You are what you tweet

Join our panel-led discussion in a conversation about journalists and how they create, produce and manage their “online brands.” From time management to ethical issues around what our jobs are now and are becoming, we’ll talk about the best practices for working the social streams. From creating a following to how and why our roles have morphed from “objective” reporters to promoters of our work, “You are what you Tweet” hopes to move forward the discussion around navigating and balancing your journalism through your “brand.”

Panelists in Seattle:
Kirk Lapointe, Managing Editor, Vancouver Sun // @kirklapointe
Nancy Leson, Food writer, Seattle Times // @nancyleson
Mark Briggs, Director of Digital Media, King5 // @markbriggs

#wjchat guest host on Twitter:
TBD

Moderators:
Cory Haik, Assistant Managing Editor, seattletimes.com // @coryhaik
Robert Hernandez (via #wjchat on Twitter), Professor of Professional Practice, USC Annenberg // @webjournalist

What:
A panel-led discussion on the “Online Brand” conversation around journalists and journalism

Who:
#ONASEA meetup Tweeps
Seattle-area journalists and communications folks
#wjchat followers on Twitter
Anyone on the web who would like to jump in our Twitter chat or livestream

Where:
The Seattle Times auditorium (1120 John Street // Seattle)
On Twitter @ #wjchat and #ONASEA

When:
Wednesday, September 15, 6 – 7:30 p.m., PT

When we first decided to create wjchat, we immediate went to Google Wave to test out the “promiseland” of collaboration… that land was filled with bugs. We quickly ditched it and moved to Etherpad. It worked perfectly… Google thought so too and bought Etherpad… but then shut it down in April.

The good news was that Etherpad’s technology was made open source and many people picked up where it left off… we moved to Typewith.me and love it.

But now… Google announced some changes to Wave, and we want to test it out. I’ve created a #wjchat brainstorming Wave and set it to public. Here’s the embeded Wave:

Without a doubt, innovation is the key to the journalism industry’s survival. Whether it’s in the form of story telling or new revenue models, innovation will decide our future.

But are our newsrooms conducive to support innovation? Are we willing to take risks? Do we even know how to measure successes? How the hell do we stay innovative when we are busy putting out a daily publication or broadcast? Did we lay off innovation in the cuts?

That was #wjchat’s topic this week, with guest moderator CNN’s Victor Hernandez / @vhernandezcnn

Here are some of the highlights from the weekly Twitter conversation aimed at Web Journalists. Here’s a full chat transcript.

Q1 Let’s start by getting on the same page… How do you define innovation? #wjchat

@gotoPlanB: Innovation = applied creativity. #wjchat

@ClaudiaKoerner: Not just new ideas, but new ideas that really make a process/thing better. #wjchat

@vhernandezcnn: For me it means pushing boundaries… sometimes taking thoughts to a completely different space. Never easy, always worth it. #wjchat

@andymboyle: But in all honesty, I think innovation just means you took a risk. Tried something new. Pushed for failure. #wjchat

@vhernandezcnn: Am already so impressed with everyone’s responses to Q1 – should we stop now and end on top and before anyone gets hurt? #wjchat

@andysternberg: You’ve got to be nimble to innovate. Even the most innovative “borrow” / take inspiration from the old skool. Timing is key #wjchat

Q2 How do you rate/describe your newsroom’s level of experimentation, risk and/or innovation? Why? #wjchat

@kaitlinflanigan: My newsroom is seriously lacking in the innovation dept. We don’t have a web desk. It’s the 21st Cent. I want to change it. #wjchat

@BrianManzullo: The struggle isnt just getting other journalists to think Web-first. It’s getting your readership to respond to what you’re doing #wjchat

@webjournalist: In most newsrooms, we’re busy putting out the ‘daily miracle,’ so risk/innovation – time to think – is tough. But so very needed. #wjchat

@ryanpitts: @wjchat 6-7 years ago, we had to drag people into contributing online. Now the room has so many ideas, dev just can’t keep up. #wjchat

@andymboyle: Know when I “innovate”? Usually after I have dinner and get bored on the Internets. Try it. Lots do it. #wjchat

@andymboyle: And by after dinner, I mean after I’ve had a few drinks. #wjchat #imaginethat #mementioningboozeinwjchat

Q3 Are individuals allowed/encouraged to be innovative in your newsroom? #wjchat

@assignmentdesk1: Recently our reporters were taught/encouraged how to post stories directly to the web. They are encouraged to tweet. #wjchat

@robinsonandrew: We push for innovation. How do you make younger staffers understand the importance of it?

@andymboyle: We certainly aren’t discouraged. But things move slow in any big org. Gotta work from within. #wjchat

@alexschmidt: i would be hesitant to take much liberty online after scary legal altercations in blog comments, when i was NPR reporter… #wjchat

@greglinch: News orgs should take a cue from Google and give journalists a certain % of their time to work on side projects.

Q4 Taking @andymboyle ‘s earlier comment (not the drinking one) when do you do your best thinking? Your best ideas/inspiration/innovation? #wjchat

@BrianManzullo: Anywhere but in the workplace. You want your mind to work freely. Being at work can confine you #wjchat

@annaxli: in the middle of the night when everybody is asleep and all i have is time ticking away #wjchat

@tchance121: Seem to do most of my thinking in the car. Usually on my days off. #wjchat

@vhernandezcnn: I love Q4 – thanks @andymboyle! I think ‘biggest’ when i’m around other innovative folks – their smart ideas become contagious. #wjchat

@tchance121: I also find my innovation revolves around solving problems of those around me. It has fueled almost all of my ideas. #wjchat

@andymboyle: @greglinch You make that “free” time for yourself by managing your time better, making time by being more efficient. #wjchat

@greglinch: #wjchat @vhernandezcnn Agreed. Journos can’t/shouldn’t wait for permission; need to take initiative & whatever time they can, even if on own

Q5 Every newsroom is busy and faces diverse challenges. How do you try to innovate in your unique work environment? Tips? #wjchat

@greglinch: Advantage to working at a startup (besides lack of legacy costs, structures, etc) is that your *job* is to innovate, essentially

@KimFatica: I am constantly sharing my discoveries with people I know are innovators. Keeps me inspired, keeps it fresh. #wjchat

@jenleereeves: I try to “hide” and join in on online convos or dig into research or play around a couple of hours a week at work. Hiding is a must

@andymboyle:Use Newsday’s Bob Greene method. Do enough work so you’ve got SOMETHING. Then tell boss “But I can do THIS with time!!!” #wjchat

@webjournalist: I tried to work under the 80/20 rule. 80 percent work I have to do, 20 percent innovative, fun work. More a goal, than reality. #wjchat

Q6 Does your newsroom fall into the generational trap? That is, “we’ll leave it to the young ones to lead us in the emerging tech world?” #wjchat

@KimFatica: My newsroom is getting younger, and I am becoming an “elder” at 48, but I stay ahead, try to lead not follow. #wjchat

@jenleereeves: I actually have non-open minded young jurnos. Not a generational thing in my newsroom. #wjchat

@vhernandezcnn: Q6 is a major issue for many news orgs – the “I’ll let somebody else worry about innovation” mentality has got to go! #wjchat

@ClaudiaKoerner: If there’s any division, it’s between nerds and nonnerds. I’ve met some oldsters who had computers before I was born… #wjchat

@webjournalist: This isn’t really an age issue, as it is a … perhaps pride issue? Control issue? Stubbornness? #wjchat

@sashalester: @webjournalist agreed. I dont think your age matters. It’s just stubbornness to change and as you said a pride issue #wjchat

@russelltripp: @sashalester @TVAmy If *everyone* likes what you’re doing, your probably not doing much. #problemcity #wjchat

@SaraLApatch: But I’ve been surprised at how often an oldster like me is leading the youngsters. They are wary and jaded, I am eager and earnest. #wjchat

[No Q7 was asked]

Q8 via @claudiakoerner Any tips on how to make time to apply those great innovative ideas once you have them? That’s where I flounder. #wjchat

@andymboyle: @claudiakoerner Talk with your manager. Find a way to get X number of stories done and have a few hours to fiddle here and there. #wjchat

@KimFatica: I try to MAKE opportunities to innovate, rather than wait for them to happen. Lead vs follow. #wjchat

@simbeckhampson: @KelseyProud “Innovation is the ability to see change as an opportunity – not a threat” #wjchat

Q9 What innovation have you seen recently that has inspired you? #wjchat

@webjournalist: I have to give a shout out to my former @seattletimes crew who won the Pulitzer because they took a chance with GoogleWave. #wjchat

@NSlayton: Linking various sites like Remember the Milk, Twitter, e-mail together to not only remember tasks but communicate with — #wjchat

@andymboyle: This made me mad because it’s so awesome and this kid is coming to intern at my paper: http://nyupulse.com/ #wjchat

@simbeckhampson: @SarahDayOwen Try Amplify.com for all things contextual, real and value-adding – you will like it! #wjchat

Join us 5-7 p.m. PST on April 1 for a chat about business models in journalism.

Moderated by @digidave.

We’ll be discussing:

• Are paywalls helping or hurting us?
• Should news sites be non profit or for profit?
• Who should be funding media? Government? Corporations?
• and much more!

As always, send a tweet to @wjchat is you have questions you’d like answered!

Q1 Are bloggers journalists? Legally, do they and other Web folks have reporter privileges?

jacklerner (Jack Lerner) The privilege isn’t defined in CA law, but at least 1 court has held that it applies to anyone gathering and disseminating news. #wjchat

Oops, meant to say the term “reporter” isn’t defined in CA law #wjchat

eff (EFF) What makes a journalist a journalist is whether she is gathering news, not the method or medium she uses to publish #wjchat

eff (EFF) The freedom of the press can apply to every sort of publication that affords a vehicle of information and opinion, including blogs #wjchat

newswithnumbers (Numbers Guy) So if a bloggers posts are 1/3rd “news”, 1/3rd “opinion” 1/3rd normal blogger stuff… the 1/3rd that’s news is still journalism? #wjchat

jacklerner (Jack Lerner) Yes, fair use is there for all! It’s murky–and dynamic. But quoting for news, commentary, criticism is firmly established. #wjchat

citmedialaw (Citizen Media Law) Question of reporting privileges varies by state/context. ..the more your actions look like journalism, the better. #wjchat

Q2 I’m a journalist… aren’t I covered under fair use online? How is the concept of fairness changing? #wjchat

jacklerner (Jack Lerner) Here are 3 guidelines for FU: Should be some reason to quote; use only what is necessary; avoid using the “heart of the work” #wjchat

jacklerner (Jack Lerner) Also use should be transformative, ie not replicating original purpose such as entertainment, etc. Quoting is usually transformative #wjchat

lisaborodkin (Lisa Borodkin) In fair use cases, the Supreme Court has weighted the economic factor (threat to the market of the original) most heavily.
#wjchat

lisaborodkin (Lisa Borodkin) The economic threat to the market may or may not be more severe because the journalism takes place online #wjchat

lisaborodkin (Lisa Borodkin) Keep in mind fair use is an affirmative defense – it means an infringement that is excused, yet it is still an infringement #wjchat

eff (EFF) @lisaborodkin Fair use may be a defense, but the Act still says fair use of a copyrighted work…is not an infringement of copyright #wjchat

phj_pdx (Paula). @lisaborodkin Check recent fair use cases, incl 9th Cir. Bill Graham case. Trend away from financial factor toward transformation. #wjchat

Q3 I have a blog. Am I responsible for the remarks from my commentors? #wjchat

eff (EFF) Section 230 provides a powerful defense against claims based on comments on your blog http://eff.org/r.h7a #wjchat

jacklerner (Jack Lerner) @RobinJP Case law says generally OK to delete, even edit a bit, but if you are changing meaning, that’s a problem #wjchat

citmedialaw (Citizen Media Law) DA: @webjournalist: You can edit user comments without taking on liability as long as you don’t materially change the meaning #wjchat

citmedialaw (Citizen Media Law) KI: Exception re: not responsible 4 user comments – IP claims (mainly TM) and criminal claims. #wjchat

citmedialaw (Citizen Media Law) KI: I say mainly TM claims b/c copyright has a safe harbor in DMCA #wjchat

lisaborodkin (Lisa Borodkin) @phj_pdx In addition, right of publicity claims have been considered to be IP claims not covered by 230 immunity #wjchat

Is there consensus for how to handle news site comments? Edit? Remove profane ones afterward? OK before posting? #wjchat

lisaborodkin (Lisa Borodkin) @wjchat I would say best practice is either approve, or don’t approve comments. Avoid becoming co-author. Why raise a fact issue. #wjchat

citmedialaw (Citizen Media Law) KI: Editing comments: delete criminal ones (child porn). For user experience, prob. delete spam. After that, discretion. #wjchat

Q4 How much legal weight does a sites Terms of Service have? #wjchat

jacklerner (Jack Lerner) Re Q4: Generally courts have upheld Terms of Service, even if only linked to on a site’s home page. #wjchat

citmedialaw (Citizen Media Law) KI Q4: Lawyer answer: it depends. Content of ToS and visibility. #wjchat

eff (EFF) Q4: Court generally have upheld, but will strike unconscionable terms #wjchat

lisaborodkin (Lisa Borodkin) @wjchat 1 TOS issue that may come up is an arbitration agreement. Generally click-wrap agreements would be ok. #wjchat

citmedialaw (Citizen Media Law) KI: Certain clauses (mandatory arbitration) subjected to more scrutiny than others. #wjchat

lisaborodkin (Lisa Borodkin) But browse-wrap TOS agreement would be questionable. Certainly to a user seeking to get out of an arbitration clause #wjchat

Q5 What does the Web journalist need to know about the difference between Creative Commons and copyright?

eff (EFF) Q5: Creative Commons provides a set of pre-made licenses for your copyrights, modifying the default all rights reserved #wjchat

jacklerner (Jack Lerner) @newswithnumbers FU allows one to use CR’d content without permission. It is murky and uncertain. CC are contracts. #wjchat

Q6 How do you recommend handling corrections or retractions? Do speed and placement count? #wjchat

jacklerner (Jack Lerner) Q6: Speed & placement could count a bit because intent matters in defamation law esp. for journos. Also ethically right thing to do! #wjchat

lisaborodkin (Lisa Borodkin) @wjchat Yes, speed and placement count. On an ethical level I think it’s important to be transparent as to what the error was. #wjchat

eff (EFF) Q6: Varies. Some states have retraction statutes that protect against defamation lawsuits if you retract. #wjchat

citmedialaw (Citizen Media Law) DA: Retractions are tough issue for lawyers to answer in abstract. Ethics and law might not always align. Can vary by state. #wjchat

Q7 What options do Web journalists have and what should they do if served with a take down notice?

FOLLOW UP Q6: Text is “easy”… what about databases or a Flash graphic? Something very Webby?

webjournalist (Robert Hernandez) @lisaborodkin Ethical: In correcting errors, whether public or privately ID’ed, always be transparent and fix… and announce/label. #wjchat

citmedialaw (Citizen Media Law) KI: As mentioned earlier, for non-criminal, non-IP claims, Sec. 230 is a strong defense. #wjchat

citmedialaw (Citizen Media Law) KI: If it’s a copyrigth takedown, you need to comply with DMCA (you’ve registered a DMCA agent, right?). #wjchat

citmedialaw (Citizen Media Law) KI: DMCA agent is a person registered with the Copyright Office to receive copyright takedowns http://www.copyright.gov/onlinesp/ #wjchat

citmedialaw (Citizen Media Law) KI: Registering an agent gives you protection against copyrigth infringement claims based on user submissions (NOT UR own writing). #wjchat

citmedialaw (Citizen Media Law) KI: DMCA requires prompt take down with notice to poster (if possible) and option for them to counternotice *if* notice sufficient. #wjchat

eff (EFF) Q7: Whether to takedown in response will be fact specific, and depend on alleged liability. See http://eff.org/r.h7a #wjchat

citmedialaw (Citizen Media Law) KI: DMCA (17 U.S.C. section 512) sets forth what’s sufficient for a take down notice. #wjchat

lisaborodkin (Lisa Borodkin)@citmedialaw That’s the thing. For a journalist, first make sure the takedown notice is a true copyright issue, not something else. #wjchat

citmedialaw (Citizen Media Law) DA: Lots of bogus takedowns get sent. Read the notice carefully. DMCA has precise list of what is required http://bit.ly/9FziR8 #wjchat

Q8 What should web journalists do if served with a subpoena for the identity of a source?

webjournalist (Robert Hernandez) @ethanklapper I’d say follow same rules in journalism, regardless of medium. Protect your sources – that’s part of our credibility. #wjchat

citmedialaw (Citizen Media Law) DA: If you get a subpoena for source information, contact a lawyer ASAP. We can help at www.omln.org and so can @EFF #wjchat

Q9 Can I be sued for publishing somebody else’s private facts? What if it’s just a tweet?

jacklerner (Jack Lerner) Re Q9: A tweet is a publication so yes. Law varies from state to state. RCFP, again, is amazing on this: http://bit.ly/RFCPpriv #wjchat

jacklerner: Yes! Saying something to 1 other person = publication! RT @killbutton: What about FB status updates? Those too? #wjchat

webjournalist (Robert Hernandez) @killbutton My understanding is that “publish” means telling another person, so FB status would count. IMs and emails too. Correct? #wjchat

lisaborodkin (Lisa Borodkin) @killbutton @jacklerner Ha, never write anything you don’t want linked to from the home page of NYTimes.com. #wjchat

lisaborodkin (Lisa Borodkin) @killbutton Yes, even your draft gmails are getting “published” to the cloud in a sense. #wjchat

eff (EFF)Q9: States allow suits for disclosure of private facts. Fact being newsworthy is a defense – a “legitimate matter of public concern” #wjchat

lisaborodkin (Lisa Borodkin) @wjchat There’s many contexts you could be sued depending on how the facts were obtained – trespassing, deceit, breach of NDA #wjchat

Q10 What is one law tip you recommend to all Web journalists? #wjchat

lisaborodkin (Lisa Borodkin) @wjchat Be accurate and check your sources. #wjchat

citmedialaw (Citizen Media Law) KI: Q10 – Educate yourself about defamation and other publication risks. Watch this: http://bit.ly/adUqLe #wjchat

jacklerner (Jack Lerner) Wait, here’s another: read EFF guide bit.ly.cLLxpy and peruse RFCP website! http://www.rfcp.org And OLMN! http://www.omln.org/ #wjchat

citmedialaw (Citizen Media Law) KI: Also, make sure any of your contributors are educated and follow same best practices. #wjchat

Q1 What role does verifying accuracy play when you report with social media sources?

GreerMcDonald Q1. It’s massive, if not everything. Too easy to get excited and swept up, but end product fails if accuracy isn’t at the base #wjchat

vanguardiste Q1 Verifying accuracy is more important than ever. With a faster news cycle, the pressure is heavy, but better accurate than fast. #wjchat

emmacarew it all boils down to this: RT @hubertallen Q1 If I can’t verify, don’t use. #wjchat

mriles07 Q1: I recommend @ckanal guidelines on verifying Twitter sources at http://www.twitterjournalism.com #wjchat

jordanfifer To add to @mriles07, look at their other social media presences (Facebook, etc). Google the username. #wjchat

Q2: How do you deal with the real-time pressures of using SM as a broadcast tool and ensure accuracy?

jordanfifer Q2. Same notions of good journalism apply to SM. Double check, verify the info/source. If possible, get another set of eyes. #wjchat

emmacarew Q2 #wjchat luckily with the web, deadlines aren’t as hard and fast as they once were – stories can be updated when the facts are confirmed

ClaudiaKoerner: Q2: Social media makes casting a wide net easier; at least one person out of x amount should get back to you by deadline.#wjchat

tchance121: True, stories not as permanent as they once were RT @emmacarew Q2 stories can be updated when the facts are confirmed #wjchat

mriles07 Q2: This is a big problem with bloggers and student journos who think accuracy takes a backseat on the web. WRONG #wjchat

Q3 How do you handle correcting errors while reporting with social media?

mriles07 Q3. #wjchat Change in story with a note at the end noting the change. Similar to the old “clips” in the news library. Note the error/correx

jordanfifer I’d even argue for putting it at the top, or in a sidebar. RT @mriles07 Change in story with a note at the end noting the change. #wjchat

emmacarew I like to see the correction at the top of stories RT @mriles07 Q3. #wjchat Change in story with a note at the end noting the change.

GreerMcDonald Q3. Honestly. You can’t believe readers won’t notice. Explain the decision making process that led to the error, then move on #wjchat

tchance121 #wjchat Q3 why are we separating SM factual errors? All Web corrections are fixed in real time and for a reason.

jordanfifer Good point, @tchance121 – if talking about mistakes on Twitter, etc, note the correx prominently and link back to erroneous tweet #wjchat

salvadorduran This is why is so important 2 have more than 1 source for a story before it goes on the air or printed. Hi I’m Salvador #wjchattv reporter

sona23 #wjchat Jumping into Q3 late, but don’t forget the importance of correxes on social streams, esp. Twitter. Don’t just delete the tweet!

Q4 Have you used social media for interviews, other than livetweeting? Have you conducted interviews through social media?

GreerMcDonald Q4 Somewhat yes. Obviously not long winded but for initial comments/reaction, for sure. Have used DMs as well #wjchat

salvadorduran If you have a story that is “incomplete” many times you can balance a it, but using SM. But never to be used as the meat of a story #wjchat

tchance121 #wjchat Q4 I’ve used FB for interviews. Can’t help but feel guilty, though, since you usually already know person on FB.

vanguardiste Q4: Cool way to interview people via Twitter: @JayBaer’s Twitter 20 series: http://bit.ly/bjf88V #wjchat

mriles07 Q4 #wjchat I’ve used SM to set up interviews or line people up with student journos. Then phone, Skype or e-mail for interview.

salvadorduran Some exceptions are Skype. During the earthquake in Haiti and Chile, some media relied heavily on interviews through Skype #wjchat

lisawilliams I’m also interested in the ways that social media make readers a vivid presence in the newsroom…no longer an “imaginary friend”

SuziSteffen .@lisawilliams Very vivid to see them sharing stories on FB, responding there, Tweeting and reacting. #wjchat

Q5. How do you handle quoting sources from Social Media?

jordanfifer Q5 “Be transparent with the audience as well as sources. Let them know how you contacted people” – http://bit.ly/bfj1Nf #wjchat

salvadorduran Very important to keep in mind that this is a tool that when used wisely you can only benefit your entire story. #wjchat

emmacarew Q5 #wjchat I’d never quote anyone who’s “real” name I didn’t know/couldn’t ask them for – don’t identify sources by handle only

jordanfifer @emmacarew I can see that, and often agree. I’d prefer to use real name if possible. Sometimes you can’t, so I say consider it. #wjchat

jordanfifer For ex, did this brief based on Twitter reports and experiences in the newsroom when Verizon wouldn’t confirm: http://bit.ly/dg3hRJ #wjchat -

joemurph @wjchat Q5: I didn’t hear anyone talk about the challenges of using chatroulette people as sources … c’mon.#wjchat

Q6. Has the speed and brevity of Social Media made you a better or worse writer?

mriles07 Q6: Social media in general has made me a better reporter, writer, editor and teacher; opened up new resources … #wjchat

salvadorduran @wjchat In my case it has made me a better researcher. Not necessarily a better or worse writer. #wjchat

emmacarew Q6 #wjchat I will add that SM has given me leverage in the newsroom, now I have a skill to share/teach to the older, more exp staffers

SuziSteffen Q6 I’m more aware of what’s happening on my various beats, and I can contact people faster, sourcing easier.

NABJDigital #wjchat I’m a big fan of Twitter to find new sources, get recommendations. But it is just 1 tool. I also like targeted LinkedIn

Q7 What do you think of the new rules from Reuters? Don’t “scoop the wire” and tweet breaking news + use separate accounts? http://bit.ly/dj4sDm

GreerMcDonald Q7 In a word: rubbish. Personal accts should be used professionally, breaking news should point back to site #wjchat

mriles07 Q7 #wjchat Reuters thinking is circa 1990s, when newspaper eds would tell web eds to hold stories until print deadlines passed (more)

SuziSteffen Here’s @mathewi’s post: http://wkly.ws/fa My fave part is about trusting employees/or not. #wjchat

jordanfifer Not to self-promote, but I’ll again provide link to@roanoketimes’ policies, which I prefer to Reuters’. http://bit.ly/bfj1Nf

Q8. What tools/techniques do you like to use to find new, local sources on SM?

GreerMcDonald Q8 All the same tools you’d use to cross reference a source IRL! #wjchat

joemurph @wjchat Q8. This is basic, but you can do a lot w/ twitter’s advanced search: http://search.twitter.com/advanced #wjchat

vanguardiste Q8 I Google sources + usually look at their Twitter, fb, LinkedIn feeds too. More background for me to go into an intv with.#wjchat

KatieRogers Q8 Once sourced a story about college-age illegal immigrants by searching relevant FB groups, messaging, & meeting IRL.#wjchat

Q9 What reporters or news sources have done a good job of integrating social media in reporting to you? Provide examples

jordanfifer Q9 First one that came to mind? @statesman #wjchat

KatieRogers Q9 I’m biased, but @coloneltribune/#tribnation are tools to get Chicago Trib stories out and then keep the conversation going.#wjchat

NABJDigital #wjchat I write about aviation/aerospace & @flightbloggerdoes amazing work. I also like NYTimes’ @MickiMaynard

vanguardiste Q9 Definitely the @SeattlePI team on the story about 4 local cops being shot http://bit.ly/auhgCz 3 #wjchat

NABJDigital #wjchat I love what USAToday’s hotel reporter @barbdelollis & travel’s @todayinthesky. They fully embrace the SM tools.

mriles07: Q9 #wjchat Not a big CNN/Rick Sanchez fan but he does a nice job with SM. @showpatrol TV critic Curt Wagner, too

Q1: What role does data play in your job?

Chronotope: Data is always useful, especially good for enriching content and framing stories. #wjchat

gotoPlanB: Q1. Numbers play bigger role than most realize. Every study and budget meeting is framed based on numbers. #wjchat

tchance121: #wjchat Q1 Data plays a big role. Esp. in small community papers. Transparency goes a long way here. Esp. with school budget cuts. big help.

10000words: @tchance121 Don’t forget there are “lies, damn lies, and statistics.” #wjchat

Q2: Do you generate data from stories or stories from data?

UPIU: Q2: A mix, you have to do research to craft a story, but you often have some sense of the story you are aiming for before you start #wjchat

gotoPlanB: Simplistically, you can find some data set and dig for a story or have a story and then dig for a data set. #wjchat

KelseyProud: Q2 As with using data at all, have to make sure there IS a story if given numbers to start. It’s news judgment with a caveat. #wjchat

Q3: What data obstacles have you faced and how did you overcome?

mattwaite: Getting data before you have a story leads to a lot of “no shit, Sherlock” journalism. The story is always the thing. #wjchat

salvadorduran: Q3 is always an issue of verification. Why should I believe the source. Is the source impartial? Show me proof. #wjchat

10000words: @wjchat The hardest part of gathering data is wrestling it out of the cold hands of government agencies #wjchat

jaosullivanx: Q3: Verify the numbers, but also get your boots on the ground. Do they fit in with what you see in the community? #wjchat

Q4: Do you ever feel insecure about your ability to report data? Who do you go to for help? Best piece of advice they’ve given you?

ethanklapper Q4 YES. Data is intimidating. Like I said before, the sources are best to clear questions up. Mentors help too #wjchat

newswithnumbers: Q4: I think this is a process… you report, someone finds mistake, you fix, it gets better. Bad if you don’t report at all. #wjchat

kimbui I used to joke all that time that math is why i became a journalist. But really, it was organic chemistry. #wjchat

reneejperron: Q4: as a major nerd, data is actually where I feel more comfortable. If used correctly, it gives your reporting authority #wjchat

reneejperron You overcome insecurities with data the same way you overcome bad grammar: check it, again and again. and practice #wjchat

Q5: What is the best visualization you’ve seen recently and why? How did you know it was useful?

gotoPlanB I also love this viz of Mega Shark vs. Giant Octopus. http://bit.ly/d27nHC #wjchat

SuziSteffen Q5: I *LOVE* the interactive graphic at the new @spotus story about Mid-Market in San Francisco: http://wkly.ws/f1 #wjchat

kimbui …NYT blew me away with this one: http://nyti.ms/oiNKz #wjchat -6:06 PM Mar 10th, 2010

KatieRogers Q5 This is kind of old, but this NYT interactive graphic about unemployment was amazing: http://nyti.ms/3dLjAe #wjchat

Q6: How do you put numbers into context for your audience?

SuperDu: Q6 Putting ANYTHING into context for your readers, including numbers, is what makes storytelling/reporting a skill. #wjchat

gotoPlanB: Q6. Don’t publish numbers that aren’t statistically significant in a way that implies significance. #wjchat

ethanklapper: Q6. Also, always be clear about your sources. Don’t steal/always attribute! And explain the sources too. #wjchat

kaitlinflanigan: Q6: It also helps to make sure YOU understand the numbers, otherwise it’s poor reporting! #wjchat

SuziSteffen @ethanklapper Fascinating to see who understands the link economy & who doesn’t. Works for numbers too (& transparent pres of data). #wjchat

jessicamalnik Q6: I always try to put numbers into a larger context. Using everyday comparisons and analogies are generally helpful. #wjchat

HoltzReport @killbutton Q6. I try to use “one out of ten” type phrase rather than 10% etc. #wjchat

Q7: What tools can I use to break out of the beginnner league of data visualization?

gotoPlanB @wjchat I love Google Chart Tools — except the default 3D pie which is of the devil. http://code.google.com/apis/charttools/ #wjchat

kmcurry Q7 @Tableau is powerful viz tool #wjchat

ethanklapper Q7 It’s not a question of tools, it’s a question of skills. Keen design sense to be exact. #wjchat

oemurph @wjchat Q7: Knowing your HTML and CSS will help you avoid making data presentations unnecessarily complex. #wjchat

gotoPlanB If you have don’t mind some code or have a Python friend, check out NodeBox: http://bit.ly/kbVPy #wjchat

kimbui http://maker.geocommons.com/ is one of my favorites lately. #wjchat

ethanklapper This one’s for everyone, especially in re: @kimbui’s last comment: http://bit.ly/c9OgEy #wjchat

johnfcampbell: Q7 Most powerful tool: ask someone who’s been at it already. #wjchat

Q8: What do you want to learn about using and understanding numbers?

jeffsonderman @wjchat Q8: Difference between percent increase and percentage points increase #wjchat

gotoPlanB @wjchat Tricked by averages. Head in oven, feet in freezer, on average feel good. #wjchat

Join us 5-7 p.m. PST on March 24 for a chat about law in the cyberage.

We’ll be discussing:

• The blogger/journalist debate
• How to handle corrections
• Libel, lawsuits….
• and much more!

As always, send a tweet to @wjchat is you have questions you’d like answered!

Join us 5-7 p.m. PST on March 17 for a chat about reporting with social media.

We’ll be discussing:

• Whether your reporting suffers from the immediacy of social media
• How to interview using Twitter and other tools
• and much more!

As always, send a tweet to @wjchat is you have questions you’d like answered!

(P.S. I know that the highlights from last week are late, but they’ll be up soon!)

Moderated by @gotoplanb, AKA Dave Stanton, Technology Fellow at The Poynter Institute, Instructor at the University of Florida and News design and cognition researcher.

Join us 5-7 p.m. PST for a lively discussion on numbers, data and visualization.

We’ll be discussing:

• How to get the numbers you need
• Putting numbers into context for your audience
• The best kind of visualizations
• And much, much more!

Got a burning question? Tweet it to @wjchat for consideration.