"For the most part, journalism education has not caught up with the innovations taking place in the industry. Many programs don't offer more than an introduction to working with the web, so some students have to teach themselves."

"UNC professors Laura Ruel and Don Wittekind notified me about a new assignment they gave their “Intro to Multimedia” students this year, which I have thoroughly enjoyed checking out. Each student is required to find a multimedia project to critique, and their write-ups are being posted on the class Website. The reviews are honest and insightful, and surely a big help to producers who are curious to learn how an average user views their projects. Don noted that these reviews are especially interesting because their students are just beginning their multimedia education, and therefore view presentations the way an average user would rather than a skilled and biased producer. One student reviewed British journalist and blogger Adam Westbrook’s recent project, “One Week in Iraq.” His response proves that these critiques are incredibly helpful for us: “I didn’t even think of navigation when I made that, it was more about the videos, which they didn’t watch by the looks of things!”

"The first and gravest mistake that individuals make believing that infographics are a branch of graphic design or that they have anything to do with illustration. (...) As a second mistake is the fact that many people think that online infographics can be created just by “translating” print pieces to the Web. Unfortunately, this is what is happening in many newsrooms worldwide. That’s the wrong approach because what you usually end with is with a still picture with a bunch of roll-over buttons."

"The first minute of a project is often the most difficult to produce. Start with what you know, and build from there. The finished pieces will tell you what is missing. As an example, for most MediaStorm productions, including Marcus Bleasdale’s Rape of a Nation, the image edit of the opening sequence is generally produced last. That first minute is most important for capturing the viewer’s attention. Therefore, it must be truly compelling. It’s hard to know what’s most compelling until you have a comprehensive knowledge of all your material."

"a digital watering hole for multimedia enthusiasts"

"OpenSecrets.org is your nonpartisan guide to money’s influence on U.S. elections and public policy. Whether you’re a voter, journalist, activist, student or interested citizen, use our free site to shine light on your government. Count cash and make change."

"The Dead -- including four remaining members of the Grateful Dead -- returns to the stage this year, starting its 2009 tour on April 12 in Greensboro, N.C. Since the Grateful Dead formed in 1965, it has inspired an obsessive following, and fans continue to debate which of the original band's 2,350 or so shows was the best. These concerts are considered to be among the top contenders. Tell us which one you think is greatest, and why."

"What are these renegade cybergeeks doing at the New York Times? Maybe saving it."

"Sprout is the quick and easy way for anyone to build, publish, and manage widgets, mini-sites, mashups, banners and more. Any size, any number of pages. Include video, audio, images and newsfeeds and choose from dozens of pre-built components and web services."

"For those subway riders who get off before the last stop — almost everyone — the end is just a sign on the train. What's there, anyway? It turns out there is often mystery, lonesomeness and beauty. "