CITIZEN JOURNALISMOPEN SOURCE PUBLISHING

Writing for news sources and blogs

What is journalism?

the occupation of reporting, writing, editing, photographing, or broadcasting news.

writing that reflects superficial thought and research, a popular slant, and hurried composition, conceived of as exemplifying topical newspaper or popular magazine writing as distinguished from scholarly writing:

What is journalism?

Journalism is the first rough draft of history.

Journalism is concerned with events, poetry with feelings. Journalism is concerned with the look of the world, poetry with the feel of the world.--Archibald MacLeish

Journalism is the ability to meet the challenge of filling space. --Rebecca West

Characteristics of Journalism

Date and time sensitive Usually focused on reporting information

(who, what, why, when, how) Disposable Usually short form, (1,200 words or less) Attempts to be balanced, but often has

an editorial perspective Opinion allowed, but attributed

What is a blog?

A blog (a contraction of the term "weblog") is a type of website, usually maintained by an individual with regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events, or other material such as graphics or video. Entries are commonly displayed in reverse-chronological order. "Blog" can also be used as a verb, meaning to maintain or add content to a blog.

Characteristics of a Blog

Posts are connected to a particular date and time.

Posts are typically short Reflects the perspective of editor /

publisher No rules, but “successful” blogs

usually maintain a structure

What is a blog?

A blog (a contraction of the term "weblog") is a type of website, usually maintained by an individual with regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events, or other material such as graphics or video. Entries are commonly displayed in reverse-chronological order. "Blog" can also be used as a verb, meaning to maintain or add content to a blog.

Journalism

Blogs

Things you would have learned in journalism class if you had paid attention.

Offer balance Be accurate Cite your sources Don’t plagarize Avoid conflicts of interest Maintain a healthy skepticism (check

facts) Keep good records Use the “inverted pyramid”

Inverted Pyramid

Lead & Most Important Information

Less important facts, quotes,

human interest

Least important in

the story (Things that could afford to be cut)

Arguments Against Inverted Pyramid

The inverted pyramid, its critics say, is the anti-story. It tells the story backward and is at odds with the storytelling tradition that features a beginning, middle, and end. Rather than rewarding a reader with a satisfying conclusion, the pyramid loses steam and peters out, in a sense defying readers to stay awake, let alone read on.--Chip Scanlon via http://www.poynter.org/column.asp?id=52&aid=38693

Knowing Form Is Important

Press Release

The Header

Inverted Pyramid

Quotes

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:Rev. Jay VoorheesAntioch United Methodist ChurchVoice: (615) 832-6248Cell: (615) 310-6530FAX: (615) 832-8723E-Mail: jay@antiochumc.netww.antiochumc.net

Antioch, TN  March 6, 2009

•Tease•Lead = main point of information•Background / History•Quote #1•Quote #2•Additional information and contact information

A Quick Introductionto Internet Publishing

Hosted Service

vs.

Self Maintained Host

Hosted Services

Hosts

Random Thoughts on Effective Internet Publishing

The blog is not dead, but changing The rise of Facebook, Twitter, Friendfeed,

has changed the way blogs are read and used.

Whereas the focus in the early days was on short form, today blogs are reclaiming longer form articles and commentary.

Random Thoughts on Effective Internet Publishing

The focus is less on creating a page and more on creating a feed that is syndicated a variety of ways. Most blogging programs are in fact RSS

feed generators, which allow folks to subscribe to your content.

More people probably read your feed in some sort of reader than visit your page directly

Random Thoughts on Effective Internet Publishing

Internet publishing is by nature a participatory media, so writing should allow space for questions and conversation Comments are not an afterthought, but

a chance to communicate with your audience.

Don’t publish on the internet if you are uncomfortable receiving critique.

Success in the Internet space isn’t necessarily about high traffic, but passionate participants.

Random Thoughts on Effective Internet Publishing

Successful (high traffic) Internet sites are generally focused in a general topic area. Brand development requires placing

one’s self in a particular category. Once one develops a reputation, there is

more room for commentary on other areas.

Readers generally like to have a sense of what to expect when they visit a site.

Random Thoughts on Effective Internet Publishing

Internet Publishing requires one to be both writer and editor Learn how to edit on the fly But edit!!!

Random Thoughts on Effective Internet Publishing

Write regularly (daily if possible)

My Sites to Check Out

www.methoblog.com www.onlywonder.com