On Nov. 9 we will honor our SPJ chapter namesake by donating to his scholarship fund, and we need your help.
The IU chapter of SPJ is named after David L. Adams. Adams was an IU professor and a proponent of First Amendment Rights. He was also the IU SPJ chapter adviser. Adams was killed in a tragic drowning accident in 2007, and our chapter is named in his memory.
From 5 to 9 p.m. Nov. 9, our chapter is working with Noodles to host a fundraiser. Twenty five percent of all the sales during that time will be donated to the David L. Adams scholarship fund.
In the past this event has been a lot of fun. The J-School takes over Noodles, and you usually see a lot of your professors and friends! Enjoy some awesome macaroni or penne rosa, and help out a great cause. Look back to our blog for an update on the event's success and some photos. We hope to see you guys there!
The official blog of the IU chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. Check here for all IU SPJ news, events and journalistic opportunities.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Social media: professional or personal?
First, I just want to say thank you to everyone who came to the SPJ meeting on Monday. I love having everyone in on discussions, and it was great getting to know the new members more.
During the meeting, we watched a video from the eCampus section of the SPJ website about using social media. Although parts of it seemed silly and obvious, it sparked a great discussion about what you can find out about people online. We talked about pipl.com and the "see friendship" feature of facebook. Both can be great reporting tools to find out background on your sources, but it can also be a big wake-up call as to what is online about us. These are things that everybody - friends, family, sources and potential bosses – can all see.
I've attended several SPJ workshops about social media and the general comment I seem to hear is that professional journalists either keep their facebooks and twitter completely personal or completely professional. In general, having two of each (one personal and one professional) seems to be a bad idea to most professionals I have heard speak about the topic.
But I think college journalists are in a unique position. It would be hard to keep our social media sites completely professional or completely personal because a lot of the time our sources are fellow college students.
What is the best way for college journalists to approach social media? Also, we are always told employers look at our facebook pages and twitters before hiring for jobs or internships. But how true is that? And if they do look, what are they looking for, either good or bad?
To help answer some of these questions as well as other social media concerns, SPJ wants to have a panel of experts, professional journalists and employers to discuss social media and the college journalist. We are planning the panel for sometime in February.
Do you have something to say about this topic or suggestions for panelists? E-mail me at mslaby@indiana.edu.
During the meeting, we watched a video from the eCampus section of the SPJ website about using social media. Although parts of it seemed silly and obvious, it sparked a great discussion about what you can find out about people online. We talked about pipl.com and the "see friendship" feature of facebook. Both can be great reporting tools to find out background on your sources, but it can also be a big wake-up call as to what is online about us. These are things that everybody - friends, family, sources and potential bosses – can all see.
I've attended several SPJ workshops about social media and the general comment I seem to hear is that professional journalists either keep their facebooks and twitter completely personal or completely professional. In general, having two of each (one personal and one professional) seems to be a bad idea to most professionals I have heard speak about the topic.
But I think college journalists are in a unique position. It would be hard to keep our social media sites completely professional or completely personal because a lot of the time our sources are fellow college students.
What is the best way for college journalists to approach social media? Also, we are always told employers look at our facebook pages and twitters before hiring for jobs or internships. But how true is that? And if they do look, what are they looking for, either good or bad?
To help answer some of these questions as well as other social media concerns, SPJ wants to have a panel of experts, professional journalists and employers to discuss social media and the college journalist. We are planning the panel for sometime in February.
Do you have something to say about this topic or suggestions for panelists? E-mail me at mslaby@indiana.edu.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Behind the stories from Haiti
It was the last day of the convention and after checking out of our hotel and grabbing breakfast and coffee at Starbucks, we made our way to Planet Hollywood for more session before we had to return to Indiana. For our first session, Stephanie and I along with Professor Joe Coleman chose to attend "Haiti Earthquake: Covering the Tragedy with No End in Sight," where two journalists shared their experiences of covering the earthquake.
Jacqueline Charles covered Haiti as her beat and works for The Miami Herald. She speaks creole and when her plane landed in Haiti she was met by the president and his wife. Her dedication was amazing - when she couldn't use her phone or email, she sent stories in via text message. Also, it was really great to hear from someone who covered Haiti before and is still covering the country.
The second journalist was Carrie Kahn from NPR. She told us that she sent her boss an email that said "I'll go" after the earthquake hit an the next thing she knew, she was on a plane to Haiti. Her bravery impressed me. Not only did she volunteer to go, but she had no connections when she got there and didn't speak the language.
But I think the biggest thing I learned from these two reporters is that when we as journalists go to areas where there has been a disaster, we need to understand the culture of the place and know that the problems it faces are usually more complicated than just the disaster.
Jacqueline Charles covered Haiti as her beat and works for The Miami Herald. She speaks creole and when her plane landed in Haiti she was met by the president and his wife. Her dedication was amazing - when she couldn't use her phone or email, she sent stories in via text message. Also, it was really great to hear from someone who covered Haiti before and is still covering the country.
The second journalist was Carrie Kahn from NPR. She told us that she sent her boss an email that said "I'll go" after the earthquake hit an the next thing she knew, she was on a plane to Haiti. Her bravery impressed me. Not only did she volunteer to go, but she had no connections when she got there and didn't speak the language.
But I think the biggest thing I learned from these two reporters is that when we as journalists go to areas where there has been a disaster, we need to understand the culture of the place and know that the problems it faces are usually more complicated than just the disaster.
National convention is actually a journalist reunion
After months of excitement and planning, it's hard to believe the SPJ national convention is over. And honestly, I am already excited for the regional convention on April.
This year wasn't my first convention. I have been lucky enough to go to nationals last year and the past two regional conventions as well as the Ted Scripps Leadership Institute (which I highly recommend).
Every time I go to a convention, it is even better than the last time. The session are consistently great and inspiring, but one of the best parts is catching up with old friends from past conventions. These friends include professional journalists and SPJ national board members, who I talk to during the year for advice for our chapter events and information about applying for grants. But at convention, I can see them face-to-face, hear what they are working on (both in their career and chapter) and talk about ideas and events.
Also, another great thing about nationals is student chapters are there. This is a great way to talk abut what works and what doesn't for different student chapters. Plus, we can just hang out and talk about what it is like to be a student journalist.
This year, nationals was a great chance to catch up and meet journalists. Not only is the editor of Quill magazine Scott Leadingham an IU alumnus, but I think at least four journalists came up to our chapter officers because they were alumni or they live in Indiana. Hearing their stories about late nights at student media was great and I think all those conversations either started or ended with "Go Hoosiers!"
Going to convention is similar to the stories that journalists write: it's the people that make it unique.
This year wasn't my first convention. I have been lucky enough to go to nationals last year and the past two regional conventions as well as the Ted Scripps Leadership Institute (which I highly recommend).
Every time I go to a convention, it is even better than the last time. The session are consistently great and inspiring, but one of the best parts is catching up with old friends from past conventions. These friends include professional journalists and SPJ national board members, who I talk to during the year for advice for our chapter events and information about applying for grants. But at convention, I can see them face-to-face, hear what they are working on (both in their career and chapter) and talk about ideas and events.
Also, another great thing about nationals is student chapters are there. This is a great way to talk abut what works and what doesn't for different student chapters. Plus, we can just hang out and talk about what it is like to be a student journalist.
This year, nationals was a great chance to catch up and meet journalists. Not only is the editor of Quill magazine Scott Leadingham an IU alumnus, but I think at least four journalists came up to our chapter officers because they were alumni or they live in Indiana. Hearing their stories about late nights at student media was great and I think all those conversations either started or ended with "Go Hoosiers!"
Going to convention is similar to the stories that journalists write: it's the people that make it unique.
Viva Las Vegas!
Las Vegas is a city unlike any other one I have ever visited, and SPJ could not have picked a better place to hold its national convention. The city is a reporter's dream, as there are dramatic scenes and crazy characters everywhere you look. For the entire trip, we felt like cultural anthropologists analyzing Sin City- the gluttonous amounts of fatty food and alcohol available, the scantily clad people, and the millions of lights wasting energy represented the best and worst about the United States in one place. It was entertaining, but also strangely mesmerizing.
On Sunday night, we took our time walking back from the conference sessions to our hotel. We stopped to watch the fountains dance at the Bellagio, and we looked at the intricately themed hotels. We were ready to go to sleep, but the city was just awakening. While crossing the street, we stopped at the top of a pedestrian bridge crossing the traffic to look over the city. All of Las Vegas was lit with lights: the Eiffel Tower of the Paris, the Empire State Building from New York New York, the towers of the Excalibur's castle, even the four story M and M's World. We couldn't help but stop and stare. Las Vegas was the perfect setting to learn from the pro's about real issues in the journalism industry, and we felt so lucky to have made it to the conference.
On Sunday night, we took our time walking back from the conference sessions to our hotel. We stopped to watch the fountains dance at the Bellagio, and we looked at the intricately themed hotels. We were ready to go to sleep, but the city was just awakening. While crossing the street, we stopped at the top of a pedestrian bridge crossing the traffic to look over the city. All of Las Vegas was lit with lights: the Eiffel Tower of the Paris, the Empire State Building from New York New York, the towers of the Excalibur's castle, even the four story M and M's World. We couldn't help but stop and stare. Las Vegas was the perfect setting to learn from the pro's about real issues in the journalism industry, and we felt so lucky to have made it to the conference.
The ethics of social media
One of the most interesting sessions we attended during the conference was about the ethics of social media like Facebook and Twitter, for both news-gathering and personal purposes. The room was packed with college and professional journalists looking to learn about a relatively new ethical dilemma; most journalistic codes of ethics, like the SPJ Code of Ethics, have not yet been updated to address these issues. The panel of professionals at the session said it is important to be aware of professionalism online, but not to be afraid to use social media as a journalist. Here are some of the interesting things I learned from the panel:
1) If you wouldn't want to see something while eating breakfast, don't post it... even if it's online.
2) Live tweeting is like broadcasting, so the same professional standards apply.
3) Friend or follow all sides of a political debate to receive information from all sides and to keep viewers or followers from thinking you are biased.
4) Develop a personal ethics code to guide you through ethical decisions for all forms of media. Think about what you will do, what you would feel uncomfortable doing, and what you absolutely won't do as a journalist.
1) If you wouldn't want to see something while eating breakfast, don't post it... even if it's online.
2) Live tweeting is like broadcasting, so the same professional standards apply.
3) Friend or follow all sides of a political debate to receive information from all sides and to keep viewers or followers from thinking you are biased.
4) Develop a personal ethics code to guide you through ethical decisions for all forms of media. Think about what you will do, what you would feel uncomfortable doing, and what you absolutely won't do as a journalist.
BP Oil Spill Session
One of the sessions that I went to was about the BP oil spill and how the
media covered it. People from CNN, the New York Times and Poynter sat on the
panel and discussed how each of their outlets covered and is covering the spill and
its effects.
This session was interesting to me not only because of the huge ramifications
of the spill, but also because while I was taking a class in London this summer, we
did a content analysis over the coverage of the spill in America media versus British
media.
I thought it was interesting how each media outlet represented at the panel
covered the spill differently. Though the spill is cleaned up, there are still going to be
economic and environmental effects for years to come. The panel discussed how,
though the oil is out of the water, there is still a story there and it still needs to be
covered because the public needs to know.
media covered it. People from CNN, the New York Times and Poynter sat on the
panel and discussed how each of their outlets covered and is covering the spill and
its effects.
This session was interesting to me not only because of the huge ramifications
of the spill, but also because while I was taking a class in London this summer, we
did a content analysis over the coverage of the spill in America media versus British
media.
I thought it was interesting how each media outlet represented at the panel
covered the spill differently. Though the spill is cleaned up, there are still going to be
economic and environmental effects for years to come. The panel discussed how,
though the oil is out of the water, there is still a story there and it still needs to be
covered because the public needs to know.
Vegas Fun
Vegas is unlike any other city in America. Not only is it the epitome of
America (no one loves neon signs like the good ol’ US of A), but each hotel is like a
city unto itself. Just looking down “The Strip” at night causes a sensory overload.
But, it is TOTALLY worth it.
We went to some of the hotels (Planet Hollywood, the Belagio, Caesar’s
Palace – it this the real Caesar’s palace? I didn’t think so – Paris, among others)
and it was like we actually transported to whatever place the hotel was themed.
My favorite was Caesar’s Palace. This may or may not be solely based on
seeing “The Hangover” approximately 12y77538964 times (and yes, there is a y
in there because there isn’t a number big enough). We only saw the lobby and the
casino, but that was enough for me. Plus, the fact that I may have recited multiple
lines from “The Hangover” while standing in the lobby only made me happier and
exponentially nerdier.
It was seriously enough to just walk through the hotels. Each one was so
amazing, however because of tinting and the fact that you are in Vegas, it constantly
felt as if it should be night outside. Let me tell you, it was always a shock to walk
outside and it be daylight, even though I knew it was about 8 a.m.
America (no one loves neon signs like the good ol’ US of A), but each hotel is like a
city unto itself. Just looking down “The Strip” at night causes a sensory overload.
But, it is TOTALLY worth it.
We went to some of the hotels (Planet Hollywood, the Belagio, Caesar’s
Palace – it this the real Caesar’s palace? I didn’t think so – Paris, among others)
and it was like we actually transported to whatever place the hotel was themed.
My favorite was Caesar’s Palace. This may or may not be solely based on
seeing “The Hangover” approximately 12y77538964 times (and yes, there is a y
in there because there isn’t a number big enough). We only saw the lobby and the
casino, but that was enough for me. Plus, the fact that I may have recited multiple
lines from “The Hangover” while standing in the lobby only made me happier and
exponentially nerdier.
It was seriously enough to just walk through the hotels. Each one was so
amazing, however because of tinting and the fact that you are in Vegas, it constantly
felt as if it should be night outside. Let me tell you, it was always a shock to walk
outside and it be daylight, even though I knew it was about 8 a.m.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Officers in Vegas!
We have been in Vegas for two very jam packed days now. I can't believe tomorrow is the last day of the convention. We've attended so many sessions, from event programming to reporting the census to weird jobs in journalism. Also, we've met great people during the sessions, such as IU alumni, members of the Indy Pro chapter and students from around the country.
But the best part of convention is all the ideas we will bring back to the chapter for programs and training. Keep checking the blog for more updates about the national convention and the sessions we attended!
But the best part of convention is all the ideas we will bring back to the chapter for programs and training. Keep checking the blog for more updates about the national convention and the sessions we attended!
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Free food + education = a successful event
On Tuesday, we roped off an area of Dunn Meadow and screamed to every person walking by that we had free food for them. Some ignored us, others claimed they weren't hungry or had a big lunch, but others stopped.
And then we explained it to them.
It was a First Amendment Free Food Festival, so in order to get their free food, they had to sign away their First Amendment rights while they were eating. Once they were done and left the roped-off area, they could have their rights back.
The responses varied: some signed right away, others refused and others had to be convinced. And others still asked what the First Amendment was.
I'd like to think that those who refused know that the First Amendment is too important to sign away, even for free food.
The festival, overall, was a success. It was the second year that SPJ paired with NABJ (National Association of Black Journalists) to sponsor the event. But this year we moved the event to right before Constitution Day, which is this Friday, and added Btownmenus.com as a sponsor who donated all the food. DKE Fraternity helped by acting as a "goon" squad who made sure the First Amendment wasn't practiced by those eating food and they seemed to have a great time yelling at attendees and even using textbooks to prove that, yes freedom of expression was a part of First Amendment rights.
More than 140 people attended the event and hopefully they all took something away. We are lucky to have the First Amendment, not only as journalists but as Americans. So check out more photos from the event on the SPJ Facebook page, and in case you missed the event or just want a refresher, here's exactly what the First Amendment is:
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."
And then we explained it to them.
It was a First Amendment Free Food Festival, so in order to get their free food, they had to sign away their First Amendment rights while they were eating. Once they were done and left the roped-off area, they could have their rights back.
The responses varied: some signed right away, others refused and others had to be convinced. And others still asked what the First Amendment was.
I'd like to think that those who refused know that the First Amendment is too important to sign away, even for free food.
The festival, overall, was a success. It was the second year that SPJ paired with NABJ (National Association of Black Journalists) to sponsor the event. But this year we moved the event to right before Constitution Day, which is this Friday, and added Btownmenus.com as a sponsor who donated all the food. DKE Fraternity helped by acting as a "goon" squad who made sure the First Amendment wasn't practiced by those eating food and they seemed to have a great time yelling at attendees and even using textbooks to prove that, yes freedom of expression was a part of First Amendment rights.
More than 140 people attended the event and hopefully they all took something away. We are lucky to have the First Amendment, not only as journalists but as Americans. So check out more photos from the event on the SPJ Facebook page, and in case you missed the event or just want a refresher, here's exactly what the First Amendment is:
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."
Monday, September 6, 2010
The Free Food Festival!
Sept. 14 (next Tuesday) will be the second year the IU/David L. Adams Memorial Chapter presents the First Amendment Free Food Festival. It will be from noon to 3 p.m. in Dunn Meadow (during your lunch break!), and everyone is invited!
So why stop by during your precious hour between classes?
First, we're not going to unload dorm food on you -- Btownmenus.com is co-sponsoring the event, and all the food is free.
Yes, you read that right -- free.
Well, sort of.
It's a simple deal, really. You show up at Dunn Meadow and go up to a big table, where you will sign away the rights guaranteed to you by the First Amendment to the Constitution. In return, we give you delicious Btownmenus food.
It's not like you're giving up that much, right? And you get free food!
So show up at Dunn Meadow between noon and 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept 14. We'll feed you, and all we ask is that you not exercise your right to ... well, you'll see. It's not that big a deal, right?
See you on Sept. 14!
So why stop by during your precious hour between classes?
First, we're not going to unload dorm food on you -- Btownmenus.com is co-sponsoring the event, and all the food is free.
Yes, you read that right -- free.
Well, sort of.
It's a simple deal, really. You show up at Dunn Meadow and go up to a big table, where you will sign away the rights guaranteed to you by the First Amendment to the Constitution. In return, we give you delicious Btownmenus food.
It's not like you're giving up that much, right? And you get free food!
So show up at Dunn Meadow between noon and 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept 14. We'll feed you, and all we ask is that you not exercise your right to ... well, you'll see. It's not that big a deal, right?
See you on Sept. 14!
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