Web is Not Print

There are many ways in which print journalism differs from online journalism. In fact, in recent years many of the nation's top newspapers have expanded upon their one-dimensional traditions and entered the world of Web interactivity.

The specifics about the publications that have expanded can be found in chapter nine of James C. Foust's Online Journalism textbook, in the "advanced interactivity" section. A study by the Bivings Group lists the key findings. For example, 80 of America's top 100 newspapers offer at least one reporter blog on their websites.

As for the nuts and bolts of interactivity, well, it's basically the availability of print, audio, video, opinion and fact -- all in one place. Also in chapter nine of Foust's online text, Thom Lieb discusses "Inactivity on Interactivity" and how despite all of these options in one place, readers may still utilize very little of it and fail to capitalize on the opportunity to use these multiple mediums to their advantage.

The same can be said of those running interactive sites, as well.

The impressive nature of Foust's online textbook prompted me to take a look at the print version of his work, specifically page 214 and the "Activities" section. Looking at question 9.1, Macromedia's website shows these tools that are not of a "journalistic nature," but Mindy McAdams (online journalism expert) discusses how despite that fact, flash players can help add video and audio clips to websites.

Question 9.2 can be answered with a simple yes. Interacting with information obviously gives us a better understanding of it because as comes with all repetition, "Practice makes perfect." The more exposure we have to this type of information, the better.

9.3 has already been addressed here. Utilizing multimedia to its fullest means putting your story in print and giving options for both video and audio commentary or follow-up. Nice additions could also be message boards and chat rooms to allow readers to discuss your work.

Marie Shanahan, Senior Online Producer of CTnow.com, recently spoke at the University of Connecticut and emphatically told journalism students that, "Web is not print!" She was stressing the point that while Web may offer print, it can go much further beyond that and has greater capabilities than say, paper news or the hard copy of a magazine.

It's a new age in the rhelm of journalism and while print is still with us, it no longer stands alone.