Another season down…

Well, as we know the Creighton basketball season has come to an end. It was a challenging road at times, but the Bluejays finished alright…considering. OK, this is not about the season or how good/bad the team did. This post is about me and my seat in the corner under the basket.

I have to admit, my photos are getting better. (yes, I just tooted my own horn…*shrug*)  I am learning to challenge myself and I am seeing the difference with each game. I’ll be honest, when I’m sitting down on the floor, this is not what I am thinking. It is not until I sort through my shots that I decide whether it was all worth it or not.

It’s funny to hear people say; “Wow, you sit on the floor? …you’re that close!?” Let me point out, it is NOT as glamorous as it looks. When I’m working, it’s extremely hard to actually watch the game. I end up watching the game one still at a time, or I catch the highlights…later. Don’t get me wrong, I love doing it and I plan to turn it into a career. I just want to point out that where I sit is not all peachy, it’s work.

To end my season, I traveled with the team, for the first time, to the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament. Coincidentally, it was the last time the team would play in this tournament so it ended up being a bigger deal. It was an opportunity to gain valuable experience. Shooting a game at the tournament level is a lot different from being on your home court. There are strict regulations on what you can and cannot do while on the floor. I was not opposed to these regulations, I guess I just was not prepared. If there was anything that I did learn it would be: plan ahead and bring knee pads.  If it wasn’t for our sports information director, I would not have even had the media credentials necessary. In addition, my spot on the floor was behind taller people…having to kneel for two hours is really a pain in the knees.

I’m glad I went and I had a great time!! My only gripe would be the last 50 miles of my drive, in a snowstorm. Thank you winter.

Here are a few [of my favorite] shots from the tournament. (If you click on the photos, I promise they get bigger)

Were you there first??

The news industry has been going through changes since the beginning of its time (or has it).  Did this change come as technology began to develop into what it is right now?

Let me tell you what I think the main problem is. Here comes my opinion (that’s my disclosure).

Based on what I know and what I’ve seen, it’s all about being FIRST. I guess working out the corrections later [if any] is okay. Really? And this is becoming normal. Our society is under some impression that this is expected. Why? Because this is what happens in the news. It’s an amazing race; the credibility of the reporter AND the news organization is on the line. Was there a time when the news was accurate as it’s reported? Yes. My guess is many of us today don’t remember.  Here’s an idea: be the first to be 100% accurate. Can we set a new standard? It sounds like one of those ‘easier said than done’ moments, right? It is.

I think we have the consistent advance in technology to partially thank. Among other things. There is the convenience of getting information immediately. In addition, anyone with a device who can capture a moment is a journalist. The term citizen journalism is one that bothers me. Here I am spending nothing short of 100k in order to say I’m a journalist and just anyone can provide content to an organization. Oh wait, I forgot to add…they get paid for this content. It’s like making a song about your shiny lip gloss and making the top ten. You don’t need talent/experience/education…you just need something juicy. I still don’t understand where the loyalty [from the audience] comes from. I do believe that because of this term, everyone thinks they are an outlet for breaking information. I blame technology and the desire to know NOW. So, who is supposed to be right?

How do you assure your audience and gain their loyalty if being first supersedes being accurate? The answer may not be so easy, but someone has it.

I’m not the only one who is questioning this issue. Here are two articles to continue reading:

1. Accuracy outweighs being first

2. The pros and cons of ‘citizen journalism’

 

 

 

 

Take a digital self-portrait. What do you see?

Here is the question of the week: how does technology define you? Let me actually think about this for a minute. Technology provides some definition to our identity in some way. What this question is asking is; how much or how does it effect/affect each of us?

Side note: Affect=influence – Effect=result (just in case you were not sure of the difference)

Imagine if this was still the norm…

OK, here is myself and technology. Affects and effects all wrapped into one.

I like gadgets and this means I have to upgrade them…often. This is who I am and I am trying to steer away from this habit because these things are not getting any cheaper (neither is upgrading). I often wonder if this habit stems from not being allowed to own any gadgets growing up. It all started with a pager…or beeper. Yes, I had a beeper. I’m laughing too.

Nonetheless, when I was the age of my youngest child it was one television and you watched what was on it (without complaining). Today, the televisions outnumber…nevermind. We have a TV or two. What does that say about who I am? I like having a television, or two. Nothing more, nothing less. Ok, maybe it also says I don’t want to force everyone to watch the same thing. Options. We won’t get into computers. Wait, do you want to buy one? Hey, it was worth a shot.

Now let’s talk about social media. *sigh* I’m actually disappointed with what it has done to society. Personally, I can still go to dinner and be at dinner. Yes, this means missed notifications later. I think I will survive if I don’t check my phone every two seconds. I try not to let it take over my life. I see this happen to a lot of people. Someone help me understand why you need to have a private Facebook page with 2,000+ friends…?? If I let that happen, someone slap me. Random thought, I know.

If there is one piece of equipment/technology that would define who I am it would be my DSLR. I’m a sports photographer. I don’t mean one who takes pictures all willy-nilly, I adjust the settings on my camera based on my lighting conditions. I could get into all the mumbo jumbo, but unless you are a photographer also, the lingo will be lost on you. Click Here to view a previous blog post with a few published photos from last season.

 

So, what’s your technical definition?

Technology and Social Media: What is it doing to you?

What comes to mind when you hear this: Digital technology and social media? While you take a moment to ponder these two ideas, I’ll tell you what crossed my mind. These words pop into my head almost instantly; access, connections (or disconnections), narcissism, finance and lazy.

Ok, now before I elaborate a little, let me first mention I’m from the generation that played outside in the dirt. I don’t know why, but I felt it was necessary I threw that out there. I hear people say all the time, “I don’t know how we go along without ________” (insert fancy gadget of your choosing). The truth is, YOU DID. Before any of us were locked into our first two-year wireless contract, we used a phone that was attached to a wall. It was cheap, easy and predictable. Now we are locked into contracts and we pay crazy amounts for equipment and service. There are many of us who go crazy for the newest release and will wait in line for hours to get it. We drive in the wrong financial lane to support our technology wants. (I don’t call it a need because your life does not depend on it)

The advanced evolution of technology, in my opinion, is both a gift and a curse. A gift because it can provide quick access to things we use the most. Simple and convenient is what we look for as consumers. Every day we are provided with a new way to simplify our lives with the ability to access everything at the touch of an app. At least this is what we think…because we put so much of our life within an arm’s length, we put ourselves at risk. Something as simple as a phone doesn’t only house contacts anymore. Many of us sync our work emails, personal emails, bank accounts, insurance, credit card accounts to name a few. It has become a second wallet. I think you know where I’m going with this. Our society has to spend so much time and effort to protect our information only because we put ourselves in that vulnerable state.

This should NOT be necessary…….

Let me remind you this is strictly my opinion. When it comes to social media, everyone is a narcissist. Particularly with Facebook and Twitter. I think this has caused most people (I won’t say all, because it doesn’t apply) to lose the personal connection with real relationships. A lot of times people forget how to be in the moment because we are more concerned about what we think we are missing where we are not. It is unfortunate because you end up missing out on where you actually are. I honestly do not think others care as much as we want them to.

I think the one thing that bothers me the most is how it’s changing parenting skills. A lot of parents let technology raise their children. We see 10-year-olds with iPhones and 13-year-old girls posting racy photos on Facebook and Twitter. There is no control or guidance. Children are given this equipment (usually after a temper tantrum) and with no understanding of how powerful it actually is. Remember when you went outside and didn’t come in until the streetlights came on? Yeah, that doesn’t happen anymore. They are using obscene amounts of profanity in the online gaming communities. *gasp* (yes, I’ve heard them talk…some parents should hear their children)

Click Here for an article by TIME about Kids and Social Media

Ok..so what is the bottom line? Technology is going to continue to improve which means we are going to go broke upgrading. Social media is only going to get worse because documenting what you eat is more important than actually eating it while it’s hot. We can portray the lifestyle we want instead of the life we actually live. The kids who are the next generation will be born with iPhones and may not learn to read, but there could be an app for that.

We interrupt this broadcast with an important message from: the journalism major

Tap, tap, tap; is this thing on?  *clears throat*   We’re coming to you live in the blogosphere asking the infamous question: How do you receive your news? This is a question most journalism majors are faced with and here we ask this once again.

I am asked quite often as a journalism major. I don’t expect this will be the last time.In most cases, there is a follow-up question: How does the state of the media today affect you as a student and how will it affect you upon graduation. It took declaring journalism as a major for me to realize how much news I was missing out on. Why? I’m still trying to find the answer. Whilst trying to find  how I DO keep up with the news, where I DO NOT get news became more clear.  Sometimes I feel like we as consumers are over-saturated with advertisements. They’re everywhere! This can be a deterrent from some venues, especially those online. In addition, the credibility of the content is not the same as it was 20 years ago. Almost anyone can post a story and call it news and that makes me nervous. Getting there first supersedes being accurate these days.

Where is the news….?

I previously wrote a blog on this topic and I was faced with the same question. Where do I get my news? In this post I shared my confidence about becoming a journalist post graduation. When it comes to how we stay up to date on the news there are many options to choose from to keep us informed. Unfortunately, these may not be the same in the next 10 years. As a student going into the field it can be very easy to lose that confidence. I may need a few things from the industry to keep this confidence in tact.

Here are a few things that you (the industry) can work on:

1. Recognize the disruption in the industry – I often think there are entities that do not believe this exists.

2. Continue to stay innovative – Because of this disruption the industry should continue to change and evolve.

3. Provide the education – As the industry evolves the education should as well.

4. Raise the standards across the board – Citizen journalists are multiplying and they should be held to the same standard as any journalist with a degree. (Based on content) I would be ok if there was a new way to identify this kind of journalism. We do not have to call them a citizen journalist.

Just like the industry is evolving and changing, so will this list and we will make the necessary changes accordingly. The industry can survive if there is consistent innovation.

Wow…we are getting NOWHERE!

OK, I have a confession…I don’t pay that much attention to hockey. So I’m just learning about this.

The recent blog Dave Zirin writes is about the Washington Capitals win over the Boston Bruins in game seven and the outrage it sparked.

Bruins fans give Joel Ward their two cents on Twitter. (The link may eventually be disabled due to the offensive content) As I’m reading these tweets…I’m surprised and not surprised all at the same time. Of course, there are fans that are very passionate about the team they support. This is evidence of said passion and maybe that’s why I’m not surprised by the upset. But, Ward is a black player and hockey is supposed to be a “white” sport. Is the problem with Ward making the winning score, or being on the team altogether? The tweets posted is an example of taking that passion way to far. I’m surprised that this is still how it is, and I’m not surprised either. I know that makes no sense. Let me say this…we are still spreading hate so this is the result of it and it will continue.

This looks like a simple case of “heat of the moment” and all it takes is one person to set the trend. This does not make it ok.

Did anyone catch the North Carolina v. Creighton game? Remember Grant Gibbs, the wink, and Ethan Wragge? The pitfall from that was mainly aimed at Wragge and a foul, but it’s a similar situation. Carolina fans were wishing death on this kid.

Here we have N-bombs and “hope you hang” tweets. Really people? Why is TWITTER not filtering such hate? (Or any other site these comments were posted on)

Zirin stated in his blog that racism is not a Boston thing. I slightly agree racism is still EVERYWHERE! On the other hand, I think there are certain states where you see it a little more than others. That is all I’m going to say about that.

Ok. This will be my last blog about Zirin’s column. I may still read it from time to time, but not regularly. Although, there are a few things that I can take away from following his blog:

1. Check my facts. I’ve had to do so a few times reading this blog and here is yet another example: “Tim Thomas is the player who created a sports media firestorm … after the Bruins won the 2012 Stanley Cup”. If the Bruins lost game seven how will they win the Stanley Cup?

2. Interact with my readers. I don’t think I have ever seen Zirin comment back to his readers. I also notice his readers tend to debate with each other, so maybe mediating is not a bad idea.

3. Use appropriate length based on my topic.

I wonder if Zirin reads my blog about his blog?

Pat Summitt…the end of an ERA.

Ok I will admit, I didn’t read the whole column about Pat Summitt written by Dave Zirin. Do I need to? I think the just of it is in the first couple of graphs. The length of this might be more than I bargained for. I also noticed there are no comments as of the time of writing this.  If new ones are posted, I haven’t seen them. After reading this column, I did look for a few other things that are online about Summitt just to see the different angles. I didn’t really find too much that was different. What I mostly saw was a brief summary of her announcement and then highlights of her career.

Pat Summitt has coached the Tennessee Lady Vols since 1974 and has recently announced her retirement.

Ok, retiring before you’re 65 is not typical however Summitt retires for health reasons. Summitt was a trooper this past season, taking the Lady Vols to the Elite Eight despite her situation. I think it’s because she was just not ready to retire. Just to catch you up, Summitt was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s.

Can we give this woman her HALL OF FAME jacket! This woman did the damn thang!! Okay…back to being serious.

Summitt announced her diagnosis late last year. Doctors suggested Summit retire then and she was NOT having it. She talks about it a little. (the second hyperlink takes you to the story)

Zirin said Summitt is an icon and I will agree with that.

I think being concerned with her health is important. Although Summitt’s shoes will be HARD to fill, she is making the right choice…right now.

Now let’s all CONGRATULATE Coach Summitt on a Phenomenal career!!!

A quick look back and then move around.

I’ll be honest, taking Social Media was a requirement and this is what I went into this class thinking: My only thoughts of it really were to learn how to effectively network myself. What I was NOT prepared for was the overwhelming amount of social networking I was about to embark on. I’m on everything. I am CONNECTED! (sarcasm) I Tweet more and I Facebook less…does that surprise you? Well, I’m not surprised. Maybe there is a little bit of engagement thrown in the mix…actually a LOT.

“Let us not look back in anger, nor forward in fear, but around in awareness.” -James Thurber

How to effectively brand yourself, connect, and be connected to your audience via social networking sites. That is what I actually learned.

I’m branding myself, and not like they do cows. I just changed a few things around. I renamed my Twitter and Instagram to @ThePhotoTeek. {I’m sorry I can’t link you to Instagram, I wanted to, but you can search for me!!} Branding is smart work, not hard work. Should I do a Zuckerberg and drop the THE? (Or was that a Sean Parker? He did make the suggestion in the movie…HAHA)

I do plan to eighty-six Google+, sorry Carol, I am not a fan. However, I will stay on LinkedIn for professional reasons. =] Some things are just not for everyone, but there is only one way to find out. You MUST try it and see. What’s funny is, I’m usually the one telling people this, then my professor comes along and makes me take my own medicine. Thanks. I don’t think it was hard to swallow, I usually like to try things once. USUALLY…I put heavy emphasis on that word.

This class has given me a few things to work on this summer.

1. My sentence. Is it time to rephrase it a little?

2. My brand. Continue to tweak it.

3. EOC Social Media. They are really excited to implement this plan, so I’m going to finish what I started.

4. Write my own social media policy. Yes, even though it’s just me. (it should be pretty short)

5. Blogging. Pick a day and stay consistent.

Overall, I’m glad I took this class when I did. OK, Carol…it’s on to editing!! See you next semester!!

Congratulations to all the GRADUATING SENIORS!!

Where do I find the News section??

This was a topic that actually gave me something to think about. I mean REALLY contemplate. Where DO I get my news? How up to date am I on what is going on?

I did put some effort into thinking about this and noticed that I NEVER pick up a news publication. No, I do not read the Omaha World-Herald, at least not the print edition. I don’t even get the ads around the holidays. It’s a waste of paper. I can get the same thing online and save a tree. As long as digital media is on the rise, I’m going to be fine. I do use mostly news apps like USA Today and the Chicago newspapers. I am always on Twitter (@ThePhotoTeek), but with anything on Twitter, I double check for a reliable source.

In today’s society, there is a desire to find out as soon as something happens. When I work at a sporting event, I see other journalists and they ALWAYS have a way to upload their content. I actually feel like I’m behind because I don’t lug around my computer. I’m actually considering ways to change that in the coming semester. I need to get into these habits now. I must have my content up just as fast!!

I think there is a strong readership when you can provide information right away, and the print edition is a confirmation. But that is strictly my opinion. It seems the delay of a printed news article may not be working for people anymore. The existence of the subscriber will eventually die out and that may be the time that we see more print editions phase out. It’s unfortunate some newspapers couldn’t surpass this intense shift in the industry. (e.g. Rocky Mountain News – Yes that broke my heart, CO native) I’m afraid of the possibility that other publications will end up in the same boat.

Does that make me nervous as a Journalism major? NO. I say that with confidence because the news will still need to be written, photographed, and videotaped. Whether it’s printed, online, or aired. Although, I’m not going to bank on that. I trust my degree will be well rounded and I will throw down on my portfolio. I’ll have the tools, I just need to make sure I use them to their potential.

Maybe having an actual newspaper will be a collector’s item…one day.

 

 

Players gonna play…

Dave Zirin takes us on a fancy history lesson about the NCAA and the paying of players under the table.  I’m not sure what triggered this blog, but it is certainly an interesting topic. I think Zirin is suggesting that players should be paid. We’ve heard about some players that have been bribed or boosted. Do you remember Reggie Bush and what happened at USC? That was the first example that popped in my head. Hey, it’s recent…kind of.  It’s in some ways a form of cheating.

There is not a doubt in my mind that this is something that goes on now.  I mean what happened to Bush may not have been yesterday, but it happened. The question of breaking rules or losing is still being addressed by colleges, coaches, and athletes.

Back in the 40’s and 50’s the colleges in New York were caught and students were arrested, according to Zirin.  I don’t know what the punishments actually are today, but I have heard at the least athletes can lose their scholarships. Bush was stripped of everything that he won while at USC.

I guess you can stand around and point fingers, but where would you point them? Let’s start with the schools, they get tons of money each year from the benefit of the athletes. Just assuming that a full ride is a fair compensation, really?!? Not all students athletes are on a scholarship but are held to the same standards. Ok, the athletic department’s revenues may help fund research, while other departments help keep tuition costs down. There are still others that profit from the student-athletes.

How about the coaching staff and their ethics.  The knowledge of illegal payouts and bribes, but there is nothing done to stop it. These things continue to happen because the job depends on winning. This could be what is meant by losing games or breaking rules. Coaches are choosing to break rules to win.

Is there pressure from the alumni? Pressure to look the other way, and make changes when things don’t go their way? Quite a few schools have a large population of alumni donors. In order to buy season tickets to some schools, there is a required donation, this is an opportunity to place an additional donation.

What about the parents for not raising better young people. What you learn at home you take into the world with you. EVERYTHING begins at home and this is no exception.

As far as the athletes, they are trying to get what they can. It’s not right, but they have a sparkle in their eye. Ethics are out the window at this point.

The NCAA. The punishments need to be swift and permanent, no matter how severe. Maybe it is time to evaluate the rules, and maybe there are some changes that need to be made.

So what does this really mean to me? If you did pay student-athletes, what would that mean to the fan, other students? Higher ticket prices, more tuition? In that case…NO. I think the NCAA just needs to step up their game.