- Fives Gets the (Alternative) Party Started, by Nancy Chow: http://www.jclass.umd.edu/652352/2009spring/fives/fives.html
- Buzzworthy, by Kelly Brooks, http://www.jclass.umd.edu/652352/2009spring/umdquiz/quizteam.html
- Benefit Concert, by Courtney Pomeroy: http://www.jclass.umd.edu/652352/2009spring/benefitconcert/elsalvadorbenefit.html
- Edmonston's Pumping Station, by Ellie Falaris: http://www.jclass.umd.edu/652352/2009spring/edmonston/falaris_page.html
- Masterpeace Community Farm, by Allison Frick: http://www.jclass.umd.edu/652352/2009spring/growiteatit/growiteatit.html
- Gamer Symphony Orchestra, by Nadine Simpson: http://www.jclass.umd.edu/652352/2009spring/gso/gso.html
- Street Sense, by Andrew Smith, http://www.jclass.umd.edu/652352/2009spring/street_sense/street.html
- The Birds and the Bees, by Lauren Cohen, http://www.jclass.umd.edu/652352/2009spring/umdprofessors/umdprofessors.html
- Not Your Average Sorority House Resident, by Brittany Fertig, http://www.jclass.umd.edu/652352/2009spring/housedirector/story.html
- Life Coaching, by Lacey Cohen: http://www.jclass.umd.edu/652352/2009spring/coaching/default.html
- Earth, Life, Time's Up, by Michael Jaffe: http://www.jclass.umd.edu/652352/2009spring/elt/eltfeature.html
- Semester at Sea, by Dayna Ryan, http://www.jclass.umd.edu/652352/2009spring/SeaSemester2/WebPackage.html
5.13.2009
Links to Your Multimedia Stories
Class, I thought you'd like to be able to look at each other's final multimedia stories. Links follow below. Could you also add a link to your published resume packages, in the comment area of this post? Thanks! I hope to have these graded and back to you Friday, when you turn in your final Web site analysis papers. Best, Chris
5.12.2009
Memo: Social Networking Sites Are Not Appropriate
A Gannett editor issued a memo to the paper's staff that stated that Twitter, Facebook and other social networking sites are "not appropriate" and "not a part of the job." The editor admits, "Occasionally it will be necessary for staff members to visit these sites for work purposes." This editor's view on social networking tools seems to conflict with a generally positive reaction to Twitter and Facebook.
Gawker's ValleyWag blog points out that USA Today is one of numerous Gannett-owned papers that encourages their staff to spend more time to use these tools. The blog entry quotes a report that said, "Facebook is a modern day Rolodex." Social networking tools like Facebook and Twitter really has potential to expand a potential pool of sources. I have seen peers request for sources for articles on Facebook, and they have gotten fairly quick responses. I have also heard success stories with Twitter. Should an editor really restrict the amount of time spent on tools that may help generate sources and reveal major news scoops?
Gawker's ValleyWag blog points out that USA Today is one of numerous Gannett-owned papers that encourages their staff to spend more time to use these tools. The blog entry quotes a report that said, "Facebook is a modern day Rolodex." Social networking tools like Facebook and Twitter really has potential to expand a potential pool of sources. I have seen peers request for sources for articles on Facebook, and they have gotten fairly quick responses. I have also heard success stories with Twitter. Should an editor really restrict the amount of time spent on tools that may help generate sources and reveal major news scoops?
Obama and new media
President Obama recognizes that there are now faster ways to reach the public today. For updates on the H1N1 flu outbreak, Obama is utilizing new media Web and social networking tools like MySpace, Facebook, and Twitter via the username WhiteHouse.
White House officials are also looking into expanding to Flickr.com, Vimeo.com, YouTube.com and will also offer videos and podcasts through iTunes.
Obama and his staff hope that by using new media outlets, they will be able to reach the public more immediately and effectively. I think it is fantastic that our government is recognizing new ways that our society is consuming news.
Personally, I own the iPhone and am more likely to check the Associated Press wire service application, Facebook and Twitter right from my phone than I am to watch a newscast from my living room sofa. I can get my daily dose of news and updates on the go which has been a great convenience. I've found that with this capability and no limitation on when I am able to view the news, I've been more knowledgeable when it comes to news in general.
White House officials are also looking into expanding to Flickr.com, Vimeo.com, YouTube.com and will also offer videos and podcasts through iTunes.
Obama and his staff hope that by using new media outlets, they will be able to reach the public more immediately and effectively. I think it is fantastic that our government is recognizing new ways that our society is consuming news.
Personally, I own the iPhone and am more likely to check the Associated Press wire service application, Facebook and Twitter right from my phone than I am to watch a newscast from my living room sofa. I can get my daily dose of news and updates on the go which has been a great convenience. I've found that with this capability and no limitation on when I am able to view the news, I've been more knowledgeable when it comes to news in general.
5.10.2009
Reporters use student's Wikipedia hoax quote
When French Oscar-winning composer Maurice Jarre died at the end of March, Shane Fitzgerald, a sociology and economics student at University College Dublin, conducted a social experiment, according to a May 6 article on irishtimes.com
The student fabricated a poignant quote, attributed it to Jarre and posted it on Wikipedia. Administrators removed the quote, but Fitzgerald "put it back a few more times until it was finally left up on the site for more than 24 hours," the article reads.
The Guardian, the London Independent, the BBC Music Magazine Web site and Indian and Australian newspapers published the quote, according to the Irish Times.
Here is the Guardian article. The correction is at the bottom.
This ties into what we learned in the beginning of the semester. Wikipedia can be edited by anyone, and it's simply a bad idea to pull a quote directly from that site without tracking down the original source.
The student fabricated a poignant quote, attributed it to Jarre and posted it on Wikipedia. Administrators removed the quote, but Fitzgerald "put it back a few more times until it was finally left up on the site for more than 24 hours," the article reads.
The Guardian, the London Independent, the BBC Music Magazine Web site and Indian and Australian newspapers published the quote, according to the Irish Times.
Here is the Guardian article. The correction is at the bottom.
This ties into what we learned in the beginning of the semester. Wikipedia can be edited by anyone, and it's simply a bad idea to pull a quote directly from that site without tracking down the original source.
Pope praises social networking sites
It's got 15,724 regular subscribers. That particular YouTube channel has been viewed 1,046,646 times. But this YouTube channel isn't dedicated to some pop culture sensation, it's the Vatican channel, which Pope Benedict XVI launched in January.
It's an interesting usage of the media. We always complain about how terrible the media is for us; especially when criticizing its portrayal of women and their bodies. Or, we complain about how useless it is. I love Twitter like anyone else, but I have to admit, it's really not necessary to describe the egg salad sandwich I'm eating for lunch in 140 characters or less. It's also stalker-like and completely invading our privacy - although for social networking sites like facebook, myspace and the like, we're the ones who choose what content we post as well as any security settings (or lack thereof), so it makes me a little frustrated when people refuse to regulate their content and then proceed to feel violated.
Aside from the fact that any messages Pope Benedict XVI sends out are going to be morally sound, it's amazing to think of how far that Vatican has come in the past 2,000 years. It's an institution that's known for being very set in its ways but even the Pope has realized that perhaps the only way to truly connect to Catholics worldwide is to adjust to the modern age. He's on facebook, too - you can log on right now and become a fan of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI, along with 42,807 other users.
I'm not Catholic myself, but when I first heard about the YouTube channel back in January, I happened to mention it to a Catholic friend of mine who hadn't heard about it, but was excited to check it out, much more than I expected.
It amazes me how creative people are in discovering new uses for the internet. Pope Benedict XVI can consider the "I like" thumbs up button on his facebook page pushed.
It's an interesting usage of the media. We always complain about how terrible the media is for us; especially when criticizing its portrayal of women and their bodies. Or, we complain about how useless it is. I love Twitter like anyone else, but I have to admit, it's really not necessary to describe the egg salad sandwich I'm eating for lunch in 140 characters or less. It's also stalker-like and completely invading our privacy - although for social networking sites like facebook, myspace and the like, we're the ones who choose what content we post as well as any security settings (or lack thereof), so it makes me a little frustrated when people refuse to regulate their content and then proceed to feel violated.
Aside from the fact that any messages Pope Benedict XVI sends out are going to be morally sound, it's amazing to think of how far that Vatican has come in the past 2,000 years. It's an institution that's known for being very set in its ways but even the Pope has realized that perhaps the only way to truly connect to Catholics worldwide is to adjust to the modern age. He's on facebook, too - you can log on right now and become a fan of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI, along with 42,807 other users.
I'm not Catholic myself, but when I first heard about the YouTube channel back in January, I happened to mention it to a Catholic friend of mine who hadn't heard about it, but was excited to check it out, much more than I expected.
It amazes me how creative people are in discovering new uses for the internet. Pope Benedict XVI can consider the "I like" thumbs up button on his facebook page pushed.
A New Type of Blogging?
www.textsfromlastnight.com has been around since around February of this year. Recently though it has been growing in popularity. The site seems to be inspired by other sites like fmylife.com which is incredibly popular, especially on college campuses. This new website allows users to submit texts message either they received or sent during recent nights. A lot of them can actually be pretty funny.
I just think it's interesting that these new types of blogs are popping up. There is no real way to tell who it is that posted the text messages but they do post the area code of their phone and anyone else involved in the conversation. Also, if you were the one involved in the conversation surely you would be able to tell it's you. There is a new option on the site that allows readers to vote on whether or not the night was a good night or bad night based on a single text or a few correspondences that are posted.
This isn't news blogging, but textsfromlastnight.com is hosted by a blogging site and treated as a blog with users posting their "blogs" or texts and others commenting on them. I was just wondering what everyone thought about all these new types of sites that are coming up?
I just think it's interesting that these new types of blogs are popping up. There is no real way to tell who it is that posted the text messages but they do post the area code of their phone and anyone else involved in the conversation. Also, if you were the one involved in the conversation surely you would be able to tell it's you. There is a new option on the site that allows readers to vote on whether or not the night was a good night or bad night based on a single text or a few correspondences that are posted.
This isn't news blogging, but textsfromlastnight.com is hosted by a blogging site and treated as a blog with users posting their "blogs" or texts and others commenting on them. I was just wondering what everyone thought about all these new types of sites that are coming up?
5.06.2009
Instant fame
Everyone's been raving about the Scottish sensation Susan Boyle. The unassuming forty-something made her way to the stage on the television show Britain's Got Talent amidst snickering judges and audience members. But the minute she opened her mouth and belted out "I Dreamed a Dream" from Les Miserables, simply put, she brought the house down.
But if it weren't for the Internet, Boyle probably wouldn't have become so instantly famous worldwide. Yes, getting the blessing of three judges gives you the chance to move up in the television show's competition. But it was YouTube and Twitter that brought Boyle worldwide fame in a matter of days. After Ashton Kutcher, linked an episode of her performance on Britain's Got Talent through his Twitter account, the video went viral. Today, Kutcher has nearly 1.7 million followers on Twitter. This just goes to show the influence a few people can have through the Internet when there's a large enough following.
But if it weren't for the Internet, Boyle probably wouldn't have become so instantly famous worldwide. Yes, getting the blessing of three judges gives you the chance to move up in the television show's competition. But it was YouTube and Twitter that brought Boyle worldwide fame in a matter of days. After Ashton Kutcher, linked an episode of her performance on Britain's Got Talent through his Twitter account, the video went viral. Today, Kutcher has nearly 1.7 million followers on Twitter. This just goes to show the influence a few people can have through the Internet when there's a large enough following.
5.05.2009
Swine Flu Coverage
I think an interesting topic to discuss here relates to all of the swine flu coverage from last week. Coverage has died down recently, but online, newspaper and broadcast stories about the swine flu bombarded Americans every day last week. One could not turn on the TV or log onto a news site without seeing new information about the spreading of the illness. You could get tons of information from the Web alone, with constant updates at your fingertips. But all of this makes me wonder, is the excessive coverage helping to keep Americans informed, or serving to create unneccessary fear in them? I am leaning more toward the latter, especially since it turns out the swine flu is not all that different from the regular flu. What do you guys think?
Internet News Layout Issues
I apologize for my AIM being up there on the right, but here is one of the dangers of the immediacy of online news.
This is a screen shot of The Washington Post from March 23 of this year. If you visited the site, there was a feature they had been running for some time that tracked all of President Obama's appointments called "Head Count." It was very interesting and made it easy to follow what was going on, but at times, it can be an insensitive and inappropriate header for the day's news.
I do not know how this picture will turn out on the blog, so if you cannot see what is below the picture of a fire, here is what it says:
Headline: Plane Crash in Montana Kills at Least 14
Caption: FAA says several children are among the dead after single-engine plane goes down near Butte's airport (AP/The Montana Standard, Martha Guidoni)
A related link is "Two Killed when Cargo Plane Crashes in Japan
The way the layout looks, it is as if President Obama is killing people considering there were 14 who died in one crash and two in another. The fatal accidents right below "Head Count" sure makes Obama look culpable. What is worse, while the "Head Count" banner extends past the picture, the text does not, and lines up perfectly with the photo box, headline and captions.
In doing my examining for the final paper we are doing, I see quite different layouts between my paper and the Post. However, while it is easy to keep a successful banner and feature up, someone who is doing the Web editing, or producing, needs to take a look at the layout and the news that goes up for every update.
One other note on this is that on a column to the left where they have "MOST VIEWED ARTICLES," the same story is updated with a different count on those who died in the plane crash featured on the left. While there is software that allows different pods to contain different material (one subject being "hits"), it just does not look good to have conflicting stories, especially when a featured store is already outdated.
I apologize for not getting this up when it happened, but I am glad I took the screen shot of it. Sometimes Internet layout problems are funny, other times they are insensitive.
Please share your comments if you have any!
-Mike
5.03.2009
Remaining Projects for Class
Class, here's what you have left to turn in to me in coming weeks:
* Your answers to questions posed from the USAToday tour. (counts as an in-class grade). Due by the start of class May 6. May be handed to me or e-mailed.
* Your multimedia story project; your folder is due in the x drive by the start of class May 6. See specific instructions on the front page of your Web syllabus: Undergrads: http://www.jclass.umd.edu/652352/jour352spring09a.htm
Grad Students: http://www.jclass.umd.edu/652352/jour652spring09a.htm
* Your final, an analysis paper, is due by Friday, May 15, 3:30 p.m. It must be turned in by e-mail (to get the time stamp) AND under my fourth floor office door. Again, see specific instructions on the front of your Web syllabus:
Undergrads: http://www.jclass.umd.edu/652352/jour352spring09a.htm
Grad students: http://www.jclass.umd.edu/652352/jour652spring09a.htm.
Because my daughter's school is closed down this week for swine flu, I will likely not be on campus on Monday or Tuesday. I will make every effort to get to campus a few hours before class on Wednesday, to answer final questions.
I will also be available by e-mail this week. The preferred e-mail for reaching me Monday and Tuesday is my gmail account: harvey.familyUP@gmail.com.
See your Wednesday, Chris
* Your answers to questions posed from the USAToday tour. (counts as an in-class grade). Due by the start of class May 6. May be handed to me or e-mailed.
* Your multimedia story project; your folder is due in the x drive by the start of class May 6. See specific instructions on the front page of your Web syllabus: Undergrads: http://www.jclass.umd.edu/652352/jour352spring09a.htm
Grad Students: http://www.jclass.umd.edu/652352/jour652spring09a.htm
* Your final, an analysis paper, is due by Friday, May 15, 3:30 p.m. It must be turned in by e-mail (to get the time stamp) AND under my fourth floor office door. Again, see specific instructions on the front of your Web syllabus:
Undergrads: http://www.jclass.umd.edu/652352/jour352spring09a.htm
Grad students: http://www.jclass.umd.edu/652352/jour652spring09a.htm.
Because my daughter's school is closed down this week for swine flu, I will likely not be on campus on Monday or Tuesday. I will make every effort to get to campus a few hours before class on Wednesday, to answer final questions.
I will also be available by e-mail this week. The preferred e-mail for reaching me Monday and Tuesday is my gmail account: harvey.familyUP@gmail.com.
See your Wednesday, Chris
USA Today and Your Futures
Class, I hope you enjoyed the tour and talk at USA Today, and were energized by the possibilities facing you in this brave new-media world.
The economy will turn around, and I am convinced that if you are a hard worker and have superior reporting and writing (and some multimedia) skills, you will get a job.
It just may not be the more traditional news job you had envisioned.
Remember as you begin your search that not just traditional news organizations are doing news.
Many nonprofits are paying reporters and researchers to report on specific hotspots or topics. (Stateline.org, for instance.)
Some nonjournalistic businesses are paying reporters to write about their specific niches.
And many enterprising young journalists are connecting with or launching Web startups--helping to shape the way news will be covered and displayed in the future. (One of our recent graduates recently became editor of a Web startup in Los Angeles, for instance.)
So if you're smart and have good skills, you will get a job. But you may have to be dogged to land it.
We'll talk more in class on Wednesday.
In the meantime, check out some of the job listings on JournalismJobs.com, MediaBistro and Poynter.
Best, Chris
The economy will turn around, and I am convinced that if you are a hard worker and have superior reporting and writing (and some multimedia) skills, you will get a job.
It just may not be the more traditional news job you had envisioned.
Remember as you begin your search that not just traditional news organizations are doing news.
Many nonprofits are paying reporters and researchers to report on specific hotspots or topics. (Stateline.org, for instance.)
Some nonjournalistic businesses are paying reporters to write about their specific niches.
And many enterprising young journalists are connecting with or launching Web startups--helping to shape the way news will be covered and displayed in the future. (One of our recent graduates recently became editor of a Web startup in Los Angeles, for instance.)
So if you're smart and have good skills, you will get a job. But you may have to be dogged to land it.
We'll talk more in class on Wednesday.
In the meantime, check out some of the job listings on JournalismJobs.com, MediaBistro and Poynter.
Best, Chris
iPhone Apps for News
I had a great time at USA Today, and what really resonated with me was the message that adaptability and a willingness to learn new technologies, and share that knowledge with others is key to making it in today's media world. One way we learned that USA Today is trying to adjust to new technology and ways of sharing information is through its iPhone App.
In his presentation Bill showed us the application. I do not have an iPhone, but a lot of my friends do, and out of everyone from our class who went USA Today, three people raised their hands to say they had an iPhone, so I figured I'd try to learn more about Apps.
I quickly discovered through browsing iTunes' App store, that there are applications for everything, including all types of news. There is an application for Breaking News (Called Breaking News), there is an application for news about the lottery (called Jackpot! News), and there is even an app called "Easy News" that links users to "nine of the most popular news cites," including ABC News, Associated Press, CNN, Fox News, USA Today, Yahoo!, and MSNBC. There is also an application called "Easy Gossip" which links users to 7 gossip cites like E! and Perez Hilton.com Mobile!
I found USA Today's app in the iTunes store, and discovered that it was free! It gives you access to the publication's sections, pictures, and weather.
What do you think of iTunes applications? Are they a way for news organizations to adapt to the changes in the industry? Do you think that this is a reasonable way to reach out to users?
In their Poynter Online article, "iPhone 3.0 Software Offers New Applications for News" Amy Gahran and Barb Iverson explain that "... the number of people getting news via cellphone doubled from 10.8 million in January, 2008 to 22.4 million in January, 2009." They also explain further development of technology in the iPhone 3.0 Software that will be released this summer.
I think that iPhones will continue to be more and more popular, and that news organizations really should take advantage of the opportunities that they offer. As Iverson and Gahran write, "... even free iPhone apps can help build online businesses (including for news publishers, advertisers, or news-related services) by growing audience, increasing user engagement, or enabling additional features or services."
It took a while for iPods to become popular, and now they are mainstream. Everyone I know has one, from the 11-year-old I babysit to my mom. I really think that news organizations have a great resource in the iPhone, even if the benefit hasn't become completely apparent yet.
What do you think? Is an iPhone App a useful and effective technology for news organizations?
4.22.2009
Ashton Kutcher thinks Twitter is the best thing since trucker hats
I was watching CNN the other day and came across a story I want to share with the class. To sum it up, Ashton Kutcher of Punk'd and Demi Moore-marrying fame, challenged CNN to a race. His goal? To beat the network to 1 million Twitter followers.
It's quite an interesting story and I think it can spur a lot of thought and discussion about the future of "real" journalism, which can be found on networks like CNN, versus sites like Twitter, which may be the go-to news sources of future generations.
What does it say about what's happening in the journalism industry that Larry King, who represents CNN and, in a way, classic methods of journalism, is posting a YouTube response to Ashton Kutcher's Twitter challenge? What do you think about user-generated sites like Twitter becoming ever more popular for the gathering of information? Just a thought...
By the way, Kutcher won the race. What does THAT say about the state of journalism? I think it speaks to the theory that the U.S. is growing into more of a TMZ society than one that is concerned with politics, international events and stories with real news value.
Original story about Kutcher's challenge (with YouTube video embedded at bottom)- http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/04/13/ashton-kutcher-promises-to-punk-ted-turner-if-he-beats-cnn-to-a-million-twitter-followers/
Follow-up story about King's response (with YouTube video embedded at bottom):
http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/04/14/twitter-fight-larry-king-to-kutcher-cnn-will-bury-you/
King and Kutcher's conversation on Larry King Live: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNzag6456fI
It's quite an interesting story and I think it can spur a lot of thought and discussion about the future of "real" journalism, which can be found on networks like CNN, versus sites like Twitter, which may be the go-to news sources of future generations.
What does it say about what's happening in the journalism industry that Larry King, who represents CNN and, in a way, classic methods of journalism, is posting a YouTube response to Ashton Kutcher's Twitter challenge? What do you think about user-generated sites like Twitter becoming ever more popular for the gathering of information? Just a thought...
By the way, Kutcher won the race. What does THAT say about the state of journalism? I think it speaks to the theory that the U.S. is growing into more of a TMZ society than one that is concerned with politics, international events and stories with real news value.
Original story about Kutcher's challenge (with YouTube video embedded at bottom)- http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/04/13/ashton-kutcher-promises-to-punk-ted-turner-if-he-beats-cnn-to-a-million-twitter-followers/
Follow-up story about King's response (with YouTube video embedded at bottom):
http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/04/14/twitter-fight-larry-king-to-kutcher-cnn-will-bury-you/
King and Kutcher's conversation on Larry King Live: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNzag6456fI
Good Web Headline/ Bad Web Headline
Levy Suspect Returns to D.C.- Good
This headline was found on washingtonpost.com. It's short, includes important search words, and follows the subject-verb guidelines. It's also in active voice and lets readers know the most important part of the story they are about to read.
More being foreclosed into homelessness- Not so good
This headline was found on The Boston Globe Online. The main reason I don't like it is because it's written in passive voice, which in turn makes it longer than it probably needs to be. It also doesn't include good search words. 'Foreclosed' and 'homelessness' are very broad terms and if entered into a search engine would bring up a huge amount of unrelated stories to the area it's supposed to be about. It's also not specific enough to convey the main point of the story.
This headline was found on washingtonpost.com. It's short, includes important search words, and follows the subject-verb guidelines. It's also in active voice and lets readers know the most important part of the story they are about to read.
More being foreclosed into homelessness- Not so good
This headline was found on The Boston Globe Online. The main reason I don't like it is because it's written in passive voice, which in turn makes it longer than it probably needs to be. It also doesn't include good search words. 'Foreclosed' and 'homelessness' are very broad terms and if entered into a search engine would bring up a huge amount of unrelated stories to the area it's supposed to be about. It's also not specific enough to convey the main point of the story.
Reminder About Your Blog Posts
Class, a reminder that you must participate in discussions --verbally and on this blog -- to do well on your class participation grade. Besides commenting on others' posts and doing assignments I specifically give you, you must also start at least one discussion thread on the blog, on a new-media topic.
See the good example from Andrew Smith on Jan. 30, below.
See the good example from Andrew Smith on Jan. 30, below.
Good and bad headlines
Good: Craigslist CEO feels 'terribly' about Craigslist killer
http://www.boston.com/business/ticker/2009/04/craigslist_ceo.html
I like this headlines because a lot of people use Craigslist to find all sorts of things, it makes me want to know whether I should be afraid to use Craigslist if it's about an actual safety threat or if it's just using a stronger word to emphasize a story. Also, since Craigslist is so popular, it's a good search term.Bad: One billion expected to celebrate Earth Day
http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/europe/04/22/earth.day2009/
It's vague. Lots of people celebrate lots of federal holidays. I care about Earth Day, I don't know what numbers normally are or how they're getting them. I'd rather see the title say something about how people are celebrating the holiday in a way that's unique or interesting. Lots of kindergartners plant trees in the playground, is that what I'm going to read about here? It's also about something that will happen; the article would be more interesting after the fact when there are pictures. However, the article does have some great photos despite this. Therefore, they should take advantage of them and use one of them to draw the headline from.
Good and Bad Headlines
In Adopting Harsh Tactics, No Inquiry Into Their Past Use
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/22/us/politics/22detain.html?_r=1&hp
This headline in the New York Times is in my opinion not a very good one. The headline is rather vague and from just reading that there is indication of the real subject of the story. Harsh tactics are some of the story, but there is not enough information to explain what it is in reference to. The actual article is about how several years ago legislation was passed allowing military training techniques to be used as interrogation methods. I feel like the headline gives you no real idea of what you're about to get into in the article.Pentagon Commander Visits Afghanistan
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/04/22/world/AP-AS-Afghanistan.html?ref=world
I thought this headline was a good headline because you had a good subject-verb agreement and you know exactly what happened. Just from reading the headline you can assume that the article is going to explain what happened during the Pentagon commander's visit to Afghanistan. It sets you up, if briefly, for the story.
Class at USAToday Next Week
Professional Web newsroom tour and talk at usatoday.com in Fairfax, Va., Wednesday, April 29: We'll talk with journalists there about storytelling, story presentation and reader interaction. You will be given assigned questions to answer about the visit; your typed responses will count as an in-class grade, and will be due at the start of our last class. If you'd like, we could pre-arrange for carpools.
We'll meet promptly at 1:45 in the lobby of the building; please be on time.
We'll end the session at 3:15 p.m., to allow driving time before your next class.
Newswoom contact: Joshua Hatch, a producer at the site. Address: 7950 Jones Branch Drive, McLean, Va., 22108. (It's really close to Tyson Galleria.)
Driving directions from google maps: Take I-495 W for about 18 miles; take exit 46A for Chain Bridge Road, 123/Tysons Corner/Vienna; take a quick right onto Tysons Blvd.; turn right at Westbranch Dr.; turn right onto Jones Branch Dr. Guard shack is on the right before the main building; check in with the guard, who will direct you to free parking.
I'll be leaving the Journalism Building at 12:45. Anyone who'd like a ride should meet me in Room 3117 at 12:40.
Best, Chris
We'll meet promptly at 1:45 in the lobby of the building; please be on time.
We'll end the session at 3:15 p.m., to allow driving time before your next class.
Newswoom contact: Joshua Hatch, a producer at the site. Address: 7950 Jones Branch Drive, McLean, Va., 22108. (It's really close to Tyson Galleria.)
Driving directions from google maps: Take I-495 W for about 18 miles; take exit 46A for Chain Bridge Road, 123/Tysons Corner/Vienna; take a quick right onto Tysons Blvd.; turn right at Westbranch Dr.; turn right onto Jones Branch Dr. Guard shack is on the right before the main building; check in with the guard, who will direct you to free parking.
I'll be leaving the Journalism Building at 12:45. Anyone who'd like a ride should meet me in Room 3117 at 12:40.
Best, Chris
Good and Bad Web headlines- Nada alwadi
Obama skates while Right fumes
I like this headline for several reasons… Its short, different, and attractive. I can guarantee many people will read this story, or at least the first few paragraphs just because of the headline. It makes you want to know what the story is about.
The Untold Susan Boyle Story
This headline is also very short and to the point. However, it’s very basic and kind of “uncreative”. The only attraction of this headline is of course the name “ Susan Boyle” as she became a media attraction lately. I think the writer could have done a better job of using some interesting elements of her “untold story” in his headline, this way the headline wont be very basic.
I like this headline for several reasons… Its short, different, and attractive. I can guarantee many people will read this story, or at least the first few paragraphs just because of the headline. It makes you want to know what the story is about.
The Untold Susan Boyle Story
This headline is also very short and to the point. However, it’s very basic and kind of “uncreative”. The only attraction of this headline is of course the name “ Susan Boyle” as she became a media attraction lately. I think the writer could have done a better job of using some interesting elements of her “untold story” in his headline, this way the headline wont be very basic.
Good and Bad Headlines-Dayna Ryan
Bad headline: Cambridge to consider ban on firing pellet, BB, and dart guns
I would not have chosen the following headline from The Star Democrat newspaper on the Eastern Shore. It is too long and confusing with the commas, and I had to read it at least twice to understand the point of the story. Also, I don’t think it’s necessary to include the names of all the guns in the headline because it appears cluttered. A better headline would allude to what the story is going to be about and include that extra detail within the body of the story instead.
Good headline: Canucks cap sweep of blues with late OT winner
I liked this headline from ESPN.com about the NHL playoffs because it was creative, but still written in a way that makes it easy for readers to understand the point of the story. The use of shorter words in the headline is more likely to catch attention and prompt readers to continue reading in this case. Especially with a sports website, short and simple headlines are important because people are reading to find out who won games, the scores, etc.
I would not have chosen the following headline from The Star Democrat newspaper on the Eastern Shore. It is too long and confusing with the commas, and I had to read it at least twice to understand the point of the story. Also, I don’t think it’s necessary to include the names of all the guns in the headline because it appears cluttered. A better headline would allude to what the story is going to be about and include that extra detail within the body of the story instead.
Good headline: Canucks cap sweep of blues with late OT winner
I liked this headline from ESPN.com about the NHL playoffs because it was creative, but still written in a way that makes it easy for readers to understand the point of the story. The use of shorter words in the headline is more likely to catch attention and prompt readers to continue reading in this case. Especially with a sports website, short and simple headlines are important because people are reading to find out who won games, the scores, etc.
4.21.2009
Good and Bad Headlines - Ellie Falaris
Blagojevich Is a Flop in Audition in Court http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/22/us/22illinois.html?ref=us
This headline is a little clunky for a couple reasons. Structurally, the use of "in" twice makes headline somewhat awkward. Also, the idea of the audition makes it seem like Blagojevich was doing an audition in court. In fact, he tried to convince a federal judge to let him be a contestant on a reality television show being filmed in Costa Rica.
This is not Spinal Tap
http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20090415/ENTERTAINMENT/90415052/-1/archive
This feature is about the reunion of the characters from the rock mockumentary "This is Spinal Tap." I think the headline is both clever and to the point. Plus, it contains both "Spinal Tap" and "This is Spinal Tap," which are relevant search terms.
This headline is a little clunky for a couple reasons. Structurally, the use of "in" twice makes headline somewhat awkward. Also, the idea of the audition makes it seem like Blagojevich was doing an audition in court. In fact, he tried to convince a federal judge to let him be a contestant on a reality television show being filmed in Costa Rica.
This is not Spinal Tap
http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20090415/ENTERTAINMENT/90415052/-1/archive
This feature is about the reunion of the characters from the rock mockumentary "This is Spinal Tap." I think the headline is both clever and to the point. Plus, it contains both "Spinal Tap" and "This is Spinal Tap," which are relevant search terms.
4.15.2009
Headlines
"The Hip and Hungry Hit 14th Street" was the headline from a Washington Post article by Jane Black that I really liked. I got to the Washington Post homepage, and it immediately caught my eye. It got my attention because it is short, concise, and applies to me. When I saw this headline, it was mid afternoon on a Wednesday. I was hungry, tired, and really ready for the weekend. The words "hip" and "hungry" seemed to call to me. I clicked on the link to the article and saw it was a review of several new restaurants on 14th street. It is a light article with a more serious undertone, as it addresses how the area developed and what attracts the public. The headline conveyed the light tone, but did not sugar coat the more serious part of the piece, 14th street. Check out the article!
Today (April 22) there is a headline on the Los Angeles Times homepage that reads, "Obama to Push Energy on Earth Day." This link leads to a more specific headline, "Obama Heads to Iowa for Earth Day." I felt that the first headline, from the homepage was a little misleading. Although it is possible to deduce the meaning of the headline from the readout: "The president travels to Iowa to pitch environmentally friendly jobs and his energy plan," the headline itself is not very clear. If I were to read it completely separate from any other text or images, I would know that the article is about Earth Day, and Obama's energy plan. However, the wording, "Obama to Push Energy," could imply the president is facing a particularly difficult challenge, and will have to work harder on Earth Day to get something done. The problem I see with this headline, is that out of context its meaning could be misinterpreted. Maybe changing it to "Obama to Push Energy Plan on Earth Day," would make it clearer and offer more a more complete search terms, such as energy plan.
Good and bad Web headlines
Please find a good and not-so-adept headline on one or more news Web sites, and explain why you think so (in a few sentences) on our blog. Please be sure to give the full URL and headline for each. Please don't write anything you don't want the world to see. Write your entries as comments to this blog thread. Thanks! Due at the start of class next week.
4.06.2009
Text deadline extended from April 8 to 15th
Class, because I forgot to remind you last week about the deadline on the text component on your multimedia project, I have extended it from April 8 to April 15. See your 352 and 652 syllabuses for further details.
Best, Chris
Best, Chris
3.11.2009
Nada alwadi,,, Politico.com
Nada Alwadi
In Politico website,there is a feature called “ Politico 44) , its basically a “Living diary of the Obama presidency” minute by minute !!
You have all updates events, photos , videos and much more about what is happening in the White house, there is also a sort of diary in the left side of the page, which shows you what president Obama is doing all the day, and you can change the date and go to check any events of any other day you wish,,, Check it out on : http://www.politico.com/politico44/
In Politico website,there is a feature called “ Politico 44) , its basically a “Living diary of the Obama presidency” minute by minute !!
You have all updates events, photos , videos and much more about what is happening in the White house, there is also a sort of diary in the left side of the page, which shows you what president Obama is doing all the day, and you can change the date and go to check any events of any other day you wish,,, Check it out on : http://www.politico.com/politico44/
ABCnews.com on the Inauguration
I was impressed with the many ways ABCnews.com covered the Inauguration of Obama. What I particularly enjoyed the most was the fact that reporters also focused on covering the reactions of the people. In this video, reporters even went as far as to ask a diverse group of people to give advice to the new president. You can watch the video here:
Words of Advice for the President
Words of Advice for the President
BBC International
The BBC has an entire other page devoted to all things having anything at all to do with Obama, both on the UK and International versions of the Web site.
They feature several versions of Obama's inauguation, including a play-by-play live text commentary beginning at 0900 and going all the way up until 1709. After the inaugural commentary finishes, the page links back to the one before it which covers every aspect of Obama's first 100 days in office. There are links to several videos and photos of the event as well. The live commentary has links to photos and videos of the parade, inaugural oath and the President's first speech in office. After viewing videos and photos, the site recommends similar multimedia that may interest the reader.
The BBC Web site provides its readers with an in-depth coverage of both the actual inauguration and every major move Obama has made since his first day in office.
International Version:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/americas/2008/obama_presidency/default.stm
UK Version:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_depth/americas/2008/obama_presidency/default.stm
They feature several versions of Obama's inauguation, including a play-by-play live text commentary beginning at 0900 and going all the way up until 1709. After the inaugural commentary finishes, the page links back to the one before it which covers every aspect of Obama's first 100 days in office. There are links to several videos and photos of the event as well. The live commentary has links to photos and videos of the parade, inaugural oath and the President's first speech in office. After viewing videos and photos, the site recommends similar multimedia that may interest the reader.
The BBC Web site provides its readers with an in-depth coverage of both the actual inauguration and every major move Obama has made since his first day in office.
International Version:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/americas/2008/obama_presidency/default.stm
UK Version:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_depth/americas/2008/obama_presidency/default.stm
The Onion's Inauguration Coverage
While we can't trust the Onion for much real news, their Web page layout for articles is something to really take note of. Their article covering the Inauguration is quite funny, but take note of the right side of the article. There are related sections, videos, and radio news bits regarding the subject.
In addition to the article covering the inauguration, there is an infographic about the security measures taken, "public opinion" on the re-vamped page at whitehouse.gov and the best part, a chronicle of "The First 100 Days."
Of course there are also new always popping up in the Politics section of the Web site, but the Onion, not just for an outlet based on satire, but in general, is doing a very extensive and "user friendly" coverage of our "current events."
In addition to the article covering the inauguration, there is an infographic about the security measures taken, "public opinion" on the re-vamped page at whitehouse.gov and the best part, a chronicle of "The First 100 Days."
Of course there are also new always popping up in the Politics section of the Web site, but the Onion, not just for an outlet based on satire, but in general, is doing a very extensive and "user friendly" coverage of our "current events."
Washington Post - The Preparers
This is a really cool multimedia piece from the Washington Post that paints the picture of setting up for the inauguration in January. It actually received an honorable mention in the White House News Photographers Association contest recently.
It takes a collage of photos an mini video animations to create an interactive panorama that allows one to pan the front of the Capitol building and surrounding area. Among the mini videos are a military band playing at the base of the building, while construction workers build the stands for the ceremony. Larger videos are interspersed throughout the panorama with features about different aspects of preparing, from the VIP chauffeurs to constructing the parade floats.
This piece is very unique because it finds a creative way to package video and pictures, while making it interactive and user-friendly.
It takes a collage of photos an mini video animations to create an interactive panorama that allows one to pan the front of the Capitol building and surrounding area. Among the mini videos are a military band playing at the base of the building, while construction workers build the stands for the ceremony. Larger videos are interspersed throughout the panorama with features about different aspects of preparing, from the VIP chauffeurs to constructing the parade floats.
This piece is very unique because it finds a creative way to package video and pictures, while making it interactive and user-friendly.
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