Page 95
1. What case established the precedent for freedom of the press in colonial America?
John Peter Zenger v. British governor of New York over a critical piece
2. What was the Penny Press? What led to it?
The Penny Press published daily newspapers that sold for a penny. Technological innovations allowed papers to be produced at a lower cost for broader audiences. Also, poor people were a relatively untapped market for readership. Newspapers used to be aimed at the middle to upper class.
3. What are the differences between new journalism and yellow journalism?
New journalism focused on sensationalizing gossip about people. Yellow journalism sensationalized national events in order to rally people behind a cause, such as going to war with Spain over the explosion of the USS Maine.
4. What effect did the telegraph have on newspapers?
Wire services, such as the Associated Press, formed.
5. How did wire services influence a change in the newspaper business?
This allowed newspapers to lower their costs, add more general-interest material, and appeal to a wider audience. Another side effect was that news became more objective.
Page 103
1. What was the impact of Watergate on American journalism?
It created the "watchdog" culture for newspapers against the American government.
2. What are the main recent trends in newspaper delivery technologies?
Present in a form readable on new technologies such as smartphones and iPads. Allow for customization to cater to people's tastes. Some reporters also use Twitter for news developments.
3. What is the impact of the Internet on newspapers?
Established papers have online editions and there are Internet-only papers.
4. How has the Internet affected newspaper advertising?
Advertisers have transferred more of their resources from the newspapers to the Internet.
Page 118
1. What are the main sections and content of newspapers?
international news, national news, local news, editorial and commentary, sports, business, lifestyles, entertainment, comics, and classified advertising; depending on the type of newspaper (local, regional, or national), some papers can emphasize certain sections.
2. Is there still a mass audience for newspapers?
Yes
3. What are the main concerns about consolidation in the newspaper industry?
Wire services, such as the AP, will see more of their stories in the paper. While this increases awareness to important news in the world, it also decreases coverage of local events. This sacrifice would make the newspaper feel less personal.
4. Why should we worry about conglomerates?
Since conglomerates are big corporations, they own many media types. If the media is owned by conglomerates, this means differing viewpoints will shrink. The conglomerate can also provide a bigger spin on their story and use their financial resources to promote their viewpoint.
5. What are the main ethical issues for newspaper reporters?
plagiarism, fabrication, and anonymous sources
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Chapter 3 questions
Page 63
1. What key elements of print media developed first outside Europe?
The Chinese put together a metal, clay, and wooden press. Korea developed movable metal type in 1234
2. What was the impact of printing in Europe?
Gutenburg's press allowed many mass media forms (books, handbills, newsletters, etc.) at a much faster rate with a much lower cost
3. Why and how did magazines develop?
The development of the U.S. Postal system achieved the point of reliable delivery. People appreciated literature as a form of knowledge. These two events allowed magazines to develop.
4. What was the role of the print media in the Civil War?
Books, such as Uncle Tom's Cabin, served as propaganda for people to rally around the cause of abolitionism. Magazines illustrated battle scenes with woodcuts that was integrated with a news story.
5. What was "muckraking"?
A journalistic form that sensationalizes stories for a corruption and scandal edge.
Page 71
1. When did magazines peak as a medium for mass audiences?
The 1920s, before the advent of radio.
2. What form have magazines taken as modern mass media?
Focusing less on general audiences and more on specialized interests.
3. What is a recent trend in magazine delivery?
E-magazines
4. What is a recent trend in print production?
Digital books, such as the Amazon Kindle, iPad, Sony E-Reader, etc.
Page 82
1. What are the main trends in book publishing?
Selling more copies of fewer books. Small publishers have to find a niche, such as being focused on Christian, academic, or political publications.
2. What could happen if the book industry becomes monopolized?
Less diverse genres get released because they might not be profitable.
3. What types of magazines are successful?
Specialized interest magazines
4. What are the main copyright issues for print media?
The continual greying of the line between fair use and stealing.
1. What key elements of print media developed first outside Europe?
The Chinese put together a metal, clay, and wooden press. Korea developed movable metal type in 1234
2. What was the impact of printing in Europe?
Gutenburg's press allowed many mass media forms (books, handbills, newsletters, etc.) at a much faster rate with a much lower cost
3. Why and how did magazines develop?
The development of the U.S. Postal system achieved the point of reliable delivery. People appreciated literature as a form of knowledge. These two events allowed magazines to develop.
4. What was the role of the print media in the Civil War?
Books, such as Uncle Tom's Cabin, served as propaganda for people to rally around the cause of abolitionism. Magazines illustrated battle scenes with woodcuts that was integrated with a news story.
5. What was "muckraking"?
A journalistic form that sensationalizes stories for a corruption and scandal edge.
Page 71
1. When did magazines peak as a medium for mass audiences?
The 1920s, before the advent of radio.
2. What form have magazines taken as modern mass media?
Focusing less on general audiences and more on specialized interests.
3. What is a recent trend in magazine delivery?
E-magazines
4. What is a recent trend in print production?
Digital books, such as the Amazon Kindle, iPad, Sony E-Reader, etc.
Page 82
1. What are the main trends in book publishing?
Selling more copies of fewer books. Small publishers have to find a niche, such as being focused on Christian, academic, or political publications.
2. What could happen if the book industry becomes monopolized?
Less diverse genres get released because they might not be profitable.
3. What types of magazines are successful?
Specialized interest magazines
4. What are the main copyright issues for print media?
The continual greying of the line between fair use and stealing.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Madison Daily Leader
I'll be honest, I'm impressed that the Madison paper is still a daily. I figured that with a town of 5,000 or so and the newspaper industry falling on hard times, the Madison Daily Leader would have to cut back in some way. Perhaps they have. I don't know anything about the Daily Leader, so it's not my place to comment too much about it. I noticed they use a lot of AP national stories to fill it in. This does not bother me as much as it might other people. They have to fill copy in some way if they wish to put out a substantial product.
As for their site, I actually prefer it to the Argus Leader's. They offer previews for stories in each section, which is an improvement over the Argus. The one thing I think they could improve on is allowing their page to fill more of the window. I run a full screen window, and right now their site takes up only half of it. They don't necessarily have to fill all of it, but three-fourths would be nice.
I do question the decision to have a free site that complements their paper. I have criticized all papers for doing this, although I do like that The St. Louis Post-Dispatch and The New York Times provide me with free baseball news and research material, respectively. In a small town like Madison, I would think every possible subscription would be necessary. Again, as I have mentioned before, I do not anything about the inner workings of the Daily Leader. So perhaps this is a business model that doesn't do any harm.
As for their site, I actually prefer it to the Argus Leader's. They offer previews for stories in each section, which is an improvement over the Argus. The one thing I think they could improve on is allowing their page to fill more of the window. I run a full screen window, and right now their site takes up only half of it. They don't necessarily have to fill all of it, but three-fourths would be nice.
I do question the decision to have a free site that complements their paper. I have criticized all papers for doing this, although I do like that The St. Louis Post-Dispatch and The New York Times provide me with free baseball news and research material, respectively. In a small town like Madison, I would think every possible subscription would be necessary. Again, as I have mentioned before, I do not anything about the inner workings of the Daily Leader. So perhaps this is a business model that doesn't do any harm.
Argus Leader paper and website
Maybe it's just because my family has had an Argus Leader subscription for as long as I can remember, but I like their paper better than their website. The paper seems laid out in a nice, orderly fashion. I've always been impressed to the length they go to to cover a regional story. This is especially evident in the sports section. Now I don't care about SDSU sports and USD sports because I don't care about Division 1AA. However, there are many who do, and the Argus Leader recognizes this and prominently features them. They do the same for minor league teams such as the Stampede, Canaries, and the Skyforce.
If you don't appreciate the lengths the Argus Leader goes for the local sports teams, just take a look at the Omaha World-Herald's sports section during baseball season. Omaha has the Triple-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. Triple-A baseball is just one step below the majors. What page does that land them on? Page 6, behind the Nebraska Cornhuskers football team, who are in the offseason. In short, the Argus Leader knows where its priorities lie.
About the one major criticism I have with the Argus Leader is the Life section being in tabloid form. Here, the layout prevents the section from flowing easily from one story to the next. Also, their ads take up too much space in that section. Perhaps they concentrate the ads in that section to allow the other sections to have more space for news.
As for their website, it is basic. In most cases, I prefer basic. However, this feels too basic. The site is designed that only one story in each subsection gets a picture and a preview. The one picture aspect is fine and ideal. I wish there was a one sentence preview for every story. If not every story, then maybe the top 3.
All in all, I like the Argus Leader. They know who their audience is and they usually provide an objective viewpoint.
If you don't appreciate the lengths the Argus Leader goes for the local sports teams, just take a look at the Omaha World-Herald's sports section during baseball season. Omaha has the Triple-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. Triple-A baseball is just one step below the majors. What page does that land them on? Page 6, behind the Nebraska Cornhuskers football team, who are in the offseason. In short, the Argus Leader knows where its priorities lie.
About the one major criticism I have with the Argus Leader is the Life section being in tabloid form. Here, the layout prevents the section from flowing easily from one story to the next. Also, their ads take up too much space in that section. Perhaps they concentrate the ads in that section to allow the other sections to have more space for news.
As for their website, it is basic. In most cases, I prefer basic. However, this feels too basic. The site is designed that only one story in each subsection gets a picture and a preview. The one picture aspect is fine and ideal. I wish there was a one sentence preview for every story. If not every story, then maybe the top 3.
All in all, I like the Argus Leader. They know who their audience is and they usually provide an objective viewpoint.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Newspaper Experience
As the son of the editor of The Arlington Sun, I'm well acquainted with the world of newspapers. I know that producing a paper is much more difficult than a lot of people think it is. I also know that if you want frequent favorable coverage, be nice to your newspaper man.
I've had some actual experience with stuff getting published in The Arlington Sun. In my junior and senior year of high school, I wrote senior features. I'll inflate my ego here and say they were quite good in comparison with the features written by other people. They have even drawn the attention of such people as the top aide in Tim Johnson's Sioux Falls office, who has described them as Lovecraftian, a reference to H.P. Lovecraft. There, now I'll get off my high horse.
As far as papers I read, I suppose I do read the Argus Leader occasionally because my family subscribes to it. However, I'm not as interested as I should be in regional news.
Whenever my dad and I go to Brookings, he usually stops to buy a copy of the USA Today. This is the main paper I read because it's national. Their baseball coverage gets heavily scrutinized by me because that's part of the fun of being an avid baseball fan. Also I'm very interested in national news, so the USA Today is the paper that provides the best fit to my interests.
As far as the future of newspapers, I know they are dying. This makes me somewhat sad because I have fond memories of sitting at a restaurant and reading them. At the same time, I realize the evolution of news lies with the Internet. Still, for as much as I like the iPad, I find it to be a pain to carry it around everywhere. It would also be more cumbersome to eat and read at the same time.
I've had some actual experience with stuff getting published in The Arlington Sun. In my junior and senior year of high school, I wrote senior features. I'll inflate my ego here and say they were quite good in comparison with the features written by other people. They have even drawn the attention of such people as the top aide in Tim Johnson's Sioux Falls office, who has described them as Lovecraftian, a reference to H.P. Lovecraft. There, now I'll get off my high horse.
As far as papers I read, I suppose I do read the Argus Leader occasionally because my family subscribes to it. However, I'm not as interested as I should be in regional news.
Whenever my dad and I go to Brookings, he usually stops to buy a copy of the USA Today. This is the main paper I read because it's national. Their baseball coverage gets heavily scrutinized by me because that's part of the fun of being an avid baseball fan. Also I'm very interested in national news, so the USA Today is the paper that provides the best fit to my interests.
As far as the future of newspapers, I know they are dying. This makes me somewhat sad because I have fond memories of sitting at a restaurant and reading them. At the same time, I realize the evolution of news lies with the Internet. Still, for as much as I like the iPad, I find it to be a pain to carry it around everywhere. It would also be more cumbersome to eat and read at the same time.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Blog traffic
In looking at my traffic, I noticed some interesting, and exciting, sources. While my traffic is not very high, it comes from exotic places.
In the last week of traffic by country, I got a handful of views from the United States. I assume that location would be here in this class. While I like and thank you for the page views, this segment is boring compared to the others.
I noticed I had four page views from the United Kingdom. This was fun to discover, as it meant that I definitely had traffic outside of the class. Also I find the idea that a British person (or people) has viewed my blog to be quite exciting. I was tickled to discover this before something else topped it.
The third country with traffic that has viewed my blog was Singapore. ****ing Singapore! I mean the asterisks in an excited way. Regardless, you know what this means?
I'm goin' global.
In the last week of traffic by country, I got a handful of views from the United States. I assume that location would be here in this class. While I like and thank you for the page views, this segment is boring compared to the others.
I noticed I had four page views from the United Kingdom. This was fun to discover, as it meant that I definitely had traffic outside of the class. Also I find the idea that a British person (or people) has viewed my blog to be quite exciting. I was tickled to discover this before something else topped it.
The third country with traffic that has viewed my blog was Singapore. ****ing Singapore! I mean the asterisks in an excited way. Regardless, you know what this means?
I'm goin' global.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Super Bowl commercials
I watched the Super Bowl and most of the commercials. I do not really remember the critically acclaimed commercials like the Detroit Eminem commercial or Darth Vader. After viewing them in class today, they really did not do anything for me. Of course, I instinctively run away from anything that features kids and rappers, so I had some prejudices before these commercials.
As for the Tibet one, my first thought was: Who is Timothy Hutton? It may have been a more effective ad if they had a more prominent celebrity. As it is, I'm still a bad person for not caring too much about what happens in Tibet.
My favorite commercial was the Pepsi Max commercial that provided insight into the minds of a guy and a girl on a date. Here is the video:
As for the Tibet one, my first thought was: Who is Timothy Hutton? It may have been a more effective ad if they had a more prominent celebrity. As it is, I'm still a bad person for not caring too much about what happens in Tibet.
My favorite commercial was the Pepsi Max commercial that provided insight into the minds of a guy and a girl on a date. Here is the video:
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Chapter 2
Page 37
1. What are economies of scale?
Costs go down while production increases.
2. Why is the first copy of a mass-media production expensive?
On the first run, demand is usually higher than supply. Thus, a company can charge more for a new product because it will be sold anyway.
3. What are the basic types of media ownership patterns?
monopoly, oligopoly, competition
4. How do the mass media make profits? Why are profits necessary?
They must bring in more money from others than they spend on various expenses. Profits keep the company running.
5. What are some ways that websites make money?
Advertising
Subscriptions (in some cases)
Page 44
1. What is a political economist?
Someone who analyzes patterns of class domination and economic power.
2. How can the evening TV news create a hegemony of ideas?
They can shape thought for people by deciding how to present the story.
3. What is the essence of the feminist critique of the media?
They analyze stereotypes of how women are portrayed in the media.
4. How do genres develop?
Enough similar stories develop based on interactions between their producers and the audience.
Page 51
1. Give examples of people who are gatekeepers.
editor
news directors
owners
2. What are the main social functions of the mass media?
Allows people to be connected and in touch with current events
3. Using the "diffusion of innovations" paradigm, explain how VCRs spread through society.
A select group of people bought the expensive VCR. Then, when manufacturing costs and subsequently retail costs were lowered, more people bought them. It got to the point where they were a necessity for stuff like movies that the rest of the people had to catch up with the culture and bought one.
4. How does technological determinism differ from cultural determinism?
Technological determinism is the theory that the media sparks a media trend among the masses. Cultural determinism is the idea that people are the driving forces for a change.
1. What are economies of scale?
Costs go down while production increases.
2. Why is the first copy of a mass-media production expensive?
On the first run, demand is usually higher than supply. Thus, a company can charge more for a new product because it will be sold anyway.
3. What are the basic types of media ownership patterns?
monopoly, oligopoly, competition
4. How do the mass media make profits? Why are profits necessary?
They must bring in more money from others than they spend on various expenses. Profits keep the company running.
5. What are some ways that websites make money?
Advertising
Subscriptions (in some cases)
Page 44
1. What is a political economist?
Someone who analyzes patterns of class domination and economic power.
2. How can the evening TV news create a hegemony of ideas?
They can shape thought for people by deciding how to present the story.
3. What is the essence of the feminist critique of the media?
They analyze stereotypes of how women are portrayed in the media.
4. How do genres develop?
Enough similar stories develop based on interactions between their producers and the audience.
Page 51
1. Give examples of people who are gatekeepers.
editor
news directors
owners
2. What are the main social functions of the mass media?
Allows people to be connected and in touch with current events
3. Using the "diffusion of innovations" paradigm, explain how VCRs spread through society.
A select group of people bought the expensive VCR. Then, when manufacturing costs and subsequently retail costs were lowered, more people bought them. It got to the point where they were a necessity for stuff like movies that the rest of the people had to catch up with the culture and bought one.
4. How does technological determinism differ from cultural determinism?
Technological determinism is the theory that the media sparks a media trend among the masses. Cultural determinism is the idea that people are the driving forces for a change.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Project 1
For my first New Media project, I had to use a way to both write out "English for New Media" in a creative way and use a digital way to upload it. I used spaghetti for the letters and iPhoto combined with QuickTime for the construction and upload of the pictures.
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