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LBCC Winter Term Means New Student Blogs

Take a look to the right and you'll find a new lineup of student blogs for Winter Term.

This term LBCC's Journalism program is offering Feature Writing (JN217) and Media & Society (JN201).  Like most other departments on campus, all the Journalism classes are already full.

As part of their coursework, students in these classes will publish their work on their own blogs.  Check out some of the student journalism from last term as well.

The Commuter also is fully staffed and looking forward to working with students new to writing, reporting, editing and photography.  Numerous students are enrolled in the Journalism Lab (JN215A) and the Design and Production Lab (JN215B), where they contribute weekly to both the printed edition of The Commuter as well as the online site.

This promises to be another great term.  The staff of the Commuter is looking into attending another journalism conference this spring, possibly the Associated Collegiate Press convention March 3-6 in Los Angeles.

Finally, The Commuter and LBCC will once again be host to the annual Collegiate Day conference organized by the Oregon Newspaper Publishers Association.  This event, May 6, is a one-day journalism conference and awards program for the state's college journalists.

So there's a lot going on in the months ahead!

(Photo credit: "extreme sports and blogging" by Will Lion, courtesy of Flickr.com/Creative Commons)
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2009 Not Good for Journalists vs. Censors

Censors got the best of many journalists around the world last year, according to an alarming analysis by Reporters Without Borders reported today on MediaShift:

For the first time since the Internet emerged as a tool for public use, there are currently 100 bloggers and cyber-dissidents imprisoned worldwide as a result of posting their opinions online in 2009, according to Reporters Without Borders. This figure is indicative of the severity of the crackdowns being carried out in roughly 10 countries around the world. ...

The number of countries pursuing online censorship doubled in the past year -- a disturbing trend that suggests governments seek to increase their control over new media. In total, 151 bloggers and cyber-dissidents were arrested in 2009, and 61 were physically assaulted.

It might seem easy to dismiss reports such as this because it's happening "someplace else," such as Iran or China. However, in the wired world of today, around the world might just as well be around the block.

The next journalist/blogger/newscaster to feel the brunt of censors may live in the democracy next door. As the story notes, several European nations along with Australia are looking at ways to "control the Internet." Beware ...

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Update:

• See Mashable: "Zen and the Art of Twitter"
• Mashable: "How Social Media Has Changed Us"

NY Times Columnist Sums Up the Year in Media

What kind of year was it for the media? Well, not all bad, according to "After a Year of Ruin, Some Hope," a media column by David Carr in the New York Times.

Some highlights:

• Bloggers are getting serious, breaking stories and showing that good journalism isn't the sole domain of "old media"
• Technology-fueled media start-ups are showing the way to "media next"
• TV is far from dead when you consider breakthrough hits such as "Mad Men" and "Glee"
• Dave Eggers and his friends print ... a Newspaper!

Adds Carr:

... The constellation of local news sites put together by ex-newspaper folks include the big and well-financed like Texas Tribune (www.texastribune.org), the small and charming like Baltimore Brew (baltimorebrew.com) and some experiments that seem less tentative all the time, like MinnPost (www.minnpost.com) and Voice of San Diego (www.voiceofsandiego.org).

It’s a reminder that journalists will do anything to avoid getting real jobs, including conjuring a new kind of workplace that doesn’t include any of the legacy costs of trucks and printing presses.

Bring on 2010.

Updated ... See also:

• Jason Linkins on "Ten Things That Did Not Suck About the Media in 2009"
• JL on "Ten Things That Totally Sucked About the Media in 2009"

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Photo credit: "Cover of the Last Edition of the Rocky Mountain News" by Scorpions and Centaurs, courtesy of Flickr.com/Creative Commons

More Advice from a Master Blogger

When you're looking to rejuvenate your blogging routine, a good place to start is one of several tip sheets by social media expert Chris Brogan. "Write Better Blog Posts Today" is his latest post on the subject.

Granted, his blog is geared primarily for those most interested in blogging as a marketing tool. However, would-be journalists and others in the media also will find plenty to get them thinking. Today, for instance, he writes about selecting subjects, titles, style and language:

"Above all else, when choosing your preferred subject, consider writing about something that will be useful to others. Equipping other people to succeed (like I attempt with this blog) is a great way to build your prominence within the space. If you’re really into knitting, don’t just write that you love knitting; show people how you created that amazing iPhone cozy, and explain why you prefer wood to aluminum needles (hint: airport security)."

and

"I try to write in a conversational tone, and yet informative. This is my choice of style. You might choose a more formal tone. You might choose a more conversational tone. Blogging, overall, is a bit more conversational than traditional journalistic style, written as if you and I are conversing. This suits most people just fine."

or

"And finally, if no one’s reading your stuff, you’ve gotta consider why. Is it bad writing? Is it too long? Is it not visually broken up for people’s eyes to scan? Is the topic too minor for people to consider? Or are you posting at the wrong times? There are lots of things to troubleshoot. Just don’t leave it be. Try something. Try something with each new post."

Brogan ends by linking to many of his previous posts on blogging, including his "best" advice, how to blog every day and brainstorming.

For more on blogging, see:

• Luckie's 7 Rules of Blogging - D'oh!
• Godin Talks Blogging with Groundswell
• Just Blog It! Tips for Blog Writers

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Luckie's 7 Rules of Blogging - D'oh!

I can always count on 10,000 Words by Mark Luckie to reinforce the blogging lessons my students are learning this term in News Reporting and Photojournalism -- post often, check your spelling, add links...

So today Luckie has seven reminders for those new to blogging, or those who've been at it awhile but may be getting lazy. Here's his take on frequent posting: "If your posts are months apart and your last few posts apologize for not blogging enough, do your readers and yourself a favor and just close up shop." Ouch!

Other no-no's: Talking down to readers, going off topic, turning off comments, not supplying an RSS feed.

"A blog isn't just about writing," Luckie reminds us, "it's about stimulating conversation and discussion. If your readers have no way of responding to a post then you look like a jerk. Even worse: turning off comments on a particular post because someone disagrees with you." D'oh!

If you don't have Luckie's 10,000 Words on your blog list, you should.

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How to Blog Every Day - Tips From a Pro

One of the biggest challenges that young writers face is simply getting into the habit of writing. In my classes at Linn-Benton Community College, I require my students to start a blog (to see some of the results, look to the right). Why do I do this? Because it forces them to come up with new stories and photos each week. It forces them into the writing or creativity habit.

In "How to Blog Almost Every Day," Chris Brogan describes some of the tools he uses to maintain the habit. These include:

• Read something new every day.
• Talk with people every day.
• Find 20-40 minutes in every day to sit still and type.
• Find useful and interesting pictures.

And my favorite: "Get the post up fast, not perfect. You can edit if you have to, later. Perfectionism kills good habits."

I couldn't agree more.

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p.s. I'm about halfway through Brogan's new book, "Trust Agents: Using the Web to Build Influence, Improve Reputation, and Earn Trust," and recommend it highly.

Godin Talks Blogging with Groundswell

Most who read this column already know that I'm a fan of Seth Godin.

So here's a unique opportunity to pick up a few tips from one of the masters of marketing and media -- an interview on Groundswell by Josh Bernoff.

Asked about his daily blogging routine, Godin responded:

One reason I encourage people to blog is that the act of doing it stretches your available vocabulary and hones a new voice. You won’t get it for a while, but you’ll get it. To one person who wrote in and said he didn’t think he had anything interesting to say, I asked him whether he was boring in person too? Boring at breakfast? Boring on a date? That boring?! Probably not.

And on inspiration:

How come some people can visit a place like New York and see a thousand amazing things, take hundreds of great photos (like Thomas Hawk) or even write a novel... and other people visit, eat at Applebee’s and send home a John Lennon postcard? It's not where you go, it’s what you look for.

As a daily Godin reader, I find value in most of what Seth shares. (I have to disagree on "not eating bacon," however.) And my classes have enjoyed watching several of his speeches on TED.com. I think you will too.

Finally, as Seth urged on his own blog yesterday: "Go ahead, do something impossible."

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J-students Make Waves with Social Media

Social media isn't just fun for today's college journalists, it's essential as they look to expand their skills as well as their portfolio. In a new post on MediaShift, journalism instructor Alfred Hermida shares how students are maximizing the reach and power of social media to do their journalism and build their personal brands as newspeople.

He writes: "Today's students should be building up their professional persona online through social media, creating a digital identity as an ambitious, engaged and curious reporter."

In addition to connecting with sources through Twitter, his students use their blogs as their "business card," showing off their professional as well as school work.

Hermida concludes:

"Being active online, sharing experiences and engaging with audiences is fundamental for students looking to enter journalism. It is even more important at a time when journalism students are uneasy about their job prospects. Budding journalists have always had to work hard to get themselves established. But the emergence of social media, through platforms such as Twitter, has added a new dimension to this, one that the reporters of tomorrow cannot afford to ignore."

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(Photo credit: "The Ultimate Blogger's Kit" by m-c, courtesy of Flickr.com)

Bloggers Excel Where Other Media Won't

Where newspapers and other media neglect to cover issues important to readers, bloggers are filling the void, according to a Simon Owens on MediaShift.

He chronicles several places where bloggers have taken on a particular topic -- politics, crime, land-use planning -- and gained a significant following. Why? Because people passionate about those issues see that bloggers share their passion and often are better connected than those in the media.

Another attraction? Bloggers aren't afraid to call it as they see it. And why shouldn't they if they've built their credibility by providing readers with the most timely, accurate and extensive coverage. Owens notes:

"As city daily papers continue to strain under the pressure of massive reporter layoffs, hundreds of knowledgeable and independent local bloggers are rising up and finding themselves with small, niche audiences that sometimes provide massive political sway."

The rising ability of bloggers to better serve these "niche audiences" is one of the reasons we're teaching young journalists this valuable skill.

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(Photo credit: "Moo cards..." by Mexicanwave, courtesy of Flickr.com)

The State of Journalism: 6:26 p.m. Jan. 24, 2009

One of my students posed these questions on the "state of journalism" for another one of his classes at LBCC:

1. What do you think is the biggest challenge facing journalism today?

The biggest challenge facing today’s journalists remains the same as ever: Gathering, analyzing, organizing and disseminating information for the benefit of readers and citizens in a democracy. Just like other industries, the media goes through periods of upheaval, change and innovation. We’re seeing that now, especially in the economic struggle of newspapers. From a consumer point of view, however, information has never been so plentiful. The challenge for those in the media is adapting to the technological and economic realities of the new millennium and satisfying the unprecedented demand for information.

2. How has the economy put pressure on journalism to adapt?

The media benefited from an immensely profitable economic model throughout the 20th century. Nothing in this world is guaranteed, however. And while they were enjoying healthy profits, the media – newspapers in particular – weren’t innovating aggressively enough or investing in serving the next generation of news consumers. For the past decade TV has been quicker to adopt new technology and adapt to the demands of its customers, whether incorporating the latest in video technology or expanding online.

3. What can students entering journalism do to avoid extinction?

As in any profession, journalists – whether veteran reporters or those just starting out – must stay current in their skills and knowledge. Those now in college not only must become well acquainted in the tasks and traditions of journalism, but they also must master rapidly evolving technology. It used to be that new journalists could find work if they excelled in writing, editing or photography. These days they have to be able to excel at all these tasks in addition to all aspects of online journalism, from writing and maintaining a blog to shooting, editing and posting video reports.

4. What are the benefits of journalists being forced to learn multitasking?

Journalists capable of mastering all the tools available for gathering and disseminating information always have been in highest demand. That hasn’t changed. Just as the most successful newspaper reporters learned how to incorporate the skills of radio and television journalists, today’s young reporters need to be knowledgeable about all these mediums as well as online. Those who can maintain the utmost versatility will continue to capitalize on all the opportunities the media has to offer.

5. What's the best advice you ever received as a journalist?

Practice, practice, practice. In the broadest sense, this means get out of the office, ask questions, get answers, and share what you learn. Journalism isn’t that difficult. As with anything else, the more you practice the better you become. The more stories you write, the more interviews you conduct, and the more photos you take, the better journalist you will be.

Note: To paraphrase Charles Dickens: “These are the best of times, these are the worst of times…” While some aspects of the media are struggling to redefine themselves and their economic reality, I believe it’s never been more exciting to be a journalist, especially a young, college-age journalist. The opportunities for applying the research, analysis, writing and presentation skills of a journalist have never been in greater demand.

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(Photo credit: "Reuter's (sic) Got Mojo" by inju, courtesy of Flickr.com)

What's a Blog? Video Explains It All

A student in my Photojournalism class at LBCC came upon this simple but effective video that shows what blogging is all about.

The three-minute video, "Blogs in Plain English," was produced by Lee and Sachi LeFever for The Commoncraft Show. It's worth taking a look, especially if you're wondering just what blogging is and why it's growing exponentially.

It's among a variety of interesting videos, including explanations of Twitter, social media, phishing scams, and podcasting. You'll want to get the lowdown on zombies, too.

Thanks, Frank, for the tip.



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Journalism 2.0: New Term, New Blogs

My LBCC journalism students concluded the first week of the new term in Feature Writing (JN217) and Photojournalism (JN134) by creating their own blogs.

Throughout the term they will post their assignments, from feature story ideas, commentary and profiles, to their news and feature photography and photo essays.

Blogging is new territory for many of the students, and it will be interesting to see how they apply their creativity to their blogs.

Follow their progress by way of the blog rolls at right...

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Photo credit: "Entropy ≥ Memory . Creativity ²" by jef safi, courtesy of Flickr.com.

A Musical Welcome Back to Winter Term

Just got a heads up on this Twitter video that seems a fun way to start off Winter term.



Thanks to OSU new media professor Pam Cytrynbaum for passing this along.

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What's Your Brand? Do You Stand Out?

I was meeting with a friend today and the conversation turned to "personal branding." People recognize that success stems not only from developing skills and expertise, but also from others seeing you as a "go-to" person in your organization, whether it's a business, non-profit group or volunteer project.

With that in mind, check out the Personal Branding Blog by Dan Schawbel. In the past week alone his blog focused on "personal branding secrets," improving your blog, and using your brand to get into the college of your dreams.

It's good stuff. And I'll be sharing it with my journalism students this term as they launch their blogs and refine their own brands.

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(Photo credit: "fiddling with black and white" by Splodgy Pig, courtesy of Flickr.com)

Why We're Teaching Students to Blog

At LBCC we're jumping into blogging with both feet. We're primarily doing it because it is one of the skills that the next generation of journalists will have to master, especially as the media gravitates more toward the Internet and all the various platforms (i.e. blogs, social networks, Twitter).

Alfred Hermida of Reportr.net lays out the case for colleges to teach blogging in this post on MediaShift. As he notes:

"The blog has emerged as a powerful platform for journalists to provide context, analysis and interpretation, often including behind-the-scenes information that does not fit into the structure of a traditional news story. It has also provided journalists with a way to communicate with readers in a more conversational and informal tone, rather than in an abstract voice of authority."

We started blogging last term in the News Reporting class. The results were mixed, with some students picking up on the assignment while others struggled to get into the routine. Some of the results can still be seen in the "Student Blogs" section of this blog.

Winter Term we'll be expanding blogging to both the Feature Writing and Photojournalism classes. In Feature Writing the students will choose particular topic areas on which to focus throughout the term, while the Photojournalism students will use the blog as sort of an ongoing portfolio of their work, including background about their various photo projects.

I'm looking forward to both these term-long workshops.

(Photo credit: "What No One Ever Tells You About Blogging" by andyp uk, courtesy of Flickr.com)
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Social Networking 101

So you've started your own blog, you're on Facebook and you're building your connections on LinkedIn. Now what?

If your goal is to "build your brand" or that of a group to which you belong, Mike Fruchter has provided an excellent checklist of all you can do to become a player in the world of social networking. In "35 Tips for Getting Started with Social Media" he provides a checklist full of great reminders, such as No. 31:

"Be omnipresent on all the networks. I should be able to find out about your latest happenings, and or statuses if I am browsing your Facebook profile, Linked profile, Twitter or FriendFeed stream."

And for those less adventurous than others, Mike offers this encouragement in tip No. 21:

"Don't knock it until you tried it at least once. Be open to trying new multimedia applications that enable self promotion, audience engagement, brand retention and participation. Experiment with podcasting, creating video, slide shows, or creating and posting any type of original user generated content."

I gotta go, I've overlooked some items on the list...

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"Am I too Old for Facebook?" Find out in this blog post from September.

(Photo credit: "Thoughtful" by adrenalin, courtesy of flickr.com)

Blogosphere 2008: Who's Out There Anyway?

Who blogs? A new survey by Technorati breaks it all down.

For the quick overview, see the fine summary -- "What We Now Know About Blogs" -- on Mindy McAdams' blog, Teaching Online Journalism.

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LBCC Students Share Tales of Journalism

About a half dozen students from Linn-Benton Community College ventured to the SPJ conference -- "Building a Better Journalist" -- last weekend at the University of Oregon.

What did they think? In addition to picking up various tips from the pros on reporting, interviewing and writing, they were inspired to do better journalism.

As they discovered, despite some recent media woes, this is an exciting time to be a journalist with opportunities opening up all around them, especially on the Internet.

But don't just take my word for it. Check out blogs by Lydia Elliott and Max Brown. To find out what other young journalists are thinking, take a look at their newspaper, The Commuter, and its lively blog list. Finally, students in LBCC's news reporting class have been experimenting this term with some blogs of their own.

All of them reflect the enthusiasm that's motivating our next generation of journalists.

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Debate: Are Blogs Good for Democracy?

I'm looking forward to reading a series of blogs posted this morning on the topic "Are Blogs Good for Democracy?" They were generated from a meeting between Arianna Huffington and the Yale Political Union.

The meeting focused on the question, "Resolved: Blogs Are Good for Democracy." According to the link in the Huffington Post, the guest speaker suggested blogs do indeed support democracy because they challenge the conventional wisdom.

After a "spirited debate," the question was approved by a vote of 33-22.

The Post article includes links to blog posts by four of the Yale students. I was alerted to the story by a post on the Social Media blog.

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(Photo credit: Arianna Huffington by eyeliam, courtesy of Flickr.com)