Stop, Drop and Fight Back

As college students return to campus this fall, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel featured just the kind of story that will be of interest to students, faculty, staff and parents alike -- What are colleges doing to prepare those on campus for a shooting?

It's a grim reality, but after incidents at Virginia Tech and Northern Illinois, it's something that many campuses are trying face head on. What's most interesting in this story is how the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is making awareness part of the orientation received by all incoming freshman.

The 20-minute video and program, "Shots Fired on Campus," not only shows students how to take cover and make a barricade against a shooter but also how to fight back if needed.

This would be an ideal story for local journalists to adapt for college students, staff and community members in the Albany-Corvallis area.

-rp-

Tips for Blogging

So, your instructor has required you to start a blog. Now what?

It's time to get writing. Since our subject is News Reporting and Writing, your posts can relate to journalism, reporting, interviewing, storytelling, the news media, newsmakers, media law and ethics, privacy, the Internet, election coverage … you decide.

Perhaps you'd like to share your news story, transcribe an interview, or comment on another story you read (and include a link to that story). Comment on the election, campaign issues or coverage of the candidates. Tell about the challenges you face as a journalist.

Here are some tips on blogging from Kurt Greenbaum, online news director at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch:

• Just do it, and often. While he recommends daily, shoot for several times a week. As Kurt notes: "The whole point is to develop a community of readers around your blog. ... If you don't show up regularly, they won't either."
• It's OK to write less. Or as Rob always says: "Less is best."
• Keep it conversational.
• Welcome comments, and respond if you feel compelled. After all, one of your goals is to engage others in a conversation.

See Kurt's article for more.

My bottom line is that you pick subjects that you find interesting and have fun with this assignment.

-rp-

(Photo credit: Sarah Palin at the Republican National Convention, Sept. 3, provided by NewsHour)

Welcome!

This blog was created as a tool for students and others involved in journalism at Linn-Benton Community College. More to come...