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Multimedia advice
Make a habit of browsing the web to stay informed and inspired
Examples of content aggregators
If you are serious about taking your multimedia skills to the next level, stay informed on what else is going on out there. Sounds simple, right? Actually, this can be a time-consuming process. But, if you get into a daily routine, it will ensure that you are staying on top of the evolving trends and practices, and therefore always being inspired and informed.
This is, by far, one of the best parts about our job. We HAVE to surf the web, browse through blog postings and watch online tutorials in order to succeed. Content aggregators, like those you see on the left, are our life line to one another in the virtual realm. So, how do you take advantage of all these options without getting overwhelmed? Let me give you an idea of my morning routine, and then I’d be curious to hear yours …
I receive two email newsletters each day, one from Journerdism (to keep me updated on the journalism industry) and FlowingData (to keep me inspired with examples of great data visualization projects).
I then check multiple news sources: Roanoke.com, CNN.com, New York Times, USA Today, Washington Post and Raleigh N&O. These are easily accessibly via my bookmarks toolbar on my browser so it goes pretty quickly as I browse the headlines.
On to del.icio.us, where I can see what friends, coworkers and other professionals have bookmarked. This normally leads off on a tangent as I check out some of these links, which then inevitable leads me to google the producer to find his/her online portfolio.
My blogging world includes stops to Interactive Narratives, Multimedia Shooter, News Videographer, and Teaching Online Journalism, which all showcase great work, and are updated on a daily basis so you always can count on getting new material.
This entire morning routine normally takes between 30 minutes to an hour. Afterward, I dive into my work, but I find myself checking del.icio.us sporadically throughout the day either to post a link or to take a mind break.
Topic for discussion:
What does your morning routine of news sites, blogs and RSS feeds consist of? Anything you are checking out that I should add to my list?
Other posts that might interest you:
- 10 must-read blog posts to catch up from the holidays
- Design Reviver offers excellent advice for web developers
- Broadcast journalism ethics need to change
Tags: Discussion
2 comments for “Make a habit of browsing the web to stay informed and inspired”
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I’ve fallen back on reading every day. I subscribe to so many blogs that I usually just clean out the feed reader once per week. I’m sure it would make my blog better if I did read daily, but I just can’t balance it in with my other responsibilities. It’s hard being a blogger!
I agree Angela. I think a feed reader is often times extremely overwhelming. Don’t think of it as a “responsibility” though. Fit in a little here and there in between assignments, coffee breaks and lunch. Just like reading the paper in the morning, if you make it a daily routine you’ll find the time.