Mainstream media and me

The mainstream media attempts to offer something for everyone, but it could offer more to younger audiences. Currently, sites like CNN.com and Foxnews.com feature videos, podcasts and blogs to attract young people like me. One blog on CNN.com is titled, "Young People Who Rock," which is a weekly interview series focused on people under 30 who are doing remarkable things in their lives. Every week, a young person is highlighted and praised for their accomplishments. Viewers can also watch the interviews with these young people on Fridays at 3pm on CNN.com Live. Viewers can also contribute by asking a question for the interview or by suggesting someone they know who 'rocks.' The site also features some popular news such as entertainment articles which could possibly attract younger viewers.

While sites do offer certain news that could attract younger viewers, there could be more interactive features that could make the news more interesting to my age group. For instance, news sites should feature more user-contributed videos from younger viewers. These sites could also feature users' personal stories and opinions, etc. I think it would also be helpful if viewers could organize and arrange the kind of news stories that appear on the screen. For example, if a viewer is most interested in entertainment news, he or she could adjust the settings to make these stories always show up as the main stories of a news site.

As far as the kind of news stories published, sites should offer more news that relates to young people and their lives. For instance, stories on finding jobs, top universities, social security issues, nightlife and dating would all be more revelant to younger readers.

Web 2.0

I was not familiar with the term, "web 2.0" and what exactly that meant until recently. However, I now know that web 2.0 refers to the new and improved world wide web of today. The internet was once comprised of simple, one-feature sites where viewers could only do so much. Now, internet sites have progressed and offer all kinds of user-controlled features. These features include blogs, wikis and the ability to upload, post and tag pictures for all to see. Web 2.0 allows more freedom and site involvement for viewers.

According to Tim O'Reilly, who helped name this new and improved web, Netscape was the forerunner in the previous web 1.0, but now Google is the leader of web 2.0. O'Reilly explains that Google was never sold or packaged like Netscape, but only delivered as a service for users.

"Web 2.0" is symbolic of the fact that the internet is changing, offering more than ever before. The video, "Web 2.0...The Machine is Using Us," demonstrates how the web is changing, and that this change may require us to adjust and adapt.

John Lennon Is Shot

When John Lennon was killed in 1980, millions of people around the world mourned the rock star and peace activist’s death. Mark David Chapman waited outside Lennon’s apartment and shot him on Dec. 8, 1980. Days later, over 100,000 people gathered in New York’s Central Park. People sang Beatles songs and lit candles to remember how his music touched their lives. The artist has been honored in many memorials and tributes since his death. For example, New York City’s “Strawberry Fields” memorial garden in Central Park pays tribute to Lennon.
If I were reporting the story of John Lennon’s death today in multimedia, I would allow viewers to comment on the story and share their emotions with one another. However, I would screen the comments first to make sure none were defamatory or made inaccurate statements about the event.

I would also feature a picture gallery of Lennon that would include photos from the day he was killed. Additionally, there would be a timeline detailing everything the singer did that day. The story would also ask viewers, ‘What Beatles or Lennon song has touched you the most, and why?’ Readers could write their answers or record audio explaining what Lennon songs have affected them. The rankings would be featured on the site, and viewers could listen to the songs.

I would also report any information about Mark David Chapman that would give readers a better idea of what Lennon’s killer is like. For example, Chapman has been described as delusional and psychotic. He was also obsessed with The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger.

The story would contain videos of Lennon from past interviews. I would include something like this to show what he was like, how he acted and what he believed in. The story would also feature a video or slide show displaying Lennon’s life story, from his youth in Liverpool until his last day in New York City. The video would be played to the song, “Imagine,” as this was Lennon’s most famous song. I would also develop a timeline of Lennon’s life. The story would also include a video of people singing to honor the artist in Central Park.

Finally, I would try to get an interview Lennon’s widow, Yoko Ono. I would also pursue interviews with former Beatles members: Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr.

Magazine story pitch

If I were writing for Cosmopolitan's website, I would want to do a feature on readers' best and worst date stories. The headline would read, "Enchanted evenings to nightmare dates -- readers tell all." This would attract Cosmopolitan's readers because the magazine's audience is comprised of young women who are experiencing the "dating scene." These women could relate to other readers' stories of horrible and fantastic dates. The summary or tease would read, "Do you think you've experienced the worst date of all time? Or, have you had the most romantic date in history? Cosmo's readers share their personal date stories -- from best to worst." The site would ask readers to send in their stories via email, phone, or video. It would be great to have some videos of the people actually telling their stories. This way, the audience could both see and hear the person describing their date. I would encourage both men and women to submit their stories. It is important to get their male perspective on dates as well, so women could see what men consider a good date. Readers would also be encouraged to comment on the date stories and take a quiz or two. One quiz might be, "What kind of date are you?" Results of the quiz might tell readers they are a 'fun date,' 'boring date,' 'cheap date,' or a 'hot date.' The story would also feature advice for the dating scene and how one can be a good date or turn a bad date into a great one.

Social networking sites

Facebook and Myspace are the two sites I visit most frequently. However, Facebook is my favorite. I like it because it is easy to search for friends. The mini-feed is great because it lets you know what all of your friends are up to. Out of all the social networking sites, I think Facebook is the most interactive. You can join groups, post videos, post pictures, tag your friends in your pictures, send drinks to your friends, and many more fun, distracting things. There are also many different applications you can add to your page. You can add an aquarium or a garden for example, and send fish or flowers to your friends' aquariums or gardens.

Myspace is a little different. One cool thing about myspace is that you can personalize your page's background and add music to your page easily. Facebook does not offer the personalized background themes. And although you can add music on Facebook, the songs are just samples, and the entire song is not played like on Myspace.

Despite these advantages of Myspace, the site could be better. For instance, it seems harder to search for friends on Myspace. I suppose this is because there are no networks to which you can limit your search like there are on Facebook. This can be frustrating when you have to search through tons of people from all over the world just to find a friend from home or school. You can enter their zip code, which helps. But if you don't know their last name or if they go by a different name on their page, it is even more difficult. Also, it would be better if you could tag your friends in photos like on Facebook. This is a fun aspect because you can include your friends in on your profile pictures. I think Myspace is still a good site, but I believe Facebook seems to be more popular and interactive now.

Twitter and LinkedIn are simpler than Facebook and Myspace. I am less familiar with these sites, but they seem to just focus on one area. For instance, Twitter is limited to one simple question: "What are you doing?" It is really similar to just keeping up with your friends' statuses on facebook. This can be fun and interesting for viewers because they can find out exactly what their friends are up to at a certain moment in time.

LinkedIn is more focused toward the professional side of networking. You can either join through your company or your school. It is helpful for getting advice, looking for jobs, and making connections.

Overall, I think all these sites should follow Facebook's lead and keep adding more interactive applications. These kind of things keep viewers involved with the site so they don't get bored. Sites should also make it as easy as possible to search for people.

my video

My online journalism experience

I have learned a lot about online journalism so far this semester. At first, I was a little overwhelmed and confused about online journalism. I felt like some things were little "over my head." Prior to this class, I had not had any experience posting articles to sites like tnjn. But now I feel much more comfortable writing stories for the web. In fact, I now actually enjoy newsgathering and posting my stories to the web. I feel that I am best at interviewing people and getting good quotes. To me, that is the fun part of journalism. I really enjoyed covering the hot air balloon event, and it was neat to feel like a reporter.
Peggy has offered great tips and advice throughout the semester. In my meeting with her, she encouraged me to continue getting great quotes for my stories. I have found Peggy's in-class instruction to be helpful. Because she is a practicing news journalist, she has been able to offer realistic, practical advice for news writing.
I have learned a lot in this class because it has been a hands-on experience. It has not just been reading about online journalism in a text book. Instead, I have had the opportunity to actually put together and post my news stories.
I do feel like a could use some training in video production. I am not very up-to-date with how to film, create a video and post it on a website. I think I will need some training in this area.
Overall, my experience with online journalism has been a positive one. I feel that it is the most exciting area of journalism because there are so many opportunities with online news, and it is becoming a popular medium. It is also the most interactive form of news. Viewers can listen, watch, read and even comment on the news.

Litton's serves award-winning burger

If you like hamburgers, you probably want to try Litton's Market and Restaurant in North Knoxville. A local landmark in Fountain City, this small restaurant has been known to serve a mean hamburger. In previous years and again this year, the Knoxville News Sentinel has given the East Tennessee's "best hamburger" award to Litton's. And there's a reason for this award.

A Litton's hamburger is not a your typical, fast food burger. The Litton burger is made from U.S.D.A. choice top round only that is ground fresh daily. If you've ever traveled abroad, you may have longed for a thick, juicy, American burger like I did. In fact, the day I left to study abroad in Wales, I made sure that Litton's would be where I ate my last meal in the states. Why? Because I knew I would not find another burger quite as good as a Litton's burger for a long time. After 3 1/2 months traveling in Europe, I was correct.

I am not alone in my love of the Litton's burger. Just read some of the reviews from Litton's customers. The restaurant received an overall 4.5 out of 5 stars, and nearly everyone commented on the great tasting burgers. For example, one yahoo.com reviewer says, "The hamburgers are amazing and the workers are so welcoming and helpful! All of the food is made in house! The cookies are the best. It is family owned. They are there for their customers and actually care about you. Great family atmosphere."

Burgers are not the only thing Litton's has to offer. Their menu includes sandwiches, blue plate lunches, salads and market favorites such as steak and fresh fish. The chicken salad sandwich is one of my personal favorites, as well as another yahoo.com reviewer's. She writes, "My husband has been addicted to Litton's for years. I'm not a big red-meat eater, but they do have a good cheeseburger and an excellent chicken salad sandwhich."

The bakery cannot be overlooked, which offers a variety of desserts sold in whole or single servings. Their moist, red velvet cake topped with real cream cheese icing is a very popular choice. Their big chocolate chip cookies are also worth trying.

In addition to the food, the Litton's atmosphere is a special experience. It is a family-owned restaurant, so there is a charming character to the place. It is somewhat reminiscent of a 1950s diner. When inside, customers find that it is a small, laid back restaurant that makes you feel welcome and at home. All the waiters and waitresses are very friendly and express strong 'southern hospitality.' There is an old, glass bottle coke machine in the front. Most all the tables display old, local advertisements from the Fountain City area.

If you decide to try Litton's however, make sure you are prepared to wait if you go during peak lunch and dinnertime hours. There is often a line because it is a popular, but small restaurant. If you arrive and there is a wait, you or a waitress will write your name on an old chalkboard to add your party to the list.

Although the Litton's menu may not offer everything and lacks the variety of other restaurants, what is on the menu is done right. While other restaurants may offer many different choices, there may not necessarily be anything special offered. If you are going to Litton's though, you know that their burgers are going to be the best around.

For more opinions on Litton's restaurant, take a look at some more customer reviews. Most all reviews praise this little treasure in Fountain City. If you visit Litton's, please leave comments on your experience.

In the newsroom

I was excited about visiting the Knoxville News Sentinel last Tuesday. I had never been there before, and I thought it was about time I learned more about my hometown's newspaper.
Unfortunately, I got lost and was a little late getting there. But the receptionist at the welcome desk was very helpful and called someone to come meet me downstairs.

Jack Lail, managing editor of multimedia, introduced himself and showed me up to the newsroom. I looked around as we walked past cubicles. I noticed some desks were filled with papers, as if someone had been diligently researching for a story. I also noticed one desk had examples of 'good headlines' posted. In the hall, front page stories from the past were hanging on the walls. One was about the atomic bomb, which had been developed in nearby in Oak Ridge. It was interesting to see how the News Sentinel had covered so many historical events.

When we found the rest of the class, everyone was listening to Tom Chester, the deputy managing editor of multimedia. Chester spoke about how using multimedia is important to the success of a news site. He said they are working on ways to attract more and more people to their site by adding more interactive multimedia. Instead of just taking stories from the newspaper and posting them onto the site, news sites need to be more interactive to allow viewers to discuss and comment on the news. According to an article on itnews.com, multimedia sites are receiving more traffic than news and media sites.

Lail, Chester, and other News Sentinel online producers agreed that to be competitive with other news sites, it is necessary to be interactive. According to an article on iCommons.org, Guardian.co.uk is at the top of the list of the 10 best multimedia news sites.

Chester and Lail also commented on how much technology has changed since they first began. Lail reflected on the time when typewriters were still used. Before cell phones, Chester said he used to have pay phone numbers memorized, so that he could contact whoever was on the scene of an event. Now, cell phones and other technology help make newsgathering much faster and convenient.

Overall, knoxnews.com seems to be a fairly interactive site. Compared to other multimedia sites, it does have a long way to go. The site could use more user-contributed content like videos and editorials. But besides that, I think it is a good site for a smaller city like Knoxville.

After visiting the Knoxville News Sentinel, I have learned that technology is constantly changing and, in order to be competitive, you have to learn as you go. Lail and the online producers emphasized this fact. They said that whatever you are learning now may change in a short amount of time. But you just have to keep learning and writing.

Is news a conversation?

"Is news a conversation?" is a question journalists must consider today. I personally feel that the answer is yes, with some exceptions. I do not think all user-contributed content should be included in news stories, but I do think some is useful, if not essential.

I found the webcast titled, "It's a Conversation, Stupid," very enlightening. Several executive editors and producers spoke about their websites and how they are opening them up to their audiences. I agree with the idea that in order to attract more viewers, news sites must interact with their users. Those who do not utilize user-driven content are missing out on a great opportunity.

If a user wants to contribute information, why not consider what they have to offer? After all, they may be allowing you to use important information for free. This is a great advantage.

Also, users may have content that only they could obtain. A user may have been in the right place at the right time and caught a news worthy event on camera. I think it would be foolish not to use such rare footage that a user may have.

For example, it was important to allow users to contribute information after the Virginia Tech shootings. Many stories on this event included user-generated content, such as videos and pictures. This was helpful because the journalists themselves could not have been there exactly when the shootings occurred. Only the students, faculty and victims saw what really happened that terrible day.

I think it is also helpful to allow users to post comments on stories. Many people feel the need to express themselves and how certain events have affected them. Especially after an emotionally upsetting event such as the Virginia Tech shootings, it may be beneficial to allow users to express what they are going through.



Although I do think user-generated content is a good thing, I also think there should be some restrictions. I don't think news sites should publish absolutely anything users contribute. Content that is unreliable should be omitted. Also, if the user's content lacks newsworthiness or may be offensive or harmful to viewers, it should not be published.



But besides those restrictions, I think everything else should be considered part of the news. I think that news is and should be a conversation, that brings the most information to the most people possible.

User-driven news sites

I can understand how the media can benefit from linking their own stories to sites like Digg, Reddit, and Del.icio.us. By linking their stories at these sites, the media can increase the number of readers they get. However, many feel that user-driven sites such as these are not reliable and not real journalism.

I do think user sites carry different news than mainstream media. Some readers may be more interested in news found on sites like Digg. In an article from the Editor and Publisher titled "'User' Sites Choose Different News Than Mainstream Outlets," Joe Strupp explains a study that gives evidence of the different kinds of news readers are interested in. For example, these news sites offer more information on things like Apple's new iPhone or advice for long flights. The article also said that the popularity of user news sites does not necessarily mean that people are rejecting mainstream media. Instead, these user-driven sites may serve as an addition to their mainstream news intake.

Sites like Digg can be considered news to certain people. I think whether something is news or not is up to the reader.

User-driven sites are not your traditional media. I do feel there are guidelines to truly good journalism. But news is news, no matter how you get it. I would not, however, consider all news journalism.

My News Consumption

When I was in high school, I rarely watched the news. I got most of my news and information from family or friends. It just wasn't appealing to me to watch the news then.

Now, I feel it is important to have some idea of what is going on in the world. I admit that I do not watch the news often, but I usually check the headlines in the morning before class.

My daily news routine consists of turning on the television to CNN. I will also pick up the Daily Beacon on the way to class to learn about what's happening on campus. I also find the Daily Show with Jon Stewart to be a more entertaining way to learn about news and politics.

Throughout the rest of my day, I will just get information from family and friends who find out breaking news before I do. For example, on the day of the Virginia Tech shootings, I did not know about the event until my mom called me about it.

Before I go to bed every night, I will turn my t.v. onto the Weather Channel to check the weather report for the next day. That is about all the news watching I will do for the night, because I am usually too busy to watch any long news shows or reports.

Biography

I am a senior this year at the University of Tennessee. I am looking forward to graduating this May with a degree in Journalism and Electronic Media. After graduation, I hope to attend UT's law school in the fall. I am currently studying for the LSAT, which I plan to take in December.

It was only last spring when I decided I wanted to go to law school. I made this decision after taking a Communication Law and Ethics course taught by Dr. Dwight Teeter. Studying past cases and First Amendment rights interested me in learning more about law. I am not quite sure what type of law I would like to practice, but I am interested in both media and environmental law.

I have held several jobs while in school. My first job was the summer after my freshman year. I was a camp counselor at Camp Wesley Woods. When I was younger, I had been a camper there myself. This job taught me how to be more patient, understanding and confident. I learned how to be a leader while at the same time having fun with the campers. It was a great experience.

I was also a youth intern at Fountain City United Methodist Church the following summer. While in school, I have also worked at T-Recs, UT's recreation center, and at Dillard's at Knoxville Center.

One of the most life-changing and learning experiences for me ocurred when I studied abroad last fall in Swansea, Wales. By being on my own in another country, I learned how to live independently while also learning how to make friends of different cultures and backgrounds. I also gained confidence in my ability to travel.

Before my first flight to London, I was extremely nervous and anxious about the flight and the trip as a whole. But I later realized it was actually harder to come back home than it was to leave home. I now miss Wales and the people I met there tremendously. I hope to go back and visit as soon as I can save up some money.

Traveling abroad has definitely made me want to travel as much as I can. I caught the "travel bug" as they say. I have dreams of taking trips to various destinations in Europe. I would love to go back to Ireland for St. Patrick's Day this year.

I am also very involved my sorority at UT. This fall, I am the New Member Educator. I am in charge of teaching all our new members about the sorority. I will be sad to leave all the friends I have made while in school when I graduate in May.