Helpful coding tutorials

Before I took Multimedia Planning and Design, I had limited experience with coding. Basically, I only had some styling  knowledge from when I coded my MySpace social media account (a dark time for me). Also, I took a computer coding class in high school that I dropped half way through considering we started coding on QBasic (a language no one uses anymore). Just look at the picture of QBasic’s start screen below (it was a nightmare)(I never want to use it again).

Anyway, I had always had an interest in coding because I thought I wanted to be an engineer or work on computers. Although I am on the complete opposite side of the career spectrum now, I tried to learn coding independently before taking this class. I used Khan Academy in the summer which helped out some, I found that it was really basic. However, it shows how to use little features of coding (like coding ellipses).

When I had trouble understanding Flexbox and what to use in what situation, I used this link quite a bit. It really helps for me to see what is going on visually when I’m coding, so the drawings they had on the page were useful (photo below). It is a simple link, yet I used it multiple times.

In my Information Graphics class, I was required to complete a Codecademy lesson for homework. We were learning HTML, CSS, and Javascript for our final projects, and a lot of people in the class had little to no coding experience. Even though I already had a grasp on basic coding, I found it was a really useful source for beginners. They give you interactive lesson plans to complete, and it is a really good resource for hands-on coding. They also have different units if someone already knows the basics. I definitely recommend this site! Here are some pictures of the site:

Design critique

For J4502’s second draft critique, I will be looking at the Missourian’s Homecoming Guide.

I like the use of white and black on the site for the nav and the title, but I think that more can be done to brand the Missourian Homecoming Guide. Of course it’s just a framework, but I think it could help to connect some design aspects from the print version of the homecoming guide. As previously mentioned in class, it would help to have a visual hierarchy for the headlines and summaries. This can also be utilized on the Spotlight stories page, too.

 

While looking on the spotlight page, I can see how the second nav could be problematic. It might not be entirely necessary if there are more interactive features on the site. Instead of having the second nav to the left side, a drop down under spotlight would be more familiar to users. If keeping the second nav to the side is important to the client and designers, then I would try to make it larger for both desktop and mobile.

While looking at the calendar page, there could be more organization for the events. If someone had some sort of colorblindness (just one example), the site might not be as accessible or easy to understand. Maybe some sort of nav with a filter for the different types of events would be another way to do it, or use colors that are more distinguishable on a gray scale. I think the desktop version of the calendar can be a little more confusing, just because I don’t know what the organization of it just by looking at it.

Maybe a simple table could help if the categorized filter doesn’t suit the site (desktop version below).

I think the map page would be very useful to readers if it was more interactive. Also, it is not responsive on mobile. If the maps were in a vertical order, I think that would be more beneficial to readers since readers are used to scrolling. I know there is an app called “GoMizzou” where users can type in a building and find the name of it easily with an interactive map. Maybe providing other resources to help users navigate the campus could be helpful (keep in mind I am only making “maybe” suggestions because I am not sure what the client’s needs are, and I don’t know what else is needed for the website). More information would definitely be helpful for this page, especially dates and times for the parade and the house decoration celebrations.

Along with the other pages, I think the game page could use more content. Maybe sidebars linking to more stories or other content to keep the readers on the page. If they are going to advertise other features of the Missourian’s website (in this case, like TKO), I would find a way to brand it further and make it stand out more to readers. I almost skipped over reading it because it was small and subtle. I would also recommend making the “Buy Tickets” button bigger on mobile and desktop so it stands out more to the reader. It could also help to make it a color other than gold so the reader doesn’t think it’s a part of the website design (I hope that makes sense). I think a light gray would work, or it would help to put another color into the Homecoming Guide’s color palette for other alike features.

Creating a visual hierarchy with the typography on the FAQ page will help the reader distinguish between the Questions and Answers. Also, making the “Q” and “A” different colors will help further visually distinguish the two.

Overall, I think the website is definitely a good framework for the guide. I think the main critique I have is that it can do more to be interactive and keep the reader on the site for longer.

 

Quick update

In my attempt to keep blogging, here’s what’s new:

-I’m halfway through intersession reporting. Need more clips.

-I’m enjoying reporting this time around.

-I have five or so stories in the works. It’s keeping me busy (and tired).

-I’m covering my first city council meeting on Monday.

-I’m sleep deprived and running on caffeine.

-I didn’t make a New Year’s resolution, but I have goals regardless of what year it is (related: check out my reporting from Eve Fest).

-Always open to design ideas and tips. I am trying to learn something new everyday.

-I’m looking forward to the next two weeks flying by, getting some sleep before the spring semester, and finally taking design classes.

-Goodnight.

 

Standstill

Well, Monday GA has been relatively slow. I am waiting to hear from sources for three different stories that aren’t going to be on Tuesday’s budget. No clip today, I suppose (this is the part of intersession where I start to juggle multiple things at once). Currently looking for more story ideas.

I am pursuing two profile stories currently, which is part of a series called “Who’s Running This Town?” The series features mini-profiles on Columbia leaders and provides stories about their life outside of their jobs, including details about their family, interests, hobbies, etc.

I have written a profile story in J2100 about a business owner, but 350 words was the maximum. It didn’t allow much room for details, and I had to cut down the story drastically. I know the word count will be a little more flexible this time around which will actually help, instead of hurt, the story.

If you have any design tips, direct them this way because I plan on studying some design tutorials while I’m on call tonight. If I do anything cool, maybe I’ll post it. It’s equally as likely that I will just browse design blogs, ideas, and websites.

Also, even though I am technically not on a beat in intersession, I still feel like an education beat reporter / Amazon woman. I published a story last Wednesday about Columbia College’s three new deans. Next week, I am going to write another story about Stephens College that will publish early next week. Education beat 4eva.

On a non-journalism related note, my parents gave me a record player for Christmas. And all of their old records. Fleetwood Mac, The Temptations, Led Zeppelin, Lionel Richie, etc. It’s amazing.

I think the Missourian needs a record player for morale. More ideas later.

A few tips

At the end of the semester, ReedKath asked the fall reporters to reflect on their time spent reporting and to write about what they wish they would have known going into it. I have a unique opportunity to have a sort of do-over with reporting, and there are a few things that I’ve picked up along the way.

Here are a few tips I recommend for reporters:

–Put your all into it. Reporting is only a minor, yet important, step in my journey to becoming a designer. However, reporting is an incredible, undoubtedly hard experience and can be rewarding if you put what you have into it. I have heard many powerful examples of how reporting has changed the world. It’s likely that I won’t change the world, but reporting can make a difference even in a localized setting. For the short time you are in reporting, try your best and wonderful things can happen.

–ASK. If something is confusing, ask. Clarifying is so simple and so important. Accuracy is essential in journalism.

–Don’t let your fears overwhelm you. Many times before, I was so afraid of making mistakes that it would stop me completely in my tracks. “Make a glorious mess,” as Liz would say.

–Don’t ask a question you can find the answer to on Google. Self-explanatory. Try Googling the answer first, then ask an editor or friend if you need help. Related: SEARCH THE CLIPS BEFORE PITCHING A STORY IDEA.

–Always have a pen and paper ready. Whether I am meeting with an editor or out-and-about, I always have writing materials. As a former Wall Street reporter and J1100 instructor, Alecia Swasy, once said, always have a ‘clicky pen’ and paper with you. FYI, the ink of most clicky pens doesn’t run when paper is soaked, which has been accidentally and purposely tested by me. It should honestly go without saying, but it is simple, great advice I have always followed (Miss you Swasy).

–Be persistent. Of course it’s important to ALWAYS be respectful, courteous, and professional, but calling your source again, leaving a message (exception: Christian Basi), or sending another email won’t hurt. Many times, I have called a source, and, if there was no answer, I would try another phone number or email soon after. I’m not talking about rudely and repeatedly contacting your source so you can make deadline. I’m saying that persistence sorts out the newbie journalists from the more experienced journalists. Don’t be afraid to dance on the line between passive and pesky. Go ahead and be pressing in every aspect.

–Good journalism takes time. Everything about the reporting process is tedious, but it is crucial to excellent journalism. Situations and the immediacy to publish vary, but taking the time to get the facts right and to include necessary information for an accurate story are non-negotiable. Without credibility, we have nothing (Think, Report. Think, Write.).

–Have fun. Nine times out of ten, the interview, event, or phone call is not nearly as bad as your anxieties. Every story I published in the fall had some sort of dread attached to the process. Backtracking a little, throw your fears out the window and enjoy yourself.  It is a wonderful opportunity to work as a professional journalist while in college, and it will be an unforgettable experience.

Hopefully, this will help out someone. More blogging later!

In other news: I produced a weather story today. Check it out!

An important edit: Don’t compare yourself to other reporters.

Intersession doesn’t require blogging. Oh.

The title speaks for itself. Maintaining a blog will not be a part of my grade for intersession, and I am pretty happy that my grade doesn’t rely on it. However, I am going to pick up (FAR) from where I left off.

Shortly after making my last blog post, I decided to switch to intersession. Shortly after that, the events at Mizzou became national and international news. I could write post after post after post on the events and my experiences as a professional journalist caught in the midst of it, but I will save that for another day (I like to think I was unknowingly taking ReedKath’s advice of living in the moment when I didn’t immediately blog everything).

I decided that I am going to try my best to keep up with my blog this winter because it is important to write daily and document progress.

So far, I feel like reporting will be a little less intense than when I was reporting during the semester.

For one, I don’t think we will have astounding national news again, one that MICHELLE ALEXANDER (whom I studied closely in a Drugs and Society course this semester) and others are calling one of the biggest social justice stories of the year. Although it was an unforgettable, invaluable experience, I also saw how hard it was on everyone. There was ink, sweat, stress, and tears.

I think I made a pretty good start to the 4 weeks ahead Sunday when I published a clip and published another on Monday (A Columbia woman was arrested Friday and appeared in court Monday for manslaughter charges). For the story published on Monday, I went to the courthouse for documents and the courtroom to cover a story. Though a small task in the grand scheme of things, I already feel like I’m reaching places I didn’t previously. It seemed easier to go into reporting during intersession because I already knew the basics.

I internally set goals for myself already. I want redeem myself from the fears and anxieties I carried during the semester. It set me back significantly, but I feel ready to take on reporting this time around.

Also, I am really, really, going to try to control my perfectionist tendencies by taking Liz’s advice to heart:

Shitty first drafts are OKAY (and better than no draft), and

Good, solid reporting is the focus. Editors can help with the rest.

With that being said,

 

Goodbye winter break, hello intersession reporting.

 

 

How my perfectionism is destroying me in a short blog post featuring Claude Monet :-)

Since I’m trying to (optimistically) blog on a regular basis, I thought I’d make a post in the midst of a paper I’m supposed to be writing as I type this out. I want to reflect on a Claude Monet quote that I posted on social media tonight (because I’m artsy and pretentious, obviously):

“I am more and more enflamed by the need to render accurately what I experience.”

On many levels, I am inspired by Monet. I feel I relate to him often, so that’s why I posted it. At the moment, this quote really resonates with me because I am a perfectionist. Monet was also a perfectionist. Like many artists, he would paint in the environment he was trying to depict. I remember reading about when he was trying to paint the sky during a very specific time of day. If he missed the time of day by one minute, he would leave and try again the next.

Although I am not my absolute favorite, super accomplished, world-renowned Impressionist artist, I can relate to that kind of extreme perfectionism. His quote is close to heart to me right now because I feel like my writing needs to be perfect, and sometimes it is really hard to put everything in my mind into words. I think perfectionism is a highly beneficial trait to have in journalism, but it has also stopped me in my tracks. At the moment, I feel like I need to make things absolutely perfect, and I know this is getting in the way of me completing assignments and doing my job. I feel like I will never be happy with my writing, and that’s also a huge deterrent.

As I continue to read more about Monet, I just keep looking for myself, and, in some ways, it makes me feel better about my perfectionism. But sometimes I really need to take a step (or seven steps) back, take it all in, do what I need to do, and be happy with it. Easier said than done though, so if any perfectionists out there can take my own advice while I continue my bad habits and let me know how it turns out that would be great.

Now that I was able to rant about Monet, I must return to writing a paper.

P.S. luv u Monet u r everything

About this whole blogging thing… I forget.

News flash: I haven’t posted in a while.

There are a lot of things I’ve been wanting to blog about, but I haven’t managed to carve out time to sit down and write. Six or so weeks later, I’m still having trouble organizing and juggling my class work and reporting. I have a lot of interesting things I’d like to share on my blog, like when an administrator (who shall remain nameless) was just chillin’ barefoot during our interview and it made me feel better about my questionably business casual outfit.

I’m using this post to remind those who read my blog that I’m going to catch up and blog a lot from now on (I say this optimistically).

Just work with me here and stay tuned, folks.

Designers, make it work

Yesterday night, I saw Tim Gunn speak at Jesse Hall. Sometimes losing track, he told stories of his experience as an educator, the fashion industry, and some troubles with people from Vogue.

One of his stories really resonated with me. The important part is the way he ended it: “When you’re presented with an opportunity – and on one hand it shakes you up and on the other it gives you anxiety and fear – that’s a good thing. Take that chance.”

I’m not going to give a spiel about how journalism is my destiny and this quote emphasizes that – I’m more trying to say that journalism terrifies me. Yes, there are aspects that I really enjoy, but I’m hoping it’ll feel more like a good thing in the future. I am taking a chance on a major I never thought I would study, so I think that in itself is a large chance (and an accomplishment). Reporting is only a small aspect of my studies before I really start to study design, so I hope I get over the fears that come with being a journalist and tap into more of my potential.

Before I become a designer, I just gotta make it work.

My second solo byline: Ellis Library’s centennial celebration

As promised, the link to my Ellis Library centennial celebration story. Let me know what you think!

One of the most interesting parts of this story was looking through the University Archives. It was a really cool experience to look through manila folders that were inches thick with documents that had anything to do with the library. The fact that they had collected all of that information about just one aspect of Mizzou is incredible. Mizzou was founded in 1839, so it only makes me wonder what other kind of information they have about the university. From looking at the office and scratching only the surface of information they had online, it might as well be an ocean of information.

Also, a fun fact: Steve and I both realized why it’s called a “byline” today at literally the exact same time, but he’ll tell you it was just me apparently. I never even realized, guys.