Wordstock 2008 had emphasis on multi-media reporting, writing and editing
Wordstock’s increasing emphasis on multi-media reporting, writing and editing resonated in a big way on Sept. 20.
That was evident by the crowded classrooms on anything having to do with new ways of online journalism and storytelling and the feedback that the RJAA received after the event. More, more, more was the sentiment.
More than 175 people registered for the 13th annual edition of the popular day-long suite of 17 seminars and workshops devoted to the craft of writing, reporting, and editing. Attendance was up by more than 30 from the previous year as delegates were attracted to a fresher program that dealt with issues facing today’s journalists and writers.
Bill Dunphy, the Hamilton Spectator’s outspoken critic on what newspapers can do to fit into the web, kicked things off in the general opening session with a look at who is really innovating on the web and why newspapers still aren’t “getting” the web despite offering blogs, video and breaking news to their websites.
“Bill Dunphy’s lecture was engaging, thought-provoking and inspiring,” said one attendee. “I came away looking at the dissemination of news in a new way.”
That was followed by seminars on the “benefits and pitfalls of a blogging journalist”, “telling a story in a multimedia world”, “top 10 Internet tools that journalists need”, “great journalism (screenwriting) on film and television”, “the art of liveblogging”, “editing in a 24-hour news cycle”, and “video and print reporting.”
Just as popular were sessions on successful freelancing by Paul Lima; the 12th straight year of improving one’s interviewing skills with Paul McLaughlin; writing a great feature in 1,000 words or less with Thane Burnett of the Toronto Sun; headline writing with former Kitchener managing editor Don McCurdy; improving small market journalism with Phil Andrews, managing editor of the Guelph Mercury; writing tighter with Steve Buttry from Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and writing the mystery novel.
The latter, a new wrinkle in the usual lineup of Wordstock’s seminars, was a panel discussion featuring Ryerson professor April Lindgren who had earlier published her first mystery novel; Rosemary Aubert, Toronto author of the Ellis Portal mystery series; and Jon Wells, a Hamilton Spectator investigative journalist who has authored four paperbacks on true crime stories. One delegate said the panel on the mystery novel alone was worth the cost of registration and several asked for more sessions on writing novels.
Nearly 100 delegates took the time to provide feedback on what worked for them and what Wordstock may consider in the future.
“Wordstock needs to continue,” said one delegate. “It is a valuable event that gives journalists a chance to talk about their craft and meet each other. The interaction is great.”
Wordstock was once again tied in with Ryerson’s annual “alumni reunion”, formerly called “homecoming”. Ryerson treated all Wordstock delegates to a barbecue lunch in the famous “quad.”
Volunteer help came from a variety of sources, including members of the RJAA, former and current journalism students, and the Canadian Newspaper Association.
Both the Toronto Star and CNW Group helped sponsor the event with generous donations.