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NMJ Final Project Mastery Journal

NMJ Final Project has provided all of the support I need to power through the remaining requirements of the New Media Journalism Masters program. This course allowed me properly structure a thesis for one of the most in-depth pieces have produced to date. With the help of my caring professor and equally as helpful colleagues, I was able to take the constructive notes each week and apply them to my final thesis. Their input was invaluable. I can only hope that my input was of value to their final project. The course required a significant amount of dedication and attention to detail. While some sections of the course were more difficult than others, I was able to learn and appreciate the value that each section ads to supporting the previously produced multimedia project. While dissecting the multimedia project, I washable to identify potential follow-up stories. The first of the follow-up stories focus on Generation Z, the generation that follows Millennials. My multimedia project taught me that analyzing the patterns from generation to generation may very well tell that may occur with the coming generation of leaders. Studies and articles regarding Millennials seem to be developed a little past due. These solutions to these generational issues are less likely to be corrected for the following generation. Overall, this course has taught me the importance of in-depth research and overall understanding of the chosen topic at length. I read so much regarding Millennials, region, their beliefs and desires that at the end of all my research I felt like an expert on everything Millennial. All of the strategies learned within this course and the NMJ program has enabled me to refine my writing skills, research ability, and overall story development, I am now more confident in my ability to interview and craft an effective multimedia project. With more practice, I believe I have to potential to develop lasting impactful pieces of work. Along with revamping the appearance of my website and adding more eye-catching visuals, I will be able to create a go-to site for Millennials. While this may be the end of the Full Sail journey, I am excited to take the skills and strategies I’ve learned to create my dream job and fulfill my life’s task.

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This month has been one of the most challenging courses. Turning in my Capstone project was a huge tasks that challenged me creatively and technically. New Media Publishing and Distribution was everything I expected it to be and more. I found the feedback from my professor and colleagues to be invaluable. It has ultimately made me a better journalism. I feel I can better choose newsworthy subject matter and curate interviews that support my text. The tools learned will be applied to all of my content moving forward. 

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MCA: Mastery Journal

This Public Relations and Reputation Management course has by far been one of the most meaningful courses I’ve taken thus far. I received my bachelor's degree from Florida A&M University so I am well aware of the importance of merging public relations practices with journalistic standards. I found the course to be very valuable and has encouraged me to refine the content I produce to better suit the need of my viewers.  Although the journalist is responsible for choosing his or her own beat, it is also our responsibility to choose content that the reader will find beneficial and entertaining. While doing this we must maintain an upstanding brand image through transparency and a positive experience for those we interact with. I expected this course to be a refresher on of information I learned in undergrad but it exceeded my expectations. It provided thought-provoking informative that allowed me to consider new methods of presenting information to my refined audience. Improvements like recording a well scripted “About Me” video has greatly improved the presentation of my content in a more digestible and concise way. Because of this course, I will continue to keep my eyes and ears open for content to best encourage my audience. This will require 2-way communication and continuous research to develop effective content. I will also develop a strict schedule for content posting. This will give readers and viewers something to look forward to. Overall, applying these concepts and techniques will allow me to be a more professional journalist with a reliable platform. The ultimate goal is to develop a platform that is the go-to source of information for millennial minority women of color. Doing this will require great attention to how I present my brand and it's associations. Because of this course, I believe I am better equipped to successfully do this.

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Social Media and Online Community Engagement Mastery Journal

Upon entering the class I expected to learn how to build an online community to boost my online content, how to create more engaging posts and marketing tactics to promote content across social media platforms. I was pleasantly surprised that this course covered all of those topics in full and so much more. Just as expected, I was able to see the results of the courses tutorials and content positively impact my website in one short month.

In addition to the expected course coverage, I was able to learn tactics to promote my content on specific social media platforms. This allowed me to expand my knowledge of the platforms I was familiar with as well as a few I was less familiar with like Reddit and LinkedIn. I was also able to learn the impact of tailoring social media posts for each social media that include a call to action. Confidence in my ability to select newsworthy content was also ma huge takeaway while completing the course. Though I did not always successfully.nail each story, I was always met with much needed constructive criticism and helpful tips for improving my story. When I was unsure how to emolument social media tactics, the tutorials provided by my professor, which I have listed below, were extremely helpful.

Facebook Journalism:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_KXkQBaDrs&feature=youtu.be

Twitter Journalism: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdW_00xUemI&feature=youtu.be

Reddit Journalism: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZx0NPA3hVA&feature=youtu.be

LinkedIn Journalism:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wro9_SqJpU&feature=youtu.be

Youtube Journalism:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6Ri77tZNHA&feature=youtu.be

Instagram Journalism: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eK8aBtQlXME&feature=youtu.be

The in-depth knowledge about 5 of the most popular ways to promote online content I was able to acquire is invaluable and I will use much of what I learned to boost my content as a professional journalist. Though I may not use every social media platform, I am not able to identify which platform is correct for my desired target demographic. Staying up to date with my analytics and growth has been the proof I needed to show that these strategies are extremely helpful. With consistent content development and implementation of these tactics, I anticipate even more audience growth and website traffic.

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NMJ590-O 01 Mastery Journal

Multimedia Reporting was one of the most enlightening courses I have had the opportunity to take. I was able to better understand properly setting up my site’s SEO. In doing that, I was able to find out that Wix is absolutely the worst hosting site I could have started with. While setting it up and posting stories was very simple, I am able to learn that it's not compatible with a lot of the beneficial and necessary functions. Because of this, I will be redeveloping my site on Wordpress and taking time to properly title and describe it’s elements for optimum search-ability. What I learned in this course exceeded my expectation and challenged me to further narrow down my target market. I believe I’ve finally found my niche and I’m super excited about that.  

The concepts and skills learned , I will use both professionally and personally. Monetizing content quality content and. Properly use the SEO functions of an effective site is the difference between an amateur and professional site.  Overall, I believe this course and my instructor was been a major contributor to my journalistic progress through focus, productivity and the necessary tools to elevate my content. In the world of social media, it’s not enough to write good news stories. a journalist has to be able to get their content in front of the desired audience through the use of eye-catching titles, hashtags, visuals and other links to relevant works. Implementing all of these tools as well as sound research and interviews will strengthen content and begin to solidify the site as go-to source for a particular type of content. 

This is something I hope to do before completing the program. I hope to be a reliable source of inspiration for millennial entrepreneurs and those looking to blaze their own trail is this ever-changing workforce. While this topic is fairly fresh with limited research to support it, in-depth interviews and alternate perspectives and the unique experience of each interviewee will be the driving force of the site. 

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Course 7 Master Journal

Just as each of the preceding courses, this class presented it’s fair amount of challenges. Time is continuous factor in the field of journalism. Upon entering the course, I was very nervous about how demanding  it might be, Interviewing is also not one of my strong points because I am very shy in certain settings. I expected to have to take step outside of my comfort zone and that’s exactly what happened. I was able to become more comfortable behind the camera and capturing better angles as well as increase my confidence with interviewing. Contenting to use these skills will only make me a better journalist as the things I’ve have to rehearse will become second nature.

The  use of natural sound in each news story was a very helpful part of this course. Before covering that subject specifically,  never noticed how important it was to the relatability and overall connection to the story. At time background sounds tell as story of their own and that story in invaluable. Learning proper editing and storytelling techniques were also valuable parts to this course. Capturing shots with will tell the story that the text is telling the reader creates consistent content. I have often found it hard to tell is my footage and written story coincided. Having peers review the content was very helpful for that aspect.

Just as the previous courses, I believe I am not equipped with a new set of skills that I can build upon and tailor for future content creation. I am very pleased about my progress in storytelling overall coverage of newsworthy content. This course has prepared me to readily interview during an event with prepared questions as well as organic conversation.

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Course 6 Summary

After having previous experience with the course, I expected exactly what I got of the course. These things were a better understanding of how to promote internet journalism and create piece what can be shared across platforms. Initially, I did not understand how time consuming and time sensitive the course would be. I quickly understood that I’d have to buckle down, apply proper scheduling to successfully complete the course. Scheduling and following through with interviews has proven to be a bit difficult but rewarding with the successful completion of each project. This has a been a challenging journey but i believe it has prepared me to more disciplined in the production of content. When an audience knows what to expect, they are more likely to stay in tune with current and upcoming content. 

Course material as well as the valuable interaction between classmates was very valuable in the completion of the course. This is the first course where I considered the input of my peers. I am now able to affectively apply these tips to bettering my work. This course has been a life course in disciple and commitment. Through unrelenting commitment, I was able to see my hard work in my grade and the quality of the work I was able to produce. Learning these qualities has created a new dedication on producing quality in a timely manner. This course has also presented me with a new perspective appreciation to detail as is relates to audio, photo and overall journalism.

This course has also been valuable in helping me narrow down the  subject matter I am most interested in. I’ve struggled with finding my niche for a while now but i believe I am on the right track to identifying my very specific target market. With more refining of my content, I believe I am on the road to being a good writer with quality content. 

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The Collard Green Festival | The Dueces | St. Petersburg

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Course 6 Reflection

This course went as expected. After not doing so well in my first attempts, I find this course a little intimidating. My expectations of the course initially was to learn more about SEO however, we learned much more about how to maximize our use of social media platforms and website The course required time sensitive assignments that also required a lot of time and effort. At this point I’m a bit intimidates by this course but would like the opportunity to prove myself. Passing this course is a huge challenge that I am determined to overcome. Many elements of the course enhanced the storytelling aspect of journalism through photo and audio.

Recording the  podcast and storytelling through photojournalism was the most helpful portion of the course. Capturing the feeing of a concept is one of the most powerful thing we can learn as journalists.  I will incorporate audio journalism and storytelling into all of my future journalistic endeavors. I believe hearing the unedited exchange between two people has a more personable. The podcast forum used in connection with social media or using social media could cause a more positive interaction within the online community. Possibly incorporating the storytelling aspects of both podcasts and photojournalism will provide a form of journalism that is tangible and shareable amongst millennials.

Though challenging believe that each course is valuable as we are preparing to appeal to our target audiences use the most appealing platforms and format. I found this course extremely challenging and I believe taking the course again will allow me the opportunity to  triumph over this hurdle. 

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Course 6 Reflection

This course was a bit different than I expected. I was expecting to learn more about the algorithms and how to best use the algorithms to our advantage and increase engagement. Though we touched on SEO, I believe this will take more practice and consistency to better tailor content that will be more eye catching to readers.

The course required time sensitive assignments that also required a lot of time and effort which is expected for the grad school. It became a bit overwhelming to schedule interviews and attempt to structure an acceptable interview within a restricted time period. Each element of the course enhance the storytelling aspect of journalism through photo and audio.

Recording the podcast was the most helpful portion of the course. Live platforms and more conversational platforms are becoming the standard forms of journalism. I will incorporate audio journalism and storytelling into all of my future journalistic endeavors. I believe hearing the unedited exchange between two people has a more personable. The podcast forum used in connection with social media or using social media could cause a more positive interaction within the online community.

I believe that each course is stepping stone, preparing us with the tools to craft our journalism in the best way to appeal to out audiences. Though the process is rough at times, I am able to take elements of this course use the element that will enhance my journalism through research and interviewing.

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Take a look these colorful #murals located in midtown St. Petersburg.

[cashlynfullsail]

Course 6 Reflection

This course was a bit different than I expected. I was expecting to learn more about the algorithms and how to best use the algorithms to our advantage and increase engagement. Though we touched on SEO, I believe this will take more practice and consistency to better tailor content that will be more eye catching to readers.

The course required time sensitive assignments that also required a lot of time and effort which is expected for the grad school. It became a bit overwhelming to schedule interviews and attempt to structure an acceptable interview within a restricted time period. Each element of the course enhance the storytelling aspect of journalism through photo and audio.

Recording the podcast was the most helpful portion of the course. Live platforms and more conversational platforms are becoming the standard forms of journalism. I will incorporate audio journalism and storytelling into all of my future journalistic endeavors. I believe hearing the unedited exchange between two people has a more personable. The podcast forum used in connection with social media or using social media could cause a more positive interaction within the online community.

I believe that each course is stepping stone, preparing us with the tools to craft our journalism in the best way to appeal to out audiences. Though the process is rough at times, I am able to take elements of this course use the element that will enhance my journalism through research and interviewing.

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Research and Investigative Skills Development

Upon entering the fifth course of the New Media Journalism master's program, I expected to be challenged by the curriculum, gain knowledge on how to collect data that related to the beat of my interest, as well the ability to analyze raw data for the purposes of producing a better story.

This course was an was opener. Information isn’t always cut and dry. A good researcher takes raw data, analyzes it and reports in the findings according to the beat of the story. The skill is to report the finding that the general consumer can find relatable. One of the most effective ways to have consumers understand data is through infographics. I found this part if the course the most challenging. Though I can read and interpret data easily, I found it quite difficult to share the information through a graphic. I believe with much practice, I’ll be able to incorporate infographics into my future work.  One of the keys to good stories are great support interviews from experts on the topic.  

The right interview can make an average story great. Expert interviews reassure the reader that the journalist has done the footwork to report the most up to date information on the topic. I quickly found that scheduling expert interviews are also the most time-consuming part writing a time-sensitive piece. Though I believe my interest will be focused on live interviews or recorded interviews, I certainly got the chance to understand the importance of asking the right questions. Asking the right questions begins with having a more than average knowledge of the topic the journalist is interviewing on.  

Overall, the lessons of this course were just as rewarding as the last. I look forward to incorporating these new skills into my toolkit as I prepare to embark on the world of journalism.

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Mastery Journey:3

This class has by the most challenging class yet. Though I was very excited about the new content I was learning, I found it very challenging to keep up with the class and deal with real life issues. Unfortunately, I was not able to perform the way I would have liked. I’ll take this course and everything I learned about storytelling and apply it to the next course. 

Over the past month I have learned the importance of developing quality content for a niche audience. Though I was able to develop story ideas I thought were quality, I believe they could have been narrowed even more and my audience could be narrowed just a little more. This would make it much easier to choose subject matter that my very specific audience would find timely and interesting. 

News articles I tend to enjoy are very broad in subject matter but I have noticed that the articles I am drawn to deal with hot topics and are tied to current events. This is also a skill learned in this class and is a skill i will have to work diligently to develop. While I may have the ability to develop a good story, I also have to gain a skill for identifying the “Who cares?” factor. Overall I was able to identify my storytelling and journalistic weakness and not see them as negatived but as building blocks to my overall grad school journey. 

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New Media Communication

This month’s New Media Communications covered a variety of topics for refining the target audience, subject matter as well as identifying the best platform to house our content. While reflecting on the abundance of information I was able to attain in this course, I most valued the advice given by our professor. We were able to share our raw ideas receive amazing and thought provoking feedback. We were encouraged to narrow subject matter into a manageable demographic. While I had an idea of what kind of content I’d like to cover, this forced my to identify a very specific niche which help me identify the future consumer and the outlet that would be received by this reader/viewer.

We were also encouraged to research methods to decimate information. Though I am a heavy consumer of digital media, I never realized that other demographics may consume information using other platforms. After identifying my very specific consumer, I believe that my consumer would best respond using a livestream and video platforms. This allows for more instant and visual consumption of information in a more conversational manner.

Overall, this course provided several valuable tools and starting point for creating original content on these ever-changing media platforms. I can now take a more analytical look at a target consumer and customize an approach strategy for the best interaction with digital content.

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Daily Motivation 

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12 Month Course Goals