"No one and nothing has convinced me yet that it's worth my time to use social media in my journalism. ........ a suck of time for me" Kendell Powell
Contrary to the above conclusion, I find social media and cyberspace extremely useful in advancing my journalistic career. It helps me connect to sources, editors and other journalists. Last night I read an article in guardian advocating the lessons we should learn from the Roman Empire. the piece was interesting. I was working on a feature highlighting contacts between ancient Romans and Arabia, I got interested. With a little more effort, I familiarize myself with the writer Mary Beard. I watched a documentary made by her and read her somewhat controversial views on Wikipedia, one more article and within 24 hours sent her a message on twitter requesting a Skype interview. It took half an hour for her to reply positively.
Working on the same feature, a couple of days back, I read a report in BFSA (British Foundation for Arabian Study) journal about solid evidence of a Roman legionary presence in Arabia from archeological findings in North Western Saudi Arabia. I sent a message to Laila Nehme, co-author of the report requesting the interview. She declined but referred the in charge of Excavations at the site based in Helsinki. I emailed him immediately and got the response within hours. In fact, the source's reply is so quick in most of the cases that you yourself can't make a rough list of questions be asked.
No doubt, social media is like a double-edged sword. There are certain dangers associated with its irresponsible and reckless use.
IT SUCKS TIME
Certainly, not all stories are success stories. I am trying to connect with an Al-Jazeera correspondent since a month regarding my Hajj feature but didn't get a response on twitter. And definitely it sucks time. But it has become such a reality that nobody can avoid making use of it.Establishing your persona on the social network is as important as making a niche for yourself.
IT CAN DAMAGE YOUR REPUTATION
Our reputation depends on the quality of information we share, the media we use -words, photos, video, and links the most common.
Reporting or writing facts accurately, with verifiable sources to back up those facts.
Forming conclusions based on the analysis of those facts. rather than on personal opinions, hopes, or biases.
Attributing quotes, or information reported by others to the correct sources.
Begin an observer rather than a participant in a story.
Be transparent about your participation.
Generally, communication on social media violate these norms. We need to avoid the worst habits practiced on social media to protect our credibility and reputation.
Contrary to the above conclusion, I find social media and cyberspace extremely useful in advancing my journalistic career. It helps me connect to sources, editors and other journalists. Last night I read an article in guardian advocating the lessons we should learn from the Roman Empire. the piece was interesting. I was working on a feature highlighting contacts between ancient Romans and Arabia, I got interested. With a little more effort, I familiarize myself with the writer Mary Beard. I watched a documentary made by her and read her somewhat controversial views on Wikipedia, one more article and within 24 hours sent her a message on twitter requesting a Skype interview. It took half an hour for her to reply positively.
Working on the same feature, a couple of days back, I read a report in BFSA (British Foundation for Arabian Study) journal about solid evidence of a Roman legionary presence in Arabia from archeological findings in North Western Saudi Arabia. I sent a message to Laila Nehme, co-author of the report requesting the interview. She declined but referred the in charge of Excavations at the site based in Helsinki. I emailed him immediately and got the response within hours. In fact, the source's reply is so quick in most of the cases that you yourself can't make a rough list of questions be asked.
No doubt, social media is like a double-edged sword. There are certain dangers associated with its irresponsible and reckless use.
IT SUCKS TIME
Certainly, not all stories are success stories. I am trying to connect with an Al-Jazeera correspondent since a month regarding my Hajj feature but didn't get a response on twitter. And definitely it sucks time. But it has become such a reality that nobody can avoid making use of it.Establishing your persona on the social network is as important as making a niche for yourself.
IT CAN DAMAGE YOUR REPUTATION
Accordingly, we should seriously learn how to use social media to fit your own professional needs. It may be a mean to advance our careers or if designed poorly, it may prove to be a way to suicide professionally. Remember, using social network can damage your credibility or make it harder to get work.
TIPS TO SHARE INFORMATION ON SOCIAL MEDIAOur reputation depends on the quality of information we share, the media we use -words, photos, video, and links the most common.
Reporting or writing facts accurately, with verifiable sources to back up those facts.
Forming conclusions based on the analysis of those facts. rather than on personal opinions, hopes, or biases.
Attributing quotes, or information reported by others to the correct sources.
Begin an observer rather than a participant in a story.
Be transparent about your participation.
Generally, communication on social media violate these norms. We need to avoid the worst habits practiced on social media to protect our credibility and reputation.
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