Blogging 101 for researchers

Fundamentals of journalism: Blogging Alfred Hermida UBC Graduate School of Journalism March 26 2010

First BBC live blogger Photo: http://www.ﬂickr.com/photos/annabelb/

Agenda Blogs, eh? Why blog Blogging tips Examples of science blogs Photo: http://www.ﬂickr.com/photos/pinprick/

What is a blog? A frequently updated website consisting of personal observations, excerpts from other sources, etc., typically run by a single person, and usually with hyperlinks to other sites; an online journal or diary. Oxford English Dictionary

What is a blog? Photo: http://www.ﬂickr.com/photos/lij/

What is a blog? A blog is a website, usually maintained by an individual with regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events, or other material such as graphics or video. Entries are commonly displayed in reverse-chronological order. Many blogs provide commentary or news on a particular subject; others function as more personal online diaries. A typical blog combines text, images, and links to other blogs, web pages, and other media related to its topic. Wikipedia

What is a blog? Photo:http://www.ﬂickr.com/photos/barnett/

Blog qualities Most recent post at the top Often personal or subjective writing style, generally informal and conversational tone Brevity – short, to the point, posts, rather than rambling entries Links Ability of readers to leave comments

Types of blogs Vanity blogs Expert blogs Professional blogs Corporate blogs Project blogs Blogs can overlap, evolve, change Photo:http://www.ﬂickr.com/photos/miniﬁg/

Blogging examples

Why blog? Outreach to broaden science communication Demythologise science Make science accessible Discuss science politics Engage in a conversation about science Become part of a community Personal proﬁle Photo:http://www.ﬂickr.com/photos/shellysblogger/

Costs of blogging Time commitment Dealing with trolls Institutional factors Photo:http://www.ﬂickr.com/photos/dunechaser/

Tips for a successful blog Have a focus A place for critical thinking Value to the audience Engage with the community Make it personal Photo: http://www.ﬂickr.com/photos/cibergaita/

Jennifer Gardy http://www.globecampus.ca/ blogs/nerd-girl/

Jennifer Jacquet http://scienceblogs.com/guiltyplanet/

Science blogs http://scienceblogs.com/

http://scienceblogs.com/ Nature blogs http://blogs.nature.com/

I want a blog. What now? http://blogs.ubc.ca/

I want a blog. What now? Wordpress.com MovableType.org Blogger.com Tumblr.com Posterous.com

Clive Thompson: Contributing writer for the New York Times Magazine, columnist for Wired magazine and blogger at http://www.collisiondetection.net/

Thank you @hermida alfred.hermida@ubc.ca http://reportr.net

Blogging @ the BBC Often it is as far from journalism as it is possible to get, with unsubstantiated rumour, prejudice and gossip masquerading as informed opinion. Without editors to correct syntax, tidy up the story structure or check facts, it is generally impossible to rely on anything one ﬁnds in a blog without verifying it somewhere else. (BBC News website, 2003)

Blogging @ the BBC Dissemination of information is great, but how much of it is trustworthy? They are an interesting phenomenon, but I don't think they will be as talked about in a year's time. Mike Smartt, former editor in chief, BBC News Online, 2003

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Blogging 101 for researchers

by Alfred Hermida on Mar 26, 2010

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Blogging 101 for researchers — Presentation Transcript