This is the week our first beat story is due, so it only seems appropriate to write about writing. Journalistic writing can be great because it features a lot of quotes, so all we do is tell them. Although, retrieving those quotes can be difficult. I am heading up to the Annual Student Exhibition at VCSU this week to interview artists and fellow exhibit-goers. I'm afraid that I won't be able to find a time when there is actually someone else there with me. Luckily, I've already found two sources. Three to go... If anyone in this class has gone to or will be going to the exhibition and would like to comment on some of the artwork, I would appreciate some more sources. Or if anyone here has an exhibit in the show, I would like to hear your story of inspiration.
Finding primary sources is essential in journalism. When I was talking to sources for my beat, I noticed a lot of them enjoyed giving me quotes and their opinions. This is good because the public likes to hear other peoples' interactions. They want to feel as if they were there. This can be especially beneficial for the event. The more readers, the better the story, the more possible event-goers.
I find that secondary sources are not used much in journalism. To find out the difference, click here. A primary source gives me information at the time. There is not element of being in the past. It's all about the present, which is what I think newsreaders like to read.
I found a link that gives some information on writing an advance. Check it out, if you'd like.
As I'm taking an algebra course this semester, I have realized how much I really do like writing. I'm good with words, bad with numbers...
One more thing, I am having the most difficult time finding all these professional blogs. I've posted a thread on BlackBoard saying this:
I am having the hardest time finding all these professional blogs. First, I don't know how to search. I can't find a search or even a browse on Blogspot, so I just type in the criteria for the blog on Google (which I know runs Blogspot) but I don't find anything.
Is there an actual search on Blogspot? And also, how do you determine what a "professional blog" is? I would really appreciate it if someone who's having better luck than I am offer some advice. :)
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Heidi- I am in the same boat as you. I don't know what a professional blog is. I am just trying my best. I ended up adding senators and people who have blogs that write about state government (as that is my beat). I have utilizing google as my blog search. I know we have conversed back and forth on this to help each other out. Whats your beat about? I can try to help you out if you would like. Just email me. Eventually I found a website that showed blogs in North Dakota that shared political platforms. I found a website called blogdigger.com as well. But, it didn't really work for me. Maybe it will work for you! Again I can totally take like ten minutes to help you search. Just email me your beat and what your specifically looking for, and if I find something. I can totally explain how I got there! It has been getting better for me. And I hope it will for you too. :)
ReplyDeleteHeidi –
ReplyDeleteI think your summary of writing to a beat was very good. It’s always nice to hear others views that confirm your own. Thanks for that. I found your information helpful also.
Apparently we chose the same beat. I am covering the Student Art Exhibit also. It is challenging to get those quotes but you are right, the artist’s excitement is infectious. I’ll be interested to read your story and see another view of the same thing.
Along with you and Megan, I am struggling to find professional blogs and know that is what they are. In fact, I didn’t find anything on the professional blog from last week. I’ve spend many hours searching and it’s tough to know what key words to use. I’m about as “non-techy” as they get and searching the internet for anything is not my forte.
Heidi,
ReplyDeleteI wish I could give you some worldly advice right now, but I don't even know how to find professional blogs. I just find something that deals with the beat and is done by someone I have heard of (Like, for arts, Ebert and Roper) and then I just let it be. It is impossible to determine what a professional blog is if the person is not worldly known. Someone may come across one of our blogs and think that it is professional. As for your blog on how to write, I really enjoyed it. Those are basically the same issues I am running into. I wish you luck!
ITZ RUUBBISH
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