Friends, a reminder that when you're responding to a thread of discussion or a question that someone else starts, you should put your comment in the comment area for that thread.
When you're starting a new thread of discussion or posing your own question to the group, you start by going to "Posting" and "create," and then typing in your "title" (or headline) and comments.
Thanks much.
A reminder, too, that each of you is required to start a thread of discussion on a new-media topic as part of your blogging grade.
10.03.2008
10.01.2008
Online Journalism: Photo assigment
Online Journalism: Photo assigment
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/gallery/2008/10/01/GA2008100101206.html
This photo, of protesters outside the New York Stock Exchange show the disappointment in both the people, and the shame in the workers of the stock exchange. The first thing people see are those with the masks, trying to make a point about what is going on in the economy, but this also shows the disappointment and shame and sadness in the workers, who see what is going on, and probably feel helpless at the moment. I like the face of the women in the front who looks so terrified about what is going on also. It's striking because the huge American flag in the background shows that all these people are going to be affected by this because everyone here lives in the United States.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/gallery/2008/10/01/GA2008100101206.html
This photo, of protesters outside the New York Stock Exchange show the disappointment in both the people, and the shame in the workers of the stock exchange. The first thing people see are those with the masks, trying to make a point about what is going on in the economy, but this also shows the disappointment and shame and sadness in the workers, who see what is going on, and probably feel helpless at the moment. I like the face of the women in the front who looks so terrified about what is going on also. It's striking because the huge American flag in the background shows that all these people are going to be affected by this because everyone here lives in the United States.
Photo Critique
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Photo Critique
September 26, Day in Photos, Photo #5This photo is extremely effective because it implements a variety of visual, photography techniques that allow for an engaging, interesting picture.
The first technique the photographer uses is the rule of thirds. There are three subjects that draw the viewer's eyes: the two men in black on the left, the man in the middle in white, and the man in black on the right. For whatever reason, it is more pleasing visually when a picture can be divided into definitive thirds, and this one can.
Another reason this photo is effective is because the photographer got close to his subjects. By not being timid and being near his subjects, the photographer was able to capture the emotions of joy on their faces.
It is also obvious that this photo captures a moment, and is not staged, as evidenced by the fact that none of the subjects are looking at the camera. They most likely do not even know they are being photographed. This "capturing the moment" is important for journalism photography because it tells a story through a scene, and allows the reader to see a slice of reality.
Another important characteristic in this photo is the parallelism and symmetry between the four men. The man in white has men in black on both sides of him. Also, the focus of the picture draws the reader because his white suit sticks out in the photo.
Last, this photograph is particularly effective because of the juxtaposition between the black and white clothing the four men are wearing. Black and white are commonly juxtaposed because they are polar opposites. In addition to the color of the four men's clothing, what they are actually wearing also creates juxtaposition. The men on the sides are in slacks and black sweaters. Yet, the man in the middle is in some kind of futuristic, astronautical space suit-looking uniform. This begs the viewer to ask why the man in the middle is dressed like this around people wearing normal clothes.
-Pete Wolfinger
9.24.2008
Photo assigment
Please find an excellent photo on a news Web site, and tell me in a few sentences why it's good. Also give the URL for the image or the story page it's on. Post your comments to the comment area below. We'll talk about them next week.
9.03.2008
Facebook Ads Sometimes Not So Friendly
Many Web readers personalize the home pages of the sites they frequent to get news about specific topics (local sports teams, local weather) presented on their opening screens.
But advertisers increasingly target/personalize their messages online, too.
Washington Post staff writer Rachel Beckman wrote a very amusing rant about ads targeted to her on Facebook. She's not too keen on being called a muffin top.
But advertisers increasingly target/personalize their messages online, too.
Washington Post staff writer Rachel Beckman wrote a very amusing rant about ads targeted to her on Facebook. She's not too keen on being called a muffin top.
Welcome Fall Class!
Friends, this blog is your opportunity to comment on great work and junk that you're seeing online. Sometimes I'll start a conversation about new-media packages or practices, other times I'd like you to start the thread.
Each of you should plan to start at least one conversation here; you should also occasionally respond to each other's posts. Thanks!
Each of you should plan to start at least one conversation here; you should also occasionally respond to each other's posts. Thanks!
7.07.2008
Visit to NPR's Web Site
Questions for NPR Web site visit with Maria Godoy, Tuesday, July 8, at 1:20 p.m., at 635 Massachusetts Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20001.
Please type your answers in a Word doc. This will count as an in-class grade and is due at the start of class Wednesday, July 9.
You may, of course, add other thoughts and comments!
Please type your answers in a Word doc. This will count as an in-class grade and is due at the start of class Wednesday, July 9.
- What does NPR’s Web site offer viewers that the radio station does not? Give three specific examples, based on your observations and the discussion at the site.
- Roughly how many Web staffers are there at NPR? Where do they physically sit, in relation to the radio staff? How often do they interact with the radio staff?
- Are there entry-level jobs for new college grads? What are they? How much do they pay, roughly? If there are no entry-level jobs, are there internships? What skills are required?
- What kinds of jobs did most NPR Web staffers have before coming to the site?
- How is the Web site staffing/covering the 2008 elections and the ongoing wars in Iraq and Afghanistan? What kinds of packages/coverage on these topics does the site boast?
- What surprised you today?
You may, of course, add other thoughts and comments!
7.03.2008
Examples of multimedia stories
As you build out your multimedia/interactive stories over the next few days, I thought you might want to click through some examples of interactive work from students in JOUR 353, the second-level multimedia reporting class...
A feature on ghost tours (and alleged sitings) in Ellicott City, with a banner, text, video and pics: http://www.newsline.umd.edu/etcetera/hauntedellicottcity110107.htm
A story on the East Campus development project, with a story, video, a banner, photos and links: http://www.newsline.umd.edu/business/eastcampusforum101707.htm
A feature on the sale of furniture from the Watergate Hotel, with photos, audio and text: http://www.newsline.umd.edu/etcetera/watergatesale090707.htm
A feature story on the opening of the Newseum, with text, photos and a slide show: http://www.newsline.umd.edu/etcetera/newseum_opens042908.htm
A profile of a Maryland author, with video, photos and links
http://www.newsline.umd.edu/etcetera/jenniferlholm092607.htm--and later a slideshow with audio: http://www.newsline.umd.edu/etcetera/specialreports/bookfestival_slideshow/index.html and
A story on a development planned next to College Park, with text, photos, links and a google map: http://www.newsline.umd.edu/business/cafritz111607.htm
http://www.newsline.umd.edu/etcetera/jenniferlholm092607.htm--and later a slideshow with audio: http://www.newsline.umd.edu/etcetera/specialreports/bookfestival_slideshow/index.html and
Multiple Points on a Google Map
This Web site can create a Google Map with multiple points: http://gmaps.kaeding.name/
You simply enter in multiple addresses on separate lines and it will create a Google map with multiple points.
After creating your map just copy and paste the code onto the page you want it on.
You simply enter in multiple addresses on separate lines and it will create a Google map with multiple points.
After creating your map just copy and paste the code onto the page you want it on.
6.26.2008
Headlines
Headlines from today's LA Times
Bad:
Good:
Bad:
McCain gambling on offshore drilling
The headline is poor because the writer tried to do a play on words for a serious story. The word gambling is misleading.Good:
State acts to fight global warming
The headline follows subject-verb-object format. It is good for searching on the web. The readers gets a good idea of what the story is about.Good and bad headlines
The bad headline I found comes from the front page of the New York Post. The headline reads CBS News Beauty in Iraq Shock, Sexty Minutes. This head is confusing, sexist and just plain bad writing. Puns are the lowest form of humor, but more importantly they're lazy writing.
You can see it here at the newseum's website. http://www.newseum.org/todaysfrontpages/hr.asp?fpVname=NY_NYP&ref_pge=lst
The good headline I found comes from the Washington Post style section and reads, Much-Decorated Marine Vet Takes Aim at Iraq war Movies. The headline is good indicator of the article, uses language well and is catchy.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/25/AR2008062503428.html
You can see it here at the newseum's website. http://www.newseum.org/todaysfrontpages/hr.asp?fpVname=NY_NYP&ref_pge=lst
The good headline I found comes from the Washington Post style section and reads, Much-Decorated Marine Vet Takes Aim at Iraq war Movies. The headline is good indicator of the article, uses language well and is catchy.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/25/AR2008062503428.html
Headline
Good:Americans may hold a key to gas prices
With the ongoing problem of high gas prices the US faces, this pulls readers in because they are interested in what this news in gas means. It also is a play on driving, because they hold keys to start cars and they also hold a key to gas prices as said in the headline.
Bad: Construction Worker Rescued After Fall
This headline doesn't quite explain the severity of the fall and might have some readers confused. If the man just fell into a shallow pothole did he really need rescuing? The description of the accident should be more clear.
With the ongoing problem of high gas prices the US faces, this pulls readers in because they are interested in what this news in gas means. It also is a play on driving, because they hold keys to start cars and they also hold a key to gas prices as said in the headline.
Bad: Construction Worker Rescued After Fall
This headline doesn't quite explain the severity of the fall and might have some readers confused. If the man just fell into a shallow pothole did he really need rescuing? The description of the accident should be more clear.
headline assignment
Bad:
From today's USA Today: British man gets life in deaths of wife, baby
The word "in" should be replaced with "for" to make the sentence more clear. The phrase "life in deaths" is confusing and makes it unclear that "life" refers to a life sentence.
Good:
From this week's New York Times: A master of words, including some you can't use in a headline
This is a headline for an appreciation piece on George Carlin. I thought it was slightly humorous, which is an appropriate tone for this headline.
- Ben Penn
From today's USA Today: British man gets life in deaths of wife, baby
The word "in" should be replaced with "for" to make the sentence more clear. The phrase "life in deaths" is confusing and makes it unclear that "life" refers to a life sentence.
Good:
From this week's New York Times: A master of words, including some you can't use in a headline
This is a headline for an appreciation piece on George Carlin. I thought it was slightly humorous, which is an appropriate tone for this headline.
- Ben Penn
Headlines
Poorly chosen headline from the front page of today's Post:
High Court Rejects Death For Child Rape
It almost sounds as if a trade were proposed between two legal teams- which in a way is true, but I think they could have done a better job here- especially considering this was the lead story.
Clever headline from today's Style section:
Old-School's In for Summer
I like this style of headline- a nice play on words get's me interested and the lead pushes me further... story is about the resurgence of various pop-culture items.
High Court Rejects Death For Child Rape
It almost sounds as if a trade were proposed between two legal teams- which in a way is true, but I think they could have done a better job here- especially considering this was the lead story.
Clever headline from today's Style section:
Old-School's In for Summer
I like this style of headline- a nice play on words get's me interested and the lead pushes me further... story is about the resurgence of various pop-culture items.
headline assignment
Bad:
Obama Slams McCain Nuke Plant Plans In Nevada
http://www.usnews.com/usnews/politics/bulletin/bulletin_080625.htm
The headline is too comprehensive and requires a second read. I would go with:
Obama: No to McCain's Nuclear Plant Proposal
Good:
Wrist Watch: Red Sox' Ortiz Needs More Time
Washington Post
David Ortiz' wrist has been in the news for a while and I like the play on wrist watch.
Obama Slams McCain Nuke Plant Plans In Nevada
http://www.usnews.com/usnews/politics/bulletin/bulletin_080625.htm
The headline is too comprehensive and requires a second read. I would go with:
Obama: No to McCain's Nuclear Plant Proposal
Good:
Wrist Watch: Red Sox' Ortiz Needs More Time
Washington Post
David Ortiz' wrist has been in the news for a while and I like the play on wrist watch.
6.25.2008
Headline Assignment
Good Headline:
It is very clear it is about a piece of work because it's in quote and it interests me who find out what it does tell us about.
Bad Headline: From ESPN: "Djokovic sent home early"
http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/tennis/wimbledon08/news/story?id=3460043
It seems too vague and only someone who watches tennis would know the name and who it is referring to.
What "Trumbo" tells us about American evil
http://www.salon.com/ent/movies/btm/feature/2008/06/26/trumbo/It is very clear it is about a piece of work because it's in quote and it interests me who find out what it does tell us about.
Bad Headline: From ESPN: "Djokovic sent home early"
http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/tennis/wimbledon08/news/story?id=3460043
It seems too vague and only someone who watches tennis would know the name and who it is referring to.
6.19.2008
Blogging, Citizen Journalism, and the Impact on Mainstream Media
How do you define a blog?
I’ve heard numerous 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, then editor in chief of 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 and author of the blog the BuzzMachine
Others have tried to define it in writing:
“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 on these descriptions:
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, was tracking almost 113 million sites as of June 2008.
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, for instance, 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 nonjournalists who sometimes write 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: Friends and students have found they are a good way to stay in touch with friends and family, while traveling or studying abroad.
Bloggers’ Influence
And, of course, lots of political stories have been influenced by bloggers. Among them:
• Then-Senate Minority Leader Trent Lott’s comments in 2002 about how the country would have been better off had it 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 2004 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, blogs come in handy in times of crisis. For instance, citizen reporters and bloggers helped the Times Picayune in New Orleans to report on the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in fall of 2005.
Getting Started
A few commonly used blogging publishing tools:
For your assignment this week:
Read the published readings attached to your syllabus for June 20:
Check out four well-established blogs, for content and interactivity:
Wonkette
Buzz Machine
E-Media Tidbits
Romenesko
Plus one blog of your choosing. (If you don't have one you that view regularly, search technorati.com to find one to review.)
For each of the five blogs, answer these questions in a Word doc. Give just a couple of paragraphs per blog:
1. Is this a reported blog, an opinion/commentary blog, an author’s journal, a news roundup, or something else entirely?
2. How good is the content?
3. How easy is it to navigate and find archival entries?
4. How well does it encourage reader interaction?
5. How could the blog be improved?
That's it. Good luck, and see you Monday. Remember, this is due before the start of class.
I’ve heard numerous 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, then editor in chief of 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 and author of the blog the BuzzMachine
Others have tried to define it in writing:
“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 on these descriptions:
- 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 nongeographic community based on interests, or a geographic community based on shared locale;
- they are sometimes reported, but often simply commentary or roundups based on others' reporting;
- they are sometimes but not always 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, was tracking almost 113 million sites as of June 2008.
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, for instance, 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 nonjournalists who sometimes write 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: Friends and students have found they are a good way to stay in touch with friends and family, while traveling or studying abroad.
Bloggers’ Influence
And, of course, lots of political stories have been influenced by bloggers. Among them:
• Then-Senate Minority Leader Trent Lott’s comments in 2002 about how the country would have been better off had it 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 2004 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, blogs come in handy in times of crisis. For instance, citizen reporters and bloggers helped the Times Picayune in New Orleans to report on the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in fall of 2005.
Getting Started
A few commonly used blogging publishing tools:
- www.blogger.com (you're on it!)
- www.wordpress.org
- www.xanga.com
- www.livejournal.com (for blogging and social networking)
- www.MySpace.com (for blogging and social networking)
For your assignment this week:
Read the published readings attached to your syllabus for June 20:
Check out four well-established blogs, for content and interactivity:
Wonkette
Buzz Machine
E-Media Tidbits
Romenesko
Plus one blog of your choosing. (If you don't have one you that view regularly, search technorati.com to find one to review.)
For each of the five blogs, answer these questions in a Word doc. Give just a couple of paragraphs per blog:
1. Is this a reported blog, an opinion/commentary blog, an author’s journal, a news roundup, or something else entirely?
2. How good is the content?
3. How easy is it to navigate and find archival entries?
4. How well does it encourage reader interaction?
5. How could the blog be improved?
That's it. Good luck, and see you Monday. Remember, this is due before the start of class.
6.18.2008
Video and Audio links
Video:
The Washington Post uses video that viewers can browse. They can be accessed through stories in the links.http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/video/2008/06/02/VI2008060201014.html?hpid=topnews
The videos are attached with the stories.http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-na-campaign4-2008jun04,0,7608030.story
Bloggers can use video in their blogs and comments.http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/
Audio:
ESPN broadcast live radio for fans.http://espnradio.espn.go.com/espnradio/index
ESPN also makes video for people to download into cell phones.http://proxy.espn.go.com/mobile/products/product?id=3242452
The Washington Post uses video that viewers can browse. They can be accessed through stories in the links.http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/video/2008/06/02/VI2008060201014.html?hpid=topnews
The videos are attached with the stories.http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-na-campaign4-2008jun04,0,7608030.story
Bloggers can use video in their blogs and comments.http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/
Audio:
ESPN broadcast live radio for fans.http://espnradio.espn.go.com/espnradio/index
ESPN also makes video for people to download into cell phones.http://proxy.espn.go.com/mobile/products/product?id=3242452
6.10.2008
Special Characters in HTML
Friends, I promised you the special html characters to create the copyright symbol.
You could use this to get it:
ampersand symbol pound symbol 169;
©
You could use this to get it:
ampersand symbol pound symbol 169;
©
6.05.2008
Broken Link
The Webmonkey link on the online syllabus isn't redirecting properly. Does anyone have a working address or link?
6.03.2008
Klemko: Personalization links
http://myespn.go.com/index?campaign=myespn&source=in_unilogin
-My ESPN
you may have to be signed in on an account to view this but members can personalize the location of various news topics on the page.
http://mdvarsity.rivals.com/
-mdvarsity
maryland high school football recruiting website on which users can make and maintain their own profiles and become friends with other users with similar interests.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
members can indicate whether they want a national news front or a local news front.
-My ESPN
you may have to be signed in on an account to view this but members can personalize the location of various news topics on the page.
http://mdvarsity.rivals.com/
-mdvarsity
maryland high school football recruiting website on which users can make and maintain their own profiles and become friends with other users with similar interests.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
members can indicate whether they want a national news front or a local news front.
My Live Chat and 24/7 Discussion Links
Political Blog: Up to the Minute
Discussion with WP Columnist
Live Chat - Need to Refresh Page To Update
Updating Sports Blog
Updating Sports Chat - No Refresh Needed
Live Sports Chat - Need to Refresh Page To Update
Constantly Updating News Sites
Various News Sites, Constantly Updating
CNN Political Ticker
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/
Washington Post Election Coverage
http://blog.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/
New York Times AP National Index
http://www.nytimes.com/pages/aponline/national/index.html
USA Today On Politics
http://blogs.usatoday.com/onpolitics/
CNN Political Ticker
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/
Washington Post Election Coverage
http://blog.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/
New York Times AP National Index
http://www.nytimes.com/pages/aponline/national/index.html
USA Today On Politics
http://blogs.usatoday.com/onpolitics/
Special Reports
Special Reports-- in-depth coverage of a subject
*The New York Times’ all-inclusive coverage of the 2008 U.S. presidential election:
“The latest on the 2008 presidential election, including detailed information on Hillary Rodham Clinton, Barack Obama and John McCain, election results, regularly updating delegate tallies, superdelegate surveys, campaign finance information and comparisons of where the candidates stand on issues.”http://politics.nytimes.com/election-guide/2008/index.html
*European sports television network Eurosport’s online coverage of the 2008 Union of European Football Associations Cup:
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/euro/
*Weather.com, The Weather Channel’s online version, is itself a mass index of searchable worldwide weather, forecasts, etc…
http://www.weather.com/
*Topix.com is itself a mass customizable database of online news, it does have a section devoted to news on terrorism, which is of interest here:
http://www.topix.com/news/terrorism
*USA Today’s online bureau of the National Hockey League:
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/hockey/default.htm
*The New York Times’ all-inclusive coverage of the 2008 U.S. presidential election:
“The latest on the 2008 presidential election, including detailed information on Hillary Rodham Clinton, Barack Obama and John McCain, election results, regularly updating delegate tallies, superdelegate surveys, campaign finance information and comparisons of where the candidates stand on issues.”http://politics.nytimes.com/election-guide/2008/index.html
*European sports television network Eurosport’s online coverage of the 2008 Union of European Football Associations Cup:
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/euro/
*Weather.com, The Weather Channel’s online version, is itself a mass index of searchable worldwide weather, forecasts, etc…
http://www.weather.com/
*Topix.com is itself a mass customizable database of online news, it does have a section devoted to news on terrorism, which is of interest here:
http://www.topix.com/news/terrorism
*USA Today’s online bureau of the National Hockey League:
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/hockey/default.htm
Searchable databases
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/artsandliving/movies/ In the Washington Post movie section you can type in a movie title or area code and get movie listings.
http://www.baltimoresun.com/classified/jobs/ In the
http://nytimes.com/?adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1212515083-NbInp20RdZnM2O++fHZtWA In the New York Times homepage you can search for a new or used car.
http://www.usatoday.com/travel/default.htm In the USA Today travel page you can track a flight.
http://www.latimes.com/features/food/ In the
6.02.2008
Welcome Summer Class!
This blog is your platform to talk to each other about the business you'll soon be entering full time.
I'll occasionally post comments, thoughts, questions and links for you -- and hope that you'll do the same with each other, sharing interesting news and info, and comments on media coverage of important events.
I'll occasionally post comments, thoughts, questions and links for you -- and hope that you'll do the same with each other, sharing interesting news and info, and comments on media coverage of important events.
5.07.2008
Good and Bad Headlines
Friends, a few thoughts after reading your in-class headline writing assignment:
* Avoid jargon in headlines (and story leads). Jargon includes unfamiliar acronyms and often very specific numbers (such as 232).
* Follow a consistent style. Don't uppercase some words and lowercase others (except for the short articles and prepositions).
* Don't use double quotation marks in heads. Use single quotation marks to highlight a partial quote (do this sparingly!) or to use a word in an unfamiliar way.
* Try to follow the subject-verb-object structure for most news headlines; try to write in present tense and active voice.
* With Web headlines, remember search engine optimization (SEO). Include terms likely to be used to search for a story, unless it's a strain to do so.
* Make sure the mood of your headline matches the mood of the story. Don't put a flip headline on a serious story.
Good examples from your work; remember, you were restricted to a character count of 50:
STORY 1: On a data analysis showing 75 percent of all Maryland murders during the last two decades were concentrated in Baltimore City and Prince George's County:
* Baltimore City, Pr. George's see grim murder stats
* Murders plague Baltimore City, Pr. George's County
* Baltimore and Pr. George's Murder Hubs of State
STORY 2: On an Anacostia Garden Club's mini cherry blossom celebration, amid the city's larger festival. The celebration helped highlight some of the positive change and growth in the historic but often neglected part of the nation's capital.
* Anacostia Blooms Along With Its Cherry Blossoms
* Citizens Work to Grow Historic Anacostia
* Cherry Trees Bring Attention to Anacostia Growth
STORY 3: On the changing face of the English Speakers of Other Languages Program in Maryland. A program once thought of as a service primarily for Spanish-speakers now helps Maryland students speaking more than 230 languages. The expansion of the program reflects the state's increasing diversity.
* Language program reflects state's diversity
* ESOL Programs Cater to Changing Md. Demographics (as an editor, you'd have to decide if this acronym is familiar enough to use in a head)
STORY 4: A feature on the annual tobacco auction in Maryland -- highlighting that it could be the state's last, as Maryland farmers have been encouraged by government buyout programs to switch to other crops.
* Tobacco auction could be Maryland's last
* Md. Farmers May Bid Farewell to Tobacco Auction
* Growing Tobacco a Dying Tradition in Md.
* Md. Tobacco Farming a Dying Trade after 300 Years
If you follow the links to the stories, you'll see that some of your heads were better than those hastily put on by faculty editors!
* Avoid jargon in headlines (and story leads). Jargon includes unfamiliar acronyms and often very specific numbers (such as 232).
* Follow a consistent style. Don't uppercase some words and lowercase others (except for the short articles and prepositions).
* Don't use double quotation marks in heads. Use single quotation marks to highlight a partial quote (do this sparingly!) or to use a word in an unfamiliar way.
* Try to follow the subject-verb-object structure for most news headlines; try to write in present tense and active voice.
* With Web headlines, remember search engine optimization (SEO). Include terms likely to be used to search for a story, unless it's a strain to do so.
* Make sure the mood of your headline matches the mood of the story. Don't put a flip headline on a serious story.
Good examples from your work; remember, you were restricted to a character count of 50:
STORY 1: On a data analysis showing 75 percent of all Maryland murders during the last two decades were concentrated in Baltimore City and Prince George's County:
* Baltimore City, Pr. George's see grim murder stats
* Murders plague Baltimore City, Pr. George's County
* Baltimore and Pr. George's Murder Hubs of State
STORY 2: On an Anacostia Garden Club's mini cherry blossom celebration, amid the city's larger festival. The celebration helped highlight some of the positive change and growth in the historic but often neglected part of the nation's capital.
* Anacostia Blooms Along With Its Cherry Blossoms
* Citizens Work to Grow Historic Anacostia
* Cherry Trees Bring Attention to Anacostia Growth
STORY 3: On the changing face of the English Speakers of Other Languages Program in Maryland. A program once thought of as a service primarily for Spanish-speakers now helps Maryland students speaking more than 230 languages. The expansion of the program reflects the state's increasing diversity.
* Language program reflects state's diversity
* ESOL Programs Cater to Changing Md. Demographics (as an editor, you'd have to decide if this acronym is familiar enough to use in a head)
STORY 4: A feature on the annual tobacco auction in Maryland -- highlighting that it could be the state's last, as Maryland farmers have been encouraged by government buyout programs to switch to other crops.
* Tobacco auction could be Maryland's last
* Md. Farmers May Bid Farewell to Tobacco Auction
* Growing Tobacco a Dying Tradition in Md.
* Md. Tobacco Farming a Dying Trade after 300 Years
If you follow the links to the stories, you'll see that some of your heads were better than those hastily put on by faculty editors!
4.28.2008
Feature stories / reporting / structure / style
Class, to those of you who fully reported and carefully wrote the text of your feature stories, bravo!
But to those of you who ran out of time with the reporting, had trouble nailing down central sources, or had problems organizing and structuring your stories: All is not lost.
The reason I edit the text first -- before you build out your projects with visuals and interactives -- is so that you can clean it up before you build it out for the larger grade.
Some common mistakes/problems:
1. Don't make sweeping generalizations that you don't back up with your reporting. Take out statements you can't support. Or continue reporting.
2. Don't rely on other published stories to make your case. This is a reporting and writing assignment; you're not writing literature reviews for research papers. Don't quote the Diamondback, for instance, when you could have just as easily called the source the Diamondback interviewed and done your own interview. I should be seeing multiple sources with different perspectives in your stories -- not one source and references to lots of previously published work by other reporters.
3. Don't use cliches--unless you're turning them on their head. Cliches represent lazy writing. Say it more originally in your own words.
4. Don't lead with an anecdote or scene setter that has nothing to do with the main point of your story. The opening scene or anecdote should exemplify the main point of your story.
5. Don't bury your nut paragraphs (or, worse yet, fail to give them at all). On stories of the length you've been given, I should be seeing a nut graph (or delayed lead) by the third of fourth graph. This nut graph should telegraph the main points of your story -- so I'll know why I should stay with it. If it doesn't, re-work the story.
6. After you've written the opening and nut graphs, elaborate on those main points in the body of your story. This should be done through a combination of declarative statements (telling) and quotes and examples (showing). Alternate long sentences with short, to improve story flow. Use simple words and sentences, when possible. Use active voice and active verbs.
7. Provide readers a transitional phrase or sentence when you're switching speakers or thoughts.
8. Try to come full circle, with a closing that circles back to people or scenes from your opening anecdote.
9. Focus your story. Don't make five points that are thinly reported, when you could make two or three strong points that are well reported and fleshed out.
10. Don't bite off a topic that's too huge to fully report in a couple of weeks. To write a trend story documenting all the restaurant openings and closings on Route 1 might take weeks or even months to fully report and write, but to write about one restaurant's failure and re-birth could be done in the allotted time.
11. Refer to your AP stylebook for print. My best advice is: If you're not sure of how a term should be written, look it up. I will also pass out on Wednesday an AP style crib sheet that I give out to students in JOUR 201. If your 201 teacher didn't stress AP style, the sheet should help now.
12. Leave time to pre-edit your own work. If it doesn't make sense to you, it certainly won't to someone else. Read it out loud. If you trip over your own words, you likely need to keep simplifying.
Hope that helps, Chris
But to those of you who ran out of time with the reporting, had trouble nailing down central sources, or had problems organizing and structuring your stories: All is not lost.
The reason I edit the text first -- before you build out your projects with visuals and interactives -- is so that you can clean it up before you build it out for the larger grade.
Some common mistakes/problems:
1. Don't make sweeping generalizations that you don't back up with your reporting. Take out statements you can't support. Or continue reporting.
2. Don't rely on other published stories to make your case. This is a reporting and writing assignment; you're not writing literature reviews for research papers. Don't quote the Diamondback, for instance, when you could have just as easily called the source the Diamondback interviewed and done your own interview. I should be seeing multiple sources with different perspectives in your stories -- not one source and references to lots of previously published work by other reporters.
3. Don't use cliches--unless you're turning them on their head. Cliches represent lazy writing. Say it more originally in your own words.
4. Don't lead with an anecdote or scene setter that has nothing to do with the main point of your story. The opening scene or anecdote should exemplify the main point of your story.
5. Don't bury your nut paragraphs (or, worse yet, fail to give them at all). On stories of the length you've been given, I should be seeing a nut graph (or delayed lead) by the third of fourth graph. This nut graph should telegraph the main points of your story -- so I'll know why I should stay with it. If it doesn't, re-work the story.
6. After you've written the opening and nut graphs, elaborate on those main points in the body of your story. This should be done through a combination of declarative statements (telling) and quotes and examples (showing). Alternate long sentences with short, to improve story flow. Use simple words and sentences, when possible. Use active voice and active verbs.
7. Provide readers a transitional phrase or sentence when you're switching speakers or thoughts.
8. Try to come full circle, with a closing that circles back to people or scenes from your opening anecdote.
9. Focus your story. Don't make five points that are thinly reported, when you could make two or three strong points that are well reported and fleshed out.
10. Don't bite off a topic that's too huge to fully report in a couple of weeks. To write a trend story documenting all the restaurant openings and closings on Route 1 might take weeks or even months to fully report and write, but to write about one restaurant's failure and re-birth could be done in the allotted time.
11. Refer to your AP stylebook for print. My best advice is: If you're not sure of how a term should be written, look it up. I will also pass out on Wednesday an AP style crib sheet that I give out to students in JOUR 201. If your 201 teacher didn't stress AP style, the sheet should help now.
12. Leave time to pre-edit your own work. If it doesn't make sense to you, it certainly won't to someone else. Read it out loud. If you trip over your own words, you likely need to keep simplifying.
Hope that helps, Chris
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