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?

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!!