NewsLINC Critique

NewsLINC is a branch of the Electronic Journalism Arts Department at Lyndon State College. They are a part of The Vermont Center for Community Journalism and produce the news to 14 towns surrounding Lyndon State College. Students are the ones who produce the news and content seen on the NewsLINC website, Facebook, and Twitter.

NewsLINC Website

The NewsLINC website is very user friendly. It has a simple design and good tabs. It is easy to search for stories and access them.  They have a detailed description of what they do and a place to send in tips. The tabs on the top of the page are helpful and useful if a reader only wanted to see on topic/location.  Overall there are very few things I would change, including how fast the top three stories move (it is hard to read the description before it moves on to the next one) and how big the graphic is at the top.

 NewsLINC Facebook

The students at NewLINC use Facebook to their advantage. They use Facebook for quick updates, photos and video. It is a good outreach to their audience. They have 858 likes, so they reach a large audience and are able to distribute their news effectively.


NewsLINC Twitter

Of all the outlets, their twitter account is updated less. However it is a good place for them to quickly update and link to full stories. Some of their tweets are retweets of the reporters, so it sort of looks less established but it is still a good source of information.

Rachel and Camille Podcast

First Year Experience Like No Other

The First Year Experience Office at Lyndon State College is one of a kind. Donna Keely is the director.  Through an interview with Keely we found out how she ended up in first year experience, what she gets out of it, her future plans, and the benefits of the program to the students. The two main aspects of the First Year Experience Office are the SOAR and Fall Kick-Off Programs.

SOAR stands for Student Orientation and Registration.  Incoming students attend a two day program in which they have their first experience living the life of a college student. They attend programs in order to learn about campus life and academics.  In these programs students talk to faculty and staff about their major, financial aid, and eventually register for classes. The students are lead in small groups throughout the two days by Peer Leaders. 

When the students move in they attend another program called Fall Kick-Off. They students are placed into new groups with a new Peer Leader.  These groups will be their INT 1020 class during their first semester. Fall Kick-Off is a less intense version of SOAR, with more team building activities, such as community service and outdoor games. Overall the program is designed to build community within the incoming class. The students are given opportunities to hang out with others and form bonds as they start the academic year.  One of the most important relationships they make is with their Peer Leader.

The role of a Peer Leader is to help incoming students get acquainted with the college and make an easy transition. They are a resource for students to come seek help and safe place to bring issues and concerns. The Peer Leaders are unique because they are a role model throughout SOAR, Fall Kick-Off, and the first semester.  These programs ensure that the incoming students can make connections with Peer Leaders, so they know at least one person when they move in during the fall.

Peer Leaders are connected with students and a faculty member in their INT 1020 class. Their role in the classroom is to be an assistant to the professor and continue to build relationships with the students. Peer Leaders are required to have four week check ins throughout the semester to make sure each individual student is excelling and settling in to college life. After the first semester is over the Peer Leaders may not be directly integrated with the freshmen class but the bonds formed during the First Year Experience programs continue.     

Podcast Outline

TOPIC: Interview with Donna Keely-Director of First Year Experience

 PLAN:
 Contact and set up meeting with Donna for an interview
Create prepared list of question for interview
For written accompaniment discuss SOAR and Fall kick off for the broader aspect
 Ask more personal, career based questions about her life in the interview

 PODCAST RUN-DOWN:
Quick introduction of Rachel and Camille
Introducing our first topic
 Introducing our interviewee
 Asking questions about college, career moves, why she chose this, what she gets out of it, favorite parts, etc.
Conclusion/closing

Infrogr.am Practice

LSC Enrollment  | Create infographics

SoundCloud Prezi

Audio Link Practice

Podcast Critique

Stuff You Should Know

For my first podcast subscription I chose "Stuff You Should Know."  I found this podcast organization on iTunes. I listened to two episodes, How Stuntmen (and women) Work and What was the Most Peaceful Time in History. 

I chose "Stuff You Should Know" because it looked like an interesting and informative podcast. Every episode had a different topic that I wanted to know about. I am very interested in film so I chose to listen to How Stuntmen (and women) Work. I was curious to what time in history was most peaceful so I chose to listen to that podcast. 

Likes

•  I really enjoyed the depth of information I received in both episodes. 
• The commentators had good voices and the audio quality was good. 
• It was fun to listen to because the commentators were amusing.

Dislikes

• The commentators referenced many things that I wished I could see and learn more about.
• Sometimes there was too much side chatter and conversations that went off topic that was frustrating to listen to.
• It was hard not being able to contribute to the conversation.
• No one introduced themselves (I didn't now who was talking).

Personally I probably won't listen to them again. It was frustrating to listen and not see what they were talking about. I felt that they took too long to get to the root of what they wanted to say.  I did not put them on a device besides my computer.

MuggleCast

For my second podcast choice I found MuggleCast.  It is a podcast about the Harry Potter world and franchise.  I selected #269 All Was Well and #270 Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. 

I chose MuggleCast because I have seen the name for a few years now on different social media sites when I search for things such as "Harry Potter." They are big in the Harry Potter community. I am a Harry Potter Nerd as well so I thought it would be fun to integrate that into my school work. 

Likes

• The tone and environment was relaxed.
• They read listener's letters and comments which created the conversational aspect.
• The content was something I was extremely interested and invested in.
• They had a news section with updates on the franchise.
• It was short and to the point but did not lack information.
• The commentators introduced themselves.
• They had a theme song, which included other media sources then just audio of them talking.
• They referenced their other outlets, such as a twitter account.

Dislikes

• There was a lot of self promotion of the commentator's other projects.
• There were also advertisements.
• In certain spots too many commentators were speaking over each other.

 

I will most certainly listen to the podcast again. Especially with new developments in the Harry Potter community coming out soon. It was as if I was listening to my friends talking. It was very open and friendly. I did not put the podcast on any device other than my computer. 

 

Writing Exercise - VSO

The Vermont Symphony Orchestra Coming to Lyndon
A statewide musical festival will make a stop in your backyard. 

Lyndonville, Vt - The Vermont Symphony Orchestra will be performing in the Alexander Twilight Theatre at Lyndon State College on Thursday September 26, 2013.

A highlight will be music composed by Vermonters, including Andrew Massey's "Vermont Spring."  They will also play the music of Vivaldi, Bach, and Mozart.

The Vermont Symphony Orchestra will be making a stop here as part of their Made in Vermont statewide tour. They travel throughout the beautiful state sharing their music in the fall annually.

The show will start at 7:30pm. Tickets are $27 for adults, $23 for seniors, and $10 for students and children. You can buy your tickets now!

Critique on WOODTV News

WOOD TV8 is a top player in West Michigan's news outlets.  News8 produces breaking news and the weather on a 24 hour schedule.

WOOD TV8 has a strong online presence.  They have a Facebook Page,  a Twitter account, and a  station website.    

Facebook

WOOD TV8 Facebook Page is updated every hour or so during the day.  They almost always post pictures with their updates and have links redirect the reader to the full article.

On Facebook they have 94,924 Likes and usually average around 60-150 likes per status with a range of comments.

Their Facebook Page is an easy way to access news in a quick fashion.  WOOD TV8 does a good job at keeping up with the fast paced way readers gain their information. The pictures also make it a top quality news outlet.

Twitter

On Twitter the news updates are presented in text tweets, usually with links to the full article.  However, the content leans more towards local news, such as traffic jams or accidents.

They have 18,139 followers and in return follow 80 accounts.

WOOD TV8's Twitter updates are short and sweet which is an important part of getting news out to an audience. However their is limited conversation through this outlet.

Website

The station website is a combined version of their Twitter account and Facebook Page.  Every story is in a full version usually combined with pictures, video, and audio. They also have a place for comments on every story which initiates a conversation with the audience.

There are two slight adjustments I would make.  The colors and layout of the website are a little distracting.  I think it needs to be a different background pattern and color. I also think the layout should be easy to navigate.

Writing for the Web II

Bridge Back in Action 
The new bridge will be celebrated during today's festivities. 

Roaring Creek Bridge official opening ceremonies are this morning at 11.

Even though the bridge has been open for a couple weeks the official ceremonies will welcome Midville Mayor Seth Montana, U.S. Congressman Nacy Draughorn, and U.S. Senator Waren Johns to celebrate the erected bridge.

The 75 year old bridge did not survive floods last year and was washed away.

Back to Life

The Roaring Creek Bridge cost $700,000 to replace. With the combined efforts of the county, state, and U.S. Department of Transportation the bridge has been completely rebuilt.

Residents are happy that the bridge is back, bringing an end to their hardships. Since the bridge washed out, residents of Oak Grove neighborhood have had travel several miles out of their usual route to drive to work.

"Travelling all that way has made it very inconvenient for a lot of people,"  resident Josh Spiva said, "We've had to use a lot of time and gasoline just to make what otherwise would be a very short trip."

The bridge stretches 33-feet across the Roaring Creek along Roaring Creek Road and welcomes travelers.

Writing for the Web I

Man Dies in Lyndonville 
A man suffers a heart attack while trying to save the operator of a car that crashed into a restaurant. 

John Barker died this afternoon trying to save Annie Coutler, who crashed into the front window of Central Restaurant.

The Vermont State Police say, Baker, 59, was sitting inside the restaurant as Coutler, 82, swerved and crashed into the restaurant. Baker was not impacted by the car and only suffered small cuts from flying glass.

He collapsed and died of a heart attack while trying to help Coutler out of her vehicle.

What Went Wrong

At 12:31 p.m. Coutler swerved her car in order to avoid a pedestrian and crashed into Central Restaurant on Depot Street in Lyndonville. Her brakes had failed not allowing her to stop.

Coutler suffered minor injuries in the accident.

Online Writing Assignment

Sunoco in Swanton has Been Robbed

Lyndonville, Vt – 12/7/13

A lone male subject robbed a cashier at gunpoint at the Hometown Sunoco at 166 First Street this morning December 7, at 1:15 AM. 

The suspect left on foot with an unidentified amount of cash and items.  A white male approximately 5’8” – 6’00” was the description given to the Vermont State Police.

There were no injuries reported.

The police will continue to search for the suspect and will release information on any leads they investigate.

Currently there is no other information available and an update will be released when possible.

Anyone with information should contact the Vermont State Police in Saint Albans at 802-524-5993 or Franklin County Sherriff’s Office at 802-524-2121.

Online Writing Exercise

Man Charged For Hunting Accident in Vermont 
Lyndonville, Vt - 1/18/14


Conrad Masse has been officially charged in the accidental shooting of his hunting partner Wayne Goff.

Last October, Masse and Goff were bear hunting as they positioned themselves on opposite sides of the Urie Road, 541 feet apart.

As their bear hounds led the bear across the road, Masse opened fire with his Remington .30-06 rifle.

One round hit the bear, one round hit a tree, and one round hit Goff.

Goff was struck in his midsection and was taken to North County Hospital then transferred to Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center. Goff has been released and is in stable condition.

As the investigation concludes, police have charged Masse with Aggravated Assault, which he will answer to in Orleans Superior Court on February 28, 2014.

Masse was also issued Fish and Game tickets for shooting from the road, having a loaded rifle in his vehicle, and for not having proper display permits for the bear hounds.

Blog Critique

The blog I chose to critique is titled Glimmer and Grit. It is presented as a Do It Yourself (DIY) blog. The blogger's name is Lindsey and she is a stay at home mom. She has posts that range from crafts, sewing, cooking, and motherhood tricks. I came across her blog on Pintrest. Ever since I have been a loyal reader.

Likes

• The simple use of language, especially in the directions she gives
• The use of pictures as an aspect in tutorial posts
• The content, I love DIY crafts and food. Its presented in a fun way as well.
• It's personal. There isn't a huge wall up between the reader and blogger

Dislikes

• The use of the wink emoticon [;)] it is way over used and un professional to me
• Advertisements between posts, in the center of the page
• The time spacing between posts. I wish it was updated more frequently

This blog is updated around once a week, sometimes more and sometimes less, but definitely twice a month. 

The comments would indicate that not a soul is reading the blog. However her blog is linked to Pintrest so people "re-pin" her posts rather than commenting on them. 

On Glimmer and Grit the only two multimedia forms used are text and photographs. In her about me section she says that she left her job as a television journalist so it is a little surprising that she does not utilize videos or audio on her blog. 

Overall I think Glimmer and Grit is a wonderful blog but it could definitely use more multimedia to further the success and appeal to the blog. 

Steve Jobs

Recently I watched Steve Jobs - One Last Thing on Netflix. The documentary included interviews with people close to Jobs, clips from interviews with Jobs himself, and the basic outline of Jobs career.  It was interesting to learn about his journey with Apple and technology. After the movie was over I was very inspired to be creative and innovative. I also wanted to know more about Steve Jobs and I happened to stumble upon his speech at Stanford's Commencement in 2005. It was also extremely inspiring so I thought I would share it with all of you!  

Process Of Pimping My Blog!

My first assignment on this blog was to "Pimp My Blog." So here is the process that I took in making my blog look the way it is! 

First I wanted to start with my background. I have no idea where to start so I googled “how to change a background on blogger.” I clicked on a Youtube tutorial video and watched. The video can be found here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ia26My4s_-g

I decided to look through the images blogger already had available to use. Nothing really caught my eye so I decided I wanted my own image.

Then I looked through my own pictures trying to find something that would go with the title of my blog or close to the idea of a “looking glass.” something that represented perspective and what not.

After looking on Google images for “pirate telescopes” “camera lenses” and even “looking glass” I came up empty handed.  So I went back through the ones already on blogger. I went back and forth between the image of a person holding up a camera and the glass lantern on the beach. I decided on the lantern because I think it shows a different perspective, which is what I was looking for originally.

Then there was a conflict in the color themes that were pre-selected.  In every color selection available on the background tab, some texts on my blog were washed out and hard to read.  To resolve this issue I went to the advanced tab and chose a custom color scheme.  I continuously checked the colors on the background until I found ones that I loved.

Next I wanted to change the layout of my blog. Since I don’t have much context on my blog yet, it was a quick process. I chose to move my About Me section to the left hand side of my blog and my archives on the right hand side.  I chose this layout because people read from left to right so they are more likely to see my About Me section relatively soon.  I also added a Contact Me page. I linked my Twitter, Facebook, and email address to my blog.  In my layout I made my Home and Contact Me tab along the top of my blog. 

Finally I added some Blogger gadgets on the side of my blog. I wasn’t exactly sure how to at first so I found a page on wiki how, that had instructions and a video (http://www.wikihow.com/Add-a-Widget-to-Blogger) that was helpful.  I added a Search Bar in case someone wanted to search for a specific post on my blog. I also added a Popular Post gadget.  Finally I added a Share This Post gadget so readers can easily share my posts to Twitter and Facebook.

 Overall I had a good experience “pimping” my blog.  I learned very much about how Blogger works and how to navigate my blog.  Plus it was fun! I hope you enjoy my blog!