Sabrina Meow Scratch

The Power of the Blogosphere

sabrinameowscratch — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 17:07:19 +0000

Blogging is fairly new to me, but I understand the power of a forum where anyone can express themselves. I think it’s absolutely wonderful that journalists have to be aware of the information they are putting out there because not only do they have editors breathing down their neck, but they also have bloggers to be aware of now. Everything has to be factual, because these days, if you’re lazy and don’t check the credibility of your sources, you might end up looking like AN ASS…or might I say Rathergate. The Internet is changing the way we access our information, and the “popular” media now has to be aware and compete with citizen journalists all around the world. Another benefit of the blogging world is their connection to their audience. It seems like newspapers and broadcast news basically tells the world here’s what we have, believe it, and that’s that; but when it comes to a really effective blog, that blog creates conversations with people everywhere, and basically the web of thought keeps on growing. There’s usually immediate feedback because posts are what makes a blog successful.

Human Bandwidth

sabrinameowscratch — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 17:10:57 +0000

It’s known that knowledge brings power, but what abut an abundance of information at our fingertips?

A person can only absorb so much information before they go crazy! We have newspapers, the web, movies, documentaries, weblogs, mail, text messaging and the list goes on.

I think everyone is desensitized when it comes to information, and it’s rare that people want to make a difference with all of the resources we have. All of the information has made me numb!

Everyone wants more and more. With all of the ways there are to gather information, I believe that we’ve lost part of our human nature. Everyone one is plugged into something and no one actually talks to people and connects with one another in a truly human way.

So, knowledge does bring power, but I miss what inherently makes us people, our connection to one another, and I don’t mean by a plug or a signal.

It’s actually really funny that I’m writing this on a blog too. I’m not against technology but we’ve lost the meaning of what’s important; what actually makes us fulfilled -our families, our friends, our relationships and some sense of spirituality.

Getting away from all of the noise really centers me. http://www.how-to-meditate.org/

Reporting just the facts – journalism at its best

sabrinameowscratch — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 16:21:57 +0000

“We know there is a vast morass of information out there that our audiences want us to try to make sense of. The danger consists in trying to leap above it, not by getting more dramatic or salient or verifiable facts, but by analyzing, speculating, predicting, interpreting – by drawing definitive conclusions while the bodies are still warm.” Paul Knox, The Globe and Mail

As a journalism student, I’ve come to learn that the best stories convey a human connection to our audience. Good journalism isn’t based on listing things in order, but rather putting it in perspective in a way that people can relate to and understand.

There’s defiantly an abundance of information out there, but it’s our job to dissect the story and deliver what’s actually important. As journalists, we’ll always be sifting through information, trying to make sense of everything and connecting all of the relevant pieces.

This is where I think balance will be a necessity, in order to remain sane. We’ll have to somehow try to avoid being bogged down by all of the information. This is where critical thinking comes into play.http://howto.lifehack.org/wiki/Critical_Thinking

Critical thinking will be tool that all good journalists will have to use. It will help us understand information and deliver the story while it’s still relevant to the public.

Journalism Research Techniques

sabrinameowscratch — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 01:01:56 +0000

The information Peggy decided to share with our class today was very useful. As journalism students we have to be prepared for all of the researching we’ll have to do in order to get recognized within our industry.

It’s not just about Google and broad searches. We have access to information and we should know how to properly use it to our advantage. I’m not computer savvy in the least, so to actually go over some resources and learn how to navigate a few useful sites was a great use of class time.

I was especially pleased to learn about how easy it is to refine your search when using Mohawks online library. I had no idea that adding a $ sign to your search could pinpoint articles and documents regarding your specific topic.

Peggy also introduced me to friendlier side of Netlibrary. I wasn’t aware that you could copy and create PDF documents. This makes it incredibly easier while researching because you don’t have to worry about the two hour time limit.

I will definitely remember her tips about using the * key when searching our libraries and condensing the information by choosing subject instead of key words. Her lesson was very helpful and I know I will use it now and in years to come.

Kevin Urie: Life Is A Canvas

sabrinameowscratch — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 04:31:17 +0000

Ethics in photo journalism

sabrinameowscratch — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 16:40:04 +0000

In my opinion, as journalists we have a responsibility to provide the public with accurate and fair information. We are the link that informs the people about the happenings around the world. Adjusting or manipulating any type of photo is unethical. The example of the flower with a blemish being removed may seem minor, but if you think about it, the image of that perfect flower never even existed. Things, and people aren’t perfect. A photo captures a moment in time, not a image of what we think something should look like. Linking artistic value to an image when it comes to delivering the news can effect the story. For example the image of OJ Simpson in Time in comparison to the image in Newsweek. The falsification of his image raised many questions of merging art and news. Time darkened the mugshot of Simpson and made him look unshaven and sinister. The photographer insisted that he manipulated the picture to make it more compelling, but we all know it has to do with money and increasing sales. This type of journalism really bothers me, because it makes the job harder for people who actually want to make a difference and perfect their craft.

meow scratch

sabrinameowscratch — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 15:34:01 +0000

In class learning about blogs, and how to use them. This is officially my first blog post…pauls alive

Hello world!

sabrinameowscratch — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 15:17:05 +0000

Welcome to WordPress.com. This is your first post. Edit or delete it and start blogging!

*Sabrina *Meow *Scratch*