What this editor learned

Journalism Association of Community Colleges had its state convention in Sacramento over the weekend and I am proud to say that the Union represented its school in a big way. We won awards after awards and we were dominating the competition.

While I would love to rant on and on about the weekend, I think it is more appropriate to talk about what I learned at the convention.

I was fortunate enough to attend one of the best workshops, titled "How to Survive as an Editor Without Killing Anyone" by Holly Heyser, adviser at Sacramento State Univeristy. She was witty and right on the dot about the things we go though as editors.

Some of the "nightmares" in the newsroom and how we should handle it:

- People who talk about you behind your back: ACCEPT IT. People talk about their bosses.
- Bad attitude in the newsroom: Find out where it's coming from.
- Production night tensions: Don't bitch about it at a corner with your buddy. DON'T MAKE IT PERSONAL.
- Reporter who sucks (i haven't had this problem in a while, though): Don't put off editing this one until last and do your best to teach.

"Don't trash other staffers or editors in front of the staff. It contributes to an atmosphere of cynicism and doubt."

I thought this was so true. As editors, we need to set the example and the way we conduct ourselves reflect the way of our work ethic.

The workshop reminded me that being an editor is not just about editing stories, but it's also about learning how to manage people.

"Remember that your actions and reactions will either magnify or defuse any situation."

I loved this weekend. Great people, great workshops, great lessons.

Putting blogs up on the Web

Mood: Sleepy

Lori, our adviser, has asked me to put blogs on our Web site. Since I don't have a page to work on this semester, this was going to be tonight's task.

Filip, co-photo editor, suggested me to use Google gadgets to do this. The only problem: I didn't know what Google gadget was or how to use it.

Laugh at me all you want; I'm the Web editor of our student publication and I didn't know how to use a Google gadget until today. Go ahead and laugh.

But just because I was clueless, it didn't mean that I was not going to learn.

So Filip first helped me search for the right gadget on Google. We decided to use this. Everything seemed dandy and smooth, until we faced one tiny problem: we didn't know how to put more than one URL on the FEED URL.

We pondered and tried different things, but we could not work it out.

Then Filip suggested me to contact Rich Cameron, Talon Marks adviser at Cerriots College, since he has helped us with Web stuff before.

Since I'm his "friend" on Facebook (yes, i used Facebook to get hold of a professor), I messaged him with few questions.

Almost instantly, he sends me a message back with THE solution: to use Feedweaver.

And just like that, we put everyone's blogs' RSS on our Feedweaver account, and use that URL on the Google gadget.

The blogs were now up on the Web. Yes!

The next challenge was to place the gadget on the right side of our front page, right under our "Most Commented." Once again I sent a message to Rich.

This time he recommended to use College Publisher's "new project" and page layout options to place it.
Finally, the widget was there, exactly where I needed to be.

The lesson is that it is always good to ask questions.

In addition, Rich wrote about EC's Web site and me on his blog. I felt smarter, and it didn't hurt that I was mentioned :]

First post, by the editor

Mood: relieved

As soon as I got to the newsroom, there was a whole list of things to do waiting for me.

Task 1: Update the Web site.

Task 2: Make assignment sheets for Warrior Life stories.

Task 3: Organize my folders and separate what's WL and what's Union.

OK, it does not seem like a meaty list, but it is time consuming to finish all of the tasks.

The Web site is finally updated with new photos and stories; it is a relief that we have new material up. Check us out at www.elcaminouniononline.com

As for WL assignments, it is hard to narrow down which stories to use and which to not. There are several stories that I am so stoked for (I won't tell you which one just yet in case plans change)! I'm planning on combining some story ideas into one because a lot of pitched ideas were profiles. Also, creating assignment sheets for all the stories are kind of scary— what if I don't write enough detail? What if my angle is not clear? Some of my staff writers are fresh out of J1, so I want to makes sure that I am as detailed and precise as possible. The last thing they need is an editor who gives vague and confusing instructions.

I wonder if previous WL editors were as scared as I am right now.

Back to talking about the paper.
I am just glad that our first issue looks great both online and in print. The delivery went smoothly, too.

One down, eight more to go. And trust me, it goes by fast.