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Thursday, February 26, 2009
Yahoo mail = Bad - See what you might have missed
The editors and I noticed that a lot of the e-mails that we sent to staffers and others with yahoo.com mail addresses were getting bounced.
We also noticed that several people were upset because they weren't getting our messages. This led to misunderstandings.
I checked with the ACC help desk about this, and they responded as follows:
"Yahoo has blocked ACC email. Unfortunately there is nothing else we can do on our end."
YIKES!
I will refrain from ranting about this at this point, and just express my concern about some of the important messages that may not have gotten to everyone:
Deadlines - Issue three is being finished right now. Hopefully nobody with a yahoo.com account missed out on contributing because they didn't get the messages about story meetings, deadlines, and the story list. There will be a bit of a lull because of Spring break. The next official story meeting is March 23, but we would love for everyone (especially new folks) to start working on coverage ideas now. Just e-mail accent@austincc.edu, or editor@austincc.edu for approval and feedback, and then start working on interviews, shoots, etc. The editors will also be contacting some people individually.
TIPA - There are still five spots left for the expense-paid trip to TIPA in Dallas. I noticed that some of our very active staff members did not register by the deadline. I hope it's not because they didn't get the e-mail announcements about the trip. The deadline has been extended. Check here for details.
Lessons (I can't guarantee that something like this won't happen in the future, so . . .) -
- Check this blog often
- Check the staff web site, including the calendar, often.
- Become a fan on facebook
- Follow theaccent on twitter
- Check in with the editors or me if you haven't heard from us for a while
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Google Power
Last night I was looking at the statistics for the website - theaccent.org - and I noticed that Anne Boyd's article about the Hope credit had almost 10 times the number of reads as any other.
Sarah Neve figured out why.
When you Google "Hope Credit," the first hit is the IRS explanation of it, and the second hit is Anne's article in The Accent.
Here's the search
Sarah also let me know that if you search for " tax free textbooks austin" that the Accent article is number one:
Here's the search
Lessons -
- Write about topics that people care about.
- Write about timely topics.
- Always be accurate, because you have a potentially global audience, and at least for a short period of time, a high Google ranking makes you an authority on the topic.
- Write more!
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Monday, February 23, 2009
Well designed CP5 sites
It's time for theaccent.org to upgrade. To begin the process of switching to CP5, we need to creat a mock-up design for the site.
To get some ideas, here's my pick for the top five best designed sites that use CP5 and what I like about them.
What do you think?
Daily Sundial
I love the photos with the headline links as the dominant visual.
I also love the crime map (which we should be able to do but can't)
I like the video feature (maybe in a year or two)
I also like that they feature their blogs (timely)
The Daily Texan
I like the three column layout with a dominant visual, but still access to other stories.
The thumbnail photo and story format is also nice.
I also like the "featured photos" feature, but a cutline or at least a credit would be nice when you click on a photo.
Utah Statesman
I like the tabbed slideshow that gives a glimpse into lots of content.
I also like the "Verbatim" video feature. This seems like a doable feature that brings in student voices (even if they are silly ones)
I don't like the nav. bar on the left.
Washington Square News
I like the big dominant visual at the top of the page.
I also like that there is no left nav. bar.
The menus at the top are also user friendly
I don't like that you have to scroll down pretty far to see other stories.
The Corsair
I like the Flickr link to top photos. I also like the clearly segmented areas of the page.
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To get some ideas, here's my pick for the top five best designed sites that use CP5 and what I like about them.
What do you think?
Daily Sundial
I love the photos with the headline links as the dominant visual.
I also love the crime map (which we should be able to do but can't)
I like the video feature (maybe in a year or two)
I also like that they feature their blogs (timely)
The Daily Texan
I like the three column layout with a dominant visual, but still access to other stories.
The thumbnail photo and story format is also nice.
I also like the "featured photos" feature, but a cutline or at least a credit would be nice when you click on a photo.
Utah Statesman
I like the tabbed slideshow that gives a glimpse into lots of content.
I also like the "Verbatim" video feature. This seems like a doable feature that brings in student voices (even if they are silly ones)
I don't like the nav. bar on the left.
Washington Square News
I like the big dominant visual at the top of the page.
I also like that there is no left nav. bar.
The menus at the top are also user friendly
I don't like that you have to scroll down pretty far to see other stories.
The Corsair
I like the Flickr link to top photos. I also like the clearly segmented areas of the page.
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Thursday, February 19, 2009
Texas State Launches Convergence Media Project
The Texas State paper, The University Star, is moving full force into convergence journalism. Check out this webcast.
Remember- These are newspaper staffers, not TV-R people.
Here's the link to the fully "converged" site - (under construction)
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Remember- These are newspaper staffers, not TV-R people.
Here's the link to the fully "converged" site - (under construction)
Follow theaccent on twitter
Monday, February 16, 2009
Feb. 16 BOI Awards
The Best Of Issue Awards
This one was tough. There was lots of great content. Keep it coming everyone.
We still need to work on hitting those deadlines.
We still need to work on hitting those deadlines.
Best News Piece-
"ACC Harnesses the Sun" by Jamie Carpenter
This story is timely and interesting. While the lead could be a bit more detailed, it focuses on the future story. The explanation of what the panels do is also well researched and presented. I know this one took lots of work and confirmation.
Best Feature Piece-
"Hellman Undaunted" by Jamie Carpenter
An excellent example of a personal story that highlights how people use ACC training. Let's do more of this.
Best News Photo - (Tie)
"ACC breaks ground . . ." by Hanlly Sam
Hanlly clearly captured the key moment in the ceremony. The board members flinging dirt in the foreground and the banner draped equipment in the background really tell the story.
Female Condom shot on page 5 by Alma Hernandez
Check out the expressions on the girl's faces. Excellent peak of emotion! Nice composition.
Best Feature Photo -
Burned notebook by Trevor Goodchild
This detail shot of the aftermath of a fire helps to show the human cost of the event. While this photo, by itself, does not tell the main story of the fire, in combination with the more informational shot next to it, it adds a great deal. Photographers should think both, what image tells the whole story (often a wide shot) and what detail will add emotional impact.
Best Illustration-
Roberto Bolano by Karen Kuhn - Wow. This portrait is truly fine art. Excellent use of value and shading in this realistic, dark depiction of the writer.
Best Column -
"Keep Grades" by Karissa Rodriguez - A timely, relevant piece with just the right amount of personal voice.
Best Layout-
Page 5 by Jana Lelek
Yes! Our first fully designed, single topic page. Let's do more of these. The beautiful drawings lead the eye through the page in a very dynamic way, and the whimsical use of condoms not only adds levity to the design, but also drives home the "responsibility" part of the message.
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Friday, February 13, 2009
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Raven - Free online vector
Check out this new free web based vector illustrator.
http://aviary.com/tools/raven
Aviary vector icons from mpeutz on Vimeo.
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http://aviary.com/tools/raven
Aviary vector icons from mpeutz on Vimeo.
Follow theaccent on twitter
Upcoming Opportunities - Photo Intern
Attention Photographers
The Accent is looking for a paid photo intern.
Position open until filled
- Applications will be accepted until Feb. 18, 2009
Apply Here
Description - Work with photo editor (Alma Hernandez) as an assistant to edit photos in PhotoShop for both print and web, maintain photo archives, assist in uploading content to web site, and be available for occasional shoots. While previous experience and training is preferred, on the job training will be provided.
Hours - 10 to 15 hours per week with flexible hours. Must be available during certain key deadline production times.
Qualifications - Must currently be taking at least one credit hour at ACC. Should have previous training and/or experience with digital photography, Adobe PhotoShop, and Mac operating system. Preference will be given to students who plan to continue to attend ACC in the Fall of 2009 and wish to work with the Accent.
Pay - $8.50 / hour
Apply Now
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The Accent is looking for a paid photo intern.
Position open until filled
- Applications will be accepted until Feb. 18, 2009
Apply Here
Description - Work with photo editor (Alma Hernandez) as an assistant to edit photos in PhotoShop for both print and web, maintain photo archives, assist in uploading content to web site, and be available for occasional shoots. While previous experience and training is preferred, on the job training will be provided.
Hours - 10 to 15 hours per week with flexible hours. Must be available during certain key deadline production times.
Qualifications - Must currently be taking at least one credit hour at ACC. Should have previous training and/or experience with digital photography, Adobe PhotoShop, and Mac operating system. Preference will be given to students who plan to continue to attend ACC in the Fall of 2009 and wish to work with the Accent.
Pay - $8.50 / hour
Apply Now
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Upcoming Opportunities - TIPA
Thanks for registering.
This post will be updated as I receive information
The Accent is going to the 100th Anniversary TIPA convention in Dallas on April 8-11.
TIPA is a state collegiate journalism association. Join other Accent staff as we meet, learn with, and compete against student journalists from all over the state.
Start planning now
Contest entries have been set
Friday sessions are posted
Preliminary Itinerary - Will be updated as information becomes available.
-Download Contest rules and descriptions here
-Link to Contest Tips Here (Will be Updated)
Contact accent@austincc.edu with questions.
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This post will be updated as I receive information
The Accent is going to the 100th Anniversary TIPA convention in Dallas on April 8-11.
TIPA is a state collegiate journalism association. Join other Accent staff as we meet, learn with, and compete against student journalists from all over the state.
Start planning now
Contest entries have been set
Friday sessions are posted
Preliminary Itinerary - Will be updated as information becomes available.
- April 8 (Wed.) - Travel Day. Everyone must be at RGC in the student lounge no later than 12:30, packed and ready to go.The bus will be leaving RGC promptly at 1pm. The evening is open for exploring Dallas.
- April 9 (Thurs.)- Morning - Registration/ Afternoon, Live - On-site contests including:
- TIPA Contest Schedule
-Download Contest rules and descriptions here
-Link to Contest Tips Here (Will be Updated)
- April 10 (Fri.) -Workshops - There will be a series of workshops on a large variety of topics. Look over the list, and start deciding what you might want to attend.
- April 11 (Sat.) - Awards Breakfast, and head home - We will find out who is recognized in both the live contests and the mail-in contest (See our entries). We should be back at RGC before dinner time.
Contact accent@austincc.edu with questions.
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Monday, February 9, 2009
Friday, February 6, 2009
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
A sad historic milestone for student journalism
Story:
SIUC student journalist becomes first American student reporter on memorial
WASHINGTON COUNTY -- The Newseum, a Washington based museum of news operated by the Freedom Forum, will add posthumously a Southern Illinois University Carbondale student as the first American student newspaper reporter to its Journalists Memorial on March 30.
Ryan Rendleman, a senior from Batavia, is on the memorial's list of journalists who died or were killed while reporting news in 2008.
For more of this story, click on or type the URL below:
http://thesouthern.com/articles/2009/02/04/breaking_news/doc4989c6bb0f1fe778713628.txt
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What do you think about this?
SIUC student journalist becomes first American student reporter on memorial
WASHINGTON COUNTY -- The Newseum, a Washington based museum of news operated by the Freedom Forum, will add posthumously a Southern Illinois University Carbondale student as the first American student newspaper reporter to its Journalists Memorial on March 30.
Ryan Rendleman, a senior from Batavia, is on the memorial's list of journalists who died or were killed while reporting news in 2008.
For more of this story, click on or type the URL below:
http://thesouthern.com/articles/2009/02/04/breaking_news/doc4989c6bb0f1fe778713628.txt
Follow theaccent on twitter
What do you think about this?
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
An excellent example of feature writing
In my humble opinion, this is one of the best feature pieces I have ever read. Check it out:
Billy's World
Billy's World
Monday, February 2, 2009
BOI Awards February 2, 2009
No, not Boyeeeee like Flavor Flav
BOI as in Best Of Issue.
-Check back later this afternoon for links to these stories-
Kaitlin Neve - "Jazz band lands next big gig at gala."
This is a tight news piece that is perfectly focused on ACC readers. There are good quotes, and the future story (that they were invited to play for the Costa Rican candidate should she win) is properly emphasized. There are still a few questions I have after reading this piece, but this is the right type of topic, right form, and right length for the average news story.
Rob Palladino - "Obama = Socialism"
An excellent mix of humanizing personal commentary and pointed political commentary. Voices of dissent, especially when they are this well articulated, are always welcome. I can't wait to see what comments we get from this.
BOI as in Best Of Issue.
-Check back later this afternoon for links to these stories-
Best Writing - News
Kaitlin Neve - "Jazz band lands next big gig at gala."
This is a tight news piece that is perfectly focused on ACC readers. There are good quotes, and the future story (that they were invited to play for the Costa Rican candidate should she win) is properly emphasized. There are still a few questions I have after reading this piece, but this is the right type of topic, right form, and right length for the average news story.
Best Writing - Commentary (non-review)
Rob Palladino - "Obama = Socialism"
An excellent mix of humanizing personal commentary and pointed political commentary. Voices of dissent, especially when they are this well articulated, are always welcome. I can't wait to see what comments we get from this.
Best Writing - Commentary (review)
David Rodriguez - " Roberto Bolano 2666"
This is an excellent example of a well done long piece. Intelligent readers will appreciate the engaging mix of literary devices and pointed analysis. The writing is good enough to warrant the huge number of column inches, because people will actually read it to the end.
Bevo never looked so menacing. Karen continues to effectively communicated the opinions expressed in the editorial with beautiful artistic talent.
This is an excellent example of a well done long piece. Intelligent readers will appreciate the engaging mix of literary devices and pointed analysis. The writing is good enough to warrant the huge number of column inches, because people will actually read it to the end.
Best Graphic or Art
Bevo never looked so menacing. Karen continues to effectively communicated the opinions expressed in the editorial with beautiful artistic talent.
Best Photo
Alma Hernandez - Jazz band
The selective focus on the player in the foreground coupled with the nice rim lighting make the photo nice to look at and easy to read. The repeated forms of the trumpets lead the the eye well and help to tell the story of the size of the band.
The issue is a bit light on visuals, but overall well designed. Page 5, with its dominant visual and good mix of stories and photos is very appealing to the eye.
General Kudos - This is a very strong first issue. As always, there were challenges, and the staff overcame them well. Lets take the lessons learned and keep improving on the solid base we have established.
The selective focus on the player in the foreground coupled with the nice rim lighting make the photo nice to look at and easy to read. The repeated forms of the trumpets lead the the eye well and help to tell the story of the size of the band.
Best Page Layout
Staff - Page 5The issue is a bit light on visuals, but overall well designed. Page 5, with its dominant visual and good mix of stories and photos is very appealing to the eye.
General Kudos - This is a very strong first issue. As always, there were challenges, and the staff overcame them well. Lets take the lessons learned and keep improving on the solid base we have established.
What can we do better? Leave your comments.
Lingering thoughts
The story meeting is today at 1pm. It's always exciting to see what ideas come up from that.
There are a few things hanging out there that we must discuss:
1. SXSW - We need to finalize who will be going, and what exactly they will be doing.
2. TIPA - The invitations will go out today.
3. First issue debrief and plans for the semester. Some questions I have:
There are a few things hanging out there that we must discuss:
1. SXSW - We need to finalize who will be going, and what exactly they will be doing.
2. TIPA - The invitations will go out today.
3. First issue debrief and plans for the semester. Some questions I have:
- Are we going to plan for regular coverage of ongoing issues? (safety, legislature, board, economy, etc.) What do our readers want to read about?
- Page count - should we go to 10 or 12 pages? I need to make a news hole mockup.
- Do the designers, artists, and photographers have ideas for pieces that would be worthy of entering into the CMA best of college design 17 contest?
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