Editorial principles:
It is important for us to be fair and honest in how we research and report our story. We want to use reliable sources, attribute sources, avoid conflicts of interest, and protect privacy/ copyright/ intellectual property.
We want people to have a voice but avoid any defamatory content.
We want to stand by our journalism code of ethics.
Evaluation of synopsis:
Ben and I discussed our story proposals. I like my story proposal. Lin and I found something to write about that we were both interested in, and I think it could be a good human interest article.
In terms of scope and size, we probably have to narrow down who we talk to…as we do have a deadline…
We have to make sure it has a mixture of policy and of people in the music/entertainment arena. We will use reliable sources.
Our story will incorporate our editorial principles. It will be in the public interest, and be honest and fair in reporting. Lin and I will follow our journalism code of ethics.
We will have images, vox pops, text etc. We will attribute any sources we use, and respect copyright/intellectual property.
Strengths:
Our topic is looking at the importance of smaller venues, changes to liquor/ planning laws, and the value of the local music scene. This is a Sydney issue which is relevant, interesting, and affects us as music lovers in Sydney. Actually our topic affects lots of people who like going out and having the choice to go to small venues and see music/ events/ gigs.
Sydney is full of talent, so why aren't there more choices in nightlife?
Shortfalls:
We have a deadline so we can only do so much in the time frame allocated, as both the researching/ reporting and the computer/ editing/ uploading parts are equally important.
The topic is a big one, so it is important not to get information overload, instead Lin and I need to sift through everything, find a good story and run with it. We have to make sure we get to the heart of the issue…find its soul…we want people to be interested in what we have written!
Things we need to do:
*Interview. Interview. Interview. Of course we need to interview key contacts, chase up people, email/ phone/ face-to-face appointments, etc.
*Brush up on our Dreamweaver abilities, fiddle around with Dreamweaver and Photoshop. Edit our work, take pictures that enhance our story.
*Think of how we are going to do the lay-out.
*Go to some small gigs (it's story-related!)
*Read any related City of Sydney/ NSW Government media releases/ documents about the topic.
*Research topic thoroughly
*Try not to be overwhelmed
*Keep an eye on the DEADLINE
*Divide time for interviewing, researching, writing, taking photographs, editing, doing computer activities, etc.
*Remember our journalism code of ethics!
Approaching difficulties:
There are lots of potential contacts for our Swerve story, however if we encounter difficulties, it is important for us both to remain calm, focussed and in control! I think it is really important for Lin and I to be organised, to find a range of people to interview (so if one person is hard to get hold of then we will just persevere…), and to encourage each other.
In terms of content, I think it is a big issue to research, so it won't be a matter of not having enough information, but having too much information, so it will be a challenge to sort out what information we use, and what we don't use in our article.
It's good that we're working together so we can bounce ideas off each other, and help one another if we have any hiccups along the way. If one interview doesn't work out, maybe we can debrief with each other, keep brainstorming, devise a review plan, launch another interviewee plan of action etc.
Is our idea realistic?
Our idea is realistic but we have to be aware of the time frame. Obviously we won't be able to interview everyone involved with small venues and the live music scene, but we will be able to go and talk to various people involved. It is an extremely current Sydney-based issue so I think it is realistic for us to cover it as a story. However we will have to narrow down who we interview about it. The NSW Government is making changes that will affect small venues so it is an issue that is on the Sydney cultural agenda. As people who love going to live gigs, it affects us, so we want to report about it.
Is our idea fair and balanced?
We are going to research the issue by talking to different people involved e.g. musicians, City of Sydney, NSW Government, venue operators, people that go along to events, etc. It is important to hear from different people. By interviewing various people this will help our story have a good balance of the issues at hand, and letting a diverse range of people have a voice will allow our story to be fair in how we report it. We want our story to be as fair and balanced as possible.
We want our story to be credible by using a range of reliable sources, interviewing people involved in the industry, and making sure we talk to key contacts. It is important as writers to maintain good research and reporting by being fair and balanced in our work.
Audience:
I think the topic Lin and I have chosen is a really interesting and current one. It affects our city. Sydney is full of talented musicians and creativity… I think there needs to be more accessibility to smaller venues, and greater awareness of the local music scene. Smaller venues need to be given more opportunities to hold events/ gigs/ acts.
I hope that different people read our story and see the value of smaller venues, the importance of encouraging local musicians, and the continued promotion of live music.
Our audience could be anyone from students to people who are interested in current Sydney issues. More so, it would be great for music lovers and musicians to read our story as it is music-related.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Bowls ala Barefoot
I have written a few posts about bowls on this blog. However on the weekend, something of interest began at Putney... They launched their Sunday social bareboot bowls. I will check it out in a few weeks. Let's hope more people are encouraged to come to the club.
Monday, May 12, 2008
'Cuprocking' and 'Pac-man' Graffiti
A few months ago I went to see the artist Andy Uprock at Oxford Art Factory. He was doing a live installation of 'cuprocking'. 'Cuprocking' is a newer form of street art where artists like Uprock use plastic cups to create words and patterns on wire fences.
You may have seen some of his creations appearing around pockets of the city, and Uprock gets to reuse the cups for other designs.
It made me think about the value of street art in modern society. There are some amazing street artists. I am obsessed with Fafi, the French street artist, and Banksy is just an extremely talented person.
Street art, like other forms of art, is a way of expression, creativity and can also promote causes or ideas.
But like other forms of art, is also rather subjective.
Recently the outside walls of Dad's workplace were vandalised. He was able to clean it, but he was not too impressed about it. According to him, it was just a mess on the wall, wasn't even artistic in nature, and had to go. However Dad is going to embark on his own street art venture. Since the walls are made of tiles, he is going to 'Pac-man' the walls.
'Pac-man' is definitely a major icon in pop culture from the 1980s. Since it was released in 1980, it is symbolic of my generation (I was born during the 80's, and now my generation is often seen as kidults…so maybe nothing has really changed). We used to like games; we still play games, except now we have more money to finance our love of pop and street culture. 'Pac-man' in street art is quite a global phenomenon. Here's an example:
You may have seen some of his creations appearing around pockets of the city, and Uprock gets to reuse the cups for other designs.
It made me think about the value of street art in modern society. There are some amazing street artists. I am obsessed with Fafi, the French street artist, and Banksy is just an extremely talented person.
Street art, like other forms of art, is a way of expression, creativity and can also promote causes or ideas.
But like other forms of art, is also rather subjective.
Recently the outside walls of Dad's workplace were vandalised. He was able to clean it, but he was not too impressed about it. According to him, it was just a mess on the wall, wasn't even artistic in nature, and had to go. However Dad is going to embark on his own street art venture. Since the walls are made of tiles, he is going to 'Pac-man' the walls.
'Pac-man' is definitely a major icon in pop culture from the 1980s. Since it was released in 1980, it is symbolic of my generation (I was born during the 80's, and now my generation is often seen as kidults…so maybe nothing has really changed). We used to like games; we still play games, except now we have more money to finance our love of pop and street culture. 'Pac-man' in street art is quite a global phenomenon. Here's an example:
'Pac-man ghost' -I am kind of excited about the 'Pac-man' art that will soon appear at Dad's work. My sister has also volunteered to do some 'Pac-man' painting. Perhaps there is a little bit of 80's pop culture in everyone.
Just Shoot
In the digital world of cropping, changing and Photoshop, I find comfort knowing that people are still taking beautiful photographs…with film.
So when the world seems too cyber, there is always lomography. I needed a dose of the Sydney 'lomo' shop.
Currently 'The World through a Plastic Lens V2' Exhibition has photos which were all shot with Diana and Holga cameras. I like the pictures; some are quirky and interesting.
Location:
Blender Gallery/ Just Shoot Shop
16 Elizabeth St, Paddington
It ends on the 13th May.
Perhaps one of the more confronting and revealing photo exhibitions is the World Press Photo Exhibition.
World Press Photo 08 consists of the award-winning photos from the 51st World Press Photo competition.
British photographer Tim Hetherington won the World Press Photo of the Year. His picture was of a tired and weakened American soldier resting in a bunker in Afghanistan.
Some of the pictures are truly inspiring.
Dates: 8th May – 5th June 2008
Where: State Library of New South Wales
Entry is free.
So when the world seems too cyber, there is always lomography. I needed a dose of the Sydney 'lomo' shop.
Currently 'The World through a Plastic Lens V2' Exhibition has photos which were all shot with Diana and Holga cameras. I like the pictures; some are quirky and interesting.
Location:
Blender Gallery/ Just Shoot Shop
16 Elizabeth St, Paddington
It ends on the 13th May.
Perhaps one of the more confronting and revealing photo exhibitions is the World Press Photo Exhibition.
World Press Photo 08 consists of the award-winning photos from the 51st World Press Photo competition.
British photographer Tim Hetherington won the World Press Photo of the Year. His picture was of a tired and weakened American soldier resting in a bunker in Afghanistan.
Some of the pictures are truly inspiring.
Dates: 8th May – 5th June 2008
Where: State Library of New South Wales
Entry is free.
Artiness and Pretty Things
The Hope Street Markets are on again this weekend.
The Hope Street Markets support emerging Australian talent. They are a place for artists and designers to showcase their treasures. Pop Frenzy has also organised some local musicians to come and play some tunes!
The markets are not for profit, and they raise money to help the homeless community of Sydney.
The markets 'bring hope' to different groups by helping those in the creative world and those less fortunate.
Location: Paddington Town Hall
Dates: Sat 17th May 11 – 6pm/ Sun 18th May 11 – 5pm
Sunday, May 11, 2008
For the Love of Bowls and the Joy of Tea
Lawn bowls. Social bowls. Barefoot bowls. It is here and it is here to stay.
According to some of the smaller bowling clubs, it has saved them from extinction. Barefoot bowls has put a new leash on life on some of the existing clubs. This initiative has changed the stereotype of bowls. Not only is it for 'the older', it is for the younger, the hip, the sporty, the lazy, the social, the family-minded, the worker...Bowls can cater for everyone.
From a corporate function to a birthday, social barefoot bowls is drawing in people from all over Sydney.
Tea. Such a beautiful thing. If I am going to write about topics related to 'an older' generation e.g. bowls, then I am going to write about tea.
Tea has such a long history. Every cup, every leaf, every spoon, every teapot has a story. Drinking tea makes people feel adult and calm. It is the mature and graceful beverage. I like drinking tea: green, chai, herbal, red, fruit, Irish breakfast et al. There are so many varieties to choose from.
If you are going to partake in some serious tea sipping, and dessert consuming, then I would suggest you head to a session of high tea. The joys of high tea. Tea, cakes, savoury creations, and other wonderful, edible consumables.
There are a few places around Sydney to have high tea. The Tea Room is a lovely place to visit. The Tea Room is located in the original Grand Ballroom of the Queen Victoria Building so it is quite a treat to have tea here. The service is good, and the food and tea is of a very good quality.
Prices include:
The Tea Room is at Level 3, North End, Queen Victoria Building. It is open Monday to Friday from 11am, and Saturday and Sunday from 10am.
Bon appetit!
According to some of the smaller bowling clubs, it has saved them from extinction. Barefoot bowls has put a new leash on life on some of the existing clubs. This initiative has changed the stereotype of bowls. Not only is it for 'the older', it is for the younger, the hip, the sporty, the lazy, the social, the family-minded, the worker...Bowls can cater for everyone.
From a corporate function to a birthday, social barefoot bowls is drawing in people from all over Sydney.
This is Jess getting ready on the green at Paddington. I love bowls. I have a deep admiration for the sport. It's fun, it's cheap, and a few hours with friends is always a good day out. Personally I am a fan of Paddo Bowls. There is decent food, nice staff, friendly bowlers, and pool tables. It is located in Paddington, hence galleries, gigs, markets, restaurants, pubs, shops, cinemas and parks also await in the inner-city mecca.
Barefoot bowls at Paddington costs $10 on Saturday and Sunday. They also have 3 sessions: 11 - 2pm/ 2 - 5pm/ 5 - 8pm.
Paddington Bowling Club is located at 2 Quarry Street Paddington NSW 2021.
Barefoot bowls is great after a week at work or uni, where you have been glued to a computer screen typing up reports or essays. It is also refreshing to be outside, not bound by deadlines or tasks! Sometimes you might even see a Holden blimp in the sky. This is photographic evidence of such a blimp. Outside goodness, time with friends, physical exercise...All for 10 dollars. What more do you want?
Tea. Such a beautiful thing. If I am going to write about topics related to 'an older' generation e.g. bowls, then I am going to write about tea.
Tea has such a long history. Every cup, every leaf, every spoon, every teapot has a story. Drinking tea makes people feel adult and calm. It is the mature and graceful beverage. I like drinking tea: green, chai, herbal, red, fruit, Irish breakfast et al. There are so many varieties to choose from.
If you are going to partake in some serious tea sipping, and dessert consuming, then I would suggest you head to a session of high tea. The joys of high tea. Tea, cakes, savoury creations, and other wonderful, edible consumables.
There are a few places around Sydney to have high tea. The Tea Room is a lovely place to visit. The Tea Room is located in the original Grand Ballroom of the Queen Victoria Building so it is quite a treat to have tea here. The service is good, and the food and tea is of a very good quality.
Prices include:
Morning Tea $21 per person
Afternoon Tea $30 per person
Sparkling Afternoon Tea $35 per person
Champagne Afternoon Tea $50 per person
The Tea Room is at Level 3, North End, Queen Victoria Building. It is open Monday to Friday from 11am, and Saturday and Sunday from 10am.
Bon appetit!
Putney Bowls...Moving into Barefoot Bowls?
Putney-Tennyson Bowling and Community Club is one of 603 registered bowling clubs in NSW. It has 800 members, including 80 registered bowlers. There are nine members (all bowlers) on the board who handle business matters. John McWilliam is the chairman of the board, and a member of the Grade Five Men’s Team (along with Jim Jones, Peter Keenan, and Max McVicar). There are also two separate bowling committees for men and women.
The small club has operated for about 30 years, and also provides a venue for other small community groups in the area.
"There’s been a trend back to small community clubs," said Michael Beaumont, the Sports Development Officer with the The Royal New South Wales Bowling Association. "Smaller clubs are better than the big, rich clubs who pay their bowlers for wins. The small clubs are more social," Max McVicar, Vice-President of the Social Committee said.
The club is also planning a new social initiative. "We're going to start up Sunday afternoon, barefoot bowls…It's saving a lot of clubs, they're right into it…Hunters Hill do it big…If we don't we'll be behind," John McWilliam said.
The small club has operated for about 30 years, and also provides a venue for other small community groups in the area.
"There’s been a trend back to small community clubs," said Michael Beaumont, the Sports Development Officer with the The Royal New South Wales Bowling Association. "Smaller clubs are better than the big, rich clubs who pay their bowlers for wins. The small clubs are more social," Max McVicar, Vice-President of the Social Committee said.
The club is also planning a new social initiative. "We're going to start up Sunday afternoon, barefoot bowls…It's saving a lot of clubs, they're right into it…Hunters Hill do it big…If we don't we'll be behind," John McWilliam said.
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