Google strikes copyright deal with Belgian journalists

Another interesting development in the relationship between Google and journalists/press photographers

Plastic paper

So the paper-less office can be a reality...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/technology/6174052.stm

Press Gazette closes

Expected but sad news that, after 41 years, the Press Gazette has ceased publication.

This will cause a pang to all who, each week, scoured the dog-eared office copy of (UK) Press Gazette for the latest jobs (they never did sell enough).

It's very much been a part of the fabric of UK journalism for as long as I can remember.

I've written for them from time to time and they were good people. Great pity.

The editor's function

Harriet Sherwood, Foreign Editor of the Guardian, gives the Editors' Weblog a useful perspective on the role of an editor in a multi-media/platform newsroom thus:

"I have considered whether the move to digital journalism makes editors irrelevant – wondering whether it should offer the reporter more autonomy in deciding the appropriate treatment of or platform for a story. However, our correspondents tell me they value interaction with an editor in discussion of a story. And I do feel that the role of an editor in how a story should be approached (eg straight news, reportage, news analysis etc), the content (the top line, balance etc), the most appropriate platform - plus acting as the 'first reader' (does this make sense, is it engaging, is it too long/short) is invaluable. But then I would, wouldn't I?"

Distributed publishing models

The debate on this is warming up...

http://www.ukaop.org.uk/cgi-bin/go.pl/news/article.html?uid=1210


Meanwhile, others are striking deals:


http://www.poynter.org/content/content_view.asp?id=114233

Paradox confronted.

I've been staring at this paradox for some time. I teach, research, consult, write and broadcast about digital/online...but I don't blog.

The reason will be familiar to most - lack of time. My day (and night) job currently keeps me busy enough. Blogging needs commitment - and if I do this, I need to post regularly.

But enough - it's time to try...and see what happens.