Multimedia -- Some Blog Examples

We'll look at some blogs from past classes. since each medium was supposed to help tell the same story. First up is this blog stream on various topics has a nice and conversational writing style without being opinionated.

Nice use of hyperlinks that offer background not only in text, but in video as well. Really, whatever background you offer by hyperlink can be in any other medium, as long as the content helps tell the story or builds upon the story or offers relevant background.

Another blogger's stream here takes things a step further: not only are there hyperlinks, there are embedded maps and videos and such. Look at the very nice use of hyperlinks to provide background here, allowing posts to be much shorter in size than print stories offering comparable information.

Also, note how multiple blog posts help tell a single story. The top three posts are all about teen driving restrictions; the last four are about MSU women's soccer. When we talk about a single news story equaling several blog posts, this is what we mean.

The multiple post version also has the advantage over a single linear written news story in that you can highlight various facets of a story because each gets its own post, whereas in a written story you have to pick what is the highest and best use of emphasis in the one lede you have.

You can see more examples of what blogging for news looks like here and also here.

A couple of flaws to note: first, make sure that your hyperlinks actually work and that they don't go bad. Nothing more frustrating to readers than a dead end to information, as opposed to a gateway. Double-check your hyperlink after posting your blog to make sure it works.

Second, no need to end a blog post with something like, continued in blog 2. Totally unnecessary. A blog is an ongoing conversation, so of course you'll have more to say.