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A presentation for the Association of Alternative Newsmedia on the current state of longform digital design
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Designing Digital Longform
2014 Association of Alternative Newsmedia Digital Conference
Adam Schweigert@aschweigDirector of Technology, Investigative News
Network
Me• Currently:
– Director of Technology for the Investigative News Network
– Founder of my own consultancy, Media Toybox– Learning to play banjo
• Previously: – Director of Strategy at Mindset Digital– Director of Digital at WOSU Public Media (NPR/PBS)– Director of Digital at Indiana Public Media (NPR/PBS)– Grad school at Indiana University– Undergrad at Ohio State
Email: [email protected]: @aschweig
“We, representatives of nonprofit news organizations, gather at a
time when investigative reporting, so crucial to a
functioning democracy, is under threat. There is an urgent need
to nourish and sustain the emerging investigative
journalism ecosystem to better serve the public.”
— The Pocantico Declaration, 2009
http://InvestigativeNewsNetwork.org
TODAY• ME: Some few thoughts on longform
storytelling (from where I sit)• YOU: In groups, discuss your favorite
longform stories, tools, challenges• US: Share top takeaways from group
discussions• BONUS: Where do we go from here?
#AANLongform
http://bit.ly/aanlongform
WHYAn Answer to TL;DR?
Can smart use of rich media convince people to read more of a long story?
WHYAn Answer to TL;DR?
Can smart use of rich media convince people to read more of a long story?
Big Stories, Told BetterBreaking the article template to give stories more weight/attention
Attract New Readers…but what are you going to do with them?
Industry RecognitionDanger! Danger!
WHATImpact
Sure, you could invest a ton of time/effort in a long story about illegal backcountry skiing, but…
Strong VisualsDo you have excellent (large, bright, compelling) photos? Video? Graphics? Maps?
ROIAds alone probably won’t pay for these stories (sorry). What else are you getting for your
money?
WHATImpact
Sure, you could invest a ton of time/effort in a long story about illegal backcountry skiing, but…
Strong VisualsDo you have excellent (large, bright, compelling) photos? Video? Graphics? Maps?
ROIAds alone probably won’t pay for these stories (sorry). What else are you getting for your
money?
ViralityIs this the kind of story people will share? Do you make that easy for them?
WHORegular ReadersImprove time on site, convert browsers to subscribers
New ReadersGet new people to your site…but will they stick around?
And of course, there’s also:
Awards Juries/Other Journalists/Designers
Nothing wrong with industry recognition if you have a plan to capitalize on it
WHENDon’t Wait Too Long
When it’s (nearly) time to put a story online you’ve waited too longDesign, tech, visuals all need to be involved early
WHENDon’t Wait Too Long
When it’s (nearly) time to put a story online you’ve waited too longDesign, tech, visuals all need to be involved early
Consider Lifecycle of The Story
What do you do before, during and after publishing to ensure maximum impact?
WHEREDesktop? Tablet? Mobile?
“mobile” is a context, not a platform
The Dreaded CMS QuestionWork with the CMS? Outside of it? What about maintainability?
WHEREDesktop? Tablet? Mobile?
“mobile” is a context, not a platform
The Dreaded CMS QuestionWork with the CMS? Outside of it? What about maintainability?
Beyond The Story PageHow is the story represented on the homepage? On social media?
HOWLongform ≠ Long Scroll
Consider the best way to tell any given story
HOWLongform ≠ Long Scroll
Consider the best way to tell any given story
Choosing The Right ToolsAvoid wheel reinvention wherever possible
HOWLongform ≠ Long Scroll
Consider the best way to tell any given story
Choosing The Right ToolsAvoid wheel reinvention wherever possible
Less Is (Usually) MoreWhat you choose to leave out is as (or more) important as what you decide to put in
Break Rules CarefullyDesign and usability conventions exist for a reason. Don’t hijack my scrollbar!
In Small Groups
• Tools: Tools you’ve used, what you liked/didn’t like
• Stories: Favorite examples of longform digital storytelling. What works and why?
• Challenges: What obstacles keep you from doing rich multimedia stories in your newsroom?
• Wishlist: What tools are needed to make this easier?
Thank You!Adam Schweigert
[email protected]: @aschweig
Hackpad: http://bit.ly/aanlongformMailing List: http://tinyletter.com/opensourcestorytelling
