Archive for June, 2008
I’m not a storyteller — I’m an information provider
A lot of journalists got into this business because they like to tell stories. I think that’s one fundamental reason why so many journalists have a hard time adapting to the changing news landscape. For me, it was never about the story — it was always about the information and news. So, if the format [...]
Today’s Thought: Are the days of the metro newspaper officially numbered?
It was another crushing week of buyouts and layoffs at daily newspapers all over the country. The Palm Beach Post will be seeing almost half of its editorial positions slashed by the end of summer. The San Jose Mercury News will be down to 155 editorial employees by the end of the week from a [...]
Blogging allows for reporters to report more, troll for comments less
Over at BeatBlogging.org, I have a post about how “Beat Blogging allows reporters to concentrate on core reporting”: When writing for the print edition, reporters often have to spend large amounts of time getting “man on the street” quotes from random people to flush out stories. Not with blogging. That’s what the comment section of [...]
My newest journalism adventure…
I’ve spent the last two years producing journalism in a myriad of formats and the last year arguing for ways to modernize and make relevant journalism in the 21st century.I’ve argued for reinventing journalism. I’ve argued for journalists to let go of everything they’ve ever known. Ultimately, informing people is my passion. I care deeply [...]
Another look at the AP blogging fiasco
After cooling down and thinking about the situation more, I’ve got some new thoughts. The Associated Press is in bind, with very few good options. AP makes money off of selling their content for someone else to publish, which is quite different than a media organization like The New York Times. The Times makes the [...]
Firefox 3 rocks
If you haven’t downloaded Firefox 3 (on all your computers), you should do so immediately. It rocks. It’s faster, more secure and has better features. Plus, it has a new UI that looks better, and matches each OS it is running under. Firefox 3 is a testament to how powerful open source software can be. [...]
Dear Associated Press, you’re dead to me
I’m officially boycotting the Associated Press. Today. Tomorrow. Forever. Please do not forward me links to AP stories. There are plenty of other news outlets that cover the same exact stories from the same exact angles. But most of those news outlets aren’t bat shit stupid about the 21st century. Why am I so angry? [...]
What if back in 1998 newspapers invested in the Web?
Like really, truly invested in the Web. What if newspaper editors, publishers and executives realized what many of us knew then that the Web was going to be huge? Think of where this industry could be today. Howard Owens proposes a what-if for the ages: Imagine if the Los Angeles Times had shifted 50 or [...]
It’s not the medium — it’s the news, silly
One of the most insightful quotes I have seen in awhile came from journalism student Jessica DaSilva: You know, throughout the day, the most advice I received was, “Change your major while you still can. It’s a bad time for journalism.” Personally, I think that comes from people who are more dedicated to their medium [...]
Earlier this week it was 99 degrees in D.C. and I decided work should be pants optional
Yes, it is true, I’m leaving Stars and Stripes. Why? The heat. And I don’t like wearing pants. It’s been a great ride at Stripes. I’ve learned a lot over the past year and a half and progressed as a journalist. I can’t thank my boss Joe Gromelski enough or my fellow Web staffers like [...]