We have a real treat in store for Wednesday. Lisa Williams, founder of the groundbreaking local blog H2otown, which covers Watertown, will be with us for the last part of the class. Williams is a nationally recognized authority on hyperlocal blogs.Working with Dan Gillmor of the Center for Citizen Media and Jay Rosen of New York University, she also runs a site called Placeblogger.com, which tracks local blogs across the country and around the world.
Because of Williams' visit, I am taking some of our reading out of order. A couple of years ago I wrote a profile of Williams for CommonWealth Magazine, which I want you to read before Wednesday. You should also spend some time with H2otown and Placeblogger. Be prepared with comments and questions.
Two other things you need to be aware of:
- Next Monday, March 17, your one-page story memo for your final project is due. Your final project will be very much like your 1,500 mid-term story, only longer — in the range of 2,500 words. In your memo, please tell me what the subject of your story will be and identify at least three people whom you'll interview. Show me that you've done some pre-reporting — do the work you need to do now so that you'll know you can bring this story to fruition.
- Just a reminder that your blogs will count for 20 percent of your grade at the end of the semester. To repeat, I'm looking for at least three decent-length (350 words or so) items each week. If you haven't been doing that, you need to get moving. Watch your grammar and especially your spelling. Please don't post long videos with little or none of your own commentary. If you think a video is worth posting, tell us why, and tell us something about it.
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