Multimedia Stories

In the Journalism 2.0 age, a new form of “storytelling” using various types of multimedia has emerged. Multimedia stories are very interesting, visually and audibly. Multimedia storytelling uses written text, photographs and videos to basically, tell a story.  The media sources can be put on a web site arranged in an untraditional way. For example, rather than reading a news story, a media story might have text complemented by an embedded video with an audio link to the side. Other data, links to other resources, comment boxes, or suggestions to the reader about the same topic may be presented. Each presentation may be embedded within a larger section on say, a news website (perhaps economics or politics)  Several news organizations offer examples of multimedia storytelling.  Classic news sites are termed “multimedia sights” usually, like CNN or the BBC. They are interactive, offering more than traditional story telling using text only. Photos and videos make the story lively and active, as opposed to print in a newspaper.  Thus, a reporter must be armed with a camera, a video-camera,  and a method to record data, in order to compete in this multimedia industry. Several individuals may contribute to such a story.  The importance of the visual in todays society reflects the growing popularity of multimedia storytelling. This has become the norm in this technological age, and thus, it is expected from the sites we visit. This is interesting because I never really took the time to examine the many aspects that produce a typical news story I read online, or how starkly this contrasts with news of the past. Several news agencies have “multimedia teams” to present the most important data in the most appealing way that captures attention and offers as much information about the story as possible to the reader in an easy to access way. The journalism 2.0 revolution can be partly attributed to easy and instant access and maneuvering, and I think this quality describes why multimedia reporting has become the standard.

“Citizen Journalism”

As the 2.0 digital technologies revolutionize the reception and transmitting of information, and give each citizen the tools to do such, the trend of “citizen journalism” has begun to threaten the career of trained, classical journalists. Citizen Journalism is a term which explains the situation when every social actor acts as an emitter and receiver of information. With each citizen armed with a cell phone, a laptop, and the interweb, we each become capable of capturing data and instantly uploading and transferring files to sites like twitter or news agencies. As such, classical journalists have come to criticize the lack of classical training, ethics, rules, impartiality and transparency that trained journalists value highly. Citizen journalism, however, can be a very helpful advent to society. In instances like the Myanmar democratic protests, when government shut down internet and did not allow classic reporters in the country, citizens were able to go to their blogs and update  on the situation. During September 11th attacks, blogs emerged listing survivors; during Hurricane Katrina, when classical newspress was down, blogs also emerged all over the country. Similarly, instances like Monica Lewinsky on the Drudge Report, or Rathergate, allowed citizens to actively participate in the way the media controls news which is given or kept from society. As a growing trend, many news stations have dedicated specific parts of their websites to citizen journalism forums, as it is impossible to stop. As classical print newspapers and magazines experience a huge financial burden and people turn to online media sources, these industries need a way to create revenue, and have begun to toy with the idea of capitalizing off citizen captured shots and information. Often times, in situations where the media cannot possibly predict a breaking story (such as natural disasters) or when media would take too long to transport data (I.E. the Asian Tsunami or Earthquakes) citizen journalism becomes a powerful, and extremely helpful tool. Furthermore, as citizens are capable of playing an active role in distributing data, the collective intelligence in this information society is contributed to, adding to the 2.0 revolution. Citizen Journalism is a side effect of the digital technologies that have become the norm in the pockets of most citizens of the world.

Diaspora-mazing

In a social media age dominated by Facebook, the critical, universal following that Facebook has garnered cannot be disputed or stopped, in my opinion. However, several smaller social sites have emerged in attempt to dispute several aspects about Facebook that most have grown unsatisfied about. One such site is termed “Diaspora,” an alpha-phase social site founded by four NYU students in an attempt to create a decentralized, permissive site that offers the same direct social connection as Facebook, but places several values above profit. For example, Diaspora values user ownership and privacy above all else. As people have grown unsatisfied with Facebook’s ownership policies over private property, Diaspora offers a solution to this problem. All content is privately owned by the user. Users are allowed to host their own service, utilizing the idea of “pods.” People can either join or host their own server, but still communicate with users on other servers; a stark contrast to the way Facebook operates, sending all media content to an office in Palo Alto, California. The service is decentralized in this way, and users maintain full control over how their content is distributed, utilizing the idea that users can choose which content is shared with who specifically. Diaspora is an open source and is public. They operate off the principle of collective intelligence, that it can be collaboratively improved as more users join. I doubt that Diaspora can convert even a dent of Facebook users to their site, but I commend the idea and its dedication to protecting the privacy rights of users and valuing the concept of organization and selective distribution.

Mid-term Madness

Last week in Journalism 2.0, we reviewed and took our midterm exam. The exam placed emphasis on Twitter, the concept of Web 2.0, and citizen journalism. Studying for the exam really brought together a lot of the concepts that we learned separately as one. It became really apparent what the concept of 2.0 actually means- community, collaboration, collective intelligence. All the separate media tools that contribute to the digital age and information society like videoblogs, weblogs, and social sites, culminated into a lesson on citizen journalism. This concept really brings together the importance and modern application/practicality of why we are learning these things. Citizen Journalism is a real concept and reflects the massive and universal importance of media tools for communication and its effect on society as a whole. I wrote a paper in my photojournalism class the same week on the concept of citizen photojournalism and modern media tools for communication, and saw the effect of this social revolution on one specific sector- the photojournalism industry, and how this industry is coping and attempting to capitalize off of citizen photographs and micromedia. When I was studying for this exam, I realized how cool this class actually is- as I’ve never had a class that really explicates something that our generation is experiencing uniquely and currently.

Hungary for Gossip

As I walked the streets of Budapest this weekend, I couldn’t help but salivate over the thought of the upcoming Real Housewives of New Jersey Reunion; and it definitely did NOT disappoint. Teresa, usually the leader of the pack that’s ganging up on someone else, unraveled as the tables were turned. Caroline, the worst enemy to have, tore Teresa to pieces, and she was made to look delusional, dumb, and disoriented by Melissa Gorga and Kathy as well. Details were left for next season of why Caroline despises her, what happened with her relationship with Jacqueline, and the feud between Caroline and Dina. Team Melissa Gorga all the way. In other news, modern family ensued with hilarity as per usual. The plot thickens with Ivy on Gossip GIrl, her secret is out to Nate’s employer and we wonder what her plan is for Ivy. On Rachel Zoe, the beautiful Zoe peanut was born, and I died over his wardrobe and nursery to say the least. Jersey Shore said goodbye to Italy in usual “family” fashion. On 90210, Dixon faces the reality of his “drug addiction” and Navid turns himself in to the cops, plotting to destroy his uncle from the inside. Hart of Dixie is on its way to cancellation if you ask me, too bad because I die for Rachel Bilson. On the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, every girl in America was offered a glimpse into their dream world when Adrienne throws a “Spa Day,” at her own personal spy equipped with spray tans, lazer machines, facial machines, and a frozen yogurt bar. Need. 

Influencing “journalism 2.0”

Last week in our one day of Journalism 2.0, the class was dedicated to reflecting on Steve Jobs’ and the Apple Company‘s influence on the concept of Journalism 2.0. For me, their arent enough words to express the impact of one of the other. “2.0” is a concept that can be much attributed to simplicity and accessibility. The universality of social media websites is the direct result of the apple company’s dedicated to these two core values. Without products that the majority of Americans are using to perform these acts, they would not occur , and websites like Facebook and Twitter would not be used as frequently as they are because the concept of on-the-go and easy to use software would not allow it. Microblogging and fast-surfing would not be possible without instant access and without convincing the world that anyone could do it using the products apple offered. Applications and modern software are at the core of the “2.0” revolution. Steve Jobs revolutionized technology as a whole, and especially the concept of journalism 2.0

A Royal Event

This week, I would like to dedicate this post to the most magnificent event to hit reality t.v. since the premiere of Survivor. In true reality t.v. fashion, the E! network dedicated two days and four hours to a four part special airing every detail of Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries’ “royal” wedding. The wedding was much anticipated because of Kim’s immaculate taste in aesthetics and the suspense built from the high security details when the wedding occurred months ago. I have been waiting each and every day for the reveal. The two were paid 17 million $ by the network for the special, and to my delight, it seemed well deserved. Every girls’ wildest dreams were played upon and as an avid follower of all bridal shows on TLC and HDTV, i simply could not ever conceive a more impeccable wedding. The over the top glitz and glam wedding featured an outpouring of celebrities from Ryan Seacrest to Carmelo Anthony, a 12 tier wedding cake, a black and white theme, self designed candles at gifts to guests, a menu by Wolfgang Puck, performances by Robin Thicke, and THREE stunning gowns by Vera Wang. The most beautiful bride in the worlds’ every dream was granted, and I salivated over every detail. The special also followed other Kardashian drama- Rob’s weight problem, Khloes relationship with Kris, Kris’ facelift. The best four hours of my life were everything I expected and much much more. This special is a must see for any girl with a dream.

Steve Jobs: a Legacy

Steve Jobs was a revolutionary and a visionary whose legacy will live on in the Apple company forever. Steve Jobs created the world´s most valuable company by marketing technology as a lifestyle through influential campaigns that made Apple products essential. His modern operating system made Apple products as easy to use as possible, making it a possibility for even newcombers to the technological worlds to be able to operate the products, essentially making Apple tangibly universal. Furthermore, the universality of each Apple product through the port connector wire made it possible for images and data to be shared amongst any Apple product quickly and easily. This idea helped launch Journalism 2.0 as we see it today. In an instant, a photo can be uploaded from someone´s iphone to Facebook or to a news site, and status´s can be updated on the spot as they happen. Wireless technology made it possible to always be connected to the internet and everyone around you, making social networking a universal constant. Furthermore, apple created the app store. In this way, sites liek Facebook and twitter could be purchased and accesed easily and quickly. The success of their philosophy to keep customers happy and interested can be seen in their retail stores, which garners the most revenue per square foot of any company. Their dedication to customer service and innovation keeps customers coming, and keeps everyone in posession of either an iPad, iPhone or iPod, all of which allow constant access to internet and ability to access social media sites and share every aspect of their day and life whenever they want to. The Apple company is responsible for the connectedness of the world through social media entirely. The zen aesthetic he provided kept customers coming back, and the easy to use and easily accessible apps kept them constantly linked to all media, journalism, film, television, and music. This easy access to virtually everything is the very essence of what social media thrives off of. The content that is available at our fingertips gives us an identity, something to talk about, and a method of communication as well. Steve Jobs revolutionized the personal computer, music devices, communication via a phone, and personal computing via the ipad. The simplicity of his products allowed all consumers to participate in the modern world of web and journalism 2.0.  Without Steve Jobs´revolutionary desire to change the world and invent so many products that people began to term necessary to their lives, social networking would not be what it is today.

Social Sites

Last week in Journalism 2.0, we discussed social sites like google plus. Personally, I find Google+ to be way better than facebook, yet in the few months I have had it, it hasn’t really caught on in terms of people updating and using it like Facebook. My news feed is usually the same as it was the day before. It seems its almost impossible to garner the following that Facebook has, and people don’t want to start building their identity on another site from scratch. However, google+ has all the ingredients for success. One main advantage is the option to share within subsets of your friends. By creating “circles” you can share with subsets like friends family or coworkers. Its almost a way to make socializing more organized. Also, instead of just tagging or being tagged, it has a photo editor option. My personal favorite attribute is the “hangout.” Hangouts allow you to videochat with multiple people at once. Your friends can join the hangout if they are in the group that was invited. Google+ definitely has cooler/better options than facebook. But, Facebook was the first one in, and a rule of thumb in business is that the first one in sweeps the competition. Google+ is innovative and allows for even easier sharing and monitoring of social activities. I cant help but be scared how dependent “socializing” has become on technology. 

Post-sensation Recap

Sensation white Barcelona weekend took every ounce of life out of me; so, naturally, I spent an entire day watching my favorite shows. Instant recap: On the Real Housewives of New Jersey, Melissa Gorga’s performance of her “hit single” left us speechless. Why is she singing about paparazzi, and why do these housewives keep thinking reality fame can actually lead to stardom. On the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills a cat-fight ensued between the new housewife “brandy” and the other ladies over being a slut and using vocabulary like “cock.” Sidenote: if you had 25,000$ to spare on sunglasses you wouldn’t be bragging about the price. Modern Family once again proved its the best thing to happen to primetime cable since Sabrina the Teenage Witch college years. Luke attempts to make a hit youtube video with his dad, enough said.Gossip Girl stress once again brewed as we await to findout the paternity of Blair’s pregnancy and watch Serena’s cousin get buried in a pool of lies. On 90210, Max returns and Naomi begins to have feelings for the cowboy. She wins the head of greek council. Liam’s “dead” friend returns, and the suspense has been looming ever since. On Jersey Shore, Snooki and Jenni fight because Jenni gives her the hard-facts, that Gionni will breakup with her after he hears that she slept with Vinni five minutes after they fought, right after he gave her a second chance. Vinny meets his extended family in Sicily, and our mouthes water over their 11 course homemade italian meal. I discovered a new must-see: Two Broke Girls, written by Whitney of Chelsea Handler fame. Every line in the show is a joke with a punchline, and each episode is short, sweet and perfectly witty. Nothing like a great week in television. Also, Shakira’s boyfriend cheated on her, channing tatum got in a bar fight, and lindsey lohan is being sued for not paying her limo bill. SO over Lindsay Lohan.