What Makes a Good Political Multimedia Project?

There are a few key things that I believe a good political site must do. Each website combines function and design--whether they like it or not. The sites that ignore one or the other most often don't get it right.

Design:

• Be Appealing--The topics can be dry, so your color scheme, layout, and graphics have got to make readers want to look at your site and stick around.
• Be Organized--Getting lost on a site can be just as frustrating as getting lost while driving. Except, on a website it is easier to give up than to keep trying to find your way. Make it easy for people to find what they are looking for on your site. With a clear navigation bar and big headlines, you're off to a good start.
  
• Be Resourceful--The beauty of the Internet and shared knowledge is that we are all connected. If someone out there can explain something better than you, or adds a different perspective, or expands on your ideas, link to his or her site. It expands knowledge and awareness, and it shows people that you've done your research.
  

Function:

• Be Correct--Try not to make mistakes. And when you do, admit and correct them.
• Be Thoughtful--I know that everyone has an opinion and makes his or her own argument. But, the purpose of an argument is to get people to see where you're coming from, not to convince people that you're right. Put some thought into it, but don't overdo it.
• Be Concise--If you can use fewer words to explain something, do it.
  

Here are a few that blend design and function well:

• Marc Ambinder's blog at The Atlantic
• 538
• The Fix
  

Online Organizing for Offline Action

Yesterday brought two big political decisions that have the Internet going crazy: Obama's nomination of Sonia Sotomayor and the decision to uphold Proposition 8. No one--yet--has really organized around the Supreme Court Justice nominee. But, tons of people have anticipated the Prop8 decision, and have been ready for action.

It's not surprising anymore that rallies and protests are being organized on Facebook and Twitter. What is interesting to me, is to see if they work.

This rally in DC has about 4,000 confirmed guests on Facebook as of now. I'd be interested to see if these really work, or if people have already tired of the flood of event/group invitations, friend requests, etc.

Maybe it just takes a really hot button issue to inspire action. But, I also wonder who is going to be organizing once 4, 000+ people show up. Is Facebook the right platform for full out organizing? Or does it just get people to the rally? Or, does it even work at all? I guess we'll see...

First Post

So, we've only had one class period so far, but I'm pretty excited about this course--Managing Multimedia Projects. I think it will compliment the more traditional journalistic skills that I am learning. And the class will cover more than just learning about and how to use different media. It is also a class that will teach managerial and leadership skills, which will be beneficial in any industry.

I took some time to think about some examples of investigative projects that utilize different media to enhance the project. Here are a few that stuck out:

• The LA Times' report on drug trafficking in Mexico--"Mexico Under Siege"
• The Washington Post's series, "Being a Black Man"
• And, I always enjoy the Washington City Paper's video series, "Fuego/Frio"

I look forward to learning more and sharing my thoughts in the coming weeks.