Learn to write for online: headlines, blogs, forums, speed
The Web offers four different formats for writing (this is about writing text, not multimedia reporting):
- Blogs, which “offers the closest comparison to print newswriting, particularly the column form,” according to Robert Niles, editor of the Online Journalism Review. Blog writing can draw upon personal life experiences, as does essay writing. “A great blog offers a distinct voice that grabs the reader's attention and draws them into the piece,” said Niles. So much the better if the blogger can post several times a day.
- Wikis: the ultimate in online "writing by committee," said Niles. This type of exercise requires writers who can blend new information seamlessly into an existing article.
- Discussion boards: forums and discussion boards have been available for years, but few newspapers have really given editorial thought to develop them. “The best discussion leaders take the skills of a great interviewer and apply them to their online communities,” said Niles.
- Feed writing: this relates to headline writing and search engine optimization, but is even more specific. Journalists must learn how to write headlines that will make readers click through an RSS feed or email, or even better, a headline that will make readers forward the link to others.
Now all online journalists are aware of the need for search engine optimization (SEO). “The suggestion that journalists write to please algorithms at the Googleplex will infuriate some journalism pros. But when you write a piece to score highly in search engine result pages, you craft a piece that serves its readers, as well,” said Niles. One simple rule for SEO: use the keywords that users will search for, and place them both in the headline and lead paragraph.
Finally, here’s an assignment Niles ran for his student journalists. Newspapers could probably do the same at little or no cost.
Give a group of journalists a section from a print newspaper and ask them to pick the top three stories, and write a headline and deck for each for online publication. The stories are then evaluated for news judgment and criteria described above, but also for speed. But “if you rush to get your piece out first, and make an error of fact or spelling, you'll end up with fewer points than if you proof-read your piece and turned it in last,” said Niles.
Guess what he found? The speedy reporters tend to get lower grades. So however good an online newswriter, traditional journalistic accuracy remains most important.
Source: Online Journalism Review
0 TrackBacks
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: Learn to write for online: headlines, blogs, forums, speed.
TrackBack URL for this entry: http://www.editorsweblog.org/mt/mt-tb.cgi/17256
PAUL KAKAI
P.O BOX 403
WEBUYE,50205
KENYA.
+254 0735763781
TO THE MANAGING EDITOR,
/
News Editor
Dear sir/madam,
ref:APPLICATION FOR A POST OF FREELANCE JOURNALIST
I would like to submit to you the above subject.I am a male,KENYAN,aged 21 years.I would like to establish my writing profession to your end.
ACADEMIC BACKGROUND
Between the years 1987-1997 I underwent my primary school education course.At the end I did my KENYA CERTIFICATE OF PRIMARY SCHOOL EDUCATION(K.C.P.E).
Between the years 1998-2001 I underwent my high school education couse ,at the end I did my KENYA CERTIFICATE OF SECONDARY EDUCATION(K.C.S.E)
MY RELEVANT WRITING EXPERIENCE
I started way back to show the interest in the writing way back when I was still in high school.My first articles to be published and reach the eyes of the esteemed readers was
dates way back 1999 ,when I received acknowledgement from the editors of DAILY NATION KENYA ,A PART FROM WRITING FOR SCHOOL MAGAZINE.
I have edited articles for different press services like :THE SOUTH AFRICAN NEWSLETTER,THE EDIT AVENUE,THE INDEPENDENT BASED IN IRELAND,
THE WRITERS BUREAU COLLEGE OF JOURNALISM BASED IN ENGLAND,THE GLOBAL HEATH COUNCIL which addresses in depth the pendamic of the scourge:
HIV/AIDS,I have different articles on the subject and it is my vision to to my best of ability to reach the eyes of the readers to address the topical issues and the evils of the society by writing on such core issues.
OTHER RECOGNITIONS
The certification of the WORLD BIBLE SCHOOL BASED IN U.S.A. I took keen concern to learn more about the way of life for JESUS CHRIST &GOD.
I posses their awards and their certification documents.
THE NAMES OF REFEREES
GREG EDEN,THE SOUTH AFRICAN NEWS PAPER :editor@southafrican.co.uk,
DIANA NADIN /E.H METCALFE :studentservices@writersbureau.com
EDGAR&MARTHAR MITCHELL:edmarmit@aol.com
Y VISION
Is to do the best of my ability to reach the eyes of the readers and reach the international standards as per UNITED NATIONS MOTTO.The other key area where I try as my in my writing to address is the youths and their abuse of drugs.I try as much as I can to reach this group.Also I can produce topical areas on men and women articles.However I believe with my participation alongside the civic education it is easier to obtain the objective of the media group.
MY ROLE MODEL
The secretary of united nations organisations KOFFI ANNAN
The former president of south Africa,NELSON MANDELA and the willingess to serve others in society with an open and friendly heart.
HOBBIES
indoor games:badmonton,table tennis ,socialising,reading newspapers,watching commedies,writing poems,articles etc.
SALARY RENUMERATION
I request for $400 dollars per month,however any deviation or increases will be welcomed .I will also be ready for the future challenges to dothe best of my efforts to reach the goals of the EMPLOYER.
Hope to hear from you then.Thank you
Yours sincerely
signed
PAUL KAKAI