Journalism and Technology

Intimidated by technology?

It seems that in todays world of iPhones and Google, acknowledging the fast changing world of technology should be a given for anyone seriously pursuing a career in the professional world. Technology companies make the tools that make work easier, smarter and more efficient for workers of all types. Taking advantage of these tools in creative ways can give you a competitive edge. It is a little disheartening to see that my peers who are getting into journalism may not be embracing these technologies as they should. PBS has a great series of articles called "Beyond J-School", which highlight the myriad of ways the field of journalism is changing due to the influence of the internet and other associated technologies. One of the articles deals with computer illiteracy for incoming students. This quote made me a little sad -

"In a time and age when many of my generation assume the younger generation understands technology, I have been surprised by the number of students who walk into my class and announce that they "don't know anything about computers."

Read on: Conquer Journalism Students' Fear of Technology [PBS]

Conflict of Interest

Ms. Baker

I came across this story across while skimming through my RSS reader. It deals with a journalist (Aryn Baker) who published a story that outlines all the tragedy that will occur if we leave Afghanistan. The problem is that she is married to a defense contractor who has profited immensely from the ongoing war. This is your textbook case of conflict of interest.

This story has particular significance to me, as I am strongly considering a career in journalism. One thing I am fearful of, is that this sort of behavior occurs more often that we get to hear about. I've witnessed countless examples of journalistic bias, the most extreme cases are often dealing with the television news, but it happens in print as well. It is my hope that the inevitable "paper trail" of the digital age makes it easier to discover these sorts of transgressions. It certainly shames the entire field when you hear reports of this happening, especially in times of war.

Read on:
Did Reporter Profit From Time Magazine War Boosting Story? [NY Observer]

Walker Art Center - Minneapolis, Minnesota

From the sculpture garden at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota | June 2010

Infographic Design

An infographic I made in Spring 2010 for my Visual Communications class that conveys some facts about U.S. media ownership

Flyer Design

A flyer I designed for my Visual Communications class in Spring 2010

Illustrated guide to a Ph.D

A point of knowledge

I came across this little cartoon that does an excellent job of visualizing the knowledge problem and gives and idea of what it means to get your Ph.D. and how it can change your perspective on the world. When you specialize in one particular field, it is difficult to to remain aware of the issues outside of your area of expertise. It is important to have an idea of how your work fits into the "big picture". The really smart people don't try to know everything, they know they can't know everything. But the wise man is the man who knows his weakness, where he needs to improve. From the introduction;

"Every fall, I explain to a fresh batch of Ph.D. students what a Ph.D. is.

It's hard to describe it in words.

So, I use pictures.

Read below for the illustrated guide to a Ph.D."

Read on at:
The Illustrated Guide to a Ph.D. [matt.might.net]

Badlands June 2010

My brother Justin setting up a photo in the Badlands