Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Defining Online Journalism

Looking back at my first post, I think my definition of online journalism has changed somewhat. I've learned a great deal about blogging and twitter, and just how easy it is to get news online in this ever-changing technological world. I now feel like online journalism can really be anything- from the New York Times to Joe Shmoe's blog about a small-town in Idaho. Fast-paced and increasingly popular, online journalism seems to be the future.

What I don't think I emphasized enough in my first post was how the audience is involved. Allowing people to comment on stories from online newspapers and even individual's blogs is a great way to connect with your audience. Online journalism seems to be more of a conversation. I like that. It's like when you're in class: no one likes just sitting there and being lectured to, unless you need sleep of course. Participating in a discussion about what's going on, what you like, or how you feel about something of note is just plain more exciting. Reactions. Isn't that part of a good story anyway? Getting people's reactions to an event is essential to a story. I mean the good ol' this happened on this day at this time for this long is great, but, people and their reactions make a story real, and good, for that matter.

Monday, December 1, 2008

Fall Fun


I've had a great fall. The season, that is, and in Massachusetts, the foliage is always gorgeous. To remember my season, I took lots of photos and spent a lot of time outside enjoying the scenery.

A few of my favorite fall things to do include fall foods, festivals, and Thanksgiving, of course. One fall activity I manage to do every year is go apple picking. Apples can make lots of tasty dishes, and not to mention, the picking can be great fun. This year, and the past two, I've gone apple picking with the saxophone studio I am a part of. We spend a large amount of time together rehearsing, and like to go apple picking to just have fun for a change. Here's a little album I put together of our day of apple hunting, we like to say.

If you live in New England, you probably enjoy your fall as much as I do. I found a few cool fall things on Boston.com so that you can plan for your next fun fall. Check it out: Apple picking in New England, Fall food festivals, and free events.