UNH Lumberjacks

Chop 'em down

If you missed the chainsaws, axes, and beards at the woodsmen's 62nd annual Spring Meet hosted April 18 and 19 by the UNH Lumberjacks, don't sweat it. I covered the event for my final multimedia project.


I'm pleased with the material I've gathered and I'm currently working through the editing process. I'm going to try and keep this piece short and tight to highlight some solid visual elements, as well as focus on the most powerful audio clips.

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On a side note, I'm really enjoying the multimedia website, Mediastorm.

Salute your short (videos)

I think the most important question to answer when considering what type of video and multimedia to upload on a newspaper website is: what segment of the readership (if any) will I serve by posting this material? If an online newspaper isn't serving its viewers, then it shouldn't be able to call itself a "newspaper." Just because a website gets hits, doesn't mean the quality of journalism provided has helped raise questions, better people's understanding of an issue, or provide an in-depth look at various elements of a community.

Considering the equipment that many small newsrooms have to work with, I have no problem with those who post lower quality videos, as long as content overrides presentation. If the images captured in a video caught by a camera phone can enlighten the viewers, then so be it. However, an online newspaper should remain wary of clutter content and maintaining a high standard of quality. Content and presentation will also be a factor in who will and will not advertise.

Short videos currently dominate the internet to provide entertainment, information, and news. The quality of the majority of online video isn't great, but people still watch. I think online news will and should move closer to making short documentary style videos. Not only will the content be valid and informative, but the quality will also outshine grainy video. Obviously cost is a major factor, but the presentation, validity, and niche market, will allow journalists to provide news in a ways that others can't (right now anyone can blog and post video, but not everyone has reporting skills and can present a well-developed story). Not all of us got into journalism to take pictures and shoot video, but those who are willing to create multimedia projects should at least be willing to try making great video stories and short documentaries as we have seen in class.

A nod for the YouTube awards??