Somewhere during the course of my informal education, I picked up the advice to "stick with what you know" to avoid getting into too much trouble. I kept that tidbit in mind while exploring podcasting, another component of convergence journalism. The podcast linked below is an offshoot of the Discovery Channel program "Dirty Jobs." It aired on January 31, 2008. In the television program, host Mike Rowe explores "the jobs that make civilized life possible for the rest of us."
This program explores shellfish farming. Previous programs have placed Rowe in water treatment facilities, silos, confined animal feeding operations and even with a Missouri charcoal producer. I thoroughly enjoy the video program, and expected to enjoy the podcast, as well.
Technically speaking, this was foreign ground. Clicking through itunes.com I found podcasts and the option to subscribe. This worked well - the program dropped right into the proper file on my computer. I clicked "play" and all was well. Then, I tried adding it to this blog... this is attempt number 15,287 (okay, maybe just number 5) to play it within my page.
Discussing the Podcast:
I was surprised to find that this wasn't much of a podcast at all - it is only the audio from the shellfish segment of the program. That certainly doesn't mesh well with the concept of convergence as a way to further specialize content. This seems like a feeble attempt to draw more viewers to the televised (and advertising supported) version. The segment is also on shellfish farming, and I expected there to be a tie into the rapidly growing aquaculture industry. That link must have found a home on the cutting room floor instead. However, more than a minute was devoted to the palatability of raw mussells.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Friday, February 1, 2008
Insight from the Professional
The agricultural journalism senior capstone class got a chance to chat with Chuck Zimmerman, founder of AgWired.com, on Thursday afternoon.
During the discussion, he shot a video and discussed posting it to his blog.
He answered questions about blogging - from getting started with an understanding of basic coding to finding sponsors and staying current with ever-changing technology. Zimmerman answered our questions using a lifetime of experience - from a start-up hobby to supporting his family via blogging.
It was also great to have a fellow University of Florida fan in the room. Go Gators!
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