Block by Block Conference Streaming Live

I had hoped to attend the Block by Block hyperlocal conference which is now underway in Chicago. If you couldn’t make it, either, or maybe didn’t even know about it, it’s okay — you can watch online.

It’s streaming live online right now.

The conference continues through Friday afternoon.

September 23, 2010 | Filed Under Industry | 1 Comment 

Hyperlocal News Roundup

newsstandThis is the MEGA edition of the hyperlocal news roundup — 20+ links below that should include something of interest to most anyone. This is what happens when you combine cross-country travel with getting sick as soon as you get home. Ugh. That’s how I’ve spent the past 8-10 days. Hope yours have been better.

Of particular note in the list is the journalist’s guide to jobs at Patch, which I found a pretty interesting read.

September 19, 2010 | Filed Under Industry | 2 Comments 

Podcast: Hyperlocal Blogging for Business

Hyperlocal blogging for business was the topic of an interview I did last week with Don Campbell of Expand2Web, a California-based small business consulting company. We chatted about the blogging opportunities that exist for small business owners and a number of other things.

Read more and download the audio on Don’s web site.

ps – Don, thx for the great chat!

September 13, 2010 | Filed Under General | 1 Comment 

Jay Rosen’s Advice for Journalism Students (and bloggers)

I’m a bit distracted at the moment, so the weekly “Hyperlocal News Roundup” will return next weekend. But there’s one link I want to share with you today and I’ll take the risk of calling it the only article you really need to read this week.

It’s by Jay Rosen of New York University and recaps a presentation he gave recently to new students on their first day at a French journalism school. There’s great stuff in here for those of you who are hyperlocal news bloggers:

7: Your authority starts with, “I’m there, you’re not, let me tell you about it.” If “anyone” can produce media and share it with the world, what makes the pro journalist special, or worth listening to? Not the press card, not the by-line, not the fact of employment by a major media company. None of that. The most reliable source of authority for a professional journalist will continue to be what James W. Carey called “the idea of a report.” That’s when you can truthfully say to the users, “I’m there, you’re not, let me tell you about it.” Or, “I was at the demonstration, you weren’t, let me tell you how the cops behaved.” Or, altering my formula slightly, “I interviewed the workers who were on that oil drilling platform when it exploded, you didn’t, let me tell you what they said.” Or, “I reviewed those documents, you didn’t, let me tell you what I found.” Your authority begins when you do the work. If an amateur or a blogger does the work, the same authority is earned. Seeing people as a public means granting that without rancor.

(emphasis added at the end is mine)

The article is geared toward journalists, so if you’re a hyperlocal business blogger, I’m not sure how much is in it for you. But if you’re an interested, engaged citizen (regardless of your blogger focus), I think you’ll gain from reading it. Here’s the link:

The Journalists Formerly Known as the Media: My Advice to the Next Generation

September 13, 2010 | Filed Under Blogging | Leave a Comment 

Hyperlocal News Roundup

newsstandHope those of you in the U.S. had a great Labor Day holiday. The McGee family enjoyed a spur-of-the-moment drive over to Seattle and an otherwise relaxing long weekend. Here’s the latest batch of hyperlocal headlines for your reading enjoyment.

September 6, 2010 | Filed Under Industry | Leave a Comment 

Yahoo’s Hyperlocal Help Wanteds

Following up on last week’s news about Yahoo hiring local writers/bloggers as part of a national push toward local content, how about a look at one of the job descriptions?

You can find a job listing for Local Editor – Chicago on Yahoo Careers web site.

Yahoo! is looking for an expert online editor to raise the level of our content served to the citizens of Chicago. The ideal candidate will be a seasoned editor with a passion for news, new media, and their local market. He or she will synthesize content from a number of sources and publishers into a relevant, addictive offering for residents. You should be flexible, quick-thinking, energetic, efficient, and able to work independently under pressure while maintaining attention to detail. Real-world journalistic experience managing digital news on deadline is a must.

Some other highlights from the bullet list items:

- Crafting clever and SEO-friendly headlines, writing tease copy, choosing and cropping appropriate images

- Reporting and writing engaging and exceptional news stories and blog posts from primary or secondary sources on deadline

- Monitoring blog comments, surfing similar sites for story ideas

- Familiarity with SEO, RSS, Twitter, Facebook and other social media

Maybe the thing that stands out the most to me is this qualification:

- Minimum 3+ years online and 5+ years overall experience at a major media outlet in your market

They’re definitely not looking for beginning hyperlocal hopefuls, that’s for certain. No mention of a salary, but I suspect if you’re expecting to hire someone who’s been working the Chicago media scene for five years minimum, you’re going to be paying that person pretty well.

September 3, 2010 | Filed Under Industry | Leave a Comment 

← Previous Page