Technology & Long-Form Journalism

Click here to read the Poynter Institute column.

Syracuse Diners Project

This multimedia package was produced by journalism students at Syracuse University.

Click here to see the student project.

Click here to read a story about the project.

Vieth's Six Secrets of Successful Feature Writing

VIETH’S SIX SECRETS OF SUCCESSFUL FEATURE WRITING

1) The best way to improve your writing is to improve your reading.

If you regularly read the best writing you can find, you will begin to absorb its characteristics by osmosis. Your vocabulary will expand. Your wordcraft will improve. Your words will flow more gracefully and powerfully. It’s analogous to an Olympic athlete’s training or a master craftsman’s skills.

Post Your Cool Feature Idea Here

Post Your Immersion Story Proposal Here

Post Your Street Story Proposal Here

Street Story Ideas

Some of the better street stories from previous classes:

-getting clipped at Lindy's barbershop
-turning 21 at the Library Bar
-getting the full treatment at Pro Nails
-blizzard shopping at Wal-Mart
-kids flailing at Conan's martial arts academy
-teeing up at the Glen Eagles country club
-slow day at Dunkin' Donuts
-ticket scalpers in action at Lloyd Noble
-rehearsing for the kiddie play
-old woman biding her time in nursing home
-cacophony at the Tulsa boat show
-clerk clowning at the hippie food store
-standing in line at the post office
-step dancers rehearsing for Stompdown
-lifeguard in action
-inside a high school cafeteria
-kiddie bowling tournament
-bboys battling for supremacy
-OU traffic cop making the rounds
-beer ponging
-kid pen at the shopping mall
-karoake night
-driving to a concert

Immersion Story Ideas

Here are some of the immersion stories produced by students in previous classes:

-preparing for the MCAT exam
-student teacher's trial by fire
-cutting away in cadaver class
-OU women's Ultimate Frisbee team
-final weeks of a 14-year-old's pregnancy
-ballet dancer's big moment
-shedding 14 pounds on Weight Watchers
-former preacher struggling with homelessness
-preparing the stage set for a high school musical
-dog shelter volunteer falls in love with puppy
-Norman jam band rehearses for stardom
-two sorority sisters give up sweets for Lent
-diabetic student's daily ordeals
-hippies squabbling over a community garden
-OU Symphony preparing for a show
-campaigning for CAC chair
-Sooner Racing Team preparing to peel out
-recording sessions for a new CD
-high school senior preparing for graduation
-woman preparing to be a cop
-children's community theater

Welcome Aboard!

This is the official class website of JMC 3023 Feature Writing for the fall semester of 2010. It will serve as our class bulletin board, message center and publication site. Please check it frequently for new information about class assignments and activities.
Warren