Category Archives: Journalism

Blogging, Journalism, LinkedIn

Does our Constitution protect bloggers? Should it?

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My journalism students studied social media last semester, and I introduced the course with a blog post asking the question: “What’s one difference between a blogger and a journalist?”

One way I promote my articles is to post them on relevant LinkedIn groups, and this article is still generating discussions four months later:

The article was posted to more than a dozen groups and there were interesting discussions on several, especially MEDIA JOBS and ONLINE REPORTERS AND EDITORS.

Perhaps one of the most fascinating conversations evolved on the Media Jobs group where 30 comments have been posted and nine centered around whether bloggers have the same rights as journalists, especially in the area of libel::


One commenter, James Craig, wrote that he learned a lot from the discussion. Did you?

What do you think?

  • What’s the role in government and law when we post online?
  • Are you a blogger AND a journalist? If so, what do you think of bloggers who don’t “know journalism” and what rights do they deserve?
  • If you are a blogger AND NOT a journalist, where do you stand on these issues?

 

 

 

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Blogging, Guest Post, Journalism

Blogs as Catharsis & More: here’s how one journalist started his

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There’s nothing like commenting on someone’s blog post to get the ball rolling, i.e. building online relationships. As part of re-strategizing my own blogging, I am revisiting my first posts to republish those with content that’s as relevant today as it was when I first began.

One of those blog articles answered a student’s question “How Do I Build a Blog Audience.” After two years, I’ve learned enough to streamline those posts AND promote them in ways to get more readers and comments. I reposted commenting on other blogs — and then promoted it through social media.

On one LinkedIn  Group Discussion,  “laid off” journalist Ted Schnell shared his process of building blog readership via social media. Read all about it in his Guest Post —

Using social media sites to build a blog audience

Guest Post by Ted Schnell

I started my blog, Laid off at 51: Seeking joy in change two weeks after my notice. Initially, I promoted it by email blasts to friends, family and former colleagues. The first entry took on a life of its own, generating hundreds of page views in the first couple of weeks.

The three posts I wrote in the last two weeks of December garnered 869 page views, but my traffic dropped to 453 for all of January. I had been following Steve Buttry’s blog, The Buttry Diary which offered some very useful suggestions.

So I started promoting it on Twitter, then added Facebook and LinkedIn — now I use Hootsuite to set up all three at once, although I still send out the email blasts. I’ve seen four months of progressive growth in page views, hitting a high of more than 1,000 for the month of May.

My metrics have shown a shift — initially, most traffic came, unsurprisingly, from email accounts and, as the month of December wound toward an end, from Google. I think as far as Google was concerned, “Laid off at 51” was branded by mid-January.

By February and March, much of my traffic was coming from links via Twitter and from Google searches. Since adding Facebook and LinkedIn to my promotional effort, my metrics show a fluctuation between Facebook and LinkedIn as my top sources, although Twitter sometimes surges high as well. Google searches still draw traffic, but not as much as the early months.

In terms of measuring the success of my blog, I have no basis of comparison. I did not start it with the intent of making money off it, but to work through some of the issues I’ve faced as a middle-age guy who got the boot in an industry that is languishing. Besides the catharsis, I was hoping perhaps to use it to encourage others in similar straights. I hope the increasing readership reflects that.

In terms of comments, they have been few and far between, although the first post was an exception. Typically, if I comment on a blog — or for that matter, on a discussion board like this, I like to approach it with a well thought-out comment that either offers encouragement or adds to the discussion. I personally feel it serves no useful purpose to jump in with a snide remark or a comment that berates the author for expressing an opinion.

***

Here’s the discussion where Ted and I connected:

***

So here are some questions:

1 – Why do people blog, especially if there is no financial payoff?

2 – Do you have some advice for Ted to get more comments on http://tedschnell.blogspot.com/

3 – Do you have a comment strategy for other people’s articles?

 

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Journalism

Is Curation the Future of Journalism?

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Curation: “the activities of sorting, choosing, and display, which museum curators perform based on their extensive knowledge of the subject area of an exhibit.” [according to Mindy McAdams in her article on Curation and Journalists]

“With the push of social media and advancements in communications technology, the curator has become a journalist by proxy.

“They are not on the front lines, covering a particular beat or industry, or filing a story themselves, but they are responding to a reader need.

“With a torrent of content emanating from innumerable sources (blogs, mainstream media, social networks), a vacuum has been created between reporter and reader — or information gatherer and information seeker — where having a trusted human editor to help sort out all this information has become as necessary as those who file the initial report.” [3 quotes from Mashable article: Why Curation is Important to the Future of Journalism]

“A curator is someone who acts as a medium between journalists/publications and readers.  In today’s world of social media, link aggregators and social networking, almost anyone can attempt to be a curator . . . Curation is still evolving and the rules on the playing field will certainly change as the medium continues to be shaped.  Starting with some solid rules, however, instead of adopting an ‘anything goes’ approach, is definitely a good start.” [source]

The Mashable article quoted above also lists these thoughts:

  • Curators are like tour guides.
  • The word “media” means in the middle and reporters have always been mediaries — or middlemen.
  • Curators need to be trustworthy — and, thus, need to be held to standards, i.e., that is ethical practices as taught to journalists.
  • Transparency is key, so sources must be cited when content is not original.

Some suggest that the Internet-era newsroom should split journalism into four roles: (a) reporters; (b) columnists; (c) curators; (d) editors [source]. But reporters so often do not go out to do first-person reporting; instead of creating their own content, they simply reword what comes across wire copy. In addition many news organizations look down on curators, considering them as less-than-journalists.

But are they? Are curators “less than” or simply the — New Journalists?

STUDENTS: What have I done here?

I have “curated,” i.e. collected a lot of material about one topic. Or have I merely “aggregated” it. What is the difference?

I agree with many [here is one example] who insist that curation requires more than social sharing; rather the true curator adds value by offering knowledgeable analysis.

Here is some analysis:

1) Business, whether it be the news distribution business or a brand supplier or a service provider, must accept the fact that the world has changed, and that the “audience” is smarter and requires speedy, accurate, non-manipulative information.

2) Basically what this means is that old “traditional” business practices need to be re-examined to incorporate new technological opportunities.

3) Creativity and “non-laziness” [e.g.. simply relying on copying others] must be a part of building a community of followers and advocates.

So what does this “analysis” have to do with the Future of Journalism? You tell me.

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Guest Post, Journalism

10 Easy Steps to Creating Your Own LinkedIn Group

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Starting a LinkedIn group is fast & easy

Just ask Billy Rivera, one of my star students in the Social Media for Journalists online course that I teach for 33 students at Laney College. We have a great  Facebook group for student discussions, and it was my intention to add a LinkedIn group as well.

But Billy beat me to it. Here’s his story with 10 easy steps you can take to set up your own LinkedIn group.

Why and How to start your own LinkedIn group

Guest post by Billy Rivera

After two weeks on LinkedIn, I think I have found my rhythm. As a newbie with limited work experience, I knew I had to overcome the fact that I just wouldn’t have 500+ connections anytime soon. Instead of feeling overwhelmed and discouraged, I came up with a game plan that would make people want to connect with me. I realized that having a status bar tell me that my profile was only 75% complete isn’t a reflection on me, my skill set, or my ambitions.

As part of last week’s assignment, we were asked to join a selection of LinkedIn groups (i.e. #journchat, Online Journalism, and Online Reporters and Editors), contribute to the discussion, and finally, write a blog post with highlights from the conversation. The first thing I noticed was that in order to join some groups, I first had to be approved. So instead of waiting for their approval, I decided to create my own groups, starting with one for us journalism students. What sets my group apart from many out there is that it is open; no approval needed, just your mind and your love for social media and journalism.

Reasons to start your own LinkedIn group

· Create a community that doesn’t already exist

· Establish more connections

· Free PR/marketing for your business

· Conduct research on a topic

· To inspire people

· Create a fan club

· Branch off from a bigger group with a niche

· Network to further your career goals

· Recruit people for your business

· Start a dialogue about something you’re passionate about

10 steps to start your own LinkedIn group

If you have a great idea for a LinkedIn group, starting one is fast and easy. Once you’ve created the group, you have the option to send a mass invite to your connections and have a discussion flowing within minutes. Here’s how:

1. Go to your LinkedIn homepage. On the top menu bar you will see these categories: Home, Profile, Contacts, Groups, Jobs, Inbox, Companies, and More. When you put the cursor over “Groups,” a drop down will appear. Click “Create a Group.”

2. The next page is the most important. For now, skip over the Logo option and come back to it last.

3. Think of a group name that will stand out from the rest. For example, when I created our group, Social Media for Journalism Students, I didn’t want to title it the exact same as our class because I wanted it to be open to anyone and everyone who may want to discuss social media, as well as journalism students.

4. Choose a Group Type that best reflects the type of “activity” you feel you want. When I created our group, I felt that none of the options were a good fit, so I chose “Other” and then typed in “Class Group.”

5. Write a brief summary that will attract people to join. IMPORTANT: Choose keywords that people will use when searching for groups to join.

6. Here’s where you can go deeper into the group topic. When I created the group, I went back to our class syllabus and used a quote from Shari Weiss (and, of course, cited her) that I feel best summed up why we journalism aspirants should study social media.

7. Enter an email address that you check on a daily basis, so you can monitor group activity as it happens.

8. Website: this is optional. I chose to enter my Journ65 blog as a way to show group members that I’m the Real Deal striving, to be the “resident expert” on the subject matter.

9. Modify the Access of the group to fit your needs. You have two choices: Auto-join, or Request to join. Click on “Display this group in the Groups Directory,” “Allow members to display the logo on their profiles,” and “Allow members to invite others to join this group.” This will make it easier for people to find your group.

10. For the logo, search for an image that is public domain (copyright and royalty free) from a site such as www.freedigitalphotos.net or upload a photo from your computer. Choose a photo that catches the eye and is a spot-on representation of the subject matter. Read through your Summary and Description for inspiration for finding a logo that works for the group.

When you’ve completed the 10-steps, click on “Create an Open Group.”

Once you’ve created the group and sent invites, managing it will be simple and rewarding. As people join, make sure to invite them to join in on the discussion. Introduce yourself as the group owner, and make them feel welcome. As the group owner, it is up to you to think of discussion topics and post them to the group “wall.” The more people that join, the bigger the discussion.

[Note from Shari: I just read how important it is for you to choose the right NAME for your group: “On LinkedIn you want to win the mindshare of your target audience and attract them to become members of your group. You can only do so by naming your group appropriately.” Hubspot ebook Learning LinkedIn from the Experts]

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Guest Post, Journalism, Twitter

Mother Nature Attacks, Social Media Assists!

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Revolutions, earthquakes, and tsunamis: What do they have in common?

Answer: Social media

“What fascinated most Social Media analysts was the speed at which information traveled all over the world regarding the earthquake.”

Is it a coincidence , or simply the New Normal, that typically hot journalistic topics like violence and devastation are now being reported most effectively through Social Media rather than Traditional Media — at the same time that 33 Laney College students are actively participating in my online course Social Media for Journalists.

Our Facebook Group discussions are lively and revealing like the one evolving around the earthquake and tsunami in Japan that lead to this student’s coverage of the events and their reporting.


Mother Nature Attacks, Social Media Assists!

Guest Post by Champa Mulchandani

Mother Nature is seriously upset. And to show us the extent of her unhappiness, she decided to throw an earthquake at Japan. You know she means business when it’s an 8.9 magnitude earthquake which is soon followed by a massive tsunami. If the earthquake hit any other country in the world, this situation would have been a horrendous one.

However, because Japan is one of the most technologically advanced countries whose architecture and infrastructure is designed with earthquakes in mind, the earthquake was unable to cause heaps of destruction.

But no matter how large a catastrophe, Social Media never fails to assist and connect. Phone lines may come crashing down, but Facebook and Twitter will be up and rollicking waiting to be used. And so it did. While reporting and giving viewers the most up to date news from north east Japan, they insisted on family and friends from around the world on utilizing all forms of Social Media to stay in touch with people in the earthquake hit Japan.

Japan hashtags trending

In the last 24 hours, the hash tags #Japan, #earthquake, #tsunami and #prayforjapan have been trending and how. CNN went on to display a number of tweets from all over the world where people explained their feelings towards the earthquake. While locals in Japan tweeted about how their homes swayed, how they were scared and how they were looking for family in parts of Japan where communication was down, people in Chile, were getting ready to be hit by the tsunami waves and thus, were expressing their fears. These chilling firsthand accounts not only gave the media an insight into how Social Media has not only become a source for news, but a diary even where users are able to convey their experiences.

But when it comes to Social Media assisting and informing people of the earthquake, it was Twitter all the way. Most avid Tweeters received news of the earthquake via Twitter. And then realizing that there was no way of communicating with people in Japan any other way but through Twitter, Facebook and Skype. But Twitter didn’t just come in handy for people abroad; local Japanese citizens flocked to Twitter for aid and information. Non-Japanese speakers residing in Japan were all over Twitter looking up alerts, altered train schedules and even places for shelter.

What fascinated most Social Media analysts was the speed at which information traveled all over the world regarding the earthquake. Tweeters, in and out of Japan, rapidly updated timelines; eyewitnesses used YouTube and uploaded videos by the minute of any visuals they had while Facebook pages were put up by the dozen asking for aid, funds and relief much before even the Red Cross could get on board to call on the world for help.

Google too, quickly gathered resources and launched their People Finder site for Japan as soon as the earthquake hit. And it seriously does rock – not as much as the earthquake though, thankfully. Presented with two options, to look or provide information, users can fill in necessary information regarding people they may be looking for. This information is added into a public registry which allows people to search for missing loved ones. Google clearly moved quickly with their site as it is not only available in English and Chinese, but in Japanese too.

Traditional media relies on social media

Ultimately, what Social Media did for the Japan earthquake was provide information so quickly that even news channels sought their help. This would explain why CNN promoted the use of Social Media and encouraged citizens of the world to hop on the Social Media bandwagon. What this ultimately tells us, as Social Media journalism students is simple: the power of Social Media cannot be underestimated and more importantly, besides connecting, it comes in handy during any or all catastrophes. We’ve seen how Social Media has created revolutions in the world. Today we witnessed Social Media come in a totally different dimension. It didn’t just allow people to stay in touch despite an earthquake and tsunami, but it also allowed us to stay informed.

Sadly, Social Media will not be able to save or protect citizens who are in harm’s way. Nor will be ever be able to predict and prevent earthquakes from occurring. But it certainly can assist when Mother Nature goes rather into frenzy with us.

In the meantime, our thoughts and prayers are with Japan. We’re sure they will come through it all stronger and more resilient.

 

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Journalism

Simple Answers to Six Basic Social Media Questions

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NOTE: I am republishing this article for the benefit of the students in my online course: Social Media for Journalists AND my new entrepreneurial friends from BNI and Linked Local Marin.

Want to get started with social media but don’t know what questions to ask first. Check out this article for a great video intro and some brief answers.

 

Every new enterprise —  whether it’s a new project, new class, new relationship, or a new business — begins with some degree of Confusion. The key to getting past the initial uncertainties is to (a) silence your “fear” [False Expectations Appearing Real], (b) focus on one objective, and (c) put in effort.

6 Basic Social Media questions . . . and their answers:

1. Where can and will social media take me?

Social media is a set of technologies, strategies, and tactics that will help build your business by increasing both your understanding of your customers/clients/community and their knowledge of how your products and services can help them.

2. What makes social media so important?

The world has changed. There is a New Normal and the old techniques of marketing and communication will no longer work in the same ways as they have in the past — because everyone can become a publisher and everyone can gather information on their own [without depending traditional media].

3. How much time do people need to spend online?

Among peoples’ greatest online fears is that they must be continually updating their statuses on dozens of social media platforms. Most social media consultants suggest that short periods of time, e.g. 15-30 minutes two or three times a day can accomplish a number of objectives for entrepreneurs as well as managers and executives in firms of all sizes — if you have a strategy set in place.

4. What is a blog?

The word “blog,” which is a silly-sounding word to many, is just a shortened term for a Web Log. Very simply, a blog is a website with recurring content. Bloggers can write whatever they want whenever they want. This is an example of everyone having the opportunity to become a publisher. Are all blogs “equal”? Of course not. Of the hundreds of thousands of blogs and bloggers, most might be termed “frivolous,” i.e. trivial, inconsistent, unresearched, etc. But the fact of the matter is that many bloggers who write about important and interesting topics in unique styles are fast becoming highly influential throughout the world.

5. How safe are social media sites for private, confidential information?

Not “safe” at all. The Best Practice is not to write anything on a social media platform that you wouldn’t want the world to read. There is a difference between publishing “personal” and “private” information. Personal information about yourself can be wonderful for building trusting relationships. Private information does not belong on the Global Whiteboard.

6. How many social media platforms do you really need to know and use?

Answers to this question vary depending on WHY an individual or a business communicates online. To effectively build an online presence as the Go-To source for information on a certain subject, these five venues offer great rewards: Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Blogging, and YouTube.

For more basic information on these platforms, check out the sharisax.com articles in these categories

Blogging Basics

Facebook Basics

LinkedIn Basics

Twitter Basics

FURTHER READING:

Definitions of Web 2.0, Blogging, Microblogging, Reverse-Engineering, Future of Marketing

No Guarantees, but here’s how to go viral on video

Enhance your LinkedIn profile to increase find-ability

10 Social Media Newbie Mistakes

What to Tweet to stand out from the Masses

Please add more questions about social media and how it works in the comment section. You’ll get answers from me and other readers.

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Journalism, Twitter

Adding columns to your TweetDeck Social Dashboard

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The Beauty of TweetDeck for me is being able to see several different columns of Tweet topics, lists, and followers constantly on view. And here is how to “Do It”:

Three icons to right of TweetDeck logo on main tool bar

1) Yellow dialogue box: click to post update

2) Plus sign: ADD A COLUMN [read below]

3) Red pointer on white cylinder allows you to search for a Twitter profile
Four icons below the Tweet update posting area

4) Auto URL shortener – toggle On or OFF

5) Tweetshrink: this will abbreviate wherever possible

6) Translate Tweets: a pop up box to select language

7) Search for recent hashtags you tweeted

Using the ADD Column option


The Pop Up box displays six icons in the top left corner.

The first one on the left is for Twitter searches.

The other five boxes allow you to add your Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn, Buzz, and Foursquare update streams.

Re: Adding a Twitter column

a) In the white search box, list keywords or phrases you want to see mentioned in a Tweet.

b) You can check the list under “Shari’s Previous Searches” for examples.

c) To the left of my previous searches, you will see the list: Search; Groups/Lists; Core.

d) If you click on the “Groups/Lists” option, you can create a list of Tweeple that will all appear in your new column.

3) The “Core” gives you all the Default columns including these: TweetDeck Recommends, New Followers, and Scheduled Updates.

Questions on columns? . . . or other Tweetdeck features? Next post I’ll be looking at Settings [the wrench in upper right hand corner].

In case you missed it, here is How To Install Tweetdeck.

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Journalism, Twitter

Organize your Tweeting with a “Social Dashboard”: TweetDeck installation tutorial: Feb 2011

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Twitter is an amazing communication platform, but the Twitter.com interface is limiting — you can only see ONE twitterstream at a time. TweetDeck is the software application I use to customize my Twitter experience. It allows me to see several columns on the screen at one time:

  • all the people I follow
  • a select list of tweeple
  • a column of tweets that mention my twitter name
  • keywords that I want to continuously search for like “Twitter and Journalism”
  • and more

In addition, the photo, or gravatar, of the Tweeter is divided into four buttons: One to send a reply, one to retweet something, one to send a direct message and one that has multiple uses.

There are two other similar applications that people like, i.e., Hootsuite and Seesmic. You are more than welcome to check them out for yourself, but this lesson is strictly for TweetDeck.

1, Before installing TweetDeck, make certain you have a Twitter account. Then access TweetDeck.com.

2. The top most menu gives you options for where to download the software. This tutorial will take you through a download to your desktop [which also works for a laptop]. You may download to your phone and/or Ipad . . . and even to your Chrome Browser, but you are on your own for those downloads.

3. After you click on the word Desktop [on above screen], this screen will appear:

4. Click on the Download button on the middle right side of the screen.

5. Downloading may take several moments. You will be asked to Save the file, and you can either choose the default or save it to whatever file you choose. After saving, agree to the terms of use and then click on Run. The next screen Welcomes you to Tweetdeck:

6.  Click on the top button that reads Sign in to TweetDeck. And you will see this screen:


7. Chances are you do NOT have a TweetDeck account, so you need to click on the line that reads: Don’t have a TweetDeck Account? This next screen will appear:

8. Here is where you actually get to Register your TweetDeck account. When you click on the Create account button, you may get everything you see below . . . or some of it:

9. This is where some of this week’s “play” comes in. Take some time and investigate Tweetdeck. If you have a question, please post it as a comment below. But do not worry or get too frustrated. The best way to learn TweetDeck is to experiment. Read the various sections on the screen you see above. Click on the various options on the top and bottom of the columns. Oh, yes, one thing it took me time to find was the “slide bar” on the bottom to move between columns if you have more than fit on one page view.

Let the fun begin!

Note: You can minimize TweetDeck and easily pull it up again to keep track of tweets and searches. There is an “annoying” little noise that sounds when new tweets come in. I turned mine off. You’ll have to check out the settings function [the wrench in the top right hand corner] and click on “Notifications” from the list you will see on the left. GOOD LUCK!

[Next post: How to Add Columns to TweetDeck]

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Guest Post, Journalism, Sharisax Is Out There, Twitter

How NO INTERNET is Re-Defining the News

25 Comments

Photo by Susan Ambrosini

The beauty of our Social Media Revolution is that every one of us can become a publisher . . . and spread our opinions, insights, and wisdom.

Though we’ve only had two weeks of classwork for the online Social Media for Journalist course, several of the students have shown their passion, intelligence, and leadership in helping us all co-create the New Normal, i.e., the way to communicate, learn, interact, and act — Now, and in the Future.

One of the outstanding students has been Suzzanna Matthews, who grew up in Boston and studied English Lit at Goldsmith’s College in the UK and at Mills College in Oakland. She currently resides in Oakland and is studying Journalism and Social Media. Here are her thoughts on the explosive situation in the MidEast and the role of social media.

The Internet Shutdown in Egypt:

How the Definition of News is Changing

GUEST POST by Suzzanna Matthews

On January 27th, 2011 – after days of disruptions in internet service, most internet connections went down in Egypt. This shutdown targeted social networking sites Facebook and Twitter. This was an unprecedented event in history, a country in protest and a government shutdown of all major social media communications.

Why? Because, social media sites are viewed as dangerous. These sites were being used as a primary means of communication to rally people to protest. News of these protests was able to reach thousands of people at the stroke of a key.

If an entire country’s government  has such a great fear of what social media can do. then you have to concur that it is indeed powerful.

SPEECH is powerful, and these social media platforms are important in letting people’s voices be heard uncensored.

In various articles I have read about the situation, journalists are reporting that there was and is misinformation being reported about the protests via Twitter and Facebook, but that there is also much more information available to them — and many more leads that they are able to follow up on because of Tweets and Posts. Particularly information coming out of locations that maybe unsafe for foreign journalist travel.

The social media platforms also allow us to read the news from Egyptians living in the midst of the turmoil and to get a sense of what is actually occurring without perhaps a government veil or ‘toned down’ diplomatic version of the events.You can see why it would behoove a government with waning power to halt these types of communications that they may view as damaging and, yes, dangerous.

Even with the shutdown, the people’s voices still found a way to be heard on the web with google’s Speak2Tweet. News of what is happening is being reported by the people — most are not trained journalists and many are just expressing their frustration.

  • Are the voices of Egyptian Tweeters and bloggers less newsworthy as they are not professional journalists?
  • Does the misinformation being reported via social networking sites outweigh the viable information?
  • There is no question that the way news is being related has changed, but as we move away from traditional forms of reporting, how do we need to re-think what ‘news’ actually is?
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Journalism

Tips to becoming a Twitter Pro — before your first Tweet

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Getting started on Twitter is not difficult and could be a “No Brainer” for some of the more than 600 million Tweeple now signed on. But getting started the right way takes some thought and strategic planning in advance.

Here are your first Pro Steps:

1. Your Twitter name: Authenticity is essential in the practice of journalism, so the name or “handle” you use to post your tweets should be as close to your own identity as possible. With 600+ million Tweeple, getting your own exact name is unlikely, but you can add numbers, initials, or something creative to your actual name.

Keep in mind, however, that each Tweet must be limited to 140 characters AND that includes your name [preceded by the “@” sign]; therefore, shorter is better.

2. Your BIO: Credibility and trust can be more easily established when you describe clearly and concisely who you are and why your followers should believe you and want to hear more of what you have to say. When preparing this bio, you should think of the phrase “Personal Brand” and try to write something that you can consistently post throughout the web to establish exactly who you are.

3. Your first tweets: Before even thinking about gathering a following, you should give serious thought to how to begin your Twitterstream, i.e., what you will say. After all, most people will only want to follow you if they believe you post valuable links and insights.

My own blog has several articles on what to tweet, and here is a link to What to Tweet to Stand out from the Masses. At the close of that post are other links for more what-to-tweet tips.

4. Whom to follow: You can find lists of experts on a host of categories, as well as lists of the oldest Twitter users, most followed Tweeters, etc. My own article Be choosy when selecting Tweeple to follow offers a few more suggestions including links to Twitter directories and a way to find individuals who share your interests by checking search.twitter.com.

PS I just discovered that Twitter has added a new feature called “Who to Follow” on the top menu board. If you click on the link, you will see a list of recommended tweeple based on whom you already follow “and more.”

Social Media Common Wisdom: Take baby steps. Don’t try to do too much too soon. Have fun!

Here’s a “cheat sheet” with twitter jargon and other resources: http://sharisax.com/2009/12/03/twitter-basics-workshop-cheat-sheet/

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Journalism, Twitter

Twitter Week for Journalists: DAY ONE –What & Why

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Whether it’s violent protests in Egypt, character assassination of the Chicago Bears’ Jay Cutler, surprising new talent discoveries, or natural disasters, the “NEWS” is reaching us faster — intersecting with us where we are.

photo by Susan Ambrosini

At the forefront of this evolution/revolution is Twitter, the social media platform where simplicity is part of its brilliance. Twitter has changed the way we define news. Having to keep messages to under 140 characters, tweeters are breaking news and defining trends — getting out information to the world that in the past might never have been reported.

By the time many journalists can get in to cover a story, it has broken on Twitter, been discussed, and passed off as old news. Therefore, today’s print and broadcast reporters must provide analysis and perspective to add value to the conversation. They can use Twitter to do just that: Journalists have access to a real time people search engine that can tell them what millions of people are thinking about one single topic in any country around the world.

In mid-2010, Twitter had 100-200 million users (depending on the stat source). On a daily basis, they posted 26 million tweets and searched the site 600 million times. More than 300,000 new users were joining every day as well.

While a significant number of Old School journalists may still be treading water defending what they know and “want to be true,” a growing number of today’s and tomorrow’s journalists are building knowledge, networks, and influence as professional Tweeple. Here’s a link to ten of the most experienced Twitter users that every journalism student ought to follow.

Has Twitter changed your work life?

Below you can read how six online journalists describe the impact of Twitter on their careers and their evolving definitions of news:

I am journalist and I do read newspapers, watch news etc.. but I notice that more and more I get my “Breaking News” from Facebook/ Twitter… Sometimes you just don’t have time to turn on the TV or read an online newspaper. I predict that consumers will subscribe to news via services like this that operate only on Twitter, Facebook etc.. and that perhaps this services will be linked to the major news-services of the world.
Posted by Mayra Rocha-Fernandez

Working at a twice-weekly community newspaper, Twitter has helped us keep a more “daily” feel to our product. We’re able send out short bursts providing some info (game scores, council decisions, etc.) while at the same time leading followers to either our print or e-editions. Of course, at the same time, we’re competing with others (fans, parents, bloggers) who tweet such information.
Posted by Michael Gresham

I am a veteran political reporter covering Canada’s Parliament and the use of Twitter by MPs and cabinet minister has exploded over the past couple of years. We have even had MPs had to rise in the House of Commons to apologize for tweeting the proceedings of an in camera committee meeting or for commenting on another MPs weight.
For me, twitter has become a valuable source of tips about breaking news on Parliament Hill, another way to communicate with sources and a way to call attention to stories we report.
Posted by Elizabeth Thompson

I think you’re right, but I don’t see that as a good thing. As a lifelong NJ (National Union of Journalists) member, I believe that this drive toward social media, etc., is dangerous. Sometimes you need more than 140 characters to explain the important issues, but “people” are too busy to consider the larger picture or the background. No one has the time to listen or read the full story and what happens is that people beleive they know about a particular matter, when they haven’t got an idea about what’s going one. Thank you for your post.
Posted by Greg Smith

I use twitter and fb to promote my articles or when there’s breaking news that I see in the sports world, mostly with the Chicago Cubs. I use it to receive other breaking news, but it can really get out of hand. I have started to cull names from who I follow. There are some people who use it and it seems like nonsense to me. It is a valuable tool for taking and receiving info related to your business… at least it is for me. As for limiting things to 140 characters, I agree that’s not always enough, but that’s where you can link to longer articles. In our busy lives, sometimes we don’t have enough time to read everything in deptth, so 140 characters to let us know what’s going on is more helpful than being in the dark about an issue.
Posted by Miriam Romain

If used correctly social media is an important and valuable tool needed to reach the masses and those not attracted to news. It is not a fad and if used in the right effective way is not dangerous either. I teach journalists how to use social media “correctly” and once they realise the right way, it’s amazing how hooked they are. However, there are many, especially management who seem wary of it.
Posted by Emma Lingard

Join the conversation: How has Twitter changed your work life? What do you predict for the future of news and journalism?

[Correction: an earlier version posted 600 million Twitter users, but the source seems to have vastly overstated the case]

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Blogging, Journalism, LinkedIn, Twitter

Which comes first: The Chicken or the Egg? The Medium or the Message?

119 Comments

Long ago, business was all about building a better mousetrap and force-feeding it into homes. Long ago, publishing was all about dollars and cents (don’t mistakenly read “sense”). Long ago, free speech was easily regulated — and not particularly “free.”

Today’s technology advances are creating a New Normal, and intelligent folks who want to work and prosper in these revolutionary times must accept and embrace the challenges and opportunities.

How does one do this? How does one keep up with — and even stay ahead of — change.

My online course Social Media for Journalists [beginning today, January 24] will offer a roadmap, i.e., GPS turn-by-turn instructions, to a variety of destinations from a selection of career paths to a better understanding of today’s world.

In preparation for the course, I posted a Discussion Topic on a number of LinkedIn groups where online journalists congregate. I asked them what topics, issues, and skills they would emphasize in a course teaching student journalists about social media. Below is a listing of their responses.

My students will be asked to choose one of the responses and write a comment below. I invite all my readers to do the same.

What online journalists say about social media and the future:

  1. The way to revitalize the journalism “industry” is to use the new technology to build community, connections, and most important — solid relationships.
  2. Publishing today is not just about offering something of value; you need to know what people really want and how they want to receive it.
  3. Integration is key: we are losing separate distinctions between journalism, PR, marketing, and advertising.
  4. Journalists are the storytellers and disseminators of news — they connect people to information, and social media is the newest means to accomplish this.
  5. Media outlets are using Foursquare and other local apps to find people at the sites where news is breaking.
  6. Cheap, high speed internet access and social networking has broken up the mass audience into social, economic, geographic, and business “niche” communities.
  7. Search engines, blogs, and social networking have made everyone a publisher.
  8. Twitter and Foursquare have become valuable tools for sourcing and feedback; the impact of instant public feedback in the writing/creative processes of the journalist.
  9. Students will help create knowledge and process.
  10. Journalism and the stuff that looks like it is less reliable and requires more consumer skepticism.
  11. When access to social media both as a contributor and reader is so easy, what value can a journalist bring to the mix?
  12. Posts on social media become news.
  13. Stories can be updated throughout the day on social media sites.
  14. Social media is not a one-way street; you must listen and engage, not just post.
  15. One problem with social media is that it has convinced people that they have superior observation and analytical skills as well as original ideas.
  16. Interacting with people on a one-to-one basis helps grow relationships, spread information, and gather new facts.
  17. Missing from online blogging is the filter between the writer and the public — the copy editor or news editor.
  18. Visual and audio media convey emotion in a way that print never could. In fact, when using multimedia, it may be extremely difficult to separate the emotional content from the informational content.
  19. Traditional news values and techniques are valuable and should be studied. There are some things the internet should never change.
  20. Ideally “old school” and “new school” news sources will challenge each other to do a better job. A competitive news environment benefits all.

Do any of these statements resonate with you? If so, please write a comment telling us which one and why.

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