Facebook has been the news feed application. It's distracting and invading. Bottom line, Facebook should not bombard you with other people's pictures, videos, and applications they've added. It's not the clean, simple and focused Facebook I originally joined.
How could these sites be made better? Facebook has taken a giant leap toward the answer. "Facebook’s strategy is almost the polar opposite from MySpace. While MySpace frets over third party widgets, alternatively shutting them down or acquiring them, Facebook is now opening up its core functions to all outside developers," Tech Crunch's Michael Arrington. I don't know that promotional advertising for these sites is the answer. That only opens up a whole new set of frustrations. I think both sites should go back to their original platforms and intended purposes. Because in 10 years, where will these sites be? Time will only tell..
There are definitely elements of both networks that are better than the other. Facebook is the most familiar to me since I use it everyday. The privacy settings are superb and the user-customization features make the program individual to your own personality. I liked how Facebook was originally open only to college students and alumni. That was what set it apart from MySpace. It was like the club everyone wanted to be a part of. It felt exclusive. Now, any idiot can join. "Facebook is becoming a bunch of bullshit. I liked it when it was just for us college elitist snobs. Now the pothead losers who dropped out of high school or the jocks working at Mcdonalds want in and are ruining it," one Digg user commented.
In contrast, MySpace is almost distracting with the wide variety of options available to the user. There are far too many options for design. "MySpace would be so much better without the huge glitter text, tacky backgrounds and horrible music. Basically, they need to destroy the current infrastructure and start fresh; the current one can't be saved," another Digg user added. In terms of actually keeping in touch with friends, MySpace falls short. It should instead be used for musicians who want to promote their music, which was its original purpose to begin with.
The problem is not that the sites are missing anything at all, the problem is that they are overloaded with applications. "It is the choice and variety of applications and the information being pushed at us that makes it overwhelming. The next phase should be cleaning up and making things easy to use. Most importantly, Facebook needs to make it easier to communicate, which could be as simple as making the Wall more prominent," Alex Iskold writes. My biggest frustration with using Facebook has been the news feed application. It's distracting and invading. Bottom line, Facebook should not bombard you with other people's pictures, videos, and applications they've added. It's not the clean, simple and focused Facebook I originally joined.
How could these sites be made better? Facebook has taken a giant leap toward the answer. "Facebook’s strategy is almost the polar opposite from MySpace. While MySpace frets over third party widgets, alternatively shutting them down or acquiring them, Facebook is now opening up its core functions to all outside developers," Tech Crunch's Michael Arrington. I don't know that promotional advertising for these sites is the answer. That only opens up a whole new set of frustrations. I think both sites should go back to their original platforms and intended purposes. Because in 10 years, where will these sites be? Time will only tell..
Saturday, November 3, 2007
meeting with Peggy
I set up my phone conference with Peggy Collins for Friday October 26th at 4:00 pm. When I first emailed her to set up a "meeting" time, I asked her what I should be preparing for the conversation. Peggy told me to think of any questions I might have about Online Journalism and what I had gotten out of the class this semester. Immediately, I panicked. The thoughts had not even crossed my mind. But, when I really sat down and thought about it, the answers were simple. Online Journalism has catapulted my mind into areas of journalism I never knew existed.
I will never forget the first day I walked into class. I was an "add in" so I had missed the first lecture. Staci Wolfe , our classroom lecturer, was standing at the front, but another woman was speaking live via satellite from a projection screen. First, I was confused and second, I was intimidated. What in the world had I gotten myself into? Why did my class have two teachers? And why was I a junior in college and had virtually no experience with the programs we were going to be using?
As the weeks rolled on, all of my trepidations about JEM 222 disappeared. Peggy, our online lecturer, has been a big help in working with our class. She gave lecture notes and helpful tips to improve our writing. Peggy also collaborated with Staci to build the class curriculum and keep the assignments fresh and interesting. I have learned more about myself as a writer in taking this class than ever before. Online Journalism has allowed me to use the skills I have practiced for years and finally produce a product.
My favorite assignment was the magazine writing assignment. I studied Cosmopolitan magazine's website. I was blown away by the effort that went in to online appeal for magazines. I would love to take a class that focused primarily on online magazine development. Online Journalism has been the bane of my existence at times and the most rewarding class at the same time. I have worked so hard on developing my writing and becoming a better journalist. Compared to the beginning of class, I have a new appreciation for online journalists, a profession I never knew existed.
Peggy's phone conversation with me went better than expected. I was a little nervous when she first called, but the more we talked, the more I wanted to open up. She offered helpful advice about making my stories "flow" and not sound quite like a book report. Peggy also gave me an opportunity to voice what I liked and didn't like about the course. I did not care for the weather story assignment because I was unsure of the graphic portion to the story, but I loved the one- on-one interview. Peggy even commented on my strong interviewing skills. Maybe I have found my calling after all! We ended the conversation with aggreance on both sides that the semester had been successful thus far. I'll be interested to see what the remainder of the term has in store..
I will never forget the first day I walked into class. I was an "add in" so I had missed the first lecture. Staci Wolfe , our classroom lecturer, was standing at the front, but another woman was speaking live via satellite from a projection screen. First, I was confused and second, I was intimidated. What in the world had I gotten myself into? Why did my class have two teachers? And why was I a junior in college and had virtually no experience with the programs we were going to be using?
As the weeks rolled on, all of my trepidations about JEM 222 disappeared. Peggy, our online lecturer, has been a big help in working with our class. She gave lecture notes and helpful tips to improve our writing. Peggy also collaborated with Staci to build the class curriculum and keep the assignments fresh and interesting. I have learned more about myself as a writer in taking this class than ever before. Online Journalism has allowed me to use the skills I have practiced for years and finally produce a product.
My favorite assignment was the magazine writing assignment. I studied Cosmopolitan magazine's website. I was blown away by the effort that went in to online appeal for magazines. I would love to take a class that focused primarily on online magazine development. Online Journalism has been the bane of my existence at times and the most rewarding class at the same time. I have worked so hard on developing my writing and becoming a better journalist. Compared to the beginning of class, I have a new appreciation for online journalists, a profession I never knew existed.
Peggy's phone conversation with me went better than expected. I was a little nervous when she first called, but the more we talked, the more I wanted to open up. She offered helpful advice about making my stories "flow" and not sound quite like a book report. Peggy also gave me an opportunity to voice what I liked and didn't like about the course. I did not care for the weather story assignment because I was unsure of the graphic portion to the story, but I loved the one- on-one interview. Peggy even commented on my strong interviewing skills. Maybe I have found my calling after all! We ended the conversation with aggreance on both sides that the semester had been successful thus far. I'll be interested to see what the remainder of the term has in store..
Sunday, October 21, 2007
BLACKOUT
It's her 5th studio album.
It's her 1st album in 4 years.
It's her infamous comeback.
It's BLACKOUT
Britney Spears much anticipated comeback album BLACKOUT hits stores October 30, 2007. Since her debut album Baby One More Time (1999), Spears has sold over 83 million records world wide according to Zomba Label Group .
With all of the media scrutiny surrounding Spears, the album's title is questionable with reports spreading of "habitual and frequent drug and alcohol abuse" by the pop star. BLACKOUT refers to "blocking out negativity and embracing life fully," according to Spears' label Jive Records .
The album was originally due to be released on November 13, 2007, but the date was pushed forward when several unauthorized online leaks of the songs were posted. In an effort to combat song piracy and due to the success of the lead single "Gimme More" , Spears' album will drop a reported two weeks early.
There was a lot of confusion as to the title of the album. Spears ran a competition on her official website for fans to vote for the album's title, however none of those suggestions were used. Spears will not do any promotion for BLACKOUT other than her 2007 Video Music Awards Performance.
People magazine got their hands on four snippets of songs to be featured on the new album.
People magazine got their hands on four snippets of songs to be featured on the new album.
The four songs include "Gimme More," "Radar," "Piece of me," and "Heaven." I'm not quite sure what I expected these four teasers to sound like, but honestly I was blown away. The sound is best described as a techno/club/dance music mix. The beats are futuristic and pulsating. I have no doubt this album is going to soar. The Britney haters are going to eat their words. This album is radio friendly and keeps the public wanting more.
"She may no longer dance with flair, lip-sync on cue, keep her dress down, or even be judged a suitable mom, but Britney Spears can still turn up on some slammin' new songs," Jim Farber of the New York Daily News writes.
Britney's work ethic is clearly evident from the album's pop magic qualities. She has gone through a lot in her personal life and her professionalism in the studio has created a "dance masterpiece." Spears reportedly worked tirelessly on the album even at 8 months pregnant with her second son. BLACKOUT shows a lot of growth for Britney as a performer. Her vocals are stronger and the electro/Eurodisco approach works for the dance-themed high energy music.
Recording artist T-Pain who arranged the music and gave background vocals for "Hot as Ice," was particularly impressed with Spears' ultra professional work ethic. "I thought she was going to be sitting on the couch eating Doritos or nachos or something," he said, "but she came in, shook my hand, gave me a hug and went right in the booth. She got in there and put it down," T-Pain writes.
The title track "Piece of me," is Spears' mission statement in the album in which she sings by dissecting her own media coverage. It's a slap in the face to the extreme media scrutiny she endures. "Radar" is emulating a video game, but keeps the sound fresh and the lyrics dangerous like "she's on the prowl." Pharrell Williams produced her closing track "Why Should I be Sad" that reportedly speaks to her ex-husband Kevin Federline. He was also complimentary of Spears' hard work on BLACKOUT.
"She's going through a lot that people don't recognize," Pharrell said. "You got to understand, she was a child star and she's held on way longer than most people can. You got to understand the pressure. Her record is cool, but you got to give her a second to get things back together. You're seeing a reality show that no one's producing, that no one's directing, and that's a problem."
Sean Garrett who co-produced and sang on Track 8 "Toy Soldier," said it best.
"Obviously, she has something special. She's just down-to-earth. She's her. She's not trying to be nobody else but her. And she makes mistakes — we all make mistakes — but you gotta love her. She'll have the world dancing for her, if you give her an opportunity to show what she's made of."
Bottom Line- BLACKOUT will be Britney's comeback.
I'd love to hear what you think! Feel free to Post a comment on my blog..
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Knoxville News Sentinel Field Trip
Our Online Journalism class took a field trip last Tuesday to the Knoxville News Sentinel . I had no expectations going into the visit since I have sadly never visited the paper's office in my 15 years as a Knoxville resident.
As I pulled into the KNS parking lot, I was admittedly embarrassed of the thought that I was a UT journalism student and had no idea what my local paper had to offer. I walked in to the lobby where I luckily met Katie my classmate who was also running late. We were escorted upstairs by Jack Lail , a Managing Editor for the sentinel. Mr. Lail directs the editorial content on the News Sentinel's website. He was responsible for launching knoxnews.com in 1995 and GoVols.com in 1996.
Katie and I sauntered up the stairs. "Wow! It looks like the set of a movie," Katie and I both shrieked. We were immediately impressed with the professional look of a "real newsroom." I don't quite know what I expected, but the layout satisfied my ideas of what a newsroom should look like. It had the feel of the Daily Planet , a fictional newspaper on Superman that first sparked my interest in journalism.
We walked into a small conference room where our class was huddled around a table. I met three online producers (Katie Hall, Talid Magdy and Lauren Spuhler) working for the Sentinel and learned what each of them contributed to the paper. These producers keep knoxnews.com fresh with breaking news content and produce video, audio and multimedia packages. Their biggest advice for journalism students was to "dabble in every area possible and learn to work with different software." A proficiency in technical programs like i photo will set you apart from other journalism students.
The most interesting part of the News Sentinel field trip was listening to Jack Lail talk about his 30 years of experience working in journalism. Through the decades, technology has expanded the access and timeliness of news, but the basics of journalism Lail learned in college still apply today. It fascinated me that a veteran writer and a reporter fresh out of college (Hall) could collaborate skills and creativity to deliver breaking news to the public. The most important thing I took away from our field trip to the Knoxville News Sentinel was to continue improving as a journalist and gain experience where ever possible. The News Sentinel definitely matches up to other news websites. Their regional and national awards speak volumes of their news team and the competition they defeat in their market size.
As I pulled into the KNS parking lot, I was admittedly embarrassed of the thought that I was a UT journalism student and had no idea what my local paper had to offer. I walked in to the lobby where I luckily met Katie my classmate who was also running late. We were escorted upstairs by Jack Lail , a Managing Editor for the sentinel. Mr. Lail directs the editorial content on the News Sentinel's website. He was responsible for launching knoxnews.com in 1995 and GoVols.com in 1996.
Katie and I sauntered up the stairs. "Wow! It looks like the set of a movie," Katie and I both shrieked. We were immediately impressed with the professional look of a "real newsroom." I don't quite know what I expected, but the layout satisfied my ideas of what a newsroom should look like. It had the feel of the Daily Planet , a fictional newspaper on Superman that first sparked my interest in journalism.
We walked into a small conference room where our class was huddled around a table. I met three online producers (Katie Hall, Talid Magdy and Lauren Spuhler) working for the Sentinel and learned what each of them contributed to the paper. These producers keep knoxnews.com fresh with breaking news content and produce video, audio and multimedia packages. Their biggest advice for journalism students was to "dabble in every area possible and learn to work with different software." A proficiency in technical programs like i photo will set you apart from other journalism students.
The most interesting part of the News Sentinel field trip was listening to Jack Lail talk about his 30 years of experience working in journalism. Through the decades, technology has expanded the access and timeliness of news, but the basics of journalism Lail learned in college still apply today. It fascinated me that a veteran writer and a reporter fresh out of college (Hall) could collaborate skills and creativity to deliver breaking news to the public. The most important thing I took away from our field trip to the Knoxville News Sentinel was to continue improving as a journalist and gain experience where ever possible. The News Sentinel definitely matches up to other news websites. Their regional and national awards speak volumes of their news team and the competition they defeat in their market size.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
User-Contributed Content
What do you think of user-contributed content?
It depends on what the "user" is contributing. This may sound elementary but consider the fundamentals of the Internet. It is an online sharing tool. Time magazine recognizes user-contributed information as being the next best thing. Or is it? When it comes to listening to their customers, companies find it is one of the most useful tools to solving tough business problems. On the flip side, who are these people that contribute to news worthy stories? Who has the time, energy or passion to respond to content?
These online reviewers are people that offer valuable and sometimes useless feedback for discussion. If there is no direction to the discussion or forum, it can seem the user is rambling. Some companies set up designated chats or message boards to control the flow of conversation. In Web Developer's Virtual Library , new media pundits claim that user-contributed content "is one of the major benefits of the online medium compared with print and broadcast." The online medium has the timeliness and proximity that newspapers and TV lack.
The Internet is in the midst of an explosion of user-contributed content. Shows like Larry King Live and Nancy Grace are prime media examples of user-contributed content online. They offer the public news headlines and exclusive websites for vital information from celebrity gossip to missing persons updates. According to Judy Olson , "the dynamic and collaborative nature of the content available online today is a new twist on how people have used technology to share information in the past." Users are free to comment on what is most important to them as opposed to what fits with the stereotypical norm.
I contribute to content online daily through group message boards and Facebook wall posts. News is definitely a conversation. Think about how we all find out about the headlines. I can recall several instances where someone has called, text or emailed me about breaking news. It's the public's way of keeping each other safe and informed. In Journalism in a 24/7 World, this means making better ethical and credible news decisions for the online editor. This will change the way main stream media reports and produces the news by keeping journalism standards and values at the forefront of reporting. User-contributed content can only expand our knowledge and desire to report accurate and timely stories.
It depends on what the "user" is contributing. This may sound elementary but consider the fundamentals of the Internet. It is an online sharing tool. Time magazine recognizes user-contributed information as being the next best thing. Or is it? When it comes to listening to their customers, companies find it is one of the most useful tools to solving tough business problems. On the flip side, who are these people that contribute to news worthy stories? Who has the time, energy or passion to respond to content?
These online reviewers are people that offer valuable and sometimes useless feedback for discussion. If there is no direction to the discussion or forum, it can seem the user is rambling. Some companies set up designated chats or message boards to control the flow of conversation. In Web Developer's Virtual Library , new media pundits claim that user-contributed content "is one of the major benefits of the online medium compared with print and broadcast." The online medium has the timeliness and proximity that newspapers and TV lack.
The Internet is in the midst of an explosion of user-contributed content. Shows like Larry King Live and Nancy Grace are prime media examples of user-contributed content online. They offer the public news headlines and exclusive websites for vital information from celebrity gossip to missing persons updates. According to Judy Olson , "the dynamic and collaborative nature of the content available online today is a new twist on how people have used technology to share information in the past." Users are free to comment on what is most important to them as opposed to what fits with the stereotypical norm.
I contribute to content online daily through group message boards and Facebook wall posts. News is definitely a conversation. Think about how we all find out about the headlines. I can recall several instances where someone has called, text or emailed me about breaking news. It's the public's way of keeping each other safe and informed. In Journalism in a 24/7 World, this means making better ethical and credible news decisions for the online editor. This will change the way main stream media reports and produces the news by keeping journalism standards and values at the forefront of reporting. User-contributed content can only expand our knowledge and desire to report accurate and timely stories.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Media Linking
Should the media be allowed to link to outside media like Digg?
Media should be allowed to link their stories to sites like Digg because its purpose is to share and discover with others. Isn't that what the concept of the internet is? Roger Simmons and John Cutter of the Orlando Sentinel have created headlines that are Web friendly so they get picked up by major search engines. This is good advertisement for their headlines and the companies they work for.
I think the internet is a growing source for news and this sort of journalistic behavior should be expected. Kelly Dyer Fry commented in the The New York Times , "People aren't just reading one story," she said. "They'll click deeper because of this, and I can load ads deeper into those pages. It really beefs up the site." This brings up a valid point for advertisers as well because it allows them to gain traffic on their sites too.
Some believe that linking to outside media is unlawful or copyright infingement . According to Erik on his blog inthefieldonline, "The underlying idea of the web directly implies that philosophically it should be perfectly fine linking to other sites, thereby directly or indirectly giving them the credit for the content. If you are not storing their content, I will have a very hard time understanding why that would mean infringement of copyright."
I believe if you give credit to the author where it is due, there should be no issue. This statement sums up the way I feel about how the media landscape is changing. Why is media linking to their sites a problem if it is not offensive or plagiarizing others ideas?
Media should be allowed to link their stories to sites like Digg because its purpose is to share and discover with others. Isn't that what the concept of the internet is? Roger Simmons and John Cutter of the Orlando Sentinel have created headlines that are Web friendly so they get picked up by major search engines. This is good advertisement for their headlines and the companies they work for.
I think the internet is a growing source for news and this sort of journalistic behavior should be expected. Kelly Dyer Fry commented in the The New York Times , "People aren't just reading one story," she said. "They'll click deeper because of this, and I can load ads deeper into those pages. It really beefs up the site." This brings up a valid point for advertisers as well because it allows them to gain traffic on their sites too.
Some believe that linking to outside media is unlawful or copyright infingement . According to Erik on his blog inthefieldonline, "The underlying idea of the web directly implies that philosophically it should be perfectly fine linking to other sites, thereby directly or indirectly giving them the credit for the content. If you are not storing their content, I will have a very hard time understanding why that would mean infringement of copyright."
I believe if you give credit to the author where it is due, there should be no issue. This statement sums up the way I feel about how the media landscape is changing. Why is media linking to their sites a problem if it is not offensive or plagiarizing others ideas?
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
News Junkie
I follow the news religiously. I like to be "in the know" as opposed to "in the dark." Growing up, my mom set the example for me by reading the newspaper from front to back every single day. She always taught me the importance of knowing the current events of American culture. My favorite local news outlets are WBIR and KnoxNews since they offer the most timely and creative stories. Other media I use for entertainment as well as for news outlets are People online and even the UT website for fast and up to date information.
A typical news day for me is best described as neurotic. I obsessively check my email and Facebook for news feeds almost hourly. I check the The Weather Channel and then turn on the The Today Show for my preferred morning news network. Later in the day, I watch Live at Five on NBC. Finally, I finish the night with Larry King Live .
My news habits have definitely changed from high school. I care about what is going on around me. As you get older, the news effects you on a deeper level. I am genuinely interested in the happenings to those around me. The news allows me to have empathy, the deepest of human connections possible. As a college student, I confess to using the web a lot more than reading specifically news publications. recently started a position at WUTK's The Rock reading a Monday night news brief. I have realized that it is possible to get the news just as the public is.
A typical news day for me is best described as neurotic. I obsessively check my email and Facebook for news feeds almost hourly. I check the The Weather Channel and then turn on the The Today Show for my preferred morning news network. Later in the day, I watch Live at Five on NBC. Finally, I finish the night with Larry King Live .
My news habits have definitely changed from high school. I care about what is going on around me. As you get older, the news effects you on a deeper level. I am genuinely interested in the happenings to those around me. The news allows me to have empathy, the deepest of human connections possible. As a college student, I confess to using the web a lot more than reading specifically news publications. recently started a position at WUTK's The Rock reading a Monday night news brief. I have realized that it is possible to get the news just as the public is.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Biography
Unlike many high school students, I knew early on my senior year I wanted to attend the University of Tennessee. Growing up in Knoxville, I was familiar with the UT College of Journalism . My main strengths in high school were English, writing and reading comprehension. Naturally, I wanted to study something I could both excel in and enjoy.
My biggest fear in life is wasting a day doing something that I am not passionate about. I never struggled with “what do I want to be when I grow up” because writing is as natural to me as breathing. It has been a blessing and a curse. On one hand, I know my true passion is writing and on the other hand, I have no idea where I want it to take me. One minute I want to go into television production, the next I want to write for a newspaper. Recently, I adopted an obsession with magazine writing. My energy for writing is scattered to say the least.
I am currently a junior enrolled in the College of Journalism/Electronic Media under the news track at UT. I have just started to dip into the major and most surprisingly, my online journalism class has been the most challenging courses I have taken. Typically, I am scared to show my creative side for fear of failure or rejection. I faced that fear when I created a photo slideshow of pictures from my part time job at a sushi restaurant in Knoxville. It was encouraging to be praised for the creative thought I put into the assignment.
Aside from writing, I am involved in UT’s local radio WUTK 90.3 The Rock . I had my first on-air news briefing today. While it seems trivial, it was a huge milestone for me. I never thought I would have the courage to speak during a live news broadcast. So often, we become complacent with whatever is “good enough,” but I want to challenge myself to ask the unexpected, try the unusual and learn the extraordinary.
My biggest fear in life is wasting a day doing something that I am not passionate about. I never struggled with “what do I want to be when I grow up” because writing is as natural to me as breathing. It has been a blessing and a curse. On one hand, I know my true passion is writing and on the other hand, I have no idea where I want it to take me. One minute I want to go into television production, the next I want to write for a newspaper. Recently, I adopted an obsession with magazine writing. My energy for writing is scattered to say the least.
I am currently a junior enrolled in the College of Journalism/Electronic Media under the news track at UT. I have just started to dip into the major and most surprisingly, my online journalism class has been the most challenging courses I have taken. Typically, I am scared to show my creative side for fear of failure or rejection. I faced that fear when I created a photo slideshow of pictures from my part time job at a sushi restaurant in Knoxville. It was encouraging to be praised for the creative thought I put into the assignment.
Aside from writing, I am involved in UT’s local radio WUTK 90.3 The Rock . I had my first on-air news briefing today. While it seems trivial, it was a huge milestone for me. I never thought I would have the courage to speak during a live news broadcast. So often, we become complacent with whatever is “good enough,” but I want to challenge myself to ask the unexpected, try the unusual and learn the extraordinary.
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