A Call to Action: Preventing Steroid Abuse on College Campuses

I would approach this story by focusing on the different measures that college campuses are taking to prevent steroid abuse on college campuses. Firstly, I would conduct a basic search using the search engines from google and yahoo. This step will help me begin to gather information on this topic by clicking on different links that I feel are relevant. By doing this, I will also be able to look at which web sites I feel have more credible information. For instance, after the google/yahoo results appear, I would check to see if the web site link ends in .edu or .org.

After looking at various web sites from this first step, I would then research the scholar option powered buy Google. Searching for articles using this option will help me search for scholarly literature from different sources for free. Using the internet has given me a good start. For example, http://www.drugabuse.gov/ and http://www.steroidabuse.gov/ has information on several initiatives to prevent steroid abuse, why it is harmful for young college athletes, and statistical information of steroid abuse. I will also use The National Collegiate Athletic Association web site to conduct research. It has a lot of information on the nation's college's and universities athletic programs and issues regarding college atheles.

Then, I would use the FSC databases to search for more information. I would search on Lexis-Nexis to find recent medical news regarding steroid abuse and prevention on college campuses. I would also use EBSCOhost to find full text journals and statistical information of college students abusing steroids. Lastly, I would also search the FindArticles to find articles covered by major publications.

I would then go onto different college web sites and check out their wellness programs. I would interview staff from the college's wellness center, such as the Wellness Director and/or Assistant Dean of Wellness. The wellness staff may be able to provide statistical information of students dependant of steroids on their campus. Then I would ask the wellness staff what are the various programs available on campus to educate students on this drug and has these initiatives decreased the number of students abusing this drug. For example, FSC has the Healthy Campus Coalition program to promote wellness by sharing useful information on campus. I would conduct an interview with the director of this program to find out how do they try to reach out to steroid abusers on campus and do they run into a lot of them frequently.
I would use powerreporting.com to find a coach or professinal educator who has successfully help a college student stop harming their body with this drug.

List of sources and web sites:
1. www.google.com/scholar
2. FSC online databases: Lexis-Nexis/Findarticles/EBSCOhost
3. Online search engines: Google/Yahoo
-www.drugabuse.gov
-www.steroidabuse.gov
-www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov
-www.usdoj.gov
4. http://www.ncaa.org/
5. FSC Wellness Center web site
6. powerreporting.com

Is Twitter a source for journalism? -- NO

I do not find Twitter a reliable news source for helping me stay connected with current events in this country or around the world. 

First of all, twitter has grown into a real-time short messaging service that works over multiple networks and devices. Short messaging? Yes, only 140 characters can be typed into the posting. I understand that Twitter's goal with short messaging is to allow people to share "bite size updates with family, friends, and co-workers", however, I do not see how this can help with posting news. People may post some news related message onto Twitter, but that does not guarantee that all the important information is being shared, and this can even mislead some people, especially those who do not care to look elsewhere for more credible facts -- like CNN or ABC. Posting a short message, such as "We can keep track of each other now" can send the message across to the other person, however posting news on Twitter will be difficult because a person can not include a lot of details in the brief message.

I do not find short messaging effective in getting news reporting breaking news to society. When I read news, I like to know the following: Who, What, When, Where, and How. Twitter may spark my interest to find out more about breaking news by going to other news sources online, but it will not be my first choice for news source online. Anyone can simply post a message on Twitter. 

Another problem I see with Twitter providing news is that some people may not be following the most relevant, reliable sources on Twitter capable of providing breaking news. One scenario can be when people are not following or are not being followed by sufficient, reliable sources who are knowledgeable in news reporting that have accounts on Twitter. Some people may simply be twittering their family and friends, and do not have connections with a professional reporter who has a twitter account. And even though word-of-mouth may work at times, it does not a guarantee that people will receive the most accurate information at the right time. 

Web Sites That Dig for News Rise as Watchdogs

I think there will be a lot of controversy in the future on investigative journalism. People have access to creating journalistic web sites and including any type of information that they want to appear for users to read. Many people rely on the media and/or print for information about what is going on around the world because they believe the information is reliable, accurate, and credible. However, if anyone starts creating a site to inform the public, problems may arise about how that information is even included on the web site. In order for investigative journalism to thrive in the future, reporters must analyze documents, research the social and legal issues, and deeply investigate a topic of interest.

Also, a lot of the online news web sites may not accurately report on an issue because of its sponsors. For example, VoiceofSan Diego is a "nonprofit corporation supported by foundations, wealthy donors, audience contributions and a little advertising." This web site receives its funding by sponsors, and this can sometimes influence how much investigation is done by the reporter.

False information to the public will hinder the credibility of any online news source. Thus, the reporter needs to interview and conduct research for supporting information.

However, I also believe that the independent news web sites have more 'freedom' on the type of information that they report because it does not have to compete in the market in order to receive funding. The only problem, as mentioned earlier, is conducting investigations on topics of interest.

I think that the values and principles of traditional broadcasting and print media will show that these are here to stay, especially because of a lot of convergence of broadcast videos and articles on the web.

I am surprised to know that there are sites that can do journalism very cheaply, such as The New Haven Independent, and this can be very helpful during this economic crisis. However, investigative journalism is extremely important because I want to rely on accurate, newsworthy articles. If investigative journalism is not taken seriously, people will lose trust in the media, as it is already happening with some news sources.

Feature Writing: Obamania

The inauguration of President Obama is one that I will remember for many years to come. I really do not remember any inauguration of previous presidents mainly because I was too young to vote, and did not care to pay attention to the news at that age. Election 2008 was the first election I participated in, and during the presidential campaigns I realized how important it is for me to read the news and know what is going on in my country. 

I was fascinated to see how many people gathered at DC to witness this historical event. People showed up days before the inauguration, and flew in from all parts of the country, and even from across the world. I also saw a very diverse crowd: senior citizens, teenagers, children, college students, white, black, hispanics, asians, etc. I think the diversity sends a powerful message of hope, trust, and change in our country. 

Other countries even cloned President Obama to show their excitement and support of the new president. This shows that the 'Obamania' not only took place in the U.S., but also across the world.

By the end of the inauguration, I realized how true this moment in history really was. People in the crowds were crying, others closed their eyes to pray, and others simply held hands. 

I also found it interesting how people logged onto facebook and were sharing their thoughts throughout inauguration day. 

I appreciate that the FSC Communications Department allowed students to watch the inauguration in the lobby.

I realize that President Obama will have a lot of work to do during his term. A lot of people will be watching closely to see how much he accomplishes during his first 100 days in office. His expectations are high, but a lot of Americans are hopeful that President Obama will execute important decisions that will improve this country.

Engagement for Washington Post

I disagree with Tom Grubisichs because I think that the type of 'engagement' that he is hoping the Washington Post builds is one similar to the social networks, where people are familiar with the other people using the same website, and request others to join their community. However, I do not think  a social network type of engagement is essential for the Washington Post because this is a news source online to inform users about what is going on around the world, it is not a source for finding old pals and meeting new people in order to feel like a user belongs to the Washington Post community. 

I also find a sense of engagement for those residents of DC who read the Washington Post as their local newspaper or online news source because it provides information on local news. For example, there was an article of a crime incident in Howard County, MD. On the local section of The Post, there is also a Local Opinion section where local surrounding residents can express their thoughts n issues. 

By providing more local information about what is happening in the DC, MD, and VA area, along with videos and photos, a person reading the local news feels engaged to the newsworthy events. Users, whether they are local residents or from the across the country, feel like they belong to these communities because they are aware of what is going on in DC, MD, and VA. 

Let me put it like this, when I read an article about something that happened in DC, I feel connected to that area and its residents, and I began to care about them.

Yes, engagement is important to the Washington Post, but engagement that will help drive more people to read news on the washingtonpost.com compare to other online news sources. The Post has to consider the audience. 

I think that the Washington Post is currently doing a good job trying to engage users on its web site. For example, on the site users can find discussion boards, a comment posting option on articles, and a directory to find blog postings on certain issues. 

I think that the type of engagement that Katharine Waymouth hopes for the Washington Post is one where Americans can be informed on current issues being discussed at DC. 

When Americans understand and know what is happening in politics, they are educated about what is going on in their own country, and this helps Americans stay connected to the issues and events that occur in our country. Thus, I think in order for The Post to accomplish its goals by continuing to provide credible and reliable information that is updated often online base on what the consumer wants. 

Feature Writing: Adam and Megan

I enjoyed reading this article because it has a soft touch to it, but it also focused on the uplifting and determine spirit of overcoming the tragic event. The parents realized that it is important for their two children who suffered third degree burns to gain independence in order to live a normal life. The article reminded me of the simple, everyday things I take for granted, for instance, moving my arms to comb my hair, being able to walk down the stairs, and being able to ride my bike when I exercise. I liked how the writer followed the family for a period of time because this allowed the wrtier to observe the childrens recuperation, the family's dedication to continue to live life, and the children's return to school. I think the Chirstmas scene in the beginning of the article works well because it shows that the family is celebrating the holidays even after a devastating year. Then there is a transition to the month of June when the explosion happened. Including quotes from other children, whether the comments were mean or sympathetic, caused me to feel sad or happy, and this made me feel what Adam and Megan may have felt.

Feature Writing: Obama Inauguration

I have read several articles online recently on Obama. I read how Obama looks more like a movie star than a politician in one of the pictures they captured of him coming out of a car with his black suit and black shades on. I think that this 'cool' look works for Obama because he is a lot younger compared to past presidents. There have been pictures showing that he enjoys shooting hoops and riding bumper cars with his daughters. People across this country are excited to see Obama's inauguration, and this will make huge crowds on Tuesday. A lot of people are making long trips by buses, trains, and airplanes to witness the historical event.

Some people have already arrived to DC, especially temporary vendors selling all sorts of Obama stuff, like shirts and pins. Thousands attended the pre-inaugural concert today too, showing Obama's popularity.  

I thought I would blog about Obama since there is a lot if news coverage on him at the moment because he is about to take the oval office on Tuesday, and I am just thankful to witnesses this historical moment. 

Feature Writing

A Boy of Unusual Vision

I enjoyed reading this feature article. I was amazed at how Steinbach, the writer, successfully unfolds the profile on Calvin using a variety of feature techniques. She makes the story unique by focusing on a more universal appeal which can be understood by a wide range of readers. The approach to this profile story also sets it apart from the typical blind child overcoming obstacles, instead, Steinbach emphasizes on Calvin's accomplishments through the love and support of his parents, teachers, and mentors. The writer creates an environment that helps describe Calvins experience, and this made me feel, as the reader, as if I was journeying right along with Calvin. 

The writer covers many feature characteristics in this article. An evident characteristic is emotion. I felt sad when I read that Calvin wished he could see how his mother and father looked like. I felt connected to Calvin and I grew a sense of appreciation for the people that helped Calvin to become more independent. I also noticed a lot of great specific details. I loved how the writer at the beginning describes Calvin's eyes, she uses the color blue to show the color of this eyes, and when Calvin feels the warm breeze while he is in class. 

The writer definitely had freedom to choose the structure of the article. She includes anecdotes and quotes. The article is also longer compared to ones that appear in the newspaper, and it shows that the writer tries to include as much detail as possible to make the story stand out. 

ALL SHE HAS, $150,000, IS GOING TO A UNIVERSITY

This article was another great feature. I loved the beginning of the article because it captures my attention and makes me want to read more of the story. I like how the writer presents the problem and then transitions into the solution. The writer mentions Osceola's challenges throughout her life, and how she continued to appreciate her simple life, and this is evident when I read that she had a TV that only received one channel, but that she did not care because she rarely watched TV. The remarkable GIFT to the institution from a simple woman shows the timeliness in the story. The story also has emotion because it made me appreciate her action, and I also admired her for her hard work throughout her life, and her kind gesture of giving away her earnings so that future students can attend college and have a better future. The writer describes the surroundings to have the reader connect with her. 

Criteria of Analysis

The internet has provided many great advantages for today's media. People can access an online journalism web site at their own convenience and choose the information that they want. With a growing number of people using the internet as their news source, there are also many web sites being created to provide society with information; however, not all of these sites are considered journalism. 

While evaluating the following four web sites, I found some to be journalistic while others to be  more opinion. 

1. www.AirCongress. com

K. Daniel Gloveer, the publisher and executive producer for AirCongress, has had 17 years of experience as a journalist at publishing companies. AirCongress is Gloveer's independent Internet project. 

This web site claims to inform people about what is happening in Capitol Hill. Lawmakers post the content onto this web site. The content of this site is of public importance because it has the latest news on Congress. However, the content is subjective because it is the lawmakers themselves posting the information. This site seems to be more for conservative's because the majority of the information displayed is about the GOP. I also noticed that this site is not updated frequently. For example, the first thing that showed up when I visited the site was dated September 4, 2008 about Republican vice-presidential nominee Sarah Palin giving her GOP speech with a broken telepromper. And this posting follows with other postings on the GOP National Convention - all outdated. It seems to me that people do not posts often. 

The site is simple, there is not a lot of color and pictures. However, I do applaud them for including videos. Other than that, the site's layout is boring. 

2. www.blogs.herald.com/dave_barry

Dave Barry is a well-known news room personality for the Miami Herald, and has been working there since 1983. Barry also has one of the most popular blogs included on that site. Barry writes for the opinion section of the Miami Herald as a columnist. He writes on a variation of issues. Having worked at the Herald for more that 20 years shows that the public appreciates his work, and it also indicates his professionalism as a columnist writer. The content of his site is definitely opinion. For example, Barry expresses his thoughts on the international economy, political personalities, and  irresponsible drivers. 

Working for the Miami Herald, which is Miami-Dade and Broward's source for breaking local news, and receiving a Pulitzer Prize in 1988 shows that Barry skillfully provides readers with opinion pieces. The site seems to be updated often. The design on this site is professional and clean.

3. www.moveon.org

This web site shows that MoveOn is a service organization where people across the country with the same values can get together to support or fight about the congressional issues that are important to them. The web site also states that the organization is funded by individuals, there is even a section on the web site for people to donate money to MoveOn. The web site is subjective because it supports liberal views. For example, the organization held rallies to support Obama during the presidential campaign. The web site also included videos during the 2008 presidential campaign to show why citizens should not vote for McCain. People who visit the site may find the information accurate, especially if they have strong liberal views, however, people with conservative views may find the information misleading. The web site lacks dates, however, I could tell that it is not updated often. For example, there is a video created in 2007 that appears in the 'ABOUT' section. The web site still has posted on the main page events from Nov. 20th to celebrate Obama's victory, however, a 2009 agenda is also posted on the left side of the main page to inform members of upcoming events. The site looks decent, it has pictures, and links. 

4. www.salon.com

I found it unclear to determine who produces this site. I clicked on the 'ABOUT' section and it really did not tell me anything about the web site, instead it gave me a list of people that work in different departments and their contact information. However, the content on this site seems to be newsworthy and updated daily. The editorial pieces also seem to be posted frequently. The site also includes Wire stories 24/7, which also shows that it is updated daily. The site is very clean and decent. It includes pictures and graphics, and this adds color to the site and captures the user's attention. I also found the site to be fairly user friendly. For example, it is divided into several categories, such as: News & Politics, Entertainment, Life, Opinion, and Movies. These sections make it easier for people to find the information that they are searching. 

Analyzing Communications Web Site

University of Miami School of Communications

The communication web site for this university has several great details that are not included on the FSC Communication web site. First, the web site divides the University of Miami Communication Department into seven concentrations with graphics. A student who is interested in Public Relations can click on its graphic, and the image gets larger. I think that this idea makes the web site user friendly. Another great thing about the UM Communication web site is that once a student clicks on a concentration, they are directed to another web page that has information on that major, and additionally, a video immediately plays images of current UM Communication students in class working on assignments, class projects, or giving presentations. This idea can be implemented onto the FSC Communication web site to make it interactive and engaging for the user. 

Barry University

One thing that captured my attention about the Barry University Communication web site was that it has an internship category. This category lists all the companies in the Miami area where students can network. I suggest that the FSC Communication Department includes an internship category on its web site that is visible by all users so that communication students and perspective students are aware of the networking opportunities that FSC offers in Lakeland and in other places. The web site can list the companies based on the related concentration to make it easier for students looking for a specific internship. 

University of Florida School of Communications

This institution offers an event section on their communication web site. The FSC Communication Department can certainly add a section like this to inform students about guest speakers, activities, lectures, and seminars. This idea can also help FSC students plan to attend events in advance. This idea also invites other interested student around campus to attend communication seminars to learn more about this major. 

Florida International University

The communication web site for this institution is divided into three categories: Current Student, Prospective Student, and Visitors. This idea can be another option for FSC because it can help people find specific information faster, instead of having people read the current long text where not all the information may be relevant to the user. For example, a graduating high school student interested in communications at FSC can click on perspective students to find out about the communication courses offered, the communication professors, and organizations in that department. 

Florida State University School of Communications

One thing that I liked about this institution's communication web site is that is uses videos to show students involvement in community projects. I think that the FSC Communications Department should have videos on their web site to make it personalized instead of having users read boring text. For example, the FSC Communications web site can apply a study abroad video to show the experiences that previous students have had abroad. This video can simply be a slide show of pictures with music in the background, as long as the video is engaging for the user. Another idea is to include a quick video of the communication students working throughout the community. The FSC Communication web site also needs to update and add more pictures.