Foust Chapter 5 & 7 Writing and Editing Online/ Using Online Reporting Sources Writing and Editing Online/ Using Online Reporting Sources

Introduction to Writing for Online Media The written word is the heart of online journalism Old rules of journalism still apply— Some unique considerations exist The written word is the heart of online journalism Old rules of journalism still apply— Some unique considerations exist

Scanning Online readers scan rather than read Reading material from a computer screen takes longer and is more tiring Serifs and san sarifs People will read online information if it is written and presented well Online readers scan rather than read Reading material from a computer screen takes longer and is more tiring Serifs and san sarifs People will read online information if it is written and presented well

Writing for the Online Reader Headline writing important Short sentences and paragraphs Subheads and bolding Directness vs. sarcasm or wit Bullet points and lists Voice More personal, conversational Headline writing important Short sentences and paragraphs Subheads and bolding Directness vs. sarcasm or wit Bullet points and lists Voice More personal, conversational

Story Structures Inverted pyramid Chronological Narrative Thematic Inverted pyramid Chronological Narrative Thematic

3-Layered Approach Scannable Heads and blurbs Online story Longer print story, multimedia extras and reporter notes Scannable Heads and blurbs Online story Longer print story, multimedia extras and reporter notes

Updating Online Stories Online readers expect updated information, especially in breaking stories. Inverted pyramid story style can be modified or restructured easily. Key is to integrate new information smoothly into story—keep most important information near the beginning. Online readers expect updated information, especially in breaking stories. Inverted pyramid story style can be modified or restructured easily. Key is to integrate new information smoothly into story—keep most important information near the beginning.

The Internet as a Reporting Source The Internet can be an extremely valuable information source. Journalists should treat information they find on the Internet the same way they treat any other information—with caution. “Merely delivering raw information is not journalism.” The Internet can be an extremely valuable information source. Journalists should treat information they find on the Internet the same way they treat any other information—with caution. “Merely delivering raw information is not journalism.”

Related Sources Newsgroups Listservs Newsgroups Listservs

Using Benefits of time-shifting communication Should not be used in place of telephone or in-person interviews Why? Can be a useful tool to Establish initial contact Check facts Ask for follow-up information Benefits of time-shifting communication Should not be used in place of telephone or in-person interviews Why? Can be a useful tool to Establish initial contact Check facts Ask for follow-up information

Using Newsgroups and Listservs Can be havens for false information Can also be good sources for background information or to help locate sources Can lead to others who are working on the topic or who can be approached for advice Can keep journalists up to date with current topics and provide a starting point for a story Provides a human touch for reaction and impact Identity issues? Can be havens for false information Can also be good sources for background information or to help locate sources Can lead to others who are working on the topic or who can be approached for advice Can keep journalists up to date with current topics and provide a starting point for a story Provides a human touch for reaction and impact Identity issues?

Web Page–Based Sources General references sources Specialized sources Search engines Directories Find people: Online journalism sites Wikis/Databases General references sources Specialized sources Search engines Directories Find people: Online journalism sites Wikis/Databases

Evaluating Web Site Owners Dissect the different parts of the URL Check the InterNIC Web site to find the registered owner of a Web site Dissect the different parts of the URL Check the InterNIC Web site to find the registered owner of a Web site

Other Evaluation Criteria Personal Web pages—journalists need to be skeptical and check any information found there Other Web site items to check thoroughly: Grammar and spelling Overall design Date for most recent update Contact information Be aware of actions of hackers Personal Web pages—journalists need to be skeptical and check any information found there Other Web site items to check thoroughly: Grammar and spelling Overall design Date for most recent update Contact information Be aware of actions of hackers