JRN 200: Your July 4th Holiday Homework

Sorry, folks. We have lots to do. So here we go:

First, read the latest blog posts, including those from the STATS assignment and the accuracy checklists post. We're still having way too many fatals, so I want EVERYONE going through the checklists and modifying your proofreading habits as needed. No one is doing so well where a fact-checking tune-up wouldn't help.

Next, we need to read Ch. 14 (p. 353-373) in Reporting For The Media, 10th Edition, by Monday morning. (For anyone winging it by using a ninth or earlier edition of RFTM, this chapter does not appear at all in any previous editions whatsoever. So please make sure you have the 10th edition, or borrow a copy to get this chapter.)

Also, we need to read two downloads: The Reporters' Guide To Multimedia Proficiency (p. 1-42), and Journalism 2.0 (p. 1-128), also by Monday morning.

You can get free printable downloads of each right here by clicking on the following links: first, here is The Reporters' Guide To Multimedia Proficiency. Next, here is Journalism 2.0.


Plus, please set up FREE accounts at YouTube.com, blogger.com and twitter.com for use in class by no later than Monday morning. You may use personal social media accounts, but please be aware that if you do, I will see your personal content and your friends will see your class content. If this is a problem, please set up class-only accounts as needed. 

Also, please make sure these accounts are set so they are open to the public.

And, please make sure that you have some sort of video recording device (for many of you, a recent-model smart phone should suffice) and an editing program on a desktop or laptop (iMovie or some comparable program is A-OK) that is ready to be used as soon as Monday afternoon.

Is something afoot? You bet.

For our practice exercises, we will be moving away from traditional writing for print, and moving toward story-telling by video, via social media and using a more multi-dimensional Web format. I think the change of pace will be fun for this class, so don't worry and do get ready to try some new stuff.

Meanwhile, we will also continue working on traditionally-formatted (written) out-of-class stories, using the lessons we've learned up to now.

Plus, don't forget your first out-of-class story rewrite and your second out-of-class story tip sheet are both due by 9 a.m.Monday to omars@msu.edu. Please see earlier homework blog posts for details.

Also, a heads-up: I'm working Wedensday but then I'll be off until Monday morning. So, if there's something you absolutely need me for ahead of the holiday, be sure to get a hold of me no later than Wednesday, or wait until Monday morning.

This will be the last blog post update for the week. We'll next touch base with an update on Monday. Until then, have a great (if busy) Fourth of July, everyone!