http://bop.nppa.org/2006/still_photography/winners/OES/67966/134507.html
Artisic and scenery photos are great but I feel photos that can bring out strong emotions are the best. This photo by itself would probably make you wonder why the bride is hanging her head. This photo is the last in a series documenting a young woman's strife as she clings to her life so she can marry the man who's been in love with her since the 11th grade. She was suffering from cancer and such an eventful day put her at a point of serious exhaustion. The fact that she wanted to even go through with the wedding really surprised me. It was if she had the "where there's a will, there's a way" mind set. She certainly had the will. Unfortunately, she died 5 days after her wedding. At that point, her death could be considered a tragedy. She gave it her all to make it through and then didn't make it. The bright side of it all is that she was able to experience the happiest day of her life before the end.
2.24.2007
2.22.2007
Arelis' Favorite Photo
http://bop.nppa.org/2006/thumbnails/512/00010471-UPY-69743/138580.jpg
This picture shows the silhouette of a Rajasthani boy riding a camel in a desert sunset near the India-Pakistani border. This picture just reminds me of so many things, one of which is that Disney movie Aladdin..haha. The truth is I am a big fan of the sun and the radiant beauty it spills upon the earth..basically I am a sucker for sunsets and sunrises. The sun is a prominent character in this photo, although it figures small in the bottom half of the photo, its light touches everything. The little boy reminds me of how vastly diverse the human experience is. Around the world people are living so incredibly different to the way I live and yet this photo connects me to a person I will never know. I also find it so ironic that so much peace emanates from a photo of a region that is enveloped in conflict and ethnic strife. I love the layers where first you have the sand to establish the location, then the boy to show the subject, and then the sun in the background giving the last word on a scene that is froth with humanity.
This picture shows the silhouette of a Rajasthani boy riding a camel in a desert sunset near the India-Pakistani border. This picture just reminds me of so many things, one of which is that Disney movie Aladdin..haha. The truth is I am a big fan of the sun and the radiant beauty it spills upon the earth..basically I am a sucker for sunsets and sunrises. The sun is a prominent character in this photo, although it figures small in the bottom half of the photo, its light touches everything. The little boy reminds me of how vastly diverse the human experience is. Around the world people are living so incredibly different to the way I live and yet this photo connects me to a person I will never know. I also find it so ironic that so much peace emanates from a photo of a region that is enveloped in conflict and ethnic strife. I love the layers where first you have the sand to establish the location, then the boy to show the subject, and then the sun in the background giving the last word on a scene that is froth with humanity.
My Favorite Photo
http://bop.nppa.org/2006/web_sites/winners/NPS/OVR/51825/102087.html
My favorite photo is "Hopelessness in Balakot." What I like about this photo is how you immediately know what's going on without needing to read a caption. What makes the photo even more powerful is how each of the photo's layers or levels add to or can tell the story on its own. For instance, on the lower level you have the victims lined up, sitting very close to each other as if they're saying "we'll get through this together" or something, as they look at the damages. Then you have the fallen tree and the damaged buildings (signs of devastation) in another level and then the mountain tops in another. Also, looking at the horizon in the picture made me wonder "what's next or what else does the future have in store for them?" I also like the light from the sun in the photo. I think it adds to the story as well by giving that "there's hope" feel as the victims wait for the helicopter.
My favorite photo is "Hopelessness in Balakot." What I like about this photo is how you immediately know what's going on without needing to read a caption. What makes the photo even more powerful is how each of the photo's layers or levels add to or can tell the story on its own. For instance, on the lower level you have the victims lined up, sitting very close to each other as if they're saying "we'll get through this together" or something, as they look at the damages. Then you have the fallen tree and the damaged buildings (signs of devastation) in another level and then the mountain tops in another. Also, looking at the horizon in the picture made me wonder "what's next or what else does the future have in store for them?" I also like the light from the sun in the photo. I think it adds to the story as well by giving that "there's hope" feel as the victims wait for the helicopter.
2.21.2007
Bouldering - why this photo stands out
NPPA: Best of Photojournalism 2006: Still Photography Winners: Sports Picture Story is a great shot for a couple reasons.
It gets across the giant, unforgiving nature of these rocks and the relatively small, malleable humans who climb them.
The cloud pattern is abstract yet threatening, almost like a neutral density filter may have been used.
Technically, the few branches at the top right corner of the frame could be considered a mistake, but I think they provide a nice mild counterbalance to the forboding rock structure.
- Ted Sawchuck
It gets across the giant, unforgiving nature of these rocks and the relatively small, malleable humans who climb them.
The cloud pattern is abstract yet threatening, almost like a neutral density filter may have been used.
Technically, the few branches at the top right corner of the frame could be considered a mistake, but I think they provide a nice mild counterbalance to the forboding rock structure.
- Ted Sawchuck
Favorite Photo, Rachel Mauro
http://bop.nppa.org/2006/still_photography/winners/OPY/70197/139753.html
This photo was taken by Andrea Bruce of the Washington Post and is entitled "Widows of the River," as it depicts Hindu widows washing by the Ganges River in India. I like how, even though it is shot in black and white, you can acutely see the sunlight shining from behind the woman who is such a prominent figure in the center of the frame. I also like how the details and shadows are clearly visible in the folds of the womens' clothes and the waves in the water. The basket, which obscures the kneeling woman is a source of mystery though it is explained in the caption.
This photo was taken by Andrea Bruce of the Washington Post and is entitled "Widows of the River," as it depicts Hindu widows washing by the Ganges River in India. I like how, even though it is shot in black and white, you can acutely see the sunlight shining from behind the woman who is such a prominent figure in the center of the frame. I also like how the details and shadows are clearly visible in the folds of the womens' clothes and the waves in the water. The basket, which obscures the kneeling woman is a source of mystery though it is explained in the caption.
Laura's favorite photo
Hi everyone,
I love the photograph called "Local Portrait and Personality." The lighting on the child's face really brings out her emotions. The color and light on her beautiful eyes reveal the shock she is experiencing. The focus of the photo is directly on her with no background images to make out. This is important because the photo is about her and nothing else. She is the focus because she represents the aftermath of the earthquake. The picture is cropped well to focus only on her.
This picture can be found at http://bop.nppa.org/2006/still_photography/winners/LPP/69456/137740.html.
Thanks,
Laura
I love the photograph called "Local Portrait and Personality." The lighting on the child's face really brings out her emotions. The color and light on her beautiful eyes reveal the shock she is experiencing. The focus of the photo is directly on her with no background images to make out. This is important because the photo is about her and nothing else. She is the focus because she represents the aftermath of the earthquake. The picture is cropped well to focus only on her.
This picture can be found at http://bop.nppa.org/2006/still_photography/winners/LPP/69456/137740.html.
Thanks,
Laura
Shipbreaker
http://bop.nppa.org/2006/still_photography/winners/OPS/62299/120474.html
This photo, in addition to excellent use of shadows and the available lighting, coveys how large the ships are relative to the men who work on the reclamation/demolition projects, usually with little more than hacksaws, sledgehammers or, very occasionally, a blowtorch. The man pictured is dwarfed by one of the blades of one of the ship's propellers, which is only a tiny fraction of the size of the ship itself. The use of black and white enhances the viewers' sense of the bleakness of the scene as well as the ships' mass.
This photo, in addition to excellent use of shadows and the available lighting, coveys how large the ships are relative to the men who work on the reclamation/demolition projects, usually with little more than hacksaws, sledgehammers or, very occasionally, a blowtorch. The man pictured is dwarfed by one of the blades of one of the ship's propellers, which is only a tiny fraction of the size of the ship itself. The use of black and white enhances the viewers' sense of the bleakness of the scene as well as the ships' mass.
No words are needed
http://bop.nppa.org/2006/still_photography/winners/UPS/47971/91357.html
This photo is great because it immediately shows the contrast between nine-year-old Edward, who was born without legs, and other children. The school setting, the expression on Edward's face and the row of tennis shoes all help set a tone for the package, too. Wish I could take photos like that.
Another really cool thing: Paul, the photographer, is one of my former co-workers (and still a friend). I was writing about schools when we worked together and I was always glad to find out he would be my shooting one of my stories.
This photo is great because it immediately shows the contrast between nine-year-old Edward, who was born without legs, and other children. The school setting, the expression on Edward's face and the row of tennis shoes all help set a tone for the package, too. Wish I could take photos like that.
Another really cool thing: Paul, the photographer, is one of my former co-workers (and still a friend). I was writing about schools when we worked together and I was always glad to find out he would be my shooting one of my stories.
My photo - Eric
http://bop.nppa.org/2006/still_photography/winners/OPY/61729/119109.html
I especially loved this photo by David Guttenfelder of the Associated Press because it has a wonderful contrast of color from the fading bleak colors in the background of the houses in the alley and then the brightness of the dye that is in the air and on the Indian boy. It really show the action and surprise in this boy's face when he is pelted with dye in celebration of this holy holiday.
I especially loved this photo by David Guttenfelder of the Associated Press because it has a wonderful contrast of color from the fading bleak colors in the background of the houses in the alley and then the brightness of the dye that is in the air and on the Indian boy. It really show the action and surprise in this boy's face when he is pelted with dye in celebration of this holy holiday.
Joey's photo
My favorite photo off of the poynter website was a photo from an NFL game that received first place in the Team Sports Action category in 2003. The link can be found at javascript:makewin('http://www.poynterextra.org/NPPA2003pj/sat.htm', 790, 650, 'scrollbars').
I thought it was a great photo because it captivated the intensity of the game being played, and it focused in on the action even after the play had ended.
I thought it was a great photo because it captivated the intensity of the game being played, and it focused in on the action even after the play had ended.
Good Photo - Lisa
http://bop.nppa.org/2006/thumbnails/512/00009837-OPY-61729/119109.jpg
I liked this photograph because it has a very strong point of entry. The colors of the person and his background combined with the more normal scenery to the left gives a visual surprise to the viewer. The lighting is really good and it is a dominant foreground with an informational background, giving us a sense of place. Finally, it's almost a little graphic with the buildings in the background, and the man and the colors almost flowing perfectly covering up one building.
-Lisa Seaman
I liked this photograph because it has a very strong point of entry. The colors of the person and his background combined with the more normal scenery to the left gives a visual surprise to the viewer. The lighting is really good and it is a dominant foreground with an informational background, giving us a sense of place. Finally, it's almost a little graphic with the buildings in the background, and the man and the colors almost flowing perfectly covering up one building.
-Lisa Seaman
Heads up!
What's up guys? Mike, here. The photo I'm writing about was in the "Best Sports Enterprise" section (take a look)
http://bop.nppa.org/2006/still_photography/winners/SPE/61778.html
I think this picture is just great. You probably all heard me laughing out loud in class when I saw it. The photo is great because it really captures the emotion of the moment -- I think most of us can agree we would exhibit similar emotion with a splintered piece of lumber flying at our heads at high speed. Aside from that, the lighting is great, the photo is tight and all of the faces are in focus. My two favorite fans are the old guy in the lower right corner (who would have stood no chance at getting out of the way should the bat have came directly toward him) and the guy in the top left who looks like he really think's he's about to die (he might if he chokes on that big wad of gum).
http://bop.nppa.org/2006/still_photography/winners/SPE/61778.html
I think this picture is just great. You probably all heard me laughing out loud in class when I saw it. The photo is great because it really captures the emotion of the moment -- I think most of us can agree we would exhibit similar emotion with a splintered piece of lumber flying at our heads at high speed. Aside from that, the lighting is great, the photo is tight and all of the faces are in focus. My two favorite fans are the old guy in the lower right corner (who would have stood no chance at getting out of the way should the bat have came directly toward him) and the guy in the top left who looks like he really think's he's about to die (he might if he chokes on that big wad of gum).
http://bop.nppa.org/2006/thumbnails/512/00009837-OPY-61729/119109.jpg
This is a picture taken by 1st place winner David Guttenfelder from the Associated Press. It's a picture of an Indian man apart of the Hindu festival of colors in the old city of Dehli on March 26, 2005. I really like this shot, first and foremost, for its use of color. The sharp constrast of the vibrant red and green really makes this photo eye-popping. Also the background image shows a typical image of the city, while the foreground shows an example of a very important ritual to these people. The festival is meant to celebrate fertility and Hindu gods and this picture represents the importance of this event. In this way, it is fascinating for how it looks and what it means.
This is a picture taken by 1st place winner David Guttenfelder from the Associated Press. It's a picture of an Indian man apart of the Hindu festival of colors in the old city of Dehli on March 26, 2005. I really like this shot, first and foremost, for its use of color. The sharp constrast of the vibrant red and green really makes this photo eye-popping. Also the background image shows a typical image of the city, while the foreground shows an example of a very important ritual to these people. The festival is meant to celebrate fertility and Hindu gods and this picture represents the importance of this event. In this way, it is fascinating for how it looks and what it means.
Adena's Favorite Photo
Hi Everyone!
My favorite photograph from the NPPA: The Best of Photojournalism 2006 can be found by clicking on the following link:
http://bop.nppa.org/2006/still_photography/winners/OPY/61729/119107.html
The photo features an Afghan man washing himself near Kabul. I like this photo for a variety of reasons. First of all, I think that the shot is framed very well, as the man washing himself is found in the lower third on the right side of the photo. Also, I really like the colors in the photo, since it appears that the picture was taken right around sundown.
In terms of content and emotional value, I like this photo because it contrasts most that we see of Afghan subjects. When we usually think of Afghanistan, we consider photos of camouflaged soldiers and fleeing civilians. This photo displays a rare quiet moment in which the countryside appears peaceful. A man is just carrying out his daily routine. In addition, the mountain behind the man is quite striking, adding to the value of the photo.
Have a Good Week!
Adena
My favorite photograph from the NPPA: The Best of Photojournalism 2006 can be found by clicking on the following link:
http://bop.nppa.org/2006/still_photography/winners/OPY/61729/119107.html
The photo features an Afghan man washing himself near Kabul. I like this photo for a variety of reasons. First of all, I think that the shot is framed very well, as the man washing himself is found in the lower third on the right side of the photo. Also, I really like the colors in the photo, since it appears that the picture was taken right around sundown.
In terms of content and emotional value, I like this photo because it contrasts most that we see of Afghan subjects. When we usually think of Afghanistan, we consider photos of camouflaged soldiers and fleeing civilians. This photo displays a rare quiet moment in which the countryside appears peaceful. A man is just carrying out his daily routine. In addition, the mountain behind the man is quite striking, adding to the value of the photo.
Have a Good Week!
Adena
Stunning photos
http://bop.nppa.org/2006/still_photography/winners/DPS/68852/136701.html
This photo, taken during the Hurricane Katrina disaster, is an excellent photo for its ability to capture the chaos by simply showing the faces of two extremely different personalities. With gun-in-hand police officers and crying children carried in a moving cart in the background, the photo still directs the viewer's attention to an elderly lady and young child. This lady, aged 105, has this determined face that shows her frustrations, yet she seems able to handle it all. The five-year-old black child is possibly as opposite as possible from the old lady and yet she is holding her hand, leading her to safety, or so it seems. With clarity and color balance, the old lady-young child duo makes for a stunning photo.
This photo, taken during the Hurricane Katrina disaster, is an excellent photo for its ability to capture the chaos by simply showing the faces of two extremely different personalities. With gun-in-hand police officers and crying children carried in a moving cart in the background, the photo still directs the viewer's attention to an elderly lady and young child. This lady, aged 105, has this determined face that shows her frustrations, yet she seems able to handle it all. The five-year-old black child is possibly as opposite as possible from the old lady and yet she is holding her hand, leading her to safety, or so it seems. With clarity and color balance, the old lady-young child duo makes for a stunning photo.
Good Photo-Fighting Blaze
Kathy Park-
http://bop.nppa.org/2006/still_photography/winners/UPY/61798/119314.html
This photo is a 1st place winner in the small market category. It shows two firemen working hard to fight a blaze in a residential neighborhood. What's so interesting about this photo is that the next door neighbor is almost oblivious to the event. He is seen leaving his house to walk his dog, while his neighbor's house is burning away!
This event is so unbelievable, that it makes for a good photo. When I first looked at it, I stared at it in disbelief. It's a moment rarely caught on camera. All the basic elements of a good photo is present, but most importantly, it triggers a reaction.
http://bop.nppa.org/2006/still_photography/winners/UPY/61798/119314.html
This photo is a 1st place winner in the small market category. It shows two firemen working hard to fight a blaze in a residential neighborhood. What's so interesting about this photo is that the next door neighbor is almost oblivious to the event. He is seen leaving his house to walk his dog, while his neighbor's house is burning away!
This event is so unbelievable, that it makes for a good photo. When I first looked at it, I stared at it in disbelief. It's a moment rarely caught on camera. All the basic elements of a good photo is present, but most importantly, it triggers a reaction.
2.20.2007
Resume Deadline Pushed Back Due to Snow
Class, please note: Because the university cancelled classes last Wednesday, your Web resumes are due at the start of class on Feb. 21. I also pushed back the date of the midterm by one week. Please see your syllabi for updates:
Undergrads: http://www.jclass.umd.edu/652352/jour352spring07a.htm
Grads: http://www.jclass.umd.edu/652352/jour652spring07.htm
See you tomorrow!
Chris
Undergrads: http://www.jclass.umd.edu/652352/jour352spring07a.htm
Grads: http://www.jclass.umd.edu/652352/jour652spring07.htm
See you tomorrow!
Chris
2.08.2007
Web Resumes Due
Class, a reminder that your Web resume pages are due at the start of class on Wednesday, Feb. 14. You save a copy of the resume to the x drive to turn it in. (X is a staging area that I can access.) I will copyedit all your resumes and return them to you the following week, at which point you will put in the changes, and I will move them to the live server. Then I will explain how to find them on the Internet.
Here is a reminder about the requirements for this resume assignment:
It should include subheads, internal (anchor) links, an e-mail address link, at least one external hyperlink, and at least one bulleted list. Your resume should also include a horizontal rule. Background colors are optional, as are changed link colors. Each factual mistake will result in one letter-grade deduction, as will each broken link. Unreadable resumes (because of bad color choices for fonts or backgrounds) will result in an automatic F. Assignments lose a full letter grade for each day that they're late. YOU MUST FOLLOW AP STYLE FOR PRINT THROUGHOUT; this includes for dates and addresses.
Reminders: I recommend you save references on a sheet separate from your resume; I also recommend eliminating "objective" from your resume. That topic is best dealt with in a cover letter.
Here is a reminder about the requirements for this resume assignment:
It should include subheads, internal (anchor) links, an e-mail address link, at least one external hyperlink, and at least one bulleted list. Your resume should also include a horizontal rule. Background colors are optional, as are changed link colors. Each factual mistake will result in one letter-grade deduction, as will each broken link. Unreadable resumes (because of bad color choices for fonts or backgrounds) will result in an automatic F. Assignments lose a full letter grade for each day that they're late. YOU MUST FOLLOW AP STYLE FOR PRINT THROUGHOUT; this includes for dates and addresses.
Reminders: I recommend you save references on a sheet separate from your resume; I also recommend eliminating "objective" from your resume. That topic is best dealt with in a cover letter.
2.07.2007
when do we put the resumes online?
Hey Professor Harvey, I was a little confused because the stuff we did in class isn't actually on the web already is it? And how are we going to transfer the html coding to an actual site that will appear on the Internet for others to view.
Welcome to Our Blog!
Class, throughout the semester I'll be asking you to weigh in with thoughts on published headlines, photos, news sites and more.
This is your space for sharing thoughts.
Please remember that many eyes beyond this class may see this; be respectful even when you're critiquing.
Participation in the blog will count toward your class grade.
This is your space for sharing thoughts.
Please remember that many eyes beyond this class may see this; be respectful even when you're critiquing.
Participation in the blog will count toward your class grade.
11.29.2006
washingtonpost.com Tour
Don't forget we're meeting today at washingtonpost.com in Arlington, Va. For details, see our class syllabus.
More on Blogs -- Class Favorites
All of the blogs that I asked you to look at in the last assignment were written by professional journalists or former journalists -- including the very personal postings from Jessica Shyu, who graduated from our college not too long ago and is now working as a teacher in New Mexico in the Teach for America program.
But, as many of you noted in your comments, many blogs are not by professional writers--but are still interesting, due to the quality of the comments from the main author and other contributors.
Here are a few other blogs that you and your classmates say you look at - some more regularly than others. Some are written by journalists, while others are not:
But, as many of you noted in your comments, many blogs are not by professional writers--but are still interesting, due to the quality of the comments from the main author and other contributors.
Here are a few other blogs that you and your classmates say you look at - some more regularly than others. Some are written by journalists, while others are not:
- Wonkette, the D.C. Gossip, at www.wonkette.com
- Pink is the New Blog
- www.livemusicblog.com (devoted to indie/jamband music)
- www.blogmaverick.com (the Mark Cuban Weblog)
- http://surfinglist.com/cblog/ (a surfer's blog)
- www.lostremote.com (a television and media blog)
- www.marclamonthill.com/mlhblog/ (a professor who blogs)
- http://blog.washingtonpost.com/capitalsinsider/ (on the Washington Capitals)
- http://dc.metblogs.com/ (on D.C.-area topics, from politics to Metro)
- http://dilbertblog.typepad.com/ (by the Dilbert cartoonist)
- http://blog.washingtonpost.com/redskinsinsider/ (on the Redskins)
To find more, try the search tool www.technorati.com; news sites such as www.washingtonpost.com, www.chron.com and www.usatoday.com and (which often host reporters as bloggers); and blogging tools, such as www.blogger.com.
11.19.2006
Class Blog Assignment
Before you start, please read my blog notes below.
THEN:
Please check out the following five sites, plus one of your own choosing. For each, BRIEFLY answer the following three questions:
1. Is this a blog? If so, why? If not, why not? (Explain concisely, considering the following: Is it updated regularly, and from the top down? Does it link to reader comments and questions (making it participatory)? Does it link to other stories on the topic? Is it creating a geographic or nongeographic community? Is it written with attitude and edge?)
2. Would you look at this site again if you didn’t have to?
3. How could it be improved?
Please type up your answers in a Word doc and e-mail them to me by Friday, Nov. 24, at 1 p.m.
http://time.blogs.com/daily_dish/
http://www.buzzmachine.com/
http://www.newmediamusings.com/
http://www.poynter.org/column.asp?id=31
http://jbshyu.typepad.com/ OR http://blogs.edweek.org/teachers/jshyu/
PLUS a sixth blog of your choosing.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
THEN:
Please check out the following five sites, plus one of your own choosing. For each, BRIEFLY answer the following three questions:
1. Is this a blog? If so, why? If not, why not? (Explain concisely, considering the following: Is it updated regularly, and from the top down? Does it link to reader comments and questions (making it participatory)? Does it link to other stories on the topic? Is it creating a geographic or nongeographic community? Is it written with attitude and edge?)
2. Would you look at this site again if you didn’t have to?
3. How could it be improved?
Please type up your answers in a Word doc and e-mail them to me by Friday, Nov. 24, at 1 p.m.
http://time.blogs.com/daily_dish/
http://www.buzzmachine.com/
http://www.newmediamusings.com/
http://www.poynter.org/column.asp?id=31
http://jbshyu.typepad.com/ OR http://blogs.edweek.org/teachers/jshyu/
PLUS a sixth blog of your choosing.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Citizen Journalism and Blogs
What exactly is a Web log?
There are various definitions, including these given a few years back by blogger-journalists participating in a national Online News Association conference in Berkeley, Calif.:
- “It’s a template with dynamic content, updated frequently, with links. It doesn’t have to be commentary.”—Denise Polverine, editor in chief of www.Cleveland.com, which started several Weblogs in spring 2003
- “It’s a new form of journalism. It’s irreverent, it’s not in the authoritarian male voice…and transparency is important.” --Sheila Lennon, who writes a blog on www.projo.com
- “Blogging is a conversation…” –Jeff Jarvis, president and creative director of Advance.net
- “Call it participatory journalism or journalism from the edges. Simply put, it refers to individuals playing an active role in the process of collecting, reporting, sorting, analyzing and disseminating news and information—a task once reserved almost exclusively to the news media”; and “an emerging new media ecosystem—a network of ideas.”-- J.D. Lasica, senior editor of OJR, writing in the fall 2003 Nieman Reports
- “It should be obvious that Weblogs aren’t competing with the work of the professional journalism establishment, but rather complementing it.”—Managing Editor Scott Rosenberg writing in Salon in 2002.
Many would agree: blogs are updated often, from the top down; they include reader comments and questions; they include links to documents or stories; they can build a non-geographic or a geographic community; they can be written with attitude and edge.
Who’s doing it?
Leslie Walker, who until late-summer 2006 wrote a dot.com column for The Washington Post, reported that free blogging tools have been available since 1999, but they didn’t catch on in a big way until the 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States. She quoted Evan Williams, chief executive of one of the earliest tools—blogger.com—saying that site had more than a million registered users in early 2003.
Technorati, which allows users to search for blogs (www.technoratic.com), was tracking 60 million sites as of late November 2006.
Teens are turning to blogging in a big way: A November 2005 Pew Internet & American Life Project study reported that 4 million youths between the ages of 12 and 17 had made a Web log--or 19 percent of teen Internet users.
But Web logs have also played an important role in emerging democracies.
Jeff Jarvis estimated that in 2003 there were about 100,000 Weblogs in Iran. He said: “Countries without free speech are finding free speech in Weblogs.”
Are there negatives to blogging?
Tom Regan, associate editor of csmonitor.com, wrote in the fall 2003 Nieman Reports: “In the eyes of many journalists, blogs are poorly written, self-absorbed, hyper-opinionated, and done by amateurs.”
Some have called the citizen writing on them a threat to the gatekeeper role that news organizations have held.
On the flip side, supporters have argued: “They introduce fresh voices into the national discourse on various topics and help build communities of interest through their collection of links.”—Walter Mossberg writing in the Wall Street Journal in March 2003.
On a personal note: They are a good way to stay in touch with friends and family, while traveling or studying abroad.
And, of course, lots of political stories have been influenced by bloggers:
- Then-Senate Minority Leader Trent Lott’s comments in 2002 about how the country would have been better off had they elected segregationist presidential candidate Sen. Strom Thurmond in 1948 eventually cost him his leadership post. Initially, the mainstream media ignored the comments, which Lott made at a birthday party for Thurmond. But bloggers kept the story alive, and Lott stepped down as minority leader.
- During the last presidential election, bloggers questioned the credibility of CBS News Anchor Dan Rather’s September 2004 piece, which alleged President Bush had used influence to evade the draft and join the Texas National Guard. Bloggers raised the possibility that the documents Rather and his producers built the story around had been forged; Rather later resigned the anchor job.
In addition, citizen reporters and bloggers helped the Times Picayune in New Orleans to report on the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in fall of 2005.
Commonly used blogger publishing tools:
- www.blogger.com
- www.wordpress.org
- www.typepad.com (has free 30-day trials; don’t need own server; powered by Movable Type engine)
- www.xanga.com
- www.livejournal.com (for blogging and social networking)
- www.MySpace.com (for blogging and social networking)
Sites to check out:
Washingtonpost.com’s Best Blogs Politics and Elections page, based on readers’ picks for 2004: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-adv/marketing/blog/. Among the blogs picked are Wonkette (http://http://www.wonkette.com/) and National Review’s The Corner (http://www.nationalreview.com/thecorner/corner.asp).
Also check out: Jeff Jarvis’ www.BuzzMachine.com, Andrew Sullivan’s “The Daily Dish” at www.andrewsullivan.com, Glenn Harlan Reynolds’ www.instapundit.com and
E-Media Tidbits, http://www.poynter.org/column.asp?id=31, with postings by a gaggle of new-media experts.
And, of course, go to www.Technorati.com to find out who’s linking to whom in the Weblog universe, and to search by topic.
11.01.2006
headlines
Bad: Suspect in Bank Holdup Returns for Another Go, Police Say
I don't like the attribution in the headline. It i s a waste of space, and we can pretty much assume that this is coming from a police source.
Good: N. Korea Agrees to Return to Nuclear Talks
This is simple and to the point. There are no extra words and it is fairly easy to understand after one quick read-through.
I don't like the attribution in the headline. It i s a waste of space, and we can pretty much assume that this is coming from a police source.
Good: N. Korea Agrees to Return to Nuclear Talks
This is simple and to the point. There are no extra words and it is fairly easy to understand after one quick read-through.
Good and Bad Headlines
Good Headline:
1 BR, Fully Loaded
from the Washingtonpost.com:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/10/31/AR2006103101406.html
I like this headline because it draws the reader in. At first you're like... "BR?" Then it says "Fully Loaded," and you think, "Hmm, what's that all about." Or at least I did. As I read on, I discovered that the article is about New York housing. Rather how with the housing market hype plateauing, bedrooms and apartments come with different luxory gimmicks to bring buyers in.
Bad Headline:
Rappers get real as gaming, music firms partner
from YahooNews: http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20061101/tc_nm/media_videogames_dc
This headline just does not make sense to me. Is it rapping gets just as real as gaming? No. That doesn't make sense. The story is about the partnering of the music industry, specifically rap and hip-hop, and the gaming industry. The headline is wordy and the first part doesn't make complete sense. Not to mention that there are no specific references to rappers.... they aren't an integral part of the story, so they shouldn't be in the headling. A better headline would be: Def Jam Records firms partiner with gaming industry.
1 BR, Fully Loaded
from the Washingtonpost.com:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/10/31/AR2006103101406.html
I like this headline because it draws the reader in. At first you're like... "BR?" Then it says "Fully Loaded," and you think, "Hmm, what's that all about." Or at least I did. As I read on, I discovered that the article is about New York housing. Rather how with the housing market hype plateauing, bedrooms and apartments come with different luxory gimmicks to bring buyers in.
Bad Headline:
Rappers get real as gaming, music firms partner
from YahooNews: http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20061101/tc_nm/media_videogames_dc
This headline just does not make sense to me. Is it rapping gets just as real as gaming? No. That doesn't make sense. The story is about the partnering of the music industry, specifically rap and hip-hop, and the gaming industry. The headline is wordy and the first part doesn't make complete sense. Not to mention that there are no specific references to rappers.... they aren't an integral part of the story, so they shouldn't be in the headling. A better headline would be: Def Jam Records firms partiner with gaming industry.
Good/Bad Headlines
Bad: Man arrested for fires http://www.washingtonpost.com/
I was hoping for an article about a man arrested for the current Cali fire since the story was next to a video about the death of a fifth firefighters in the most recent blaze. Instead, this article was about a man arrested for arson in connection to fires that occurred in the summer.
Good: Heil-o'ween http://www.nypost.com/
A story about "A student at a Brooklyn high school named for a prominent Jewish educator faced a blitzkrieg of trouble yesterday when he arrived dressed as Adolph Hitler." Goes with a picture of a kid dressed as Hitler with his hand in the air.
I was hoping for an article about a man arrested for the current Cali fire since the story was next to a video about the death of a fifth firefighters in the most recent blaze. Instead, this article was about a man arrested for arson in connection to fires that occurred in the summer.
Good: Heil-o'ween http://www.nypost.com/
A story about "A student at a Brooklyn high school named for a prominent Jewish educator faced a blitzkrieg of trouble yesterday when he arrived dressed as Adolph Hitler." Goes with a picture of a kid dressed as Hitler with his hand in the air.
headlines
"Dreamliner designed so fliers can breathe easy"
http://www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/2006-10-30-boeing-air-usat_x.htm
I think this is an example of a good headline. I like the way it incorporates that a new plane is being designed with the needs of passengers without giving away too much of the story.
"College Halloweens lean toward sexy"
http://www.diamondbackonline.com/media/storage/paper873/news/2006/10/31/News/College.Halloweens.Lean.Toward.Sexy-2411136.shtml?norewrite200611011241&sourcedomain=www.diamondbackonline.com
I think this is an example of a bad headline. I guess they are talking about people wearing sexy costumes, but it is just not a strong headline.
http://www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/2006-10-30-boeing-air-usat_x.htm
I think this is an example of a good headline. I like the way it incorporates that a new plane is being designed with the needs of passengers without giving away too much of the story.
"College Halloweens lean toward sexy"
http://www.diamondbackonline.com/media/storage/paper873/news/2006/10/31/News/College.Halloweens.Lean.Toward.Sexy-2411136.shtml?norewrite200611011241&sourcedomain=www.diamondbackonline.com
I think this is an example of a bad headline. I guess they are talking about people wearing sexy costumes, but it is just not a strong headline.
Good and Not-so -Adept Headlines
Good Headline
The Door, a Lone Window on the Past
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/10/31/AR2006103101529.html
I think this is a good headline because it leaves something to the imagination and it prompts the reader to look past the headline and into the body of the story. The headline is a great metaphor of how an everyday item can be a connection between the past, present, and the future. I believe the headline conveys many of the feelings that the subject is experiencing in realtion to her childhood home being demolished.
Not-So-Adept Headline
Student driver fails drivers test
http://www.jamestownsun.com/articles/index.cfm?id=42271§ion=news&freebie_check&CFID=4359171&CFTOKEN=85238449&jsessionid=883079ac9eb629733551
This headline could use some work because it is too general and it does not get to the heart of the story. Once you read the article you find out that the student driver failed the test because she ran into the side of the motor vehicle administration building. This headline does not highlight the uniqueness of the story. It should include something alluding to why the student driver failed her test. The headline for this story is just too general and does not draw the reader into the body of the story.
The Door, a Lone Window on the Past
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/10/31/AR2006103101529.html
I think this is a good headline because it leaves something to the imagination and it prompts the reader to look past the headline and into the body of the story. The headline is a great metaphor of how an everyday item can be a connection between the past, present, and the future. I believe the headline conveys many of the feelings that the subject is experiencing in realtion to her childhood home being demolished.
Not-So-Adept Headline
Student driver fails drivers test
http://www.jamestownsun.com/articles/index.cfm?id=42271§ion=news&freebie_check&CFID=4359171&CFTOKEN=85238449&jsessionid=883079ac9eb629733551
This headline could use some work because it is too general and it does not get to the heart of the story. Once you read the article you find out that the student driver failed the test because she ran into the side of the motor vehicle administration building. This headline does not highlight the uniqueness of the story. It should include something alluding to why the student driver failed her test. The headline for this story is just too general and does not draw the reader into the body of the story.
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