REFLECTION OF THE PROCESS

While I’m not new to the concept of blogging, often on the receiving end - regularly visiting fashion and news blogs, blogging is a task I’ve never completed myself, until now. Being the one to post to a blog has widened my eyes to the blogging community. I have a new appreciation for the time, effort and research bloggers conduct in order to produce accurate, attractive, appealing and readable blogs.

I gained many skills throughout this process, mainly with my style of writing. Through studying journalism, rigid, concise, extremely subjective and factual writing has been reiterated. This blogging process has taught me a great deal about relaxing my writing style and subtly including non-offensive opinion, in order to communicate and relate with my intended audience. As well as writing skills, my editing skills have improved immensely. Prior to applying my editing skills, my blog appeared dull, harsh and lacked visual appeal. Through the effective editing skills I have learnt throughout the course, I was able to add appropriate images, ensure the writing and fonts were consistent, readable and attractive and create what I believe to be an aesthetically pleasing final product.

I found this process extremely rewarding as not only do I now appreciate blogging, I was able to learn so much and refine a skill that will prove extremely pivotal throughout my working life. It is obvious that blogging, as well as other online mediums (news websites, magazines etc.) are the direction several firms, consultancies and companies are naturally taking. So, to have the ability to blog and work on an online platform, will allow me to excel.  While there are several positives aspects about blogging; they provide an effective, efficient way of communicating, and offer a wider point of view, I adamantly believe they need to exist harmoniously with traditional news outlets. There is a place for both but I do not feel blogging should replace newspapers and websites as peoples primary source of news. Ultimately, whether the author of the blog is a credible writer or not, blogs were designed to communicate individuals messages, not the wider spectrum of news, so they will always remain slightly bias and restricted with their content and opinions. 

A THEORETICAL POINT OF VIEW

Issues with Online:

As mentioned in an earlier post, blogging as well as online documents offer a new and widely accessible platform for internet users to visit utilise and potentially share with others. These online platforms also allow for immediate communication between individuals and quick access to information. However, there are some issues involved with designing a document online as opposed to print. As suggested by Roger Parker (Looking Good in Print, 2003), many of the documents people access online will never make it to the 'print' stage, simply be viewed as they are online. This, in turn, means the intended message needs to be communicated clearly and efficiently on your page. Very prominent issue web designers face is the trouble people have reading a screen as opposed to paper, screens causing 'greater eye fatigue' (R.C Parker, 2003). Also, online documents lack the 'sensation and feel' of a printed book, newspaper or magazine (Press Publisher, online 2012) which so many people enjoy. While there are some issues faced when designing online, generally, the benefits outweigh the problems. Some of the benefits not mentioned earlier include; flexibility, convenience, 'green' publications, the ability to communicate with a wider audience and advertisement development (Press Publisher, online 2012).

A shift to Online:

An example of a new form of publishing is the New York Times shift toward online versions. After the release of both a Chinese and Portuguese version of the popular newspaper, the change occurring is evident. The Times is traditionally a well respected and widely used paper throughout the world and while a strong 'print readership' still remains, the online versions continue to increase in popularity. According to the latest figures released from the Audit Bureau of Circulations, the six month report released on September 30th 2012 showed the New York Times online experienced great digital circulation growth. The figures show consumers now willingness to pay for online editions, having membership triple to more then 380,000 (New York Times, online 2012)

Classifying blogs:

There are several reasons as to why an individual should classify their blog. Some examples are as follows, ' align your blogging objective with that of the reader' (Right Mix Tech, online 2012). Basically, having a classification means you get the correct readership, people that are genuinely interested in your blogs topic. Classifying your blog can also help define the scope of the blog and eliminate any unnecessary information. Knowing the audience you intend to communicate with will also dictate the design elements your blog should include. Some different classifications of blogs include; political, sport and fashion. Please see below for a link to each. 

Political:
http://domain.nationalforum.com.au/

Fashion:

http://sydneyfashionblogger.blogspot.com.au/

Sport:

http://sportsblogs.org/

References:

http://presspublisher.com/print-vs-online/

http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/11/01/newspaper-circulation-figures-show-some-digital-growth/

http://rightmixtech.com/5-reasons-you-should-classify-your-blog/

R. C Parker 2003, 'Looking good in print, Ch. 14, pp. 265-293, Designing Documents for Web Distribution

Week 13 entry: JUST PART OF THE JOB?

“Paparazzo to give Mel B wide berth”

 Former Spice Girl and current X Factor judge, Melanie Brown has today (November 1st) been granted an interim violence order (AVO) against Sydney paparazzo, Jamie Fawcett. The AVO, which Fawcett has agreed to under the condition he ‘is still able to do his job,’ states the photographer is to not come within 5 metres of Brown and he is not to ‘loiter’ within 50 metres of her, or make any attempt to contact her. Brown’s application for the AVO followed alleged threats made by Fawcett against Brown’s husband, Stephen Belafonte, last week. The issue has been adjourned until November 22.

Original article: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/paparazzo-to-give-mel-b-wide-berth/story-e6frg6nf-1226508339725

What Media Mayhem says:

Melanie Brown, entering court

While this article is obviously bringing attention to the recent paparazzi mishap involving celebrity, Melanie Brown,  this is certainly not an isolated incident. Only last month the Royal Family announced their intent to sue French tabloid magazine, Closer, under the grounds of 'breach of privacy,' after the tabloid published topless photos of Duchess Kate Middleton holidaying with her husband (CBC Online, 2012). This 'Mel B' case is yet another example of the lengths paparazzi are willing to go, to get their scoop. However, whilst every individual is entitled to their privacy, celebrities are not just 'any individual.' Whether their fame is chosen or bestowed upon them, they are in the public eye and are their every move is documented. This idea raises the question, is paparazzi just part of the job description when you are of celebrity status? With the advances that have been made in technology, and the evolution of social media making celebrity news instantaneous, it would be naive of celebrities to think they are able to escape the realm of the paparazzi. They can't get away with anything. So the question then becomes, knowing full well their lives are on camera, do people in the public eye have a responsibility to act in the way they want to be perceived? Celebrity gossip will never go out of fashion so inevitability, paparazzi will always be with a job and in turn, this problem will never be fully resolved. However, some middle ground needs to be made. There are steps both the paparazzi and celebrities should take so they can exist harmoniously. Those in the public eye should perhaps consider being a bit more generous with their time, so that less invasive methods are required to 'get the scoop.' On the contrary, the paparazzi need to allow celebrities their private time because after all, they're only human. Or there's the whole other extreme, just take a leaf out of Kim Kardashian's book and tweet your every move, then the world will always knows what you're up to!

References: 

http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/story/2012/09/14/william-kate-topless-photos.html

Image:

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/national/scary-spice-mel-b-at-waverley-court-over-paparazzo-jamie-fawcett-avo/story-fndo317g-1226508122725



Week 12 entry: JOURNALISMS CHANGING FACES

 "Is the news agenda shrinking?"

Richard Aedy, radio presenter

In a broadcast released on Friday the 19^th of October, ABC radio presenter, Richard Aedy, put forth a very pressing question, is the news agenda shrinking? In an interview with Jim Parker, a former journalist who writes the blog The Failed Estate, this very question was debated. They both argued that journalism is a changing industry in which ‘young blood’ is taking over and experience lacks. Aedy suggested that with the increasing demand within the industry for immediate news in a very efficient manner, the content available is now becoming limited. While Aedy states he doesn’t want to “impugn the quality of the young journalists in our newsrooms because some of them are outstanding,” he also explains that without older journalists that have “maybe been around [this] block before,” prospective lacks. Parker also suggests that with the new ’24-7’ news cycle that has prevailed, very much relying on the use of websites, “the media just basically repeat a lot of stuff that hasn’t really been scrutinised that closely. The journalists don’t get a chance to actually sit back and say, well is this true? Let’s go away and look at this. Let’s put it in perspective. And often previously what might have seemed to have been a story earlier in the day would have got junked before it actually got published. But everything gets through now. So the filtering process doesn’t exist. Or if it does exist, it’s pretty light.”

Transcript available at: http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/mediareport/is-the-news-agenda-shrinking3f/4323476#transcript

 

 What Media Mayhem says:

Jake Sturmer, winner of the 2012
Walkley Young Journalist of the Year 

 As a studying journalist, I found this transcript particularly captivating. While my opinion may be slightly bias as I am obviously going to encourage the use of young journalists within the workforce, I fully understand the argument that both Aedy and Parker are presenting. However, news providers need to adhere to demand and as it currently stands, 24-7 online news is what’s on request. While older journalists may have experience in their chosen fields and their knowledge may be extensive, if they are unable to meet the changing demands of their industry, their knowledge and prospective may become completely unrequired.  Perhaps, like what Parker argues, news is becoming less filtered and content less scrutinized, but it’s still being read, nonetheless. Young journalists like Jake Sturmer, ABC presesnter and winner of the 2012 Walkley Young Journalist of the year, for his investigation into sexual abuse at a government-run hostel, “Katanning Hostel Abuse” (ABC Online, 2012), are continueing to prove their worth. With that said, experience needs to be respected and there should always be a place within the journalism industry, for it to remain. Experience and knowledge need to meet technology and accessibility half way, because if the older journalists are open to it, they could learn as much from ‘young blood’ as we can from ‘experience and prospective,’ allowing both the old and the new, to excel.  

References:

http://about.abc.net.au/2012/07/jake-sturmer-wins-young-journalist-of-the-year/

Image one:

http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/richard-aedy/2913352

Image two:

http://about.abc.net.au/2012/07/jake-sturmer-wins-young-journalist-of-the-year/

Week 11 Entry: NEW YORK TIMES GOES GLOBAL

"New York Times to push into Brazil with online editions in Portuguese"

The New York Times have today (October 16^th, 2012) announced that they will be releasing an online, Portuguese version of the Times to its readership in Brazil. The online version aims to provide Times-quality content to an audience that is “educated, affluent and connected with the rest of the world," said the Times media group in a statement released on Sunday.  The launch of the Brazil web edition is set to take place just before the 2014 Football World Cup and the 2016 Olympics and is said to be part “of a push to expand the newspaper company’s global reach”

Original article: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/media/digital/new-york-times-to-push-into-brazil-with-online-editions-in-portuguese/story-fna03wxu-1226496837609

What Media Mayhem says:

The NYT, Chinese edition

The New York Times has always been regarded as a reliable, accurate news source which is accessed by millions of people each day, throughout the whole world. Following the release of a Chinese language version of the Times website in June, earlier this year (Voice of America, Online), it was only a natural progression for other dominating languages to follow. In a statement released by Arthur Sulzberger, Junior Chairman of The New York Times, he said "Brazil is an international hub for business that boasts a robust economy, which has brought more and more people into the middle class. As the world gets smaller and digital technology enables us to reach around the globe to attract readers with an interest in high quality news, Brazil is a perfect place for The New York Times to take the next step in expanding our global reach" (The Australian, Online). The absolute key message of this statement is, ‘expanding our global reach.’ With the increased access and reliability people now have with the internet, the news has become a global enterprise. People are no longer bounded by a large tabloid newspaper which can only be bought at a store, but are now able to access the news from their smartphones, iPads and laptops from almost anywhere, at any time. The New York Times decision to expand across to Brazil and translate into Portuguese epitomises the idea of global access that people now have. If a company such as the New York Times is to remain a respected, highly accessed news source, the utilization of the web is pivotal. Online news is now not a luxury, it has gradually evolved into an expectation.

References:

http://www.voanews.com/content/ny-times-launches-chinese-web-site/1263072.html

Image:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2012/jun/28/new-york-times-launches-chinese-website

Week 10 entry: ACTIVIST OR TROLL?

"Macquarie Radio Network boss denies discount to lure advertisers back to Alan Jones show"

Following the controversial comments made by Sydney radio broadcaster, Allan Jones regarding the death of Julia Gillard’s late father, several companies decided to suspend, or axe all together, their advertising slots within his program. Despite this course of action, social media activists continue to campaign against Jones. One week after the announcement of suspended advertisements by executive chairman, Russell Tate, advertisements once again appeared on the show, explaining the suspension of these advertisements was a direct result of “cyber-bullies.” The suspension of the advertisements was said to be having an impact on small business owners.

Original article: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/media/broadcast/macquarie-radio-network-boss-denies-discount-to-lure-advertisers-back-to-alan-jones-show/story-fna045gd-1226497359298

What Media Mayhem says:

Radio broadcaster, Allan Jones

Allan Jones comments made about the prime ministers late father are inexcusable. However, since these comments, his show, the radio station and his own image have continued to suffer, therefore an apology was issued. Since the original comments, social media has been used as a platform for the public to voice their disgust in Jones’ comments, creating hate statuses and pages on Facebook and Twitter. These people declare themselves as ‘social media activists.’ An activist can be officially defined as ‘an especially active, vigorous advocate of a cause, especially a political cause’ (Dictionary.com, Online). While these ‘social media activists’ fit this definition, many have advocated for their cause behind the safety of their online aliases. Russell Tate, Jones’ station’s executive chairman, issued a statement in which he declared the suspension of several advertisements a result of ‘cyber-bullies.’ This going to show, one person’s definition of an activist, is another’s of a bully. There is a very fine line between online activism and trolling and the impact social media can have, is severe. These ‘activists’ were insulted by the bullying Jones’ conducted, yet their solution has been to bully in return. As the old saying goes, ‘two wrongs don’t make a right.’ As mentioned earlier, Jones’ comments were inexcusable. But at least he had the courage to accept responsibility for his actions, issue an apology in a very public arena, and not hide behind the security of a computer screen.

References:

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/activist

Image one:

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/alan-jones-apologises-to-prime-minister-julia-gillard-over-comments/story-fn59niix-1226484697310

Week 9 Entry: THE EFFECT OF SOCIAL MEDIA

"Social media could impact jury trial of Jill Meagher's alleged killer Adrian Ernest Bayley"

 Following the removal of a Facebook site in support of Jill Meagher by the Victorian Police, Victorian Premier, Ted Baillieu, has proposed potential changes to laws regarding the use of social media in an attempt to combat the influence these outlets may have upon jury’s. The alleged murder and rape following Maegher’s abduction whilst walking home from a nearby bar in Brunswick, has caused a huge uproar in the Social Media universe, with over “120,000 people liking one Facebook page dedicated to Ms Meagher.” While Meagher’s husband has thanked the public for their support, he and the Police have asked social media users, “exercise caution in light of court proceedings which have started against Adria Erest Bayley” (charged with the rape and murder of Meagher).

Original article: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/social-media-could-impact-jury-trial-of-jill-meaghers-alleged-killer-adrian-ernest-bayley/story-e6frg6n6-1226485743514

Media Mayhem says:

Murder and alleged rape victim,
Jill Maegher

Social media is an epidemic. According to Anson Online, Facebook has over 845 million active users and Twitter over 127 million active users. Social media allows friends and family to stay in touch at a click of a button, photos and opinions to be shared and creativity to be expressed. However, social media is not without its downfalls. Following the recent shocking murder and alleged rape of Jill Meagher, both Meagher’s husband and the Victorian Police have asked that users exert caution as the overwhelming support may have an impact upon the jury’s decision. This idea aroused a thought provoking question for me, is social media so powerful that it has the potential to overrule law itself? While social media grants people with a voice, is that voice becoming too loud? This situation is unfortunately not individual, this powerful effect social media is having is being seen everywhere. TV celebrity Charlotte Dawson is a perfect example of this, following her hospitalisation in late August after Twitter trolls ‘got the better of her’(Herald Sun, Online). Dawson was scrutinized for hours which eventually led to the trolls encouraging her to take her life. As current regulations stand, this kind of behaviour is deemed acceptable as Twitter does not mediate content even if it’s ‘potentially’ offensive (Herald Sun, Online). Similarly, Facebook allows any content to stand until it is reported and only then is it potentially taken down.

Charlotte Dawson during her 'tell all'
60 minutes interview

If the Victorian Police have to ask that the public to exert caution with their social media use,   irrelevant of whether the public are being supportive or not, it suggests that even the law enforcers themselves recognise the severity the social media world can have. Laws or at the very least, stricter regulations, need to be introduced to ensure that social media does not completely take over. A trial should be decided by a fair minded jury, not a hate status seen on Facebook.

 

 

 

 

References:

http://ansonalex.com/infographics/social-media-usage-statistics-2012-infographic/

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/charlotte-dawson-how-the-cyber-trolls-beat-me/story-e6frf7jo-1226463635667

Image one:
http://www.independent.ie/national-news/man-charged-with-rape-and-murder-of-irish-woman-jill-meagher-3242325.html

Image two:
http://www.themercury.com.au/article/2012/09/07/359441_tasmania-news.html