To-Do List #7

Reminder: We’ll have a pitch session during class tomorrow. Come with three story ideas. At least two out of your four stories this semester must be beat related. 

Due Midnight Saturday, Oct. 17

• Blogging your beat: Two posts related to your beat. Share both blog entries via Twitter, your professional FB page, and LinkedIn. Think of how you can optimize these posts.
• Tweeting your beat: Tweet about your beat—let’s say 8-10 times. This can include your blog posts and retweets. I recommend providing context when you retweet something. You should be retweeting, replying , and using hashtags on a regular basis—important for engagement. You do not have to use #ICParkSM for these items. Don’t forget to check your beat-related Twitter list! Also, I recommend building your “following” by routinely following others who will provide you with valuable content and by sharing as well as liking their content. (Tips from NPR: Get a Twitter habit: 5 things to do every day until it sticks)

Due 9 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21

Upload the story submission document to the Forum section of our Sakai page. 

Multimedia Story #2

All of these items will be published together on your website by 9 p.m. Wednesday. In my feedback to you, I will let you know if you should publish on Ithaca Week as well. Whenever you post to Ithaca Week, follow the instructions for posting to Ithaca Week.

• 550-600 word story with mobile-friendly layout.
• 2-3 images ideally taken with your mobile device. Remember to caption all photos.
• Video (1-1:30) produced using the iMovie mobile app. Upload the finished video to your YouTube channel and then embedded in your story.

Social Media 

These items must be spread out during the reporting process and completed by 9 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21. Create a Wakelet with the items mentioned below. This is how I will evaluate and grade your social media engagement for your story.

You should have a social media game plan for every story before heading out the door. Below are the items you’re required to share while producing your first story. You do not have to use #ICParkSM. Remember, posts should be social media optimized. For example, they’ll  include @mentions, hashtags, tags, and visuals — items that lead to increased engagement. Also, it’s a good idea to periodically mention you’re covering the story for Ithaca Week by @mentioning in posts.

• Twitter thread with at least four tweets (which include the items below). Give your audience meaningful info: use quotes from sources, ask a question about the story, provide a behind-the-scenes look. Don’t simply write, “here’s a tease of my story” or “package coming soon.” This is newsroom jargon and doesn’t engage our audiences. Remember to optimize those tweets!
• A “readable” social media video produced with the Adobe Spark Video app. Share to Twitter and your professional Facebook page. Keep this around :30 seconds.
• At least one social media graphic produced with Adobe Spark Post or Canva. Share to Twitter and your professional Facebook page.
• You are absolutely free to use any other platforms during the reporting process. Go for it! It’s all about the Gram during the next reporting round (well, partially).