Adam Schweigert discusses the importance of longform storytelling in journalism at the 2014 Association of Alternative Newsmedia Digital Conference. He emphasizes the need for strong visuals, effective multimedia tools, and strategic planning to captivate both new and regular readers. The session encourages collaborative discussion on favorite longform stories, challenges faced, and essential tools for enhancing digital storytelling.

1. Designing Digital
Longform
2014 Association of Alternative Newsmedia Digital Conference
Adam Schweigert
@aschweig
Director of Technology, Investigative News Network

2. Me
• Currently:
– Director of Technology for the Investigative News
Network
– Founder of my own consultancy, Media Toybox
– Learning to play banjo
• Previously:
–
–
–
–
–
Director of Strategy at Mindset Digital
Director of Digital at WOSU Public Media (NPR/PBS)
Director of Digital at Indiana Public Media (NPR/PBS)
Grad school at Indiana University
Undergrad at Ohio State
Email: aschweigert@gmail.com
Twitter: @aschweig

3. “We, representatives of nonprofit
news organizations, gather at a time
when investigative reporting, so
crucial to a functioning democracy, is
under threat. There is an urgent need
to nourish and sustain the emerging
investigative journalism ecosystem to
better serve the public.”
— The Pocantico Declaration, 2009

5. http://InvestigativeNewsNetwork.org

6. TODAY
• ME: Some few thoughts on longform
storytelling (from where I sit)
• YOU: In groups, discuss your favorite
longform stories, tools, challenges
• US: Share top takeaways from group
discussions
• BONUS: Where do we go from here?

7. #AANLongform
http://bit.ly/aanlongform

8. WHY
An Answer to TL;DR?
Can smart use of rich media convince people to read more of a long story?

10. WHY
An Answer to TL;DR?
Can smart use of rich media convince people to read more of a long story?
Big Stories, Told Better
Breaking the article template to give stories more weight/attention
Attract New Readers
…but what are you going to do with them?
Industry Recognition
Danger! Danger!

11. WHAT
Impact
Sure, you could invest a ton of time/effort in a long story about illegal backcountry skiing, but…
Strong Visuals
Do you have excellent (large, bright, compelling) photos? Video? Graphics? Maps?
ROI
Ads alone probably won’t pay for these stories (sorry). What else are you getting for your money?

13. WHAT
Impact
Sure, you could invest a ton of time/effort in a long story about illegal backcountry skiing, but…
Strong Visuals
Do you have excellent (large, bright, compelling) photos? Video? Graphics? Maps?
ROI
Ads alone probably won’t pay for these stories (sorry). What else are you getting for your money?
Virality
Is this the kind of story people will share? Do you make that easy for them?

15. WHO
Regular Readers
Improve time on site, convert browsers to subscribers
New Readers
Get new people to your site…but will they stick around?
And of course, there’s also:
Awards Juries/Other Journalists/Designers
Nothing wrong with industry recognition if you have a plan to capitalize on it

18. WHEN
Don’t Wait Too Long
When it’s (nearly) time to put a story online you’ve waited too long
Design, tech, visuals all need to be involved early

20. WHEN
Don’t Wait Too Long
When it’s (nearly) time to put a story online you’ve waited too long
Design, tech, visuals all need to be involved early
Consider Lifecycle of The Story
What do you do before, during and after publishing to ensure maximum impact?

22. WHERE
Desktop? Tablet? Mobile?
“mobile” is a context, not a platform
The Dreaded CMS Question
Work with the CMS? Outside of it? What about maintainability?

25. WHERE
Desktop? Tablet? Mobile?
“mobile” is a context, not a platform
The Dreaded CMS Question
Work with the CMS? Outside of it? What about maintainability?
Beyond The Story Page
How is the story represented on the homepage? On social media?

26. HOW
Longform ≠ Long Scroll
Consider the best way to tell any given story

28. HOW
Longform ≠ Long Scroll
Consider the best way to tell any given story
Choosing The Right Tools
Avoid wheel reinvention wherever possible

30. HOW
Longform ≠ Long Scroll
Consider the best way to tell any given story
Choosing The Right Tools
Avoid wheel reinvention wherever possible
Less Is (Usually) More
What you choose to leave out is as (or more) important as what you decide to put in
Break Rules Carefully
Design and usability conventions exist for a reason. Don’t hijack my scrollbar!

31. In Small Groups
• Tools: Tools you’ve used, what you
liked/didn’t like
• Stories: Favorite examples of longform
digital storytelling. What works and why?
• Challenges: What obstacles keep you
from doing rich multimedia stories in your
newsroom?
• Wishlist: What tools are needed to make
this easier?

32. Thank You!
Adam Schweigert
aschweigert@gmail.com
Twitter: @aschweig
Hackpad: http://bit.ly/aanlongform
Mailing List: http://tinyletter.com/opensourcestorytelling