Please link to, and introduce, two websites: One that you think encapsulates “new” journalism, the other that you think integrates social tools well. Explain why you think these are both good examples of these things.
Filed under: Homework
September 10, 2010 • 11:30 am
Online Journalism: Fall 2010 
http://current.com/
I think Current is a good example of a site featuring “new” journalism because the stories are relevant and feature multimedia pieces along with print pieces. It also gives the reader the ability to “like” or “re-tweet” stories they like to their Facebook or Twitter which is a sign of it catering to a more “hip” crowd.
http://ireport.cnn.com/
I think this website integrates social tools in a great way. Similarly to how Twitter really kicked off with people being able to tweet their experiences in Iran a few years ago, people are able to post their pictures or feelings towards events such as the current Colorado wild fires, the Gulf catastrophe or reach out to employers by discussing their current situation in the job hunt. I think it’s really neat and it really shows how much the Internet is aiding journalism for the future.
Wired’s website is a great example of “new” journalism because it utilizes all the current multimedia technology available to interact with its online audience. They use videos, photos and blogs along with RSS feeds and the option to “share” something you found interesting on the social media site of your choice. They even have a multimedia section on their website that focuses on all the “new” advancements available for use in the media.
http://www.wired.com/
I may be behind the times, but I just started using Digg about a month ago. I think it integrates social media really well because it lets you follow friends on Twitter and Facebook, comment on stories “Dugg” by others and submit your own stories. You can “like” different submissions and leave comments. The best part is you can choose your favorite publishers to follow and find new ones based on whatever you like. Apart from your personal feed, you can also follow the top stories everyone else is checking out. It pretty much integrates all the best parts of social media!
http://digg.com/news
I picked Metromix (specifically Chicago) as an example of “new” journalism. Metromix and sites similar in concept are taking more and more precedence over newspapers. They offer quick reviews of restaurants, bars, concerts, shows, movies, books, etc. and also incorporate social networking components so you can share what you find with friends. Basically, they take your local newspaper and put it online in a more interactive and multimedia form.
http://chicago.metromix.com/
Recently a lot of bands I listen to have been streaming their music on Gogoyoko.com. This website offers artists, fans and music enthusiasts the ability to stream, buy and discover new music. Users can create their own profiles, set up playlists and connect with their favorite artists. Similarly, artists are given the opportunity to create their own accounts, and stream and sell their music with no third parties involved.
http://www.gogoyoko.com/
http://www.hypergridbusiness.com/2010/05/on24-adds-social-tools-to-virtual-events/
I think that this website, which talks about a San Francisco company, On24, is a great example of the use of social tools. This company, which specializes in virtual events, integrates the use of social tools into virtual conferences, virtual trade shows, and training events, for example. It allows people (those at the actual event and those at home or in the office using a computer) to connect with the going-ons of the virtual event. The use of Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc ensures that everyone is getting the most out of the experience.
http://www.patch.com
Patch utilizes the use of new journalism by providing daily coverage of suburbs across the United States (there will eventually be coverage of Libertyville, the town I’m from, according to a journalist friend). Although the website is a subsidiary of AOL.com, which is not new journalism, the basis behind patch (writers/editors are from the different neighborhoods, local and comprehensive coverage, discussion of local business, and allowing town members to participate in local discussions and submit their own announcements, photos, and reviews) is.
I think Al Jazeera English is actually doing a great job at ‘new’ journalism while still maintaining the trust of being a recognizable name. Like most news outlets Al Jazeera has a mobile version and an iPhone app but the site also allows you to watch Al Jazeera live any time, something that most other news sites don’t allow. They also have a podcast and a blog section of their site that is updated regularly. They also have a section called ‘Your View’ which is similar to CNN’s iReport. I also like that a lot of their stories are mixed media, meaning they have a written story, a video and a blog post all on the same page for the same subject. It’s also clear that they’re using social media, both their twitter page and their facebook are posted on the homepage.
http://english.aljazeera.net/
For social tools I’m going to have to go with Digg. While Digg isn’t a news site per say it is able to capture both news and social interaction in one place. Being able to comment on stories without any filter is great, for both reading and responding. The fact that it lets you follow different news organizations and people is a helpful way to get only the news that interests you. Plus of course there is twitter and facebook integration which, if you really want to, allows for no real sign up to start using the site which is really helpful for those who hate picking out a new password and name.
http://digg.com/
I picked Metromix (specifically Chicago) as an example of “new” journalism. Metromix and sites similar in concept are taking more and more precedence over newspapers. They offer quick reviews of restaurants, bars, concerts, shows, movies, books, etc. and also incorporate social networking components so you can share what you find with friends. Basically, they take your local newspaper and put it online in a more interactive and multimedia form.
http://chicago.metromix.com/
Recently a lot of bands I listen to have been streaming their music on Gogoyoko.com. This website offers artists, fans and music enthusiasts the ability to stream, buy and discover new music. Users can create their own profiles, set up playlists and connect with their favorite artists. Similarly, artists are given the opportunity to create their own accounts, and stream and sell their music with no third parties involved.
http://www.gogoyoko.com/
http://current.com/
During high school Current T.V. was one of my favorite channels and I absolutely love the website because they have most of the programs that are shown on T.V., so I can embed my favorite video links onto my blog. They have everything like discussions on politics, fashion, music, travel, art, environment studies, and even relationship advice! It’s just a great resource for anything you wouldn’t regularly see on most news stations.
http://www.thelipstickdiaries.com/
Before I was writing for TLD I was a loyal reader. This is my go-to place for all things fashion and music. When I need a trend alert or place to read opinions on the things I’m interested in, I go here….often!!
I have so much fun writing for TLD and I’m always happy to read comments on my posts from readers who have an interest in what I’m ranting or obsessing about.
**Side note: One thing about both of these sites is the use of “instant” media. You can share via Facebook, Twitter, Blogger, Tumblr, and WordPress most of these websites posts. I also admire the interaction between the users.**
http://www.time.com
This website is great for new journalism because it gives you a variety of choices and videos pictures and links. Plus it connected to CNN so it is credible.
http://www.igoogle.com
igoogle to me uses social tools well with chats and direct connection to email. I feel its esay to use and easy to get to facebook or twitter.
http://www.google.com/alerts
This might be a stretch – but I think google alerts is a good example of new journalism. It keeps you constantly updated on all that is out there about a given subject of your choosing. Will the future of journalism be customized RSS feeds of some sort? maybe.
foursquare.com
Though this is more of a mobile device, I think it incorporates all the basic social tools. You have “friends” you follow, it involves locations and interests, it can be both local or wider than that, people can talk to one another and give adivce/tips on happenings and places. And it goes wherever you go.
http://www.stumbleupon.com
StumbleUpon is a very useful tool that can filter the information on the Internet and deliver web content that is customized for the user. Websites can be recommended by friends or by users who have similar interests. StumbleUpon uses thumbs up/thumbs down ratings to form opinions on website quality. When you stumble, you will only see web content that friends and like-minded users have recommended. This way, you discover websites or web content you would otherwise overlook by using a search engine.
http://pubrecord.org
The Public Record seeks to educate and empower the public by delivering domestic and international groundbreaking news reports and insightful commentary. The news articles and stories consolidated on the website make it easier for users to get their information without the hassle of going through search engines or several online publications.
http://yelp.com
Though Yelp is an obvious choice for a platform of new journalism, it is also a perfect example. One concept of “New” journalism is the voice of the people instead of paid press. More and more consumers are going to yelp to see the reviews of people just like them because it is non-bias. Different people of all backgrounds and ethnicities say what they like and don’t like about restaurants, musicals, concerts, salons, etc. In today’s world, this is crucial because consumers would rather hear from others just like them.
http://www.linkedin.com
Linked in is the perfect social media website for business professionals. After all, it has been referred to as the Facebook for business. LinkedIn allows you to be searched and found on google for anyone looking for information on you, it is free and helps connect you to networks around the world through friends and their business association.
http://chicagoist.com/
I am a fan of the chicagoist blog and have been checking it out for a little over a year now. I feel like it’s a bit more than just a blog because it has so many contributors and extensive coverage of different local topics. At the same time, it has a friendly, warm feeling that comes from it actually being a blog rather than a full-blown news site. It may not have as much hard-hitting news journalism, but I find I spend a lot of time on the site each time I visit because so many of the articles are of interest and the archives are full of unique stories as well.
http://www.chicagoreader.com/
Ok, so maybe this is a bit obvious but the Reader has been one of my fave publications for years. I still pick up the weekly print edition without fail and have for over a decade now. For local politics I feel they go after corruption with a vigor not seen in the bigger local papers and they often have stories the Trib or Sun Times don’t touch on. I also think that for the local arts, there is no better outlet for information. Their reviews are wonderful -even if sometimes I disagree- and I read their music reviews religiously. I am a fan of the whole music writing staff there and those I’ve met from The Reader have always been friendly, enthusiastic people. A true reflection of Chicago in my mind. They have embraced online component well too, with lots of unique content and blogs worth checking out.