Today’s victims of comparison come from across the globe
The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) holds its reputation as the oldest news source. A relatively spare webpage features a single top headline, with a few other popular current links to follow. This layout does not litter the page with many ledes or videos. Though this can benefit the reader by narrowing the focus, it also takes more clicks to get to another subtopic.
The most interesting part of BBC’s webpage is the power that it gives its reader to modify what they see on their homepage. The sports column can be replaced with the opinion section, and if food features are deemed more important to a reader than world news, the reader has the privilege of switching things around.
The Times of India ranks about 8th in the world for readership, according to the Audit Bureau of Circulations. Looking slightly reminiscent of our beloved New York Times, the Indian version also has a layout consisting primarily of headlines and ledes. Pictures and videos are front and center, but not overbearing. The site is easy to navigate as it is a familiar format. Substantial amounts of stories featured on the homepage allow for readers to see many different topics at a mere glance.
Featured story subjects differ on each news source. The New York Times features a story on a journalist’s visit to Dubai, and the growing economy. This article includes a plethora of pictures and videos, not just telling about the new structures and establishments, but showing.
Though the Times of India does not feature this same story, it does boast of the growth of the Indian economy through the duration of July to September this year. The economy has been boosted by 7.9% percent, according to the Times of India, though the upcoming monsoon season is expected to lower this number slightly. This high percentage has been attributed to stimulus packages that the government has put together.
BBC has nothing on economic status of the eastern countries, but rather, focuses more on Obama’s recent decision to send more troops into Afghanistan. BBC uses “American news sources” as a source, and discusses the response that Prime Minister Gordon Brown has on the situation. Brown has promised to have 500 British soldiers accompany the 30,000 American troops that Obama is sending over.
NYT’s headline story is the same topic. Though the story mentions the 500 British troops, the story focuses more on the unwillingness of the French to send soldiers over as well. The NYT edition of this story also covers other important questions, such as why Obama wishes to send more troops over, and reactions from many important political world figures.
Both BBC and NYT have options to email the article to a friend, and both ledes are straightforward.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Blog Reflection
As I scramble to complete our group's blog from last Tuesday, I have papers thrown at me with links written them. I throw them back at my fellow reporters and beg them to just sign onto BUBBS and link them to me. There is no time to type out a URL that consists of multiple ampersands.
Through this experience as a bureau chief, I learned about time management, teamwork, how to be flexible, and oh yes, time management.
Though typing out a link takes mere seconds, those few seconds were surprisingly valuable. Those were moments that I could spend doing more research, or refining a lede, not wondering if that scribble was a B or a number 8.
Doing research for our piece was easy, but the challenge came when a quote would be texted to me that had nothing to do with the research done prior. I had to be willing to flow with the quotes and information that the reporters came up with. I learned the importance of deadlines, as the later quotes were texted in, the more anxiety I felt and the less time I had to complete it at the end.
I had to realize that it was not about the skeleton structure that I gave it, but about the faces and stories that the reporters encountered.
Through this experience as a bureau chief, I learned about time management, teamwork, how to be flexible, and oh yes, time management.
Though typing out a link takes mere seconds, those few seconds were surprisingly valuable. Those were moments that I could spend doing more research, or refining a lede, not wondering if that scribble was a B or a number 8.
Doing research for our piece was easy, but the challenge came when a quote would be texted to me that had nothing to do with the research done prior. I had to be willing to flow with the quotes and information that the reporters came up with. I learned the importance of deadlines, as the later quotes were texted in, the more anxiety I felt and the less time I had to complete it at the end.
I had to realize that it was not about the skeleton structure that I gave it, but about the faces and stories that the reporters encountered.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Conscience of a Military Muslim
As Dr. Longinow asks me to put myself in the shoes of a Muslim in today's military, it's a little too far out of reach.
The military life is one that's familiar to me, as I am dating the Army. It's comfortable and secure. But that's because we come from Protestant, middle-class backgrounds. For a Muslim in today's military, it's not a safe haven, and it's by no means comfortable.
If I were a Muslim in today's military, I would definitely be a "luke-warm" Muslim, though I'm not sure that those even exist. I would probably try not to practice my faith in public, and I would dodge any and all reporters coming to me with questions. I'd have way too many questions of my own and be discouraged to answer any coming from outside.
I'd see it as unfair, and biased. I'd divert my gaze when I'd pass people, for fear that they'd blame me, or my people, for this tragedy. People wouldn't understand that I'm not like Hasan. I'm a peace keeping person, and I don't want to be grouped into the same catgory as Hasan. I'd want to stick to my faith, but at what cost?
The military life is one that's familiar to me, as I am dating the Army. It's comfortable and secure. But that's because we come from Protestant, middle-class backgrounds. For a Muslim in today's military, it's not a safe haven, and it's by no means comfortable.
If I were a Muslim in today's military, I would definitely be a "luke-warm" Muslim, though I'm not sure that those even exist. I would probably try not to practice my faith in public, and I would dodge any and all reporters coming to me with questions. I'd have way too many questions of my own and be discouraged to answer any coming from outside.
I'd see it as unfair, and biased. I'd divert my gaze when I'd pass people, for fear that they'd blame me, or my people, for this tragedy. People wouldn't understand that I'm not like Hasan. I'm a peace keeping person, and I don't want to be grouped into the same catgory as Hasan. I'd want to stick to my faith, but at what cost?
Media Blog: The Whirlpool of Online News
The bookmarked URL of the New York Times leads me to a well of information, where headlines wink at me like pennies belonging to lost wishes. I wade through the articles and as I scroll, click, and ctrl-R my way through nytimes.com, I’m overwhelmed. Pretty soon I’m floundering, caught up in the tidal wave of news that the NYT calls the “Times Wire”, which currently boasts 20 updates in the last 27 minutes.
On Monday, November 9th, the print version of the NYT, kindly and neatly tells me where I should direct my attention to. Instead of a whirlpool of online news, print is like a lighthouse, guiding my steps (strokes?).
We’ve all been in the place of the writers who are always published on A-3, or maybe even A-2, but never on A-1 and certainly never above the fold.
Columnist Paul Krugman is published on A-23 of the print version. I am compelled to say that I have never gone that far into the print version of the NYT. But when I click on the “most emailed” link on the website, his article entitled “Paranoia Strikes Deep” ranks the highest, and has 447 responses.
The print version of the same day boasts a picture of the gunman at Fort Hood, on the coveted spot above the fold on A1. When searching for this same article online, I find that an option for responses by readers was not given, and that it ranks 22nd.
This poses several questions for the inquisitive student. For one, why doesn’t the online version give an opportunity for responses on news? Would it maybe rank higher online if readers were allowed to comment on it? (There are seven "Letters to the Editor" published in response to Fort Hood).
CNN.com, exclusively digital, has posted a variety of videos about Fort Hood. They have interviewed families affected by the shooting, and have even delved into the mind of the shooter. These videos are used to attract attention and deliver news in a more attractive, visual way, as is their forte.
However, asinine America trumps all, as the number one video is not concerning the shooting, but rather, about the “Meanest Soccer Player Ever”. Nine spots later, after videos about exotic dancing going mobile and the new Twilight premiere, ranks the videos of Fort Hood.
vs.
If the online version of news did not exist, writers like Krugman would never experience the glory that is beheld in A-1. Online media gives opportunity for readers to interact and explore the news between the pages.
Simultaneously, it causes “not as newsworthy” news, to become far more important than national or world issues. It becomes more of a race for clicks, rather than delivering news.
I sigh at America and in a motherly tone I tell it that I’m “not upset, just disappointed”.
I’m disappointed that one person’s opinion can out-rank the facts. I’m disappointed that lives lost are not as urgent as an exotic dancer app. But it’s okay, because out of the two dozen updates made since I’ve started writing this blog, most of them will be forgotten. The best journalists aren‘t always just the fastest, but the most thorough and thoughtful.
Kovach and Rosenstiel tell me that some people consider print journalism “day old bread”. Not to mention…it’s already Tuesday in New York, and the print issue I hold in my hands…is “so yesterday”.
But as the sun rises on the east coast and this student lays herself down to bed, there are many things you can make with day old bread. Croutons. French toast. Bread pudding. And Pulitzers.
On Monday, November 9th, the print version of the NYT, kindly and neatly tells me where I should direct my attention to. Instead of a whirlpool of online news, print is like a lighthouse, guiding my steps (strokes?).
We’ve all been in the place of the writers who are always published on A-3, or maybe even A-2, but never on A-1 and certainly never above the fold.
Columnist Paul Krugman is published on A-23 of the print version. I am compelled to say that I have never gone that far into the print version of the NYT. But when I click on the “most emailed” link on the website, his article entitled “Paranoia Strikes Deep” ranks the highest, and has 447 responses.
The print version of the same day boasts a picture of the gunman at Fort Hood, on the coveted spot above the fold on A1. When searching for this same article online, I find that an option for responses by readers was not given, and that it ranks 22nd.
This poses several questions for the inquisitive student. For one, why doesn’t the online version give an opportunity for responses on news? Would it maybe rank higher online if readers were allowed to comment on it? (There are seven "Letters to the Editor" published in response to Fort Hood).
CNN.com, exclusively digital, has posted a variety of videos about Fort Hood. They have interviewed families affected by the shooting, and have even delved into the mind of the shooter. These videos are used to attract attention and deliver news in a more attractive, visual way, as is their forte.
However, asinine America trumps all, as the number one video is not concerning the shooting, but rather, about the “Meanest Soccer Player Ever”. Nine spots later, after videos about exotic dancing going mobile and the new Twilight premiere, ranks the videos of Fort Hood.
vs.
If the online version of news did not exist, writers like Krugman would never experience the glory that is beheld in A-1. Online media gives opportunity for readers to interact and explore the news between the pages.
Simultaneously, it causes “not as newsworthy” news, to become far more important than national or world issues. It becomes more of a race for clicks, rather than delivering news.
I sigh at America and in a motherly tone I tell it that I’m “not upset, just disappointed”.
I’m disappointed that one person’s opinion can out-rank the facts. I’m disappointed that lives lost are not as urgent as an exotic dancer app. But it’s okay, because out of the two dozen updates made since I’ve started writing this blog, most of them will be forgotten. The best journalists aren‘t always just the fastest, but the most thorough and thoughtful.
Kovach and Rosenstiel tell me that some people consider print journalism “day old bread”. Not to mention…it’s already Tuesday in New York, and the print issue I hold in my hands…is “so yesterday”.
But as the sun rises on the east coast and this student lays herself down to bed, there are many things you can make with day old bread. Croutons. French toast. Bread pudding. And Pulitzers.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Tend and Befriend
During orientation my freshman year of college, we had an all ladies lecture. At this gathering of beautiful women, we were encouraged to not look for our Grooms, but rather, our Bridesmaids. It seemed sort of silly to be talking about marriage when we had just graduated high school. My main concern wasn't the color of the tablecloths, but rather, where my classes were located! Over the course of the next few months, I slowly began to realize the heart behind the lecture. Female friendship is often labeled as cliché, when it is actually a necessity.
A girl talk study by the Social Issues Research Center discusses how community in the lives of females has been developed over time. While the men of a tribe hunted, the women took care of house, but did so together. The study talks about how even baby girls are more attracted to people and faces when they are young, attributing to their desire for friendship. Debba Haupert, of About.com calls this the “Tend and Befriend” syndrome.
Melissa Buchanan from NBC news writes about successful women being ones who are surrounded by strong friendships with fellow females. She has established a group that gets together to meet, encourage one another and share in their woes and joys.
Secular communities have recognized the power of female friendship, but Christian communities should be more prone to embrace sisters.
She Loves God is a forum open for those to share: prayer requests, jokes, recipes and stories. It’s a place of encouragement and of unity within the church. Accountability is an important part of the Christian walk. Though sometimes necessary, it’s not appropriate to go to someone of the opposite sex alone for help or counseling. This has been discouraged by both the secular psychological community and Christian community. Mentors of Ministry serves as accountability and prayer partners for women across the nation. Mothers who are at their wits end can find solace and an outlet with Take Root and Write.
I hadn't really thought about it much until the past week. I've never really been too good with girlfriends. My past experiences with girls were Gossip Girl worthy, including backstabbing, gossip, and a continuous dislike for each other, but a fake front. Disgusted by this, I had been wary of close friendships and had distanced myself from close friendships with girls.
I've recently began to let down my guard and to really allow myself to be vulnerable. After all, life revolves around people and I would be completely selfish to not allow other people into my life for the reasons that I had. I've invested in lives and been privileged to have mine invested in, in turn.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Blogging madness
Our search for blogs eventually succumbed to our competitive nature as we started posting unreliable blogs and irrelevant quotes. However, before our fingers flew in the flurry of conservatives versus democrats, I enjoyed searching for blogs and finding a link through that link. It reminded me much of research papers. Professors often want to have sources cited, not just for anti-plagiarism purposes, but also for follow-up on a topic that they find interesting.
Welcome back to class, journalism students.
Welcome back to class, journalism students.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
God is my belayer.
In all my excitement to start rock climbing, I fumbled with my harness and didn’t know where to clip what, where. Once finally situated, it dug too deep into my thigh. But I didn’t take the risk of a loose harness – my life depended on the weaved mass.
After exchanging less than convincing commands with my belayer, I faced the rock and realized it’s a lot bigger than it looked. I started to back away, and looked at my belayer to wave the white flag of surrender. But my belayer encouraged me to climb on! I sighed and succumbed to peer pressure, mostly because I didn’t know how to get the darned harness off anyways.
I hugged the rock, groping it for a hold, any hold. My feet balanced on a small crack, which was a little too unsteady. I was now a mere foot off the ground, but it might as well have been a mile. I had doubts about reaching the top, about whether I tied my knots correctly, if the carabineer was locked, if my belayer was paying attention…can I even reach the next hold?! Will I survive this climb?!
Rock climbing is like a Christian’s life. The more you focus on the task at hand, the closer you get to achieving your goal. The more distracted you get, the longer you hang suspended, getting more weary by the second.
You cannot always see your belayer, but you must trust that they are there. By trying to hang on to your rope, you become more reliant on your own strength, and too often, end up hurting your body and ego alike.
You must let go of your rope, and trust your belayer. You must trust that they will be there when you fall, and that they are watching your every move. The more confidence you have in your belayer, the more graceful your movements become.
God is our belayer. He is there to coach us, catch us, and encourage us.
These spiritual lessons are supplemental to the exercise of rock climbing. I believe it is a wonderful sport to participate in – one that is mentally challenging along with a physical challenge. It is ever changing and requires little strength to begin.
Great information for beginning rock climbers can be found at www.rockclimbing.com.
Another great alternative for those who are unable to make weekly trips to the outdoors is indoor climbing (www.indoorclimbing.com).
A reliable source for all current news regarding climbing, both indoor and outdoor, is www.climbing.com, which also produces a magazine.
After exchanging less than convincing commands with my belayer, I faced the rock and realized it’s a lot bigger than it looked. I started to back away, and looked at my belayer to wave the white flag of surrender. But my belayer encouraged me to climb on! I sighed and succumbed to peer pressure, mostly because I didn’t know how to get the darned harness off anyways.
I hugged the rock, groping it for a hold, any hold. My feet balanced on a small crack, which was a little too unsteady. I was now a mere foot off the ground, but it might as well have been a mile. I had doubts about reaching the top, about whether I tied my knots correctly, if the carabineer was locked, if my belayer was paying attention…can I even reach the next hold?! Will I survive this climb?!
Rock climbing is like a Christian’s life. The more you focus on the task at hand, the closer you get to achieving your goal. The more distracted you get, the longer you hang suspended, getting more weary by the second.
You cannot always see your belayer, but you must trust that they are there. By trying to hang on to your rope, you become more reliant on your own strength, and too often, end up hurting your body and ego alike.
You must let go of your rope, and trust your belayer. You must trust that they will be there when you fall, and that they are watching your every move. The more confidence you have in your belayer, the more graceful your movements become.
God is our belayer. He is there to coach us, catch us, and encourage us.
These spiritual lessons are supplemental to the exercise of rock climbing. I believe it is a wonderful sport to participate in – one that is mentally challenging along with a physical challenge. It is ever changing and requires little strength to begin.
Great information for beginning rock climbers can be found at www.rockclimbing.com.
Another great alternative for those who are unable to make weekly trips to the outdoors is indoor climbing (www.indoorclimbing.com).
A reliable source for all current news regarding climbing, both indoor and outdoor, is www.climbing.com, which also produces a magazine.
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