Sticks of Fire: a Tampa blog

David Harris seems like a good guy, and I’m sure he means well.

A couple months ago, I ran across a site I had never seen before, Dateline Tampa. The effort will soon be a “citizen journalism website for and by high school students in Tampa Bay.” What a great idea! So I contacted David, DT’s New Media Coordinator, and asked him to keep me apprised of the progress, and to let me know if there is anything Sticks of Fire could do to help.

I heard back from David this week. He says Dateline Tampa is mostly built, and simply awaiting the final go ahead from SDHC to get students and teachers directly involved. I expect this to be a great resource for local news from the students’ perspective.

And then the real reason he contacted me: David is also the president of the Society of Professional Journalists at USF. SPJ/USF serves journalism students of the University of South Florida, and they have scheduled an ethics panel entitled “Are Bloggers Journalists?” He wants to know if I could come by on Monday, November 5.

I want to invite you to our ethics panel: “Are bloggers journalists?” Your presence would be great. We have a few panelists, but we want a dialog from the audience, and you are a natural.

The more the merrier, so please forward this information to the Tampa blog-o-sphere.

Heh… “a natural what?” was my first thought. But I read it again, and was uncertain if I was to be on the panel, or just in the audience. So I asked him to clarify, and he told me

I want you in the audience, but this is a conversation. The panelists are “pros”, but we need bloggers who are also professional to balance the conversation. This is a dialog, and I hope you can be there.

I checked the press release and the pdf announcement on the website, and sure enough, the panelists are “pros.” Pro Journalists.

Featuring:
Gil Thelen, Executive Director of the Florida Society of Newspaper Editors
Lucas Grindley, Content Manager for the Sarasota News Network
Adrian G. Uribarri, Staff Writer for the Orlando Sentinel

I responded back: “Interesting that an ethics panel about bloggers doesn’t include any bloggers on the panel.” Au contraire, says David:

Lucas Grindley has a popular blog about the journalism business @ http://lucasgrindley.com

Adrian Uribarri has several blogs he posts to including the SPJ ethics committee blog Code Words http://www.spj.org/blog/blogs/ethics/

and Gil Thelen was most recently the Executive Editor for the Tampa Tribune, real old school, but teaches an editorial class using blogs as the medium at USF, and started a blog for the FSNE sunshine project.

It is too bad you can’t make it. Please send out a heads up to anyone you think may be interested.

Turns out that rather than my opinion, he just wants me to publicize his class. He contacted other local bloggers, too:

… we want a dialog with bloggers in the audience. Please be there if you can make it and promote the event on your blog so we can have a serious Tampa blog-o-sphere represented.

SarahInTampa also thought it funny that the panel failed to include bloggers, and let him know.

My 2 cents…I think you should have included some bloggers on the panel to balance out the discussion…hosting a panel with the “real” journalists on one side, bloggers “in the audience” sets the stage in advance to promote the mindset that the two are not on par with each other.

And David (who is a very likely candidate for a job with a PR firm): “I hope you are able to make it and tell others to come too.”

Both Sarah and I indicated to him that we would be happy to arrange our work schedules if asked to be on the panel. We have both done this thing before a number of times, and really enjoy speaking about the ins and outs of this blogging thingy. (OK, we’re bloggers - we love to have our opinions heard!)

But last minute invitations to bloggers to show up at a panel about blogging seems like an afterthought, and then suggesting they belong only in the audience, suggests that the question in their minds (Are bloggers journalists?) is already answered by the layout of the panel alone.

Of course, I am positive that the panel will be very informative, and they certainly don’t need my (or any blogger’s) opinion to discuss the issue. In fact, I do hope some bloggers can show up to offer those students an additional viewpoint, so if any of you bloggers are not busy, consider attending for the USF Journalism students. The event is on Monday, November 5, and begins at 5pm. It should last a couple hours.

SIDE NOTE: Bloggers can indeed be journalists. The courts recently ruled in favor of a blogger who was sued by a company for reporting on their bad practices:

Smith [the blogger] was immune from trademark claims because his reference to BidZirk was in the context of news reporting or news commentary. Though the court doesn’t equate bloggers and journalists generally, it gives Smith the same protection given to journalists.

Wow.  I mean… wow! It was great meeting everyone that showed up at Bobalouie’s on Friday. Tommy, Wifey, Brett, Bob, Micheal, Miguel, Mariella, Lisa and more. Would have been nice to have a bigger turnout, but for short notice it was great fun.

It hearkened back to the “glory days” when we had the Tampa Bay Blogger Fest meetups in fall of 2004. We had one at Splitsville in September, and the turnout was great. Then, it was SoHo’s turn to host and we had a Blogger Pub Crawl in October. It was decided to put the TBBF on hiatus until after the holidays, and it was set to resume in February of 2005. I am not sure how or why but it all fell apart.

I think the problem with the TBBF was we tried to outdo the last one, make it bigger and better than the one before. There was a website, a forum, etc. We also had a web ring (remember those?). But it kind of collapsed under its own weight.

I would like to see something maybe monthly along the lines of the Happy Hour. Just a meet and greet, we’ll put on those silly “HELLO MY NAME IS _____ ” name tags and get to know each other. Spread the word from our own blogs, and of course here on Sticks, and see how may bloggers we can fit in one room. We’ll talk shop, have a few beers, and just socialize and fellowship.

I would be willing to spearhead this effort. Hell, it’s about time I did something here on Sticks (right, Tommy?). I think all we really need to make it work is word-of-mouth to other bloggers. Maybe a mailing list or something to communicate, but above all just keep it simple and fun.

Discuss…

Editor’s note: Tampa Tribune Executive Editor Janet Coats wrote a commentary entitled Journalism On Brink Of New, Exciting Era. Before I published (but after I wrote) my ensuing diatribe, I sent Janet an email asking a bunch of questions. This below is what I gathered from the email exchange. This is the second of two parts.

After reading Janet Coats’ commentary, I wanted to hear more of her thoughts on how journalism, and Media General is (or should be) reacting to these changes, so I sent an email asking about a million questions. Janet was gracious enough to take some of her valuable time to give long, thoughtful answers. And then I asked even more questions. I’ve highlighted some of her thoughts here, but we have posted the entire unedited interview with Tampa Tribune Executive Editor Janet Coats.

In it, she says the print media should quit trying to impose their traditional conventions on a digital world, and realize (and utilize) the advantages of the internet, such as interactivity and immediacy.

Immediacy is being addressed in part by TBO’s Continuous News Desk. This initiative allows journalists to build stories online as they happen, and add details as they get them. Because of this, reporters are getting more feedback from both in house and from readers. Writing this way gives editors the ability to watch stories being built in real time. They can ask questions and focus on the direction of each article. Similar to “thinking the story out loud,” the end result is better for both the print as well as the online versions.

The interactivity part is slower in coming along.

Although journalists have always tried to help disparate readers see the impact of any given story, Janet says editors and publishers have never been good at understanding their audience. But they are trying.

Readership metrics have traditionally been shared with editors only, but the Tampa Tribune has begun sharing that information with the entire staff.

Likewise, the community web sites like brandon.tbo.com are beginning to see more interaction between reporters in the bureau offices and readers who want to submit their own content. Some journalists have embraced these ideas, and in turn they have created powerful work.

In fact, a recent story about contracts between the state and convicted sex offenders came about directly because of comments left by readers on a previous story about a sex offender’s release.

Still, they haven’t been as vigilant about connecting reporters to readers as they should be.

Because individual readers are so disparate, the current economic model of media makes it difficult to justify the required commitment of time and resources it takes to look at stories from every possible angle. It’s about using editorial judgment and resources wisely, and Janet believes local, community news coverage, as well as explanatory and investigative journalism deserve more attention in print, while day-to-day topics (such as reports about specific crimes) get less print attention.

But that inter-connection doesn’t flow simply between reporters and readers anymore. Competitors as well as independent websites all chime in on a given subject, and in the interest in uncovering the entire story, this makes for some very murky waters.

Independent bloggers are additional eyes and ears in the community and are able to delve deeper than journalists on topics they are passionate about. They add value to the community conversation and enrich those who make a living through journalism. But should they be acknowledged for it?

Janet says when those bloggers contribute substantial factual data that forms the heart of a story (genuine reporting), journalists should acknowledge that work. If another website (even a competitor) adds value or context for readers, journalists should also include a hyperlink. But there is some editorial judgment to be made, too.

If another site simply generates a story idea, or suggests a follow up, or even a tip that needs deeper reporting, then acknowledgment is less necessary. But as readers, bloggers, and traditional media come closer together, the idea of recognition is evolving as well.

An equally muddied picture surrounds journalists’ opinions and their participation in online conversation. There is commentary and analysis all over journalism, and to a certain extent the distinctions have to do with the subject matter (think sports page). But there is a promise to readers about credibility. As a result of searching for fact, and observing and collecting informed comment from other voices, journalists put that together in a format intended to enlighten and to let the reader decide.

None of this precludes journalists from participating in conversation. Janet suggests that reporters can connect very nicely by listening, by offering comments that spring from observable fact, by being informative rather than opinionated. Journalism is better if reporters participate primarily as listeners instead of as speakers.

(again, we have posted the entire unedited interview, if you want to see more)
*****************

So you can see that the Tribune and TBO are beginning to utilize the conversational aspects of the internet. But with some local newspaper reporters fired for comments on websites, some being let go because of the “current economic model,” and the sometimes hair-splitting distinction between “opinion” and “observant commentary,” you can see why individual journalists are hesitant to join any sort of documented conversation.

Still, I wish more reporters would feel comfortable adding their own social commentary. It would give journalists the opportunity to connect with their readers, and allow them to stress the importance of some of their work.

But not all local blogs are named “St. Petersblog.” Here are a few more websites by locals that I recently found:
Playing in Tampa
Aimless Blogging
PC Weenies - a cartoon about computer geeks
Dateline Tampa - Local news from high school students - keep an eye on this one.
SeanBirdsell.com - local photographer
On Beyond Zebra
Judy Hill Online
What’s New at the Tarpon Springs Public Library
Danny McKay - Politics and the World
Smudged Ink
It’s All Very Florida :. Brendan Watson’s Blog
Tampa Bay Redesign Blog
Gulf Beaches Public Library
Stay Classy, Tampa!
Teens @ the Library
Council of Neighborhood Associations
Tampa Fishing.net

First, there was St. Petersblog, where you can go to find great images from around Tampa Bay:

“A collection of photos taken in the Tampa Bay area, including found, manipulated and scanned photos and images.”

That site was born December 2004 and remains active today.

Then came Saint Peters Blog:

“Well this is it. This is what you have been waiting for. More words, feelings and blind iterations from another walking unknown. Here you will find news, views, and more from today, tomorrow and yesterday.”

Or maybe just one day and the day after that. It lasted 4 days, March 23, 2005 to March 26, 2005.

Next came Saint Petersblog, a site which covered local politics from an interesting point of view.

“Life and politics from the Sunshine State’s best city.”

That one was maintained by Peter Schorsch. It began in December 2005, and lasted until November 2006.

Then there was st. petersblog, which promises:

“culture / music / urban living & stuff from st. petersburg”

Albeit from a completely different St. Petersburg than the one you are most familiar with. That one was updated from August 2006 to March 2007.

Now welcome a relatively new St. Petersblog:

“The Splog is is a blog about St. Petersburg, Florida. Any questions?”

Only one - how on earth did you come up with that witty name? May 2007 to present.

Actually, in spite of using the same name as a number of other local sites, this last one stands out as a great place to get a smart-ass comment about local happenings. This St. Petersblog is quickly becoming one of my favorites.

With your local libraries being in the news lately (libraries can’t have it all, internet access limited), I figured I’d look to see if I could find any library-related blogs. Sure ’nuff, there are all sorts of websites all around! Plus I learned that the entire system is a sort of pyramid scheme:

First the official websites:

Temple Terrace and Friends
Plant City - Bruton Memorial Library and Friends
Tampa - Hillsborough County and Friends

Those three independent library systems have joined forces to become the Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative. That’s where you go to update your library card info, and check out books and stuff.

College libraries include the USF libraries, the University of Tampa Macdonald-Kelce Library (friends), as well as the HCC libraries. The Tampa Library (blog) serves the students, faculty, and staff of Argosy University, Tampa Campus; The Art Institute of Tampa; and South University/Tampa.

All of these belong to the The Tampa Bay Library Consortium , Inc. (TBLC). TBLC is

a nonprofit multi-type library cooperative that assists and empowers libraries. All types of libraries — public, academic, school and specialized — are members. Since 1979, TBLC has worked with member libraries to provide better, faster service to the residents of west central Florida.

Today 97 libraries are members of TBLC. They include six community colleges, three state university system libraries, 27 private academic schools, colleges and universities, four public school systems, 41 public libraries and 16 special libraries. Together these libraries serve over 3.8 million Floridians (approximately 30% of Florida’s total population) in 12 counties in west central Florida. The counties served are Citrus, DeSoto, Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Manatee, Okeechobee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk and Sarasota.

And they all also belong to the Florida Library Association (also see the Florida Library Association Blog).

The FLA develops programs and undertakes leadership activities for all areas of librarianship. FLA works with other professional organizations facilitating productive links within the library community; provides opportunities for librarians and support staff to advance their skills so that they can maintain their effectiveness in the new information age; and continues its role as legislative advocate for excellence in all types of library service within the State of Florida and beyond.

As far as blogs go, here are couple I found:

• St. Petersburg College Library Blog - The mission of the M. M. Bennett Library of St. Petersburg College in its support of the philosophy and objectives of the College is to provide comprehensive library and information services to meet the curricular, research, cultural and recreational needs of the college community.
• The Tampa Bay Library Consortium has a handful of blogs:
  TBLC - Beth’s Blog - Updates on TBLC projects
  TBLC - Ask A Librarian
  TBLC - TBLC Training
  TBLC - Library 2.0 Challenge - Web 2.0 is all the buzz. Library literature and conferences, the general news media, and the Internet at large are focusing on these new integrated technologies. Typically, Web 2.0 technologies are the “supposed second-generation of internet-based services that let people collaborate and share information online in new ways, such as social networking sites, wikis, communication tools, and folksonomies.” TBLC is challenging its members to get up to date and integrate these new technologies into their library services.
• Florida Genealogical Society, Inc. (Tampa) - We are the oldest genealogical society in Florida, founded in 1958. Our meetings are held at 10:00 AM on the third Saturday of the month at the John F. Germany Library, 900 North Ashley Drive, in downtown Tampa.
• HCC Brandon Library - Welcome to HCC Brandon Library’s Blog. Check in with us for news, events, and even research tips!
• USF Lakeland Library Services - News about services and resources offered by the USF Lakeland Library
• Tampa Theater Cinema Library blog - “In a firm partnership with the Tampa Theatre, The Tampa Theatre Cinema Library strives to educate and entertain the community with a rich assortment of motion picture resources.”

I’m sure I probably missed some. If you know of more, leave ‘em in the comments.

Josh Hallet, social media consultant extraordinare of Hyku and Empircal Polk, has asked me to be a session leader for the 2007 BlogOrlando.

Now, unlike conferences you may have attended, BlogOrlando is specifically an un-conference. The concept grew out of the realization that most people at trade shows, academic conferences, and industry gatherings learned a heck of a lot more from the Q&A sessions or just talking amongst themselves during the social time. So why not take those good parts and make the entire conference like that??

So, what is BlogOrlando, you ask? Well…

Hyku, in partnership with Rollins College will host the second edition of this FREE event that is open to bloggers and non-bloggers alike from Florida and anywhere else. We hope to bring together a good cross-section of folks to discuss blogging, podcasting, public relations, social media, citizen’s journalism and other related topics. In addition to the Friday event we planned some outings at the local theme parks over the weekend. The event was as much a social/family gathering as it is a ‘work’ gathering.

I attended the first BlogOrlando last fall, and learned a great deal. In fact, it helped spur me to move from Blogger to my own domain and use WordPress.

If you have even the smallest interest in social media - especially blogging - then you should make the trek to Olrando for the day. There are some great people leading various sessions, including bloggers who I read every day. From politics to media to blogging for business to second life, BlogOrlando has something for just about everyone.

I’ll be there. Will you?

Local blogger Jaden Hair got some great publicity from not only the local daily paper via blogger-friendly Jeff Houck, but she was mentioned in the Wall Street Journal, too. She really digs all the attention, but if you check out her website, you will see that she deserves every bit of any acknowledgment she gets.

If you like great photos of great food, take a quick trip through Jaden’s Steamy Kitchen. If you like to cook, you should be reading every day.