Tweeting the Revolution

Andy Carvin, the social media director for NPR, became the go to guy (or twitter user in this case) for information regarding the revolution in the Middle East. Social media, specifically Twitter, was an enormous part of beginning the revolution and continues to be a big part of reporting on it. The Business Journal offers Five Media Goals Learned From Tweeting the Revolution.

1. Personality

Having your own personality is important when you're reporting on the news. If there were only one type of news broadcaster and writer, there wouldn't be so many news stations and newspapers. Twitter is a difficult platform to express personality in, but finding a way to do that can make your news tweets some of the best. Share knowledge and don't be afraid to ask question.

2. Accountability

Being responsible for what you tweet and share with the world is an important staple in journalism. Always always always check your facts and your spelling. Don't retweet without checking others facts. Verify your sources and don't be unwilling to admit when you've made a mistake.

3.Transparency

"Transparency goes hand-in-hand with accountability" writes Rebekah Monson, author of the article. As a writer you're going to get thrown a lot of links to share. Be honest when you share them, say what you really think about the links. Don't be afraid to set your own standards and stick to them.

4. Context

Context is a very important part of the news that sometimes gets lost in small articles and 30 second news coverage, and especially in 140 characters or less on Twitter. Clarifying context is important in Twitter and other news sources. Twitter can be very helpful in this through the use of hash tagging, geo-tagging, the chronological order of posts and the sortable archives.

5. Immediacy

With the constant streaming of Twitter feeds, being the first is very important. If you want your message to be heard, you have to get it out there quickly but also accurately. Also, keep updating on a story as it develops. Don't leave your followers hanging and ready to switch to a more reliably updated source.

These tips are important to Journalist who want to use Twitter and other social media as a large part of their career. Keep these in mind the next time you log on fellow tweeters and bloggers.

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Journalism in 2036

Journalism is a career that will always be affected by technology's constant change. It is hard to know what journalism will look like, even when looking just a few years into the future.

Online journalism professor and blogger Paul Bradshaw took on the challenge of making a prediction of what journalism would be like in the year 2036, roughly twenty five years from now.

One of his predictions is that people will still be predicting the death of newspapers. The future of newspapers is already of great debate today and Bradshaw predicts that this will still be the case in twenty five years.

Bradshaw points out that people have thought newspapers would die for many years due to new technology, yet they have continued to survive despite this.

He argues that as long as newspapers offer influence and status, proprietors will keep the newspaper business afloat.

I found this to be an interesting prediction. I would agree with Bradshaw that even if newspaper sales are down, wealthy investors and proprietors have the ability to keep the newspaper business afloat.

While I do see the logic in Bradshaw's prediction, I think applying it to twenty five years down the road is a bit too far fetched. With so many new forms of receiving news by way of internet, phones, and tablets, I feel as though in twenty five years the fate of newspapers will be decided.

While investors do have the power to keep the newspaper business alive, the public also has a large say in the matter. If people aren't reading it and favor another form for getting their news, eventually investors will be forced to do the same.

For more of Bradshaw's predictions, visit this link.

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Brave Journalists Needed in Mexico

Word-associations surrounding journalism these days often include "brave," "iron-willed," "feisty," and "undaunted." We need people of this caliber in journalism to go into the danger zones and report on what they experience and what other people are experiencing.

Might it be the case, though, that some places are just too dangerous to send journalists into? It seems many professionals in the United States are starting to feel that Mexico is too dangerous of a place to send reporters. There's no denying it's a dangerous place for all kinds of officials.

Journalists are not exempt from all the death recently in Mexico from drug cartel violence, but we need brave souls to cover the horrific events-- and they're covering severe violence elsewhere. Mexico makes the top ten in regard to the most violent posts for journalists, but the country is number nine.

So, what's happening to coverage in Mexico? According to Joseph J. Kolb, "The dwindling freedom of press in Mexico is compounded on two fronts by the allegations of widespread government corruption and ties to the cartels as well as the profound self-censorship imposed on the media through intimidation and murder."

I would assert that another major difference between journalism (and the presence of journalists) in Mexico and journalism in countries in the Middle East and in Northern Africa is the long-standing danger associated with Mexico and the drug war.

While revolutions are, by nature, breaking news that requires reporters to expose themselves to danger for what may be a limited time, the violence in Mexico has been going on for years and it's not getting much better.

Since 1992, there have been over 50 journalist deaths, 23 of them in the last five years. On top of these numbers, there are 12 journalists who went to cover events in Mexico and are still missing.

If this information wasn't striking enough, another prevalent problem is conviction rates for people who murder journalists. Frankly, they're no good. Most of the time, no one is even brought to trial.

Another issue brought out is the slight number of breakthrough news stories coming out of Mexico-- the press can't help Mexico find justice and peace because the cartels are controlling the press. This is one reason that it's essential for United States journalists to go into the danger zone and bring stories home to the press-- drug cartels can't censor United States news stories.

Mike O'Connor, a veteran journalist who has spent a lot of time covering issues in Mexico, has some tips for other brave journalists. He says reporters must let someone in the states know where they are going to be and when, even if it's incredibly short notice.

O'Connor also warns journalists to be inconspicuous, ditch the United States license plate, vet the area you're going into, have a plan, and don't meet people at night in scary places. Obviously, a lot of it comes down to common sense.

If you consider yourself brave, and intelligent in the face of danger, a career covering stories in Mexico may be just the job for you. At least you know there's a demand.

Photo Courtesy of Kate Sheets, via Flickr.com, via CreativeCommons.org.

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Latest Attempt to Pass Federal Shield Law Fails

The latest attempt to get a federal shield law for journalists passed has failed once again with the conclusion of the 111th Congress in December. The coalition of media groups pushing for the shield law says it may be years before they get another chance.

A shield law would protect journalists from being forced to identify confidential sources in federal court. Support for a federal law began in 1972, when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that there is no constitutional privilege for journalists to protect their sources. Judith Miller's incarceration in 2005 for refusing to name the government source who leaked the name of CIA operative Valerie Plame was another important motivator. But proponents for the law say that it is not only about protecting journalists, but to allow anonymous sources and whistle blowers the security to speak out without worrying about their jobs or families.

The bill, supported by President Barack Obama and Attorney General Eric Holder, passed in the House in the spring of 2009 with broad, bipartisan support. The Senate Judiciary Committee approved it soon after, but it never reached the Senate floor. The hectic lame duck session of Congress kept the bill from ever moving out of committee.

The bill's failure is largely blamed on disagreement over who would be considered a journalist, and fears that organizations like WikiLeaks would be protected.

"I think by the third WikiLeaks disclosure, at that point, we were trying to take the temperature of folks on the Hill," says Sophia Cope, legislative counsel for the Newspaper Association of America. "They were like, 'No way.'"

The bill would have had an exception for national security matters, and protection would have been restricted to traditional journalists with ties to media organizations - a compromise that media groups said they could live with. But the information released by WikiLeaks was the final nail in the coffin, despite the fact that the bill would not have covered a WikiLeaks-type of organization, and language was added to specifically prevent large information dumps like the kind released by WikiLeaks from being protected.

With a new, Republican Congress, the chances for a shield law being passed are low. But media groups say that they will not give up, despite the odds.

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Libya and Freedom of Press

While protests continue in Libya, journalists find themselves in the inability to perform their work.

Since the early events, Gadhafi's government had assured media that they will be able to report any event across the country. However, since a few days, journalists are banned from crossing certain areas of the country, especially sites of clashes with the rebels.

"The situation for crews in Libya is becoming increasingly precarious and there is a strong sense that antipathy towards foreign journalists is mounting," said the International News Safety Institute, a non-for-profit charity.

Many journalists are confined in their hotel and can not report freely. Some of them have been detained by security forces but all have been released since.

"A number of news crews who have given their minders the slip have been detained," INSA said. "Several journalists were detained trying to get in to Zawiyah, about 30 miles west of Tripoli. Some were held overnight."

Libya is not the first example of control of press. Freedom of press is always an issue in countries facing a dictatorship. It is still the case in North Korea, were people have no access to the Internet, no cell phones and can barely talk to each other.

Photo credit: flickr.com via Creativescommons.org

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Writing Better News Articles

Being a journalist today is one thing, but being able to write successful, distinguished articles is another.

So what is the different between a mediocre journalist and an extraordinary one?

There's plenty of opinions suggesting what that is, but here's five tips that won't hurt on your path to being a successful journalist.

1. Focus your important information into the beginning of your article.

One thing you need to know as a journalist is your general audience is pressed for time. Therefore getting all the most important facts down first is key to keeping the audience interested and reading. The format using this style is the inverted pyramid technique and at the end you can summarize what you wanted to accomplish in the beginning.

2. Stay fresh

When your writing an article do you write almost the same way every time? If your pattern is becoming predictable, it's time to switch it up. Change your style a little and switch up the vocabulary. Find ideas and work to be creative with your articles.

3. Receive feedback

Another great way to improve is to get constructive feedback. Try finding a good writer, editor, or someone who reads a lot. When you get intelligent and honest feedback just listen and try to understand the criticism. Accepting it will help you improve and become a better writer in general.

4. Check and recheck

One basic rule of good journalism is to check and recheck those facts. Giving false facts can lead to trouble and an untrusting audience. Checking and rechecking also applies to grammatical and contextual aspects. If your a sloppy writer then your credibility will also become sloppy. Writers do make mistakes from time to time, but checking your work will save you more times than not.

5. Write what you love

I believe this is one of the most important things for a journalist. Simply put, you need to be passionate about what you write about. When you write about things that don't interest you, it shows in your writing. The article will then become dull, disengaging, and uninformed. Stay with what interests you and it will come out into your writing. When you find your voice as a journalist just let it shine.

These aren't the only tips you need to become the successful journalist I know you're striving for, but these were the 5 I thought were most important in my opinion. Nevertheless, these and other skills will surely help you on your way to being a great and outstanding journalist.

Photo Credit: designthinkingblog.com via Creative Commons

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There Are No Breaks in Journalism

So everyone is excited for spring break, right?

Trips to the Bahamas, Panama City, Cancun, Orlando, Los Angeles or anywhere warm. No tests. No projects. No annoying roommates.

I know I am.

However, when studying to become a journalist, there is one main thing that a person has to realize: there are no 'spring breaks' in journalism. There are no breaks. Period.

News is always being made, locally, nationally, and internationally. Murders. Earthquakes. Car accidents. Winter weather.

The key to being a successful journalist is to stay in touch with the news, especially when going on vacation.

One way to do this is fairly simple: get a smartphone. Be it an iPhone, Blackberry or Android, these devices can keep you connected even while on vacation.

By giving you access to thousands of applications, smartphones can keep you logged in to your Twitter, Gmail and Facebook. They can also give you access to news sites like Fox News or the New York Times so you can catch up on the latest stories while on the go.

Another way to keep up on the news while on vacation is to watch the local news on television before you go to bed at night and when you wake up in the morning. Although you won't be updated on your local news, you will still be able to hear about major national and international events.

Another way to keep updated is if the hotel provides you with a newspaper, read it. Just like watching the news on telelvision it can keep you updated on major events throughout the country. And maybe you'll discover a fun new comic strip.

It's important to stay up to date with current events while on vacation, just incase we have one of those improptu BNR quizzes like we sometimes do. But make sure not to get too plugged into the media.

Otherwise, are you really on vacation?

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Learn How to Write an Effective Headline

What's the first thing that a reader sees when looking at a newspaper article or even a website? If you said the headline you would be correct. The headline is what can either make or break a story, depending on whether it catches the interest of the reader. Here are 7 tips on how to write an effective headline and not to have your headline end up on a list of worst headlines ever.

1.First off you need to understand the purpose of having a headline. It is to interest the reader enough to keep them reading further. The point is not to entertain them or to crack a funny pun. In certain occasions that is acceptable, but that should not be your goal.

2. Know your audience and target your headline specifically to them. Ex: "Conquer Your Smoking Habit Using this Simple Step" instead of "Stop Smoking Using this Simple Step"

3. Use active voice. By using active voice you will tap into the readers emotions making them want to read further. Ex: "Hitter Blasts Record Distance Homerun" instead of "Hitter Blasted Record Distance Homerun"

4. Summarize it all in one sentence. Ex: "Scientists grow human ear on back of mouse" instead of "Scientists conduct cell transplant experiments"

5. Possibly propose a question as a headline, but make sure the question is something your reader wants to know the answer to. Ex: "Is the Zune anybetter than the iPod?" instead of "Zune not much better than the iPod"

6. Use a list or bullent points to stress your main points. It will catch your readers attention more than just a paragraph. Ex: "Top 10 films of 2010" instead of "Great films released last year"

7. Lastly, do not capitalize the letter of every word in your headline. You should only capitalize the important words.

Hope these tips help you create headlines that will draw readers into your story.

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Dare to Cross the Fine Line?

Relationships in the media business are key in any field. Without them, there would be little interviews, little sources, and frankly, stories would be monotonous and low-key.

In the sports world, athletes and coaches alike have a fine line with media. Whatever is said can be leaked, and sometimes, it can create a world of havoc.

Granted, the link between sports and fans are the media. Without media, fans can't follow what is going on with their team. What would life be like without the resources of ESPN?

Take what happened in the summer of 2006. At-the-time Chicago Sun-Times sports columnist Jay Mariotti and Chicago White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen didn't necessarily like each other. OK, scratch that, they hated the living hell out of one another, and neither were afraid to hide their emotions. Guillen went so far to throw a gay slur at Mariotti. Every media pundit reconsidered where the fine line was, and thanks to this situation, sportswriters now think twice about becoming the next blow-up between he/she and a coach/athlete.

Athletes have the ability, however, to bypass the media. Some athletes use Twitter to connect with fans. For example, Mississippi State basketball players say Twitter can be a great resource, but has its downfalls, too. Athletes want to say what they want, but the fine line can be crossed when dissing a teammate or a particular moment in the game. Ask Chad Ochocinco how that goes every time he loses.

Media has a major role. It also has a fine line. The tricky part is (depending how the relationship is) where to locate it and how not to cross it.

Photo Credit: Keith Allison via Creative Commons

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5 Easy Tips to a Getting a Journalism Job

If you are nervous about getting a job in Journalism during this time of economic struggle, this blog will provide you with five simple tips on how to do so.

1. Prepare yourself in college
This is the time where you are learning, and if you make a mistake it is okay. Therefore learning everything you can about your future career is important, and asking questions is recommended. Getting involved in journalism is what editors are most interested in. Get involved with your school newspaper, Twitter, Blogger, Facebook, and other social mediums in order to get that experience.

2. Learn Marketable Skills
Learn these skills in college. They consist of creating layouts, making blogs, creating web pages, and dealing with digital photos and video. All easy skills that take a some practice.

3. Do your research
You are a reporter, so this should be easy! Do some research about the job you are applying for. This will not only prepare you for your interview, but will impress the editor with how much you already know about the company.

4. Create a great resume
This will be your first impression on the editor. Make sure what you are showing them is something that will be impressive. There are many sites online that give ideas about ways to make a great resume.

5. Be versatile and flexible
Rarely does a journalist start at a job doing exactly what he or she wants to do. In order to do well when starting out at a new job you will need to make sure that you have many skills, so that you are able to do any kind of job your editor may have for you.

All these skills will help you get a job in journalism during this economic struggle. Like tip number one says: get started now so that you can prepare yourself for the job of your dreams.

Photo credit: geekz.co.ua

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Women on the Rise

More Newsweek readers are going to be female. Why? Newsweek has hired their first female editor, Tina Brown.

Newsweek hopes to establish more popularity for female readers through this decision. Browns first issue also features a couple stories centered around females.

To attract female readers, Brown placed a popular female figure on the cover. Hilary Clinton stands proudly on the cover of Browns first issue.

Along with this first issue, the magazine will be hosting the second annual Women in the World Stories and Solutions summit. This is where female field leaders come together and speak to individuals about tyranny and cruelty.

Both of these activities are female related. By engaging women in the working environment, we can continue to build this side of involvement.

Since Brandweek is featuring their first female editor, it will encourage other women to set their mind on a goal and achieve it. Hopefully by this acceptance into the news industry, it will help men view women as working class individuals.

Photo Credit: Edmund Lee, Creativecommons.org

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Location-based Networking

A recent article over at TechnologyReview.com discussed the growth that we will begin seeing in the "location-based" market over the next several years.

Location-based services such as Foursquare provide ways for people to interact online, seeing when people are at what location and a variety of random services depending on which app is used.

Many new developers of this technology are saying that the few services provided are not enough, however. They still feel that these social networking utilities are not social enough, and the question of "why use it?" constantly arises.

To combat this lack of features, new companies are trying new methods and combining different means of social interaction. One company is trying to create a location-based "game" of sorts that becomes highly competitive and focuses on people "conquering" each other's real-world territory.

Another company is focusing on providing its customers with the ability to spontaneously create "parties" that all friends can attend, rather than just informing others regarding the location they are at.

What does all this mean for journalists? There is a lot of potential for this new strive toward networking to make finding people or news more streamlined and easier.

Imagine being able to see "status updates" from every person within a couple of miles while you're looking for feature story ideas. If you then send out several requests to meet with those people who have newsworthy messages, your job has just become that much easier, or at least your choices have grown considerably.

At any rate, journalists will have to be on the cutting edge of this technology to ensure all the news that's worth reporting gets told.

Photo Credit: Bernard Goldbach via Creative Commons

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The New Newsweek

On Monday, March 7, Newsweek hit newsstands with what they hoped would be a fresh new look.

Dirk Barnett, who came to Newsweek from Maxim magazine, is trying to take Newsweek in a new design direction.

The new design is focused more on photos. The old Newsweek lacked the visual appeal of many magazines, and therefore had a hard time attracting readers that are more visual readers.

Although the company had good intentions, the feedback about the new Newsweek has been almost brutal.

In an article published by Columbia Journalism Review, the quotes presented are all negative towards the new Newsweek design. The New York Post stated, "New Newsweek hits streets with a whimper."

Others have been even more harsh on the new design. An editor of The Awl, Choire Sicha, voiced his opinion by saying, "Mmm, it’s like soaking in a nice warm bath of a comfortable yesterday." He then goes on very bluntly, talking about how even the new Newsweek appears to be geared toward 40-some year olds in the doctor's waiting room.

Even though this criticism may be accurate, the new design is still a visual improvement from before. The magazine isn't going to recover overnight, and this is a big step in the right direction

To view some of the new pages of Newsweek click here.

Photo credit: FontShop via Flickr on Creative Commons

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Apple is Number One

When it comes to marketing, there are certain companies that not only do it well, but they do it best. Apple, ranked No. 20 on the Interbrand Best Global Brands in 2009 and 17th in 2010, has always risen to the occasion when launching a new product. There's always a fascination with the company, when they speak, the world listens.

Last week, Apple unveiled the much awaited arrival of their second generation iPad, the iPad 2. The second generation will be available this Friday. It offers a completely new thinner design, faster processor and includes two new applications: iMovie and GarageBand. The selling point for this product has to be the price, $499.

In a recent study conducted by the Pew Research Center's Project for Excellence in Journalism found that Apple grabs more headlines than any other technology company. Apple is great at marketing because it uses a few key strategies.

1. They're everywhere - Apple plants its brand everywhere: posters, billboards, television commercials, etc... Their commercials are fun to watch and invite individuals to experience the Apple lifestyle while giving the impression that if you buy one, you're part of an exclusive group and people thrive on this idea.

2. They understand the importance of reviews - When people hear good reviews about products, they want to own it themselves. Apple embraces this concept and promotes the positive customer experience.

3. They focus on customer service - Apple is known for inviting the customer into the store and experiencing their products first hand. They have great customer service. You walk into the store and they let you play around with the devices and ask as many questions as you can fathom. They are very knowlegeable which gives the customers security in their choice. With the positive customer experience they have, it will leave them coming back for more.

Photo Credit: CreativeCommons, Robert Scoble.

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Get The Most Out of Twitter

Twitter is amongst the top-10 websites worldwide and has affected society and social media to the max. A unique trait about Twitter is that users are restricted as to how they interact with others, being that there is a limit of only 140 characters per tweet.

Little do we know that there are other options available through Twitter that allows us to communicate beyond the 140-text limit. Listed below are other options that exist in order to help Twitter users get the most out of their “tweets.”

Twitpic: Gives users the opportunity to upload images to their Twitter feed.

Tweetie: Allows instantaneous access and update ability for numerous Twitter accounts. The only downfall is that this application is only available for Macs.

Formulists: Lets users arrange their Twitter lists based on the number of followers, activity, keywords and location.

Tweet Memo: This app is similar to post-it notes because it lets users send themselves reminders, in which will pop up on their feed at the scheduled time planned.

Only the links: Sorted based on tweets that have Web links.

Tweriod: Evaluates followers Twitter streams and analyzes when they are online the most. After doing so, it lets users know when it is the best time to tweet.

Storify: Allows users to produce narratives by joining tweets together.

All of these apps allow users to become more organized while using Twitter. Test these apps out and see how they can help benefit your Twitter experience.

Photo Credit: Creative Commons

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The Right Body Image

Journalism plays a key role in shaping many minds about what their body should look like.

Magazines such as Cosmo, Seventeen, and People demand writers to show readers what the "ideal" body shape is in our society. Many times, this body shape is pressuring young women to have an extremely thin body.

Media writers have a huge impact on shaping people's beliefs, ideas, and images of themselves. People that have exposure to any type of mass media have been given what the "right" idea of an acceptable body shape is.

Faces of celebrities such as Mary-Kate Olsen, Lindsay Lohan, and Jessica Alba are plastered on
many magazines so readers can see what "real beauty" is supposed to look like walking down the streets of America.

Often times a magazine may leave out that many celebrities have been diagnosed with some type of eating disorder on his/her journey fitting into that size 0 pair of jeans, such as the three ladies listed above.

Which leaves writers with the question: How do you write a piece for readers and not offend anyone by giving them a negative image about his/her body?

Last week, Brian Steffen showed us the different angles there are to approaching a story when it is assigned.

There are many different approaches that can be used when writing about body image.

Create a human-interest story that could involve somebody who suffered from an eating disorder or put together a how-to piece on how readers can lose weight in healthy ways.

Another great tip for writers is to simply report the facts.

Don't make your story about the 105-pound celebrity with the fancy car and underground pool seem like that is what every person has to be like in order to survive.

People come in all different shapes and sizes. Know what you are reporting to readers may influence the daily life of somebody.

Use journalism as a positive tool to make readers feel good. When writing about a topic such as body image, report reality, not the celebrity world.

Photo Credit: The Chic Fashionista via Creative Commons

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Scanning is a No No

Last Monday I attended the Professional Communication Skills Workshop at Simpson College. Maria Volante, the senior vice president of Dardis Communications, focused on one main part of communicating with others, eye contact.

I have given many presentations throughout school, but I have always been taught to scan the audience. Until recently, I learned that scanning is something that can hinder a speaker's presentation.

Volante said that when speaking infront of an audience, the speaker should connect each thought with one set of eyes. This doesn't mean to stare at your audience, but to make things easier on yourself.

Now your asking, "How is looking at one person while speaking about one idea make it easier for me?"

If a speaker is scanning the audience the brain is processing all of the different images and faces it sees. This often makes the speaker lose focus and talk faster.

You now have the answer as to why you tend to zoom quickly through a presentation.

Next time you have to stand up in front of a group of people try connecting with certain eyes. Your brain will thank you later.

Photo Credit: Eric Feng via Creative Commons

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It May Be 2011 But Women Are Still Out Numbered

In a recent study by Women in Journalism it was found that 75% of journalism jobs are held by men. That means about a quarter is comprised of women.

How is this the case, it's 2011-shouldn't it be more equal than that? I don't expect women to make up 90 percent, but wouldn't 60-40 make more sense?

Are women bad reporters or are they discriminated against based on gender?

In my opinion there are a few reasons for this disparity.

First, I think there are men who choose not to hire women because they are women.

Second, job availablity plays a role in which person gets hired. In the study it was found that 3 percent of sports journalists were women.

Do women not like sports enough to write about it, if this is the case then it would make sense that more men interview for these positions and therefore get hired.

Third, while the Glass Ceiling has cracked there is still progress to be made.

Getting to the same plane as men in the workforce will take time. After all women in the United States have only been able to vote for 90 years.

The next Nellie Bly is out there and I can't wait to see what she will contribute.

Photo Credit: Creative Commons

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The Perks of Positive Perception

Englewood, Chicago, is a district with a written history that is discouraging and depressing. Most timelines and books about Englewood and West Englewood focus on the history of crime, racism, and poverty.

Students in Englewood today, working with Tonika Johnson, are working to change that perception by doing their own journalism, and choosing to focus on the positive advancements in their hometown.

Johnson, with two others, is providing the kids with a free, eight-week after school program in which they will work to deconstruct the negative images of Englewood put forth by the media.

The project calls attention to the ways that the media can both create and further the perceptions of an area, or a group of people. Of course, if the only media representations available to Englewood children are over-represented images of crime and impoverishment, the children won't have healthy role models in the media to look up to.

The article profiling Johnson and her students brings up a key example of how the media can create very flawed representations of reality just by leaving out one important, positive attribution.

Tatiana Hood, one of Johnson's eighth grade students, recalls an article describing a peer who was shot and killed outside of school. Leaving a vivid impression, she said, "Nobody ever said he was on the honor roll."

Photo courtesy of Flickr, via CreativeCommons.org

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Photo Taking Tips

Something that catches your eye when looking at a newspaper, magazine, book, etc. are pictures. It has been said a picture is worth a thousand words, but that is only if the picture has meaning and is of good quality.

Combined tips from Kodak and hp, listed below give photographers tips to make their photographs more appealing.

1. Use a plain background. You don't want your background to take over what the main focus of the picture is about.

2. Use a flash outdoors and know your flash's range. Along with your flash, be aware of the lighting around you. Too much lighting can overexpose photos, while too little can underexpose photos.

3. Move in close and lock in your focus. Whether it be with zoom or physically, you want your focus to be the majority of the photograph.

4. Take some vertical pictures. Remember, your camera is able to turn, allowing you to format your pictures and some variety.

5. Move it from the middle. Instead of the typical focus being in the middle, have it off center for a greater balance.

6. Get down to their level. Do not tower above your subject, unless that is the desired effect for the photo.

7. Hold the camera steady as you shoot the picture, this well reduce blur.

Hopefully, these basic tips can help you take better photos, but remember creativity is important to.

Photo credit: Via Creative Commons

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