Oct. 28: Online copyright, ethics & media law

Oct. 28 class: Read the Online copyright & ethics folder materials. We’ll go over some basic guidelines of media law and ethics in class as well. And we’ll talk about your intro videos.

Due Oct. 28: Blog post 10 & tweet it. Your blog post should be either a:

1. Top 5 list of ways to not violate copyright/intellectual property laws
2. Top 5 list of ways to not get sued for what you post online

The list should:

• Be your own words that summarize/paraphrase the reading(s)
• Begin with a brief intro paragraph that gives an overview of what you’re writing
• Include links to the materials you cited
• Be written using online writing principles (bulletpoints, headings, etc.)
• Be concise. No more than three sentences for each of your five items.
• If you did a similar list in my News Writing class, you cannot copy & paste that list. You must come up with a new list.

Nov. 2: Work day for Project 1. You are not required to physically come to class, but you are expected to email me with details about how you are using class time to work on your project.

• The classroom will be open if you want to come work there

Reminder: Class meets today at STL Public Radio

Today is our field trip to St. Louis Public Radio! We will meet there at 1:10 p.m. The station’s digital innovation editor, Kelsey Proud, will lead us on a tour and then we’ll chat about St. Louis Public Radio’s social media strategy and related topics. The station is at 3651 Olive St., which is one block north of campus.

• Please arrive promptly at 1:10 p.m. We will meet in the lobby to begin our tour.

Extra credit! Tweet a question to Kelsey Proud (@kelseyproud) prior to the start of class! Research first before sending a question — it should not be something you could’ve learned from reading her bio.

Oct. 26: STL Public Radio tour

Oct. 26 class: Third time’s a charm! We’re going to St. Louis Public Radio for our twice-delayed tour! (Thanks #SLUblackout2015!)

• We’ll meet at the station.
• Please be on time.

Due Oct. 26: Your intro video should be posted on your blog by the start of class.

Your video should…

• Be between :45 and 1:30 long
• Use at least one voiceover (which means you need B-roll)
• Include at least one sequence of wide-medium-tight shots
• Have no more than three transitions
• Reflect your personal brand
• Be posted to your blog “About” page via YouTube/Vimeo

Oct. 28 class: Read the Online copyright & ethics folder materials. We’ll go over some basic guidelines of media law and ethics in class as well. And we’ll talk about your intro videos.

Due Oct. 28: Blog post 10 & tweet it. Your blog post should be either a:

1. Top 5 list of ways to not violate copyright/intellectual property laws
2. Top 5 list of ways to not get sued for what you post online

The list should:

• Be your own words that summarize/paraphrase the reading(s)
• Begin with a brief intro paragraph that gives an overview of what you’re writing
• Include links to the materials you cited
• Be written using online writing principles (bulletpoints, headings, etc.)
• Be concise. No more than three sentences for each of your five items.
• If you did a similar list in my News Writing class, you cannot copy & paste that list. You must come up with a new list.

Extra credit! Event Thursday afternoon!

Curious about graduate school? Want some easy extra credit?

Attend the Communication Department’s Mentoring Matters panel to learn more about graduate school, including whether it’s a good option for you and how you can get paid while earning a master’s degree!

• Grad school panel: 4:30 p.m. Oct. 22 in Xavier Hall 332

So where does the extra credit come in? Take a photo at the event and tweet or Instagram it along with one piece of advice you got from the panel.

• Include @slucomm on Twitter or @slucommdept on Instagram
• Include name/handle of person who gave the advice that you’re quoting
• Use #mpj2015

Earn up to three points extra credit!

Oct. 21: Continue editing “About Me” videos

UPDATE: Your videos must be posted to your blogs by the start of class on Monday. See the assignment details below, and email me if you have questions.

Oct. 21 class: We’ll spend class time going over some of the finer points of editing your videos and I will provide feedback on an individual basis.

Due Oct. 21: Ideally, your video will be complete by the end of class. Since the CMC was closed Monday & Tuesday for fall break, I realize you weren’t able to work on your videos. We’ll discuss in class if a revised deadline is necessary.

By the end of class, you need to have completed your intro video & have it posted to your blog.

• It will take several minutes for your video to upload to YouTube/Vimeo before you can post the link to your blog. Plan accordingly — you should be finished editing within the first 30 minutes of class.

Your video should…

• Be between :45 and 1:30 long
• Use at least one voiceover (which means you need B-roll)
• Include at least one sequence of wide-medium-tight shots
• Have no more than three transitions
• Reflect your personal brand
• Be posted to your blog “About” page via YouTube/Vimeo

Oct. 26 class: Third time’s a charm! We’re going to St. Louis Public Radio for our twice-delayed tour! (Thanks #SLUblackout2015!) We’ll meet at the station. Please be on time.

Oct. 14: Final Cut Pro intro

Did you see the Communication Department newsletter? Our Spotify project was featured in it!

Oct. 14 class: Intro to Final Cut Pro!

• If possible: Prior to the start of class, please export your footage onto the computer you use during class so we’ll be ready to go at the start of class.
• I’ll come to class about 1 p.m. to help with exports. (I have a meeting prior to our class.)

Due Oct. 14:  Rough footage for your intro video. Read/watch the materials in the Shooting & Editing Video folder, including the piece on How to be Great on Video.

Examples of previous intro videos: Maddie Brooker, Rachel Moylan, Hannah Wiley, Emma Goldschmidt, Jill Szwed, Chris Ackles and Ivana Cvetkovic

Not sure what to talk about in your video? You should have about two minutes of interview footage. Here are some questions to answer:

• Introduce yourself by name
• Identify yourself as a SLU student & communication (NOT communicationS) major
• What do you like about journalism or your chosen field (PR, advertising, etc.)?
• What do you see as the future of journalism or your chosen field?
• What kind of a job are you looking for? (or what are your plans after graduation?)
• A couple of interesting facts about you

You also need to have some B-roll of you “doing” something related to what you talk about in your intro video.

• B-roll must include wide, medium & tight shots
• Include at least one shot sequence that includes wide, medium & tight shots in your video

Oct. 19: No class – Fall break! Reminder: the CMC will be closed on Monday & Tuesday.

Oct. 21 class: We’ll spend class time going over some of the finer points of editing your videos and I will provide feedback on an individual basis.

Due Oct. 21: Ideally, your video will be complete by the end of class. Since the CMC is closed Monday & Tuesday for fall break, I realize you won’t be able to work on your videos. We’ll discuss in class if a revised deadline is necessary.

Oct. 12: Story plans due & Winners of Spotify news project announced!

Oct. 12 class: The results are in! The gold-medal winning Spotify news group will be announced in class! You can check out each other’s playlists:

• Newsicals
• 2 Kool 4 School
• Trending Trenders
• The Who, What, Where, When & Why

We’ll also talk about video production techniques, and use the camcorders/iPad minis to shoot intro videos.

Due Oct. 12: Story plan for Project 1. Use the formats and examples posted on Blackboard. Submit to me via email or Google doc.

JOURNALISM INTERNSHIPS! Big list! Due dates approaching! Take heed @SLUcomm majors! http://t.co/BaZLIwiHuR pic.twitter.com/mZsSDCHVJ9

— Amber Hinsley (@amberhinsley) October 12, 2015

Oct. 14 class: Intro to Final Cut Pro!

Due Oct. 14:  Rough footage for your intro video. Read/watch the materials in the Shooting & Editing Video folder, including the piece on How to be Great on Video.

Examples of previous intro videos: Maddie Brooker, Rachel Moylan, Hannah Wiley, Emma Goldschmidt, Jill Szwed, Chris Ackles and Ivana Cvetkovic

Not sure what to talk about in your video? You should have about two minutes of interview footage. Here are some questions to answer:

• Introduce yourself by name
• Identify yourself as a SLU student & communication (NOT communicationS) major
• What do you like about journalism or your chosen field (PR, advertising, etc.)?
• What do you see as the future of journalism or your chosen field?
• What kind of a job are you looking for? (or what are your plans after graduation?)
• A couple of interesting facts about you

You also need to have some B-roll of you “doing” something related to what you talk about in your intro video.

• B-roll must include wide, medium & tight shots
• Include at least one shot sequence that includes wide, medium & tight shots in your video

Wanna see a good example intro video from a professional? (Caveat: It’s longer than it needs to be…)

Oct. 7: Story ideas due for Project 1

Oct. 7 class: We’ll review the SMU Spotify playlists, and discuss your story ideas for Project 1. We’ll also talk about differences in broadcast & online video packages.

Links to the SMU playlists:

• The Beats
• DJ Batsell
• The Media Frend-zies
• The Editors

As a reminder: Projects must combine two platforms. Your options include

• Online writing
• Photography
• Audio documentary
• Video promo
• Broadcast news story

Examples of student projects from last spring

• Relay for Life
• STL Spring Style
• Introvert-extravert world
• Family adoption journey

Due Oct. 7: 1) Read/watch the materials in the Online news packages folder. 2) Two story ideas for Project 1. Use the format below and email them to me or share via Google doc by the start of class.

Story ideas format

What: in two sentences, explain the central focus of your story. If it’s an event, when is it? (Project 1 is due Nov. 11)

How: which two formats (online writing, photo, video, etc.) will you use and why are those the best ways to tell this story?

Sources (must have three)

• Name & title: Must have named sources (not “a student”)
• Contact info: How will you contact this person?
• Contribution: in 1-2 sentences, explain what information you expect this person to contribute to your story
• Five questions: List 5 questions you will ask this person to get the info you need for this story

Visuals: in 3-4 sentences explain what type of visuals you will use and how they will help illustrate the story

Side note: Considering shooting a broadcast/online story with a tablet or smartphone? Read these tips first.

Oct. 12 class: We’ll talk about video production techniques, and use the camcorders/iPad minis to shoot intro videos.

Due Oct. 12: Story plan for Project 1. Use the formats and examples posted on Blackboard. Submit to me via email or Google doc.

#NewsEngagementDay master playlist curated by #mpj2015

For #NewsEngagementDay on Oct. 6, Saint Louis University students in Multiplatform Journalism at Saint Louis University are partnering with students in Digital Journalism at Southern Methodist University to encourage people to connect with the news through music.

In teams of three, students in both classes are curating the top 10 news stories from their city and state and pairing each news item with a relevant song to create music playlists on Spotify. The students then embed the playlists on their blogs along with summaries of the news.

Below is the master playlist from Multiplatform Journalism, with selections from each of the four teams. Happy listening!

1. St. Louis college students have the opportunity to “ask questions” and “speak honestly” to potential candidates for next term’s President of the United States, as representatives from CNN and CSPAN are on campus this week.  CNN’s “Campaign Camper” is open from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6, while C-SPAN will be available from 2-4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7, both allowing students to ask questions that could be used in upcoming presidential debates.
2. Students at Saint Louis University were surprised Wednesday, Sept. 30 when classes on the north campus were cancelled due to a power outage. The outage occurred at a campus substation, and 23 buildings were without power for more than 24 hours. As Arcade Fire sings in their song “Neighborhood #3 (Power Out),” students went out into the night, went out to find some light, kids were swingin’ from power lines. Maybe students weren’t swinging from power lines, but they were certainly excited by the university canceling classes.
3. Twitter Inc. named St. Louis native Jack Dorsey as its permanent chief executive on Monday, Oct. 5. Dorsey has been running the microblogging service since former CEO Dick Costolo stepped down on July 1. Dorsey will no longer be chairman, and Twitter will recruit its next chairman from outside the company. Dorsey is well-known for being a successful entrepreneur, founding Square and co-founding Twitter.
4. The state of Missouri is planning on acquiring 2,500 acres of land along the Eleven Point River for a new state park. The expansion is funded by lead-mining companies to curb environmental damage from the southeast Missouri’s long history of lead mining. This initiative will allow for the Missouri land to be ‘our land.’
5. After an unsuccessful run for the U.S. Senate, John Brunner is still standing. On Monday, Oct. 5, the businessman entered into the race for 2016 Republican nomination for Missouri governor. Three years ago, he personally spent $8 million trying to win a seat in the U.S. senate and has already spent $100,000 on this campaign.
6. Ameren Corp. pledged $2.5 million on Saturday, Oct. 3 in support of community initiatives in North St. Louis County and St. Louis. This pledge followed the release of a Ferguson Commission report, which outlined various programs and initiatives created in response to racial inequity in St. Louis. Ameren’s pledge of hope is echoed in John Legend’s song “If you’re out there,” which calls for our generation to make a change in the world.
7. After fights over contract proposals for East St. Louis teachers – which would provide a $2,000 stipend and a raise that averages 2.6 percent per teacher, but also double the time needed to raise to the top of the pay scale – stalled, teachers are “not going to take it any more.”  A strike on Thursday, Oct. 1 was formed to protest against the new contracts, which came one day after students at high schools walked out in support of teachers.
8. For three consecutive years, the Cardinals have clinched the NL Central title. It is also the first time in 10 years that they won 100 games, despite the multiple injuries the team experienced this season. The team gained a spot in the postseason and it’s time to celebrate!
9. People were excited, and they just could not hide it.  Practically everyone in St. Louis knew the grand opening of the new IKEA was on Wednesday, Sept. 30.  Crowds gathered at the midtown location in the early hours of Wednesday, Thursday and Friday to be one of the first 41 people through the door because different prizes were given each day.  The store, Missouri’s first IKEA, is near SLU’s campus on Vandeventer Avenue and Forest Park Parkway.
10. Taylor Swift told her sold-out concert on Tuesday, Sept. 29 at Scottrade Center that a surprise special guest would join them later in the evening if the crowd kept up its enthusiasm. About an hour into the show, Swift brought out St. Louis superstar rapper Nelly. Nelly and Swift joined forces and heated up the stage!

Reminder: Spotify playlists due by 10 a.m. Tuesday

Don’t forget that each group member must post the group’s Spotify news playlist on his/her blog and tweet it by 10 a.m. Tuesday.

Some helpful reminders for your blog post:

• Include the name of your group in the headline
• Make sure you have an embedded Spotify playlist of at least 10 songs
• Include a brief explanation of why you picked each song, along with a link to the story it was inspired by
• List the name of each person in your group, with links to their Twitter handles

Reminders for your tweet:

• Tweet a link to your blog post
• Must use #NewsEngagementDay and #mpj2015
• Explain the post to your followers with some context