FAU Multimedia Journalism course

Saturday, April 04, 2009

Where students can find images for their blogs

Every semester I struggle with the issue of photo copyright in the blogs my students create.

They need images to create visually interesting blogs; I need to teach them that just because it's on the Internet doesn't mean they can use it.

I've advised them to always credit images and to always request permission to use them.

Here's a helpful list of copyright-free images where students can find art on a wide range of subjects.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Alternative Story Forms

Alternative story forms aren't limited to use online, but they work particularly well there.

Sara Quinn has an interesting intro to the concept, which begins with this:

Q: What are alternative story forms?

A: They’re tools that quickly engage a reader’s attention: a timeline, a checklist, a fact box or a graphic — anything that doesn’t fit the standard model of most newspaper narratives. You’re reading one right now in this Q&A.

Here is a list of just a few types, each with a link to an example:

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Future of news assignment for Feb. 26 class

Our next class will be devoted to talking about the future of news. As mainstream media loses audience and revenue, will journalism weaken? Die? Change? What shape will it take and how will this affect you and your careers?

Rather than me lecturing you, the assignment for this class is for each of you to become an expert in a particular site or type of site that represents something new in the field of journalism.

Here's what you are assigned to do:

Spend a half hour reviewing your assigned site and reading the items posted, particularly any "about us" information.
Research the site you are assigned by doing Google searches and reading everything you can find that's being said about it. Most of these sites are referenced in Wikipedia, which, can be a good source to give you background.

Then, write a brief story about this site, as though you were reporting on it for a journalism publication. While I'm suggesting some questions for you to address, please write the answers in full paragraphs with transitions rather than simply answering questions in a list.

Print out and bring this assignment to our next class: Thursday, Feb. 26.

In class that night, each of you will make a brief oral presentation about the site you studied. You all are expected to ask questions of each other. Each of these sites brings something new to the practice of journalism. Your presentation should help the class understand how this particular site is organized, how it works and how it differs from media of the past. The goal is to examine 14 different sites and to learn from each other's research.

Here are some questions; they are just suggestions to get you thinking. Please make other observations that you think are worth discussing.

What is the mission of your site?
Is it different from the mission of a traditional media outlet? How?
When was it founded and by whom?
Who writes the news and information? (Professional journalists? Citizens? Both? In what proportion?)
Does the site focus on a specific topic or type of content?
Who edits the news and information?
Does it appear to have substantial participation?
Does it differ from mainstream news sites? If so, how? Give specific examples.
Do you find the site's approach interesting? Why or why not?
Would you contribute to this site?
Would you spend any time visiting this site?
Would you believe what you read or see here?
How would you describe the site's strengths and weaknesses?

Here's the list and assignments:

helium.com and Associated Content - Lanna

Stumble Upon - Symone

The Bleacher Report - Jason

CNN iReport - Angela

MSNBC First Person and CBSEyeMobile - Brittney

Now Public - Michael

deleted site - Irene

Digg.com - Heather Hillman

TribLocal and Yourhub.com - Elizabeth

Groundreport.com - Paola

Spot.us - Nicole

WestSeattleBlog - Tori

Propublica.org - Heather Banks

Twitter ..... Ana.....this is a service, not a site. For some insight, read http://features.csmonitor.com/innovation/2009/02/12/twitter%E2%80%99s-secret-the-law-of-unintended-consequences/ and this: http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/twitter_for_journalists.php

Friday, January 09, 2009

Ways to add cool stuff to your blog

Once you've created your basic blog and are ready to experiment, there are many ways you improve it -- and have fun with it.

You can add more interactivity. One good way is using a Blogger tool called reactions. Here's more about how to use it.
Allow your friends and family members to become followers. Details here.
If you search a bit, you can find a great variety of third-party tools -- polls and survey tools (here's one http://www.polldaddy.com/) and widgets (http://mashable.com/2007/09/06/widgets-2/) galore.
Google "blog background images" and you'll learn how to add background images and some appealing choices that are ready to use.

Thursday, January 08, 2009

Welcome spring 2009 multimedia journalism class

You'll soon see links to 14 new blogs here, as a new crop of Florida Atlantic University students begin a new semester in my class tonight.

In the rail at the right you will find links to blogs by students from the fall 2008 semester. Most were last updated Nov. 13. Sadly, that means they probably won't continue blogging now that they're not earning a grade for their work. There are exceptions: Edwin's FAU sports blog and Danielle's gaming blog appear to have updates in 2009.

If you want to get a head-start studying for the AP style test, see the next post.

The best AP style summary I've come across

Here is a great AP style cheat-sheet.

It covers all the pertinent style questions on my test plus very helpful ways to remember some of the rules.

My thanks to authors Dave Feldman and Stan Ketterer.