February 16, 2012

Briggs Chapter Four: Microblogging

This chapter on microblogging made me think back to the class where Steve Buttry came and spoke to us. He explained to us that stories could be told in tweets, 140 characters or less. That we, as journalists, are only limited by our own creativity and imagination when it comes to digital media. For me, that chapter reinforces that.

It explains that microblogging is a quick and effective way to grab reader’s attention and pull them into a story. I believe that to be true. Speaking from my own experience, I am curious when I see a link. I have an urge to click it. Almost like a subconscious need to know what’s on the other side. I guess I’m playing into what the journalist wants…

Microblogging also forces journalists to become more creative in their taglines, titles, and/or bylines. While microblogging allows you quick access to an article, your initial reaction will be to the title. So, if that’s not interesting I’m going to keep on scrolling in my ChromeBird.