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  Writer's Week  

Society of Professional Journalists

    Cleveland Pro Chapter Newsletter    

Feb. 24, 2013     

 Deadline For Next Edition: March 1 

President's message
Feb 23 training
Trainer Jeff Cutler (with mic) explains the latest online tools more than 30 participants at Saturday's workshops

Online, social media made easier  

by national SPJ trainer Jeff Cutler

 

By Carrie Buchanan

 

Our chapter president is not well, so I volunteered to do the column this week and let everyone know what a great day we had on Saturday. National SPJ trainer Jeff Cutler taught us how to improve our online writing and make it more search-engine friendly, and how to use social media to listen to the public and get new story ideas.

 

Our 36 registrants represented journalists of all ages, from students to semi-retired pros, and all types, from staff reporters and educators to freelancers and bloggers. A few, such as our chapter president, ended up missing the occasion so I'm passing on a few of Cutler's tips here and in a Storified version of the many live tweets from the event.  

 

Cutler opened up the morning session by asking us to think about what online readers are looking for. They don't seek the same things as news consumers. About 35 percent come to our stories via search engines like Google and Bing, looking for specific information on specific topics. They value stories that get to the point fast, give them the facts clearly and quickly, but also give some depth on the topic.

 

Online readers want to "go places and get things done," Cutler stressed, teaching us the typical online reader's motivation is "What's in it for me?" or WIIFM.

 

"People are very specific about what they want to learn," he said, so the best strategy is to give it to them quickly, using key words (i.e. search words) in the headline rather than creativity. The Web is not the place for beautiful headline wordplay that doesn't tell the reader what the story is about.

 

Bulleted lists and fact boxes also appeal to online readers, as do hyperlinks to more detailed information elsewhere. A summary of the story below the headline is another good idea, so readers know what they're getting into. Also, it's the stuff at the top that search engines trawl, so that handy summary can pull in more readers.

 

Immediacy is also valued in the online universe and Cutler recommended posting the time and date a story was posted, and the same for updates, up top. It's important to do frequent updates of breaking news or continuing stories.

 

The afternoon session took a different approach, teaching how to use a variety of social media to listen to what's being talked about and do "crowdsourcing" on particular topics. This helps journalists to generate new stories, both by giving us ideas and by keeping us in touch with the interests people have in many walks of life.

 

Social media give us good ways of measuring which topics are most popular. Twitter lists the topics that are currently "trending" at all times, so you know what topics people are tweeting about the most. On Twitter, you can also use a "hashtag" - that's the term that gibberish with # signs in front - to search for a particular event or topic. Quite a few people live tweeted from our event, under the hashtag #spjcle, which we decided upon at the start of the day so we would all use the same hashtag. I have put those tweets into a form called Storify, which saves them and arranges them like a story. For those who were not able to attend, those tweets will tell the story of the day. I'll post the Storify on our chapter's website as soon as possible, but meanwhile, you can find it here.

 

Keeping your social media time under control was another theme Cutler addressed. You don't have to go to each different social medium separately to find out what's happening on a topic. Use a tool called Addict-o-matic to search the main ones for you; it will list top entries on the topic in each medium. To find out what topics people are blogging about, use Alltop.

 

Also, he suggested planning a 10-minute blitz each morning to check all your social media, then leaving it all behind and getting on with your day. During that 10 minutes you need to turn off the phone, stop multitasking and go at it with total focus. It can be done in 10 minutes if you follow these rules, he claimed.

 

There's a lot here to absorb, and a lot more to learn from the Twitter feed I've Storified, but if you missed the event, I hope this will help. We learned a lot from Cutler, and we also got a lot of positive feedback from those who were there. Count on it: we'll be doing more of this type of thing at SPJ Cleveland.

 

Sincerely,

Carrie Buchanan
Past President
[email protected]
@Carobella3 on Twitter
Ohio's SPJ awards go online

 

Now you can enter Ohio's SPJ awards contest, Ohio's Best Journalism 2013, online!  That's right, starting this year, to enter you can simply click here and submit your best work in a variety of categories. No more paper entry forms, copying, manila folders, envelopes, shipping.   

 

The awards honor print, broadcast, trade, online and college journalism published or broadcast in 2012, for the best work serving the public interest and protecting press freedom. The deadline is 11:59 p.m. April 14.

 

You don't need to be an SPJ member to enter but you do get a $5 discount on your entry fee if you are. To qualify for the SPJ member discount, you will have to provide the SPJ member number of the person who did the work. In the event of a team project, at least one member of the team must be an SPJ member to qualify for the SPJ member discount.  

 

Verify Your SPJ Member Number:  To look up your SPJ Member Number, go to this link or call Linda Hall, SPJ membership director,  or Tara Puckey, SPJ chapter coordinator,  at (317) 927-8000

 

To become an SPJ member or renew an expired membership, go to this link.  

 

Upload Formats Accepted:  The site permits entries in 31 formats, to accommodate text, images, video, and audio data. The complete list of formats you may use is: .aiff, .au, .avi, .doc, .docx, .flv, .gif, .jpg, .jpeg, .m4v, .mp3, mp4, .mpg, .mpeg, .mov, .pdf, .ppt, .ppts, .psd, .rm, .snd, .swf, .tif, .tiff, .url, .wav, .wma, .wmv, .xls, .xlsx and .zip.  

 

For more information and to enter click here and good luck!

 

Schuneman symposium Feb 25 & 26
on photojournalism & new media

 

 

"Excellence, why it (still) matters" is the topic of this year's Schuneman Symposium on Photojournalism & New Media.  

 

 

Join speakers:

  • Gwen Ifill - Moderator and Managing Editor of "Washington Week" and Senior Correspondent for the PBS NewsHour
  • Abrahm Lustgarten - Investigative Reporter, ProPublica
  • Keith Jenkins - Supervising Senior Producer for Multimedia, NPR
  • Michel du Cille - Associate Editor for Photography, The Washington Post
  • Kainaz Amaria and Meghan Louttit - multimedia team, NPR, and multimedia producer, The New York Times (joined by the other speakers) 

 

When: Feb. 25 to 26

 

Where: The E.W. Scripps School of Journalism is located across from Baker Student at the corner of Park Place and Court Street in Athens, Ohio 

 

Cost:  Free and open to the public! 

 

For more information online click here

 

 

Learn data visualization
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Keep your eyes open for the new SPJ webinar Data Visualization Basics
starting March 12.

 

Even if you are not a designer or digital expert, you can tell visual stories with data using the training offered in this course. It's free to SPJ members

 

Stay tuned for Registration details. We'll let you know as soon as they are available In the meantime click here for additional training opportunities while you wait. 

 

If you're not an SPJ member yet  click here to join and take advantage of this and many more benefits. 

 

Job opportunities
Thanks to Kelly Blazek for her dedication and commitment in seeking out many of the jobs posted below.  
 
To receive Kelly's  full newsletter (we only excerpt media-related jobs) see the separate box headlined Cleveland Job Bank at right. 
 


ASSOCIATE PRODUCER - WJW FOX 8 CLEVELAND Reports To: News Director
Re-Posted Date: February 12, 2013 Minimum Knowledge, Skill &/or Abilities: Candidate must have two years experience producing newscasts, be a creative, accurate writer. Non-Linear editing and internet experience are preferred. Candidate should have experience working with social media including Facebook and Twitter. Candidate should be prepared to work any shift in our 24/7 Newsroom. Position Description: WJW Fox 8 is looking for an Associate Producer. Candidate must have two years experience producing creative and successful newscasts. We are not interested in show stackers. The successful candidate will write for all platforms of Fox 8 News including broadcast, website and mobile. Candidate could also be called upon to fill-in produce, work on the assignment desk, contribute to the station website and social media sites, field produce and run teleprompter. Education Requirements: College Degree preferred Submit anchoring/reporting links, resume and references via email to:*Attn: Human Resources*[email protected]*WJW*5800 S. Marginal Road*Cleveland, OH 44103 Please, no telephone calls.

PRODUCER - WJW FOX 8 CLEVELAND Reports To: News Director Re-Posted Date: February 12, 2013 Minimum Knowledge, Skill &/or Abilities: Two - three years minimum producing experience. Demonstrate excellent writing and communication skills. Have knowledge of computers. Must be extremely flexible to work different shifts and schedules. Have the ability to work under extreme pressure and deadlines. Must keep up on local, state, national and international events. Must work individually as well as part of a team. Work on various platforms including broadcast, mobile and web. Quick writer, must know spelling and grammar, have strong communication skills, be detail oriented and have good news judgement. Position Description: The primary responsibility of the News Producer is to produce, write and gather information and graphics for highly produced newscasts, programming and station websites. The Producer is responsible for writing and producing news stories, show opens and graphics elements. The Producer will be required to fill in on other newscasts or the station website as needed. The Producer is expected to submit daily story ideas, contribute recommendations on daily story coverage and special assignments. The Producer will also copy edit news stories by reporters and writers, produces special news events, shows and coverage outside the daily newscasts. Performs other duties as assigned. Education Requirements: College Degree preferred
Submit anchoring/reporting links, resume and references via email to:*Attn: Human Resources*[email protected]*WJW*5800 S. Marginal Road*Cleveland, OH 44103 Please, no telephone calls.

MID-DAY TALENT - WQAL FM Job ID 14034BR Shortest job description ever, friends: WQAL-FM is looking for a Mid-Day Talent. Apply online here

TRAFFIC REPORTER - CLEAR CHANNEL RADIO Part Time; Info and Apply Here

MEDICAL WRITER, EDITOR - NORTH AMERICAN MENOPAUSE SOCIETY The North American Menopause Society (NAMS) is the world's leading nonprofit scientific organization focused on menopause. We dispel myths about menopause by providing unbiased information based on the latest research. The medical topics we cover include hormone therapy, alternative therapies, healthy aging, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, female sexual function, and more. NAMS is currently seeking a Medical Writer/Editor to work on grant applications, continuing medical education activities, and consumer newsletters. Experience working with industry/corporations, foundations, and the National Institutes of Health is desirable.Resources available to a person in this position include NAMS scientific archives, current medical literature, and collaboration with our multidisciplinary membership of the top experts in the field.View some of our educational offerings at our award-winning Website (www.menopause.org). If interested, please email your resume to the NAMS office at [email protected]. Salary commensurate with expertise and experience.

MULTIMEDIA EDITOR, INDUSTRY WEEK, MANUFACTURING AND SUPPLY CHAIN GROUP Info and Apply Here

 
FREELANCE REPORTER - SUN NEWSPAPERS has an immediate need for a freelance reporter to cover southwest suburbs. Must have experience covering city government and writing features. Contact editor Cindy Zbaeren at [email protected] or 216-986-2366.
 

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - THE PEOPLES CHANNEL (TPC), a North Carolina based, 501(c)3 nonprofit Public Access TV Station and Community Media Center is searching for a new Executive Director.TPC's mission is to advance democratic ideals by ensuring that people have access to electronic media and by promoting effective communication through community uses of media.For 15 years, The Peoples Channel has provided the Chapel Hill area's residents, organizations, agencies, and institutions with media training and education, equipment, production and related services on a first-come, first-served basis. The Peoples Channel is a Public Access TV station and Community Media Center that broadcasts to Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Orange County. Durham Community Media (DCM18) is the Public Access TV Station for the Durham community, also operated under the same 501(c)(3) located in nearby Durham, North Carolina. The Executive Director is responsible for oversight and management of the administration, finances, and communications at both access centers. Both TPC and DCM18 are located within thriving, progressive communities a stone's throw from the Research Triangle Park and a number of top-notch colleges and universities.A desire to grow with a dynamic, small, and unique organization and a "nothing is impossible" attitude will put candidates to the top of the list. This is a small, supportive organization and a positive attitude and willingness to be flexible is crucial. Essential duties include:● Oversee all operations at TPC and DCM18.● Work with and support the Board of Directors.● Supervise and manage staff in accordance with personnel policies and oversee day-to-day operations.● Raise funds for current and prospective projects and initiatives, including grant writing and underwriting development.● Community outreach, including building and maintaining relationships with key area partners, such as local municipalities and governments, schools, and other community organizations.● Ensure the organization is fully compliant with its contractual and legal obligations, and is maintaining accurate internal records.● Perform all other duties as directed by the Board of Directors.Preferred Qualifications: ● BA degree in communications, administration, marketing, management, or other related field, or comparable work experience.● Management experience in a nonprofit setting.● Experience working with cable access programming and/or community media.● Demonstrated fundraising skills.● Experience in designing and implementing marketing programs.● Demonstrated leadership skills.● Demonstrated ability to stay abreast of trends in the fields of non-commercial cable TV, technology, youth education, and digital literacy.● Superior organizational skills.● Experience working with diverse communities.Salary:As set by the Board of Directors, depending upon qualifications. Benefits package provided (health insurance contribution, paid time off and holiday, vacation.)Closing date, Thursday, February 28, 2012, 5pm EST How to apply:Submit letter of interest with resume and salary requirements to [email protected]  NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE TPC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.Women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.



Summary
There is more information on these events and awards below, in articles under this column or the President's Message. For job listings, see lower left; for student internships, see lower right

Feb 25 & 26
Ohio University E.W. Scripps School of Journalism
Schuneman Symposium on Photojournalism & New Media
More information online here and below at left

March 7
National High School Essay Contest
Submission Deadline
More information online here or below at left

March 12
Data Visualization Basics
SPJ Webinar
See below at left and watch this space for more info. as it becomes available

March 14
NEO/STC Panel Discussion: Editing Tools, Resources and Processes
See below at left for more information

SAVE THE DATE!!!
 Region 4 Spring Conference April 5-6
University of Dayton. Watch this space for more info as it becomes available.

SAVE THE DATE!!!
City Club 
James C. Goodale
Apr. 12,  noon
Author: Fighting for the Press: From the Pentagon Papers to Wikileaks
Spring Conference Update

 Save April 5 and 6 for "Journalism 2013: Working It Out". Come celebrate! 

  

This year's spring conference will focus on journalism's triumphs and accomplishments and how they were attained. 

  

When: 4 p.m. Apr. 5 to 5:45 p.m. Apr. 6

 

Where: University of Dayton campus

 

Cost: Before March 22 - SPJ Members - $50, Students- $40

                                       Non SPJ Members - $60, Students - $50

         After March 22 - $10 more

 

The registration fee covers opening reception, Friday, April 5; and continental breakfast and lunch on Saturday, April 6.

 

Keep checking here for updates!

Members' Milestones
Send us your stories, triumphs and adventures. We'd like to share them!

 

Quick Links

SPJ Job Bank

Join or Renew Membership
(Be sure to scroll down on the application form and sign up for the Cleveland Pro Chapter, as well as the national SPJ)
Porter Scholarship open now!

Are you a graduating high school senior in Cuyahoga, Lake, Ashtabula, Lorain, Medina or Geauga county?  

 

Are you in the top third of your class? 

 

Are you passionate about journalism and communications?

 

Talk to your teacher or administrator about submitting your name for the Porter Scholarship. One candidate is nominated from each school every year.  The winner gets a $4,000.00 scholarship - $1,000.00 when you enter any college you choose in the U.S. and $1,000.00 each of the next 3 years, as long as you maintain satisfactory grades. 

 

Last year's winner was Carolyn Crowfoot 

 

DSA & Porter winners 2012  

 

The deadline to apply is April 6.

 

 Click Here for more information 

 

Click Here to download an application 

 

NEO/STC presents editing tools, resources and processes

 

Join NEO/STC for an informative panel of experts led by
Lisa Adair, an editor
with Rockwell Automation.   
Learn about the latest tools, resources and processes available to improve your life as a writer or editor. The panel includes:

 

  • Paul Heney,Editorial Director for Design World magazine will share his experience with the most up to date tools
  • Sarah Burke,a technical editor for Booz Allen Hamilton will discuss editorial opportunities and available resources for editors including online training, reference websites and online style guides
  • Kelly Graham, a technical editor for Rockwell Automation, will cover ways that you can streamline your processes as a writer or editor. 

When:  March 14

5:30 to 6:00 p.m. - Registration

6:00 p.m. - Dinner

6:00 p.m. - New Member/Guest Orientation

6:30 to 7:30 - Presentation

 

Where: 

Rockwell Automation

1 Allen-Bradley Dr.

Mayfield Heights, OH 44124

  

Cost:  

Meeting only - members/students: $15

Meeting only - nonmembers: $20

With Dinner - members/students: $25

With Dinner - nonmembers: $35 

  

Register:

To register e-mail the Programs Committee ([email protected]) by close of business March 8, 2013, or call Lynn at 440-646-3543.

 

Please note, anyone cancelling after March 8, 2013, is still required to pay his or her registration fee.

 

The question for this year's 

High School Essay Contest    

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Why is it important that we have news media that are independent of the government?

 

Are you a high school student in grades 9 to 12 who has an answer to this question?  Write an essay of 300 to 500 words and submit it to SPJ by March 7 and you could win a $1,000 scholarship.

 

Be warned. This contest is nationwide and you'll have some stiff competition. For some that will be the best reason of all to give it a try and for others it'll be the chance to express commitment to continuing the freedoms we have that many others don't. 

 

Whatever your motivation you can download the entry form here and send it to:

 

High School Essay Contest
Society of Professional Journalists
3909 N. Meridian St. Indianapolis, IN 46208  

along with a $5 entry fee.  

 

Here's a link that gives more information and also shows last year's winners.  Good luck!

 
Volunteer Positions
COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST VOLUNTEER

Greater Cleveland Volunteers (www.greaterclevelandvolunteers.org) is a non-profit agency that provides volunteers for over 130 non-profit agencies in Cleveland, one-day community events, literacy tutors and mentors for elementary school students in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. The volunteer will work with Greater Cleveland Volunteers staff to perform several tasks for the marketing, communications and branding of the organization. The schedule is flexible and some work can be completed off-site. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:  Interview volunteers and partner agency staff and write bi-monthly newsletter articles Assist in the graphic design and layout of the agency newsletter and various print publications Will have the opportunity to assist in other communication needs (social media, promotion and/or special events) Take digital photographs off-site of volunteers in action 

 POSITION REQUIREMENTS: The individual should be proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Outlook and Publisher) or other graphic design software; digital photography and experience in journalism or other communications writing. 

CONTACT: Greater Cleveland Volunteers Dianna Kall Communications and Special Events Coordinator [email protected] 216-391-9500 x 115
Internships for journalism and communication students

MARKETING INTERN - NORDSON Info and
PUBLIC RELATIONS SUMMER INTERNSHIP - FAHLGREN MORTINE The Fahlgren Mortine summer internships offer students the opportunity to work with public relations professionals dedicated to mentoring and professional growth. This competitive internship program is offered in the Cleveland and Dayton, Ohio, offices of Fahlgren Mortine. Each position is a paid, full-time internship in which interns may be introduced to all aspects of public relations, including strategic planning, research, media relations, social media engagement, writing, internal communications, special events and online communications. Info and
Cleveland Job Bank

Check Kelly Blazek's website for advice on job-hunting and details on jobs in marketing, public and media relations, development, media, graphics/web design and more. Many of the jobs listed at left are reprinted from Blazek's newsletter.  

 

BLOG: With a fresh batch of college grads looking for their first job, She shares pointers on how to identify shady entry-level employment scams in "Don't Fall for Faux "Entry-Level Marketing and Sports" Jobs" at her blog, Here And, follow her on Twitter Here where she posts "breaking new jobs" prior to including them in this Job Bank.  

 

To subscribe and get the full list (we only excerpt journalism-related jobs),
emailthe Cleveland Job Bank. For more information, go to the website. Also see the website for listings of out-of-town job search websites.  

 

Please Note:

The jobs on Blazek's list are ONLY in communications related occupations.

Laurie Mitchell Marketing & Communications  

 

Laurie Mitchell Marketing & Communications Executive Search has been retained for the following assignments:

 

Marketing Program Manager/Software Lead Generation

Channel Marketing Manager/DIY/Big Box
4 Marketing Managers & Directors/Financial Services
AD Agency Copywriter/3-6 years experience
Kitchen Designer/High End Showrom
Competitive Intelligence & Market Analyst
AD Agency Account Supervisor/CPG
Digital Producer w/PM & Web Development experience
2 PR Agency Account Supervisors/NEO
Pharma/Med-Ed Account Manager
Digital Sr. AE/Toledo
Sr. Digital Art Director/Toledo

 

 To apply for any of these current searches, please email your resume as a single Word file to

[email protected]

www.LaurieMitchellCompany.com 

 216-292-9936

 

infoaboutusWriter's Week is a service of the Cleveland chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. This e-newsletter is edited by Carrie Buchanan, assistant professor, Tim Russert School of Communication & Theatre Arts, John Carroll University, and assistant editor Elaine Wilson, who is studying editing and design.   

Please send news items and job & internship postings to [email protected]   

Street Address: Cleveland SPJ, 4337 Chanticleer Drive, Fairview Park, Ohio 44126-1906

Chapter email: [email protected]

President: Cheryl D'Mello

Chapter web site:  www.spjchapters.org/cleveland/

  

      The Society of Professional Journalists works to improve and protect journalism. SPJ is dedicated to encouraging the free practice of journalism and stimulating high standards of ethical behavior. Founded in 1909 as Sigma Delta Chi and based in Indianapolis, SPJ promotes the free flow of information vital to a well-informed public, works to inspire and educate the next generation of journalists, and protects First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech and of the press.