Presentation to "So You Want To Get Published" group on Internet Publishing

1. Citizen journalismOpen Source Publishing Writing for news sources and blogs

2. 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:

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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.

6. 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

7. 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.

8. Journalism Blogs

9. 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”

10. Inverted Pyramid

11. 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

12. Knowing Form Is Important Press Release The Header Inverted Pyramid Quotes

13. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Rev. Jay Voorhees Antioch United Methodist Church Voice: (615) 832-6248 Cell: (615) 310-6530 FAX: (615) 832-8723 E-Mail: jay@antiochumc.net ww.antiochumc.net Antioch, TN March 6, 2009

15. Lead = main point of information

16. Background / History

17. Quote #1

18. Quote #2

20. Hosted Servicevs. Self Maintained Host

21. Hosted Services

22. Hosts

23. 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.

24. 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

25. 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.

26. 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.

27. 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!!!

28. Random Thoughts on Effective Internet Publishing Write regularly (daily if possible)

29. My Sites to Check Out www.methoblog.com www.onlywonder.com