Goal for staff: Make each day your masterpiece. You have to apply yourself each day to becoming a little better. By applying yourself to the task of becoming a little better each and every day over a period of time, you will become a lot better. Only then will you be able to approach being the best you can be.

Goal for editors & advisor: Define success for those under your leadership as total commitment and effort to the team's welfare. Then show it yourself with your own effort and performance. Most of those you lead will do the same. Those who don't should be encouraged to look for a new team. — John Wooden

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

4.29 In-class assignment

Here's the assignment.

Here's some dummy text.

Here's a graphic to use.

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Week 32

Wowzer! Lots of goodies to share, but I will control myself and post only two. Both are profile pieces. Read them separately or together, regardless these are great pieces we can learn a lot from.

1. This piece focuses on an immigrant family in New York. The family is struggling because the mother and father and daughter are still not legal residents. The son, born in the US is. But, he wants to return home to Ecuador. The piece delves into the sacrifices and sufferings of the family.

2. This piece focuses on a 100 year old Red Sox fan and his return to the position he held back in the early 20s: bat boy. A great special interest profile piece.

How could we incorporate more in-depth pieces into The Voice? And how could we do more single person/single interest profile pieces?

Share your brilliance -- by the end of the month (that means THURSDAY).

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Week 31

My latest addiction: ESPN's E:60. What a great show on ESPN! Here is a piece on Vince McMahon, the mastermind behind the WWE (formerly the WWF). It's a well reported item and a good example of an in-depth feature. Sure it's on video -- not exactly the usual format for The Voice -- but it's worth the watch for it's savvy writing and reporting. Enjoy! And, do yourself a favor by watching a few more episodes. I also recommend this piece on Don Meyer.

Share your thoughts, insights and ideas about these pieces.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Edition 6 Staff Courses

Here are two courses to pique your interest in journalism. These are to be completed during our layout days. Check the syllabus for homework.

Ethical Decison-Making
This course is the priority.

The Interview
If you have time, please complete this course.

Questions? Just ask.
mc

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Week 30: Welcome April

An interesting read about one of American Idol's most successful contestants. There's only one item that might keep him from a win: he might be, could be gay. While this is an issue we discuss a lot here at MA and in the Bay Area, what do you think of this piece as a reflection on the nation as a whole, on the issue of homosexuality in the mainstream media. Please be especially considerate with your comments as this is a personal subject.

Is this just a sentimental attempt to get us all to rethink our connection to print journalism? Or is there some truth to this piece? Is there some magic in being a journalist? some crazy power that few other jobs hold?

Yea for April! Next it's May and then it's June!!! And then it's SUMMER!