14
May/12

Local Journalists Share Excitement, Passion for Social Media

by under journalism, New Media, social networking
Local Journalists Share Excitement, Passion for Social Media


I had a blast on Friday at the SPJ’s Social Media Training for Journalists. I wasn’t sure what to expect because most times the conversation turns sour and the atmosphere gets tense when journalists talk about digital and social media strategies. But this was not the case at all on Friday. Attendees in the room were honestly interested in these tools and how to use them correctly for their reporting. The room was filled with excitement. It was exhilarating.

I attribute part of this to the first speaker: Katy Calver, a journalism professor at UW-Madison. She started the session off on an exciting and passionate tone. My favorite comment from Katy: Same skills, new tools. I’ve been saying this for years. Your basic journalism skills – researching, vetting, investigating, etc. – are still important and will always be important. These social media tools are just new ways of doing those things. It was awesome to hear a journalism professor echo that – and to tell a room full of journalists that.

David Douglas, reporter with WISC-TV and Nick Heynen, social media director with Capital Newspapers, talked about the Facebook Timeline. They gave a how-to instruction for those unfamiliar with how to use it. But the best part was when David gave tips on how to use Facebook for reporting. It was awesome to see how excited he was about all the information you can get out of Facebook. He even “rocked my world” – as he said – by talking about openstatussearch.com. I had no idea this existed. Yes, David, you did rock my world by introducing that site to me. Other key points shared by David and Nick: Best times to post updates are 8 a.m., 11 a.m., and 3 p.m. These are local times since both David and Nick work with local markets – not national markets.

After the Facebook session, I jumped up front to talk about Twitter with Jason Joyce from the Isthmus and David Douglas. It was fun to bounce tips back and forth about how we each use it. I represented a different niche – Twitter use to market your brand. David and Jason talked more about using Twitter for reporting. It was great to hear the questions and interest from the other journalists in the room. Mark Pitsch, SPJ Madison president asked a great question, and one probably many other people in the room were thinking: What advice do you have for old timer journalists who have a hard time opening ourselves up on Twitter. My answer: Start using it and with time, you will become more comfortable with it. Also, your mindset will change. I’m now always thinking about Twitter and tweets. That’s because Twitter is now just part of me – not something I have to set aside time to do.

As I talked with a colleague sitting next to me, I mentioned numerous times that a lot of this is a change of mindset and how we work. I truly believe that’s been one of the biggest challenges for journalists to embrace these tools. You have to work differently than you’re used to – faster, more efficiently, smarter and multitask. But there are so many benefits to using them in your reporting, and we spent a whole day discussing them.

The Society of Professional Journalists should be proud of this seminar. It was great to see such a positive, informative discussion on social media. Not only did the presenters talk about embracing them but they also showed concrete examples of how they can help you do your job better in 2012. And I am honored I was part of it.

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11
Apr/12

SPJ Madison Social Media Training

by under journalism, social networking
SPJ Madison Social Media Training


I’m excited to announce that I will be speaking on the topic of using Twitter for journalism at the Society of Professional Journalists’ Social Media Training event in May. Below are more details. Hope you can make it!

  • WHY SOCIAL MEDIA?: UW-Madison journalism professor Katy Culver (@kbculver); Tom Bier, general manager of WISC-TV, Madison (@tombier); and Chris Keller, digital audience developer, Madison.com (@ChrisLKeller), will discuss the importance of social media to journalism companies, ethical considerations of social media use and how journalists can best use social media.
  • DETECTING ONLINE BS: Sue Robinson, UW-Madison professor (@suerobinsonUW), on how to maintain credibility while also effectively using new social media platforms; with capsule descriptions of other platforms such as Pinterest and Storify to help us build new relationships with audiences.
  • THE NEW FACEBOOK: David Douglas, reporter, WISC-TV (@News3David), and Nick Heynen, social media director, Capital Newspapers (@NickHeynen), will demonstrate the Facebook timeline and discuss how to interact with readers on the popular social media site.
  • HOW TO USE TWITTER: Maureen Alley, community editor, Cygnus Business Media (@MaureenAlley); Jason Joyce, digital media director, Isthmus (@jjoyce); and Jackie Johnson, reporter, Wisconsin Radio Network (@MissPronouncer), will explain how to set up a Twitter account, why to use one, best practices, and how to generate story ideas and develop sources.
  • A CONTRARIAN’S VIEW: Greg Downey, UW-Madison professor (@gjdowney), suggests social media may not be as useful as many journalists suspect and that it might even harm newsgathering.

Event is May 11, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Capital Newspapers auditorium. Hashtag is #spjmadisontraining.

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8
Nov/11

Writers, stop it, now

by under writing
Writers, stop it, now

Consider this post one-big journalism/writing/editing PSA of everything you’re doing wrong that is annoying me and everyone else.

  • Stop randomly CAPITALIZING and underlining words for no reason. It doesn’t make anyone understand your copy better. It just looks stupid.
  • Stop using passive voice. Seriously. You consider yourself a writer but you use words like “has introduced”? Give me a break.
  • Use punctuation and quotations correctly. This has to be one of the easiest rules: Periods and commas always go inside quotations. Always. No exceptions. So stop putting them outside.
  • Stop using exclamation points like you have to meet a daily quota. Your exclamation point does not make me feel more urgent – rather I’m now more annoyed.
  • The word is “a lot” not “alot.”
  • The word is “definitely” not “definately” or any other way you want to write it.
  • Use “it’s,” (see comma inside quotes, not hard) “its,” “your,” “you’re” right. Care a little. It makes a difference.

I have many more annoyances but that’s what I have for now. Add yours below.

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31
Oct/11

Fall means transitions

by under b2b, social networking, Working
Fall means transitions

A year ago I was OVERWHELMED. I was working as both editor and graphic designer on an association magazine trying to put together its Winter issue; I was teaching two college-level writing courses; and I was editor for Residential Design + Build magazine. To say I was stressed is an understatement of the year.

I didn’t plan on working three jobs at once but everything seemed to fall on top of each other at the same time. I remember many days and nights working on my laptop at the kitchen table trying not to breakdown – trying to look at each step instead of the whole picture. I sure learned a lot about myself in those four months.

I love this time of year: the holidays, family time, cinnamon candle smells, comfy sweaters, chili and crockpot meals, baking, etc. I love it. It really sucked not being able to enjoy it last year. But this year, I am so looking forward to swimming in the holiday season. But as I look forward to enjoying the holidays, I’m also transitioning roles within my employer. It seems November is always the time of change for me – last year with the three jobs, and leaving Website Magazine the November before last.

As of Nov. 1, I will be community editor for a bunch of brands and saying goodbye to editor of RD+B. I enjoyed being editor this past year. It was great getting back into the design/build industry, driving a magazine toward success, implementing new ideas, meeting new people, giving talks around the U.S., etc. Through this past year, I’ve done a lot of things, and visited places I’ve never been to before. All of this adds up to more learning experiences that made me grow as a professional and person. I’m grateful for everything the past year has given me.

I am excited about this new role as community editor. It is something new to the company – and myself – so it will be interesting. I’ve taken new-to-the-company positions in the past and they were nightmares. Everyone has different expectations because there isn’t a history to rely on. You can’t say, “this person always does this because of that,” and so on. But I’m optimistic.

In the new position, I’ll be able to implement my passion for the web and social media with my favorite brands. I’ve developed a love for these brands so adding my social media/web passion seems to be an easy mix. I’ve slowly been transitioning into this new role the month of October as we launched a new website, but as I finish my last issue as editor this week, I’m looking forward to being able to put my 100 percent focus on the new responsibilities.

The one thing I’ve learned about life as I get older is that it’s an evolving thing. You can’t plan it and prepare it exactly how you want it, and it’s okay to let go. I’m learning to let go and enjoy the ride – and right now that means enjoying the transition to a new and exciting job.

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6
Sep/11

The Atlantic shines a light on TechCrunch, journalism ethics

by under b2b, journalism
The Atlantic shines a light on TechCrunch, journalism ethics

I received a nice surprise in my inbox this morning: Alexis Madrigal, senior editor for The Atlantic wanted to hear my thoughts on journalism ethics in trade publishing. Madrigal was reacting to the recent news of TechCrunch’s Michael Arrington starting an investment firm that would invest in companies that are reported on by TechCrunch. For good reason, there has been an outcry from the journalism world. How can you possibly report on companies that you have invested money into? Impossible. And I told Madrigal this when he and I started talking about the issue this morning.

But take it a step further – has this been an issue elsewhere in the journalism world? That’s exactly what Madrigal did when he started his research on the TechCrunch issue. I was impressed that he thought of trade pubs and how they operate. It’s not often anyone outside of trade pubs thinks about trade pubs. So score one for Madrigal. And yes, Madrigal was correct in his thinking that trade pubs deal with this type of ethical issue on a daily basis.

Journalism ethics are a big deal, and not enough journalists or writers even pay attention to it anymore. Blame this on the never-ending online reporting that is being done by everyone and their brothers, or blame it on the need for increased bottom lines. Nevertheless, it’s something more people need to care about and I appreciate the fact that Madrigal put a spotlight on the issue.

Madrigal asked me a great question: “As editor of RD+B who reports on custom builders, could you also run a custom building company on the side?” My first thought, “great question!” My response, no way. How could I be a builder where I make personal decisions to include certain products in a home such as putting Kohler in a home I’m building, and then expect Moen to advertise in my magazine?  I’ve shown a bias towards Kohler by including them in a home. What’s the incentive for Moen? However, I did mention there are other B2B pubs who have editors that do this such thing. Madrigal asked me to share who they were and I just couldn’t – even though he said it was off the record. As a journalist myself, I know there is no such thing as off the record.

Madrigal also asked if advertisers are a given in editorial coverage. As an editor of a B2B magazine, I know where the money comes from to publish the magazine: ads. I have to always keep that in mind, but I also must maintain a separation of church and state (editorial vs. advertising). If I don’t, I’m not doing my audience any favors. People are not stupid. They will be able to tell that our content is all ad-based if it was. My job is to provide content to my audience that they need, and I will always think of them first.

Thanks to Madrigal and The Atlantic for putting a spotlight on journalism ethics. It needs it.

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31
Aug/11

Why I will never join a women’s association

by under journalism
Why I will never join a women’s association

I’m a big journalism nerd. I love asking questions, hearing stories and reporting on those stories. I’m also a big believer in constantly learning. I love to learn. What can I say, I like to use my brain. One way I have grown in my career over the years is by taking advantage of associations. Shortly after my first job, I researched associations that would provide resources and continuing education. I joined ASBPE and was a member until the last year.

Now that I have my MSJ in journalism and realize how much of a journalism nerd I really am, I’m considering joining the Society of Professional Journalists. In my quest to find another association to encourage my growth/learning, I have come across numerous associations dedicated strictly to women such as the Association for Women in Communications.

I will never join an association like this. Nope, I will never join an association that is strictly for women.

Don’t get me wrong. I believe in equal rights for women. I believe we should be treated and paid the same as our men counterparts. But I don’t believe in setting myself apart as a woman. I am a journalist first who just happens to be a woman. We will never get past sex and race issues if we continue to also separate ourselves in these niches.

It’s one big contradiction to say you want to be treated the same as men, but yet join a women’s association. By joining an association like this, you are saying you want to stand out as a woman. You can’t have it both ways.

I’ve always worked in male-dominated fields so I’m used to some men assuming I’m not going to do as good a job because I’m a woman. But I look at that as a challenge – to get them to look at me as an editor/writer/journalist – not as a woman.

I can ask the same complicated questions my male counterparts can ask. I can critically think about the same issues. And I can develop the same ideas and articles as my male counterparts.

Associations dedicated to women will not provide me with resources that will help me become a better journalist, but rather better at providing ways to stand out as a woman. No thanks.

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3
Aug/11

Good journalism is important in B2B

by under b2b, journalism
Good journalism is important in B2B

Last week, my magazine went through its annual planning meeting. In this meeting, anyone and everyone who is related to the magazine gets together in a room to discuss every single thing about the magazine – past, present and future. There was another editor in the room discussing the importance and need for a better reporting software for one of my sister publication’s programs. He discussed at length research, reporting, data, etc. It was a true-to-heart journalism discussion. And it made me proud to be part of a team that considers research, reporting and data so important.

In journalism grad school, I was taught the importance of good in-depth reporting and research. In one class I was taught how to strategically and critically analyze poll questions. In another class I was taught how to use a database software for research capabilities. In both experiences, I was in heaven. I have always loved research – even considered a degree in library science. And to see how journalists are taught to question and scrutinize research made me excited about becoming a journalist. So when I heard the journalisms come out of my colleague’s mouth, I got excited.

I may be different than most people in my reason for going back to school for a master’s in journalism. I didn’t do it because I was out of work and was struggling to figure out my next move. Rather, I was a managing editor for a national trade magazine doing journalism tasks without ever really learning the best way to do those tasks. I went back to school for my personal growth. I also never really thought of myself as a journalist - until I took my first journalism class. Then it hit me – hard. I am a journalist. It’s who I am. I love to ask questions; I love to learn; I love to research; and I love to write.

Post-grad school, I am very passionate about keeping journalism ethics in my magazine and practices. I believe in good journalism to make my publication better for my audience. And listening to my colleague last week made me proud to know I work with others who feel the same about good journalism.

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25
Jul/11

Gen Yers demand happiness, passion

by under Gen Y
Gen Yers demand happiness, passion

I’m right on the cusp of Gen Y and Gen X and my habits reflect that. Sometimes I act more like Gen X and sometimes I act more like Gen Y. It all depends on the situation. But, the one thing I love about being Gen Y: We view all our options as open. I LOVE that. Gen Yers are known for thinking they have the world at their fingertips – that they don’t graduate college, get a job and work there until retirement. Nope, we are of more risk takers than our previous generations. I think that’s pretty cool.

Though I think everything is cyclical. We are like this because we saw our parents work long hours for years, decades, at the same job. We want excitement, passion and enjoyment out of our careers. Who knows, maybe our kids will reject our way of working and revert back to how previous generations did it.

Women in careers are an example of the cyclical process. My grandma’s generation didn’t work. They were expected to stay home. My mom’s generation wanted to prove women had more to offer than making apple pie so they worked and parented at the same time. My generation is left a bit lost here. We want the best of both worlds: Gen Y women want to work but don’t want to work as much as our mother’s did. Gen Yers want to be both our grandma’s and mom’s generation and we don’t really know how to create that. And again, who knows, maybe our daughters will be more like our grandma’s or our mom’s depending on their experience.

Nevertheless, it’s cool to see each generation creating it’s own path. It’s cool knowing that if you want to write a book, then you should write a book. If you want to go back to school to learn a completely different trade, then you do that. The options are open.

Previous generations probably think we’re too fantasy driven … like we should stay with a job no matter if you’re happy or not happy. But Gen Yers vastly reject that point of view. Gen Yers discover their passions and go after careers that allow them to use their passions. They would much rather be happy than spend decades working in unhappy settings.

Gen Yers get a bad rap … but I think we’re on to something. It’s all pretty cool, don’t you think?

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14
Jul/11

Why early adopters are annoying

by under New Media
Why early adopters are annoying

There was a time when there was a small group of early adopters when it came to web tools. Wow has that changed. Now everyone is desperate to be an early adopter. Although maybe it’s not a change – maybe I’m just now really seeing it. Whether it’s a new trend or not, I find it extremely annoying.

When I worked at Website Magazine, it quickly became apparent to me that new tools, startups were announced every day. The web has turned into the goldmine for entrepreneurs. It’s relatively cheap to start a web company – compared to a traditional brick-and-mortar company. In addition, investors want to spend their money with the next Google, Facebook and Twitter. They don’t want to miss out on investing in the next big thing – and entrepreneurs want to be that next big thing.

At Website Magazine, I interviewed many of these web entrepreneurs and the one common theme was the goal to create something innovative and then sell it for a lot of money. One entrepreneur once told me: “Why create these web startups unless your goal is to sell them?” It definitely a different business than our country might be used to – but it’s the animal we are dealing with now.

In the last few months, the interwebs have been abuzz with new tools like Quora and recently Google Plus. While I will not deny joining these sites, I will tell you my goal was to join them and see what they were all about. It’s almost instantaneously that a new tool is announced that you read and hear about it everywhere – including the local news. People react instantly: This is next big thing! Well, maybe not. Just because it’s new and shiny, doesn’t mean it’s going to provide value to your daily life.

When I report on technology for the building industry, one thing I always keep in mind is that brand new products might not be ready for use and implementation right away. Second, third and fourth generation products are usually better than first generation products. This is something we need to keep in mind when it comes to the daily announcement of web tools. Just because it’s new and shiny doesn’t mean it’s going to work properly.

Though I love to see the innovation that comes from web entrepreneurs, I think we’ve quickly turned into a society that is easily distracted by “new and shiny.” We need to put the skepticism back into our evaluations of new tools in order to really understand if tools are worthy.

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6
Jun/11

Journalists: Don’t forget about the non-tweeters

by under journalism, New Media
Journalists: Don’t forget about the non-tweeters

I write about Twitter a lot on this blog. Probably too much. But then again, I do keep telling you I’m a Twitter addict. While I do believe in the importance of the tool, it’s easy to forget other tools exist. I’m speaking specifically in terms of journalism. I often see journalists reach out to their Twitter networks for sources.  Twitter is a great place to find sources quickly but  journalists need to remember only 13 percent of Americans use Twitter – and we don’t even know how active that 13 percent is. That’s a small portion of the country that you are constantly reaching out to if Twitter is your only-go-to-place for sources.

A good journalist knows the importance of good sources – and multiple sources. Social media has made it possible for journalists to find sources much faster helping those journalists accomplish stories faster. But if you’re only reaching out to the same group of people all the time, what kind of perspective are you giving your stories – and your audience?

I see it often in my Twitter network. Madison, Wis. has a huge Twitter community and we are all connected to each other. The reporters in my area are great when it comes to Twitter. They know how to listen, interact and reach out to their Twitter networks. But I also see them walking the line of always using the same resources for stories – because it’s quick and fast. Deadlines are tough and knowing your Twitter community is there for you makes it easy to rely on it. However, I challenge you to remember old-school journalism tactics for stories. Continue to find sources via your Twitter network, but don’t rely on it all the time. Your journalism will suffer for it, and your audience will see right through it. The non-tweeters might be better sources for your story. You never know unless you reach out and do your journalism heavy-work.

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