Beauty Standards of 2015: Unrealistic, Unahievable and ultimately Unsatisfiable

Link to online article is here.

Primary source:

Representative from the Australian and New Zealand Academy for Eating Disorders, (ANZAED)
Courtney Hamlin
Contact: courtneyhamlin@outlook.com


Secondary source:

Jill. P, Weber, PhD, Huffington Post, 4 Ways Social media can undermine girls and women
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jill-p-weber-phd-/four-ways-social-media-ca_b_5830540.html?ir=Australia

Sonali Kohli, Qaurtz, Instagram is killing girls self esteem
http://qz.com/294789/instagram-is-killing-teen-girls-self-esteem/

Social Media News, Social media statistics Australia June 2015, 
http://www.socialmedianews.com.au/social-media-statistics-australia-june-2015/

PRIA, 13 million Australian spend 18 hours a day online 
https://www.pria.com.au/industrynews/13-million-australians-spend-18-hours-a-day-online

Shorthand: You're the Best

Week 10 - Personal Content 

This week I have been experimenting with an assortment of online tools which are available to me to help tell my online story. Automatically I was inclined to use Shorthand because I was familiar with the program and it allowed me to use all the online/interactive elements I wanted to be able to use. Other programs I could have used include Storify, Blindspot and Pageflow (which are also equally as great and also ran away with my heart so check them out to!)

Heres why I chose shorthand:

1. Shorthand allows you to easily edit and format fully responsive multimedia within a web browser without having to code or use HTML. For me this is perfect because I have very limited skills in those areas.

2. Shorthand also lets you structure and reorder sections of your story in a simple drag-and-drop interface - so its super easy to use once you've established an account.

3. Once published your article is east to share across all social media platforms!

4. The high quality use of graphics in a scrolling format is important in  my story because its an extremely visual one! As the reader is scrolling and reading they are presented with the corresponding visual. Also, I can embed other sorts of multi-media such a video - which I need to tell another section of my story.

5. Its free! (Well the version I'm using is!)

6.Major news organisations like the ABC, SBS and the NYT are utilizing this very same program! And that's awesome knowing im using the same story telling tools as the professionals! If its good enough for them its damn well good enough for me!

Check out a previous shorthand article here:

Online Audiences

Week 9 - Lecture Content with Mark Fuler

In a lecture with Mark Fuler from Australian Regional Media, different types of audiences where identified and explained. I found it very interesting understanding where my future audiences where coming from! Here is what he had to say:

Casual Users: 

These users will likely never convert to subscribers, however they deliver audience reach and build advertising inventory – with a good opportunity for growth.

Medium Users: 

Over half of casual users access our sites via search engines, with another 21% coming via social networks and other websites. This kind of visitor generally lands on an article page and reads little-to-no other content other than the page they landed on.

If asked which sites they get their news from, they likely wouldn’t mention any of our sites, but would attribute it to the search engine, social network or website that they linked through from.

„44% of medium users come direct to our sites – meaning that they either type the address or have it bookmarked.

„55% land on the homepage and navigate from there – with a further 12% accessing via a site section landing page.

Heaviest Users: 

„Over two-thirds of these users access the sites directly.

„They have a stronger news appetite and habit – consuming an average of 22 pages of metered content every month. 66% enter the sites via the homepage and navigate their sessions from there.  A further 19% enter via a section landing page, with more than half of these users coming directly to the site – suggesting they have a relevant landing page bookmarked. „These consumers typically visit approximately 3 times every week and spend almost 17 minutes with the site on each visit. 

The Media Industry: What Options Do I Have?

Week 8 - Personal Content 

Over the past two years I have spent studying Journalism my eyes have been opened to a plethora of jobs and opportunities within the media industry. Since I was 13 I knew I wanted a career in writing. It's something I do. It's something I'm good at. It's something I love. So a journalist just seemed logical. 

However, since developing skills in other areas of the newsroom such as editing, reporting, writing features, working with TV and Radio, dealing with PR and other press personalities I have began exploring other options. I love the media and need to work within it - and for this very reason have decided to explore PR. In addition to being a good writer, I also have a very good set of people skills and am excellent at communicating. 

What else could I be? Lets have a look at all my options:

Reporter: I would directly involved in the gathering of information for a news story. I would conduct interviews, find sources, and pull together all the information needed to write a well-rounded news story. Reporters also present the information in a written or spoken form in news stories, documentaries, or feature articles. I could be a general reporter and cover all kinds of news stories, but also have the potential to specialize in certain areas such as sports, politics or lifestyle. 

Sub-Editor: I would take stories written by reporters and put them into a form that suits the special needs of the particular newspaper, magazine, or website I was working for. As a sub-editors I would not gather the information myself but rather concentrate on how existing stories can be better tailored to match a specific audience. I would have to make sure it suits the publications style and audience, and sub for spelling and grammatical errors, legal issues and fact check. 

Photojournalist: I would use photography as a way of reporting the news. I may cover events with a reporter, taking photographs to represent a written story or attend news events on their own, doing both jobs. As a photojournalist I must carry photographic equipment with me, and must make decisions instantly in order to capture important events at the time they take place. 

Feature Writer: I would write longer stories (up to 2,000 words) which give more background to a news story. This type of writing involves a lot more in-depth research to give readers a lengthy and informative article. These types of articles are found across all types of publications and come in many forms. 

The Editor: I would be in charge of deciding what goes in a newspaper, magazine, or news bulletin. I would be responsible for the content that is to be written by the journalists and makes all final decisions.

The News Editor: I would be the person in charge of all news journalists. They make all the decisions about what stories to cover and who will do the work. In large news organizations, the news editor may have a deputy, often referred to as the chief of staff, whose job is to assign reporters to selected stories.

Broadcast Presenter: As a broadcast presenter I would be the public face, or voice, of programmes broadcast on television, radio and the internet. My role is always to entertain and inform my audiences by presenting information or entertainment in an accessible and attractive way. The nature of the job varies according to a programme's subject matter, such as news, weather, sport, music, lifestyle, etc. Generally though, a broadcast presenter will introduce, host (or co-host) a programme, create links between items, introduce and interview guests and interact with the audience.

Publicist: As a publicist I would generate and manage publicity for a public figure, especially a celebrity, a business, or for a work such as a book, film or album. Most top-level publicists work in private practice, handling multiple clients. A s a publicist I would help people manage their relationship with the media. This may include arranging interviews with journalists; making press announcements on their behalf; organizing their social media; helping them to gain publicity; arranging for public appearances; and advising on how to avoid unwanted publicity.

Ref: Here

Graphic Design in Online Journalism

Week 7 - Fairxax Forum with Matt Martel

This week we had Matt Martel answer some of our questions. He is responsible for managing a large team of photographers and graphic designers and has spent alot of time in the industry.

When asked what different opportunities exist by publishing to touch and mobile devices he said many - and that they tend to to do desktop web first - and then mobile, and print gets done at the last minute. Often a project that takes a month will have no print component till the last day.

Once upon a time they could do a graphic once - for print. Then they could do it twice - for print and the web. Now they do it three times - print, web, tablet. This could go on forever with the expansion of technology and devices. 

He explained that data visualisation is nothing new but the mass interest in it is. 

"That's a good thing. Anyway we can explain the news to people in better ways helps us as journalists. The world is visual and we need to reflect that. The issue for us is that the really big data pieces take masses of time and don't justify themselves with traffic."

He then went on to suggest websites like infogr.com because it allows journalists to really quickly create numbers/data-based graphics which can be attached to their stories.

When asked what impact the dwindling numbers of staff photojournalists having on the presentation of the news and how can we create more avenues for photojournalism in the future Matt told us that this is concern but we will have to learn new ways to overcome this obstacle. 

"We have fewer photographers in the industry as a whole and that is not a good thing for news generally.....but we also have much, much faster technology so they can do more and we have more avenues for our photos. Making use of thrid-party services to take exclusive photos for us has helped reduce our costs and makes our newsrooms more sustainable.

Having said that, there are many great photographers out there who are not professionals who we engage with through our photo club Clique and we just look at social media to see what the public can do."

What we Can Learn from Newsy and Vox

Week 6 - Lecture Content 

Online news sites need hits in order to survive. But how do they do this?

Social media such as Facebook obviously seems to divert a lot of traffic to numerous online news sites however the user is only there for  a short time - to read the story they clicked on - before leaving.

So how do you get a user to stay on your site? To continue to move within it and click on other published stories in your online publication??

How do you make your online news site stand out? How can you turn traditional online news into something that keeps users coming BACK? 

You need to stand out of course! Repackage and present your news in a unique and totally individual way. This isn't about just including images, graphics and polls (which is helpful yes) but instead about straying from the traditional news formula.


Popular online news site Newsy has done just that.

Newsy is a multi source video news service that highlights perspective from various media outlets and packages them into concise, easy-to-digest news bites.  The site analyzes and features a variety of sources, providing users with a deeper understanding of the news.

Clips are available on the web and on mobile - which means it is user friendly.  Newsy analyzes how global news organizations e.g. The New York Times, Fox News Channel, The Guardian, and CNET.com cover the day's events.

Newsy.com's approach embodies a basic principle of comparative journalism: asking the same question to multiple sources and comparing their answers.

Similar to Newsy.com, popular news site Vox.com promotes itself as a pioneer in explanatory journalism, helping users to understand the news and the world around them. This is done by packaging news in detailed timelines and using in depth explanations of current events, posing and answering questions and using video graphics to assist in the story telling. 

Vox explains to its users that their end goal isn’t telling you what just happened, or how they feel about what just happened - it’s making sure you understand what just happened.

This unique and totally engaging way of packaging news is incredible and stands out amongst the rest. Of course it does not suit every target demographic - some users want their news quick and fast and short - but for users who want to submerge themselves in a news topic they are passionate or interested in - then Vox is perfect.  

The Answer to Staying Current in a Forever Changing Industry

Week 5 - Fairfax Reading

If there is one thing I have learnt over the past 2 years whilst studying Journalism it is that to keep up with a field that is ever changing, fast paced and extremely competitive it is that you must stay current. You must stay new. You must constantly be re-inventing yourself and moving forward. You have to learning new things. Adopt new skills. New techniques. New ways of looking at things. You've got to be on your toes and able to keep up!  Create in an industry that never stops creating!

Basically innovate or die. Learn how to adapt. Before, news delivery was limited mostly to print, radio and television. Since the introduction of the internet journalists have had to learn how to re purpose news content for online and how to write for multi new audiences who are now present on these platforms.

Journalists from 10 years ago have learnt to adapt. Journalists from 5 years ago have done the same. I'm sure that in the next few years I will look back at what I'm learning now and see a massive change as well - I'll have to adapt to.

Some people curse online media and the introduction now of 'internet trolls' and cyber bullies  who leave disgusting, hate filled messages on any comment box left open. They say online journalism is to too quick - trying to keep up with the story as it breaks and as a consequence journalists stories now lacks substantial editing, fact checking and validation and therefore overall credit.

Regardless of how it’s seen, "innovation is about being part of the change, creating ways of telling stories which will best embrace new and available technologies as they emerge". This means presenting a story in the most effective way possible by engaging audiences with images, videos, podcasts, info graphics or apps. As a journalist it is our responsibility to keep up with society as it changes.

Journalists from years ago did not present news content in such a way they are now. They learnt to innovate. I wonder what changes I will have to make in 10 years? How will I be innovative?

Increasing Follower count on Social Media Platforms

Week 4 - Fairfax Forum with Natalie Sutton

In last weeks Fairfax forum Audience Development Manager, Natalie Sutton, gave QUT student Journalists great advice on how to increase our followers across social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook!

Here are some of her top tips for getting seen:


Journalists have the ability to turn the follow option on here: https://www.facebook.com/help/201148673283205

1. Engage with other conversations and other journalists
2. Post a different angle to a breaking news story
3. Monitor what is trending
4. Use the right hashtags
5. Tag posts
6. Monitor what is going well using bit.ly behind your links
7. Use engaging images in your Facebook posts (This is crucial to being seem), we have a meme tool for social media posts that we use
8. Leverage a quote
9. Use original content
10. Post videos directly to Facebook

"Don't Even Think About Going into Journalism Unless you are Nosey"

Week 3 - Lecture Content Nikki Parkinson

This is so so so so incredibly accurate.

To be a journalist you need to have a thirst, and undying thirst for answers. I have held this trait since the beginning of time. I am SO incredibly nosey. Always wanting to stick my 2 cents into everyone else's business.  Pricking my ears up at the slight sound of juicy gossip or a scandalous news development at work or at uni or within the family. "i cant help it" I plead, "I'm a journo its in my nature god dammit!"

I always seem to want to know the most obscure or peculiar details of a situation - whether it be a best friends recount of her date, my fathers win at the local fishing comp or my sisters plans for her Europe trip this August. Where did he look when he said that? Did he touch your arm? Did he make eye contact? Was he hesitant when approaching the door? What did he order? What did you order? What time did you get home? Did he text you? Did he use emojis? How was the punctuation? (all very important things to ask when attempting to decipher a boys behavior and his potential boyfriend status).

This same nature extends into hard news and fighting for the public's right to questions things. Amy Remeikis in our lecture today told us that we have a responsibility to our readers to call bullshit and questions things we don't think are right.

This excites me - being paid to be nosey and question things. To poke and prod and push things until I get the answer I want! All with warrant of course because 'Hey I'm a journalist!". I cant wait to be paid for this.

Monitoring of Comments on News posts (Social Media)

Week 2

In this new digital age of online news, readers are encouraged to leave comments on news posts expressing their opinion or stance on the news topic at hand. This, in its self, isn't new - letters to the editor in print newspapers dating back decades! People have always been able to share their opinion, but with respect, a sense of awareness, respect and moral decency (and their full name and address)

These days, anonymity is now an existing constant in the equation of online comments since news publishing blossomed on the Internet. Readers are able to create *cough* HIDE behind *cough* accounts with usernames like 'puppylover536' and 'aussiekind_77' and say whatever sexist, racist and discriminatory comments they please.

Although news organisations encourage public debate at what point do we draw the line? Yes, everyone deserves their fair say but what happens when that opinion is overtly offensive and inappropriate? Insensitive? Some comments are cruel and disrespectful and plain right mean. Essentially comment sections on the internet are breeding spots for ignorant, un-accepting vermin who wish to spread nothing but hate.

Monitoring of online news comment sections are extremely important for this reason. I cant think of any news organisation which doesn't employ someone full time to sit and sift through hundreds of online comments - removing the ones which are not expected to just offend (opinions are offensive and not everyone will see eye to eye so deal with it) but the scathing comments which use abusive and extremely insensitive.

Read more about news sites which are choosing to moniter the comments section in respect to other readers here

Masterchef Finale 2015

Week 1

Last night was the 2015 Masterchef finale - a night I had waited 3 months for.

Being the dedicated, over dramatic Masterchef fan I am I was keen to watch the show live and join the conversation online to hear what other people had to say about the outcome. (Sidenote: I was rooting for my fave girl Georgia to take the title but like always the pressure got to her and opponent Billie ended up winning. *sigh*)

Without a doubt the two-and-a-half hour finale had a lot of attention drawing in 2.7 million people from around the country - giving Channel Ten is strongest ratings in four years!

Throughout the show I was swapping between Facebook and Twitter screening what my friends/and others had to say about the show stopping final episode for season 4.

Engaging with other people across Australia whilst watching the Finale was a unqiue and quite exciting experience! I enjoyed it a lot. 

As expected, a lot of news articles where released within 15-20 minutes revealing the winner however I was surprised to see journalist Bhakhi Puvanenthiran for the Sydney Morning Herald running with a live blog of the Finale! Filled with a running commentary, updates on challenges and other viewers tweets it was an exciting (and hilarious) way to consume this kind of news. (I know its just fluff news but its an innovative and creative way to add colour to this kind of thing) (Plus this counts as hard news to me, remember? Die hard Masterchef Fan!!)

Check it out here

Here are a few of my favourite tweets from the night:

Seeing the past contestants hanging out with eachother!! Ahhhh Brent!! *Swoon*

 SAME I LOVED REYNOLD *cries*

Same, Erin, same.

Now that Masterchef is over I'm not sure which I should decide to watch....Hotplate or Restaurant Revolution>