RSS feeds - Calling all journalists

There have been quite a few occasions when I've been speaking to a journalist and I have asked them a question along these lines "...do you use RSS feeds" (to track news on your particular specialist subject and to help inspire forthcoming or current commissions)?

From the answer, there seems to be a distinct gap between those journalists embracing blogging and online media in all its forms and those who don't know what a blog or RSS feeds are.

No matter which one you are, take a look at this blog's Journalism category (below, left-hand side pane - or click here) or this helpful intro to RSS feeds and how they can work wonders for you - whether you are a freelance journalist or a staffer: http://cravingideas.blogs.com/backinskinnyjeans/2006/09/how_to_explain_.html

Why not sign up for this blog's RSS - simply click the RSS button at the top-left of this page having selected a newsreader (I'd recommend Bloglines as it's really easy to use) and follow the instructions.

Feel strongly about RSS feeds - good...bad...useless for journalists?

Let me know what you think by posting a comment.

thanks

What are these blog things?

If blogging just isn't quite your cup of tea (yet), hows about a helping hand from us here at Discover the World and blog guru & ex-journalist Neil Maclean.

With blogs becoming a fundamental part of journalism, it's probably a good time to get familiar so hope the below helps.

A quick explanation: A blog is essentially just like a personal diary only that it is kept on the internet. It needn't be complicated and in any case, most of the necessary links and formats are automatically created for you when you post (having set up your blog).

How to post your first blog in just 10 minutes!

Rather than blinding you with all the options, we suggest you get started with a free trial of some software called "typepad" (at www.typepad.com). Watch this quick video by Neil that talks you through setting up a typepad account (you'll need speakers).

Click here to watch his quick video on setting up typepad

Next, you'll be ready to post in no time thanks to another of Neil's great tutorials :

Click here to watch his video on adding a new post

If you are having problems then email me - alexis@discovertheworld.co.uk - but the above should be all you need to get going. Easy peasy!

Don't forget to visit our other destination blogs - http://www.discovertheworldmedia.com/blogs.html

Good luck

Alexis - 01737 214 294

Telegraph launches online journalism blog

www.telegraph.co.uk has launched a new blog called Upload to cover "the perils and advantages of reporting online and how new technology is changing the media" as reported by www.journalism.co.uk.

Here it is - http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/upload/

Telegraph.co.uk launches 'style' guide for bloggers

www.Journalism.co.uk gives its take on the Telegraph.co.uk's launch of an editorial style guide for its growing band of bloggers. It essentially sets out tips for best practice and production consistency for writers who may not yet be used to the medium. One thing is for certain...it definitely confirms that the Telegraph is taking blogs more and more seriously as a valid modern medium!

Here are the articles:
Journalism.co.uk - www.journalism.co.uk/news/story1863.shtml
Telegraph - http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/upload/may06/styleguide.htm