The Pros and Cons of Convergence

The convergence of media on the internet has led to an amazing informational age. News publishers are producing news 24/7 using online resources, which means more fast-paced responsibilities for copy editiors. In addition to an increase in output, copy editors will need more areas of specialization. The development of news online allows readers to search for the news that is pertinent to their interests, creating niches of focus and a need for detail-oriented editors. On a television news program, viewers are forced to watch the reports leading up to the story that they are interested in, whearas, online, viewers can search an archive of videos that relate to the news they want. More and more readers are utilizing the internet for their news needs. Future copy editors will need to focus on the instantaneous gratification that web surfers will want from their news companies, or else be washed away in the tide.

Research and Convergence

The advancement in technology can be both an advantage and disadvantage to the copy editor. Because of the Internet, copy editors have access to every available source in the world. They can research ideas, find people, and locations, and even search a public library online. The downside to this is some sources are not always accurate. Another beneficial tool for copy editors is Microsoft Office, which checks for spelling and grammatical errors. As helpful as Microsoft can be, it is not one hundred percent error proof.

Technology proves to be a powerful tool for the world to advance. Understanding that we now have the world in the palm of our hand is one thing, but we must understand that we are taking away fundamental creativity. What’s frightening is that the more technology evolves; jobs are in jeopardy of eventually being run by computers.

Research and Convergence - The Tech Affect

Bob Dylan once wrote,"For the times they are a-changin'."


Sure he is a musician, and I am a journalist (well studying to be one at-least!), but that phrase is the perfect description for what is going on in the world of journalism.


Journalism is at an interesting point in its existence. In my opinion, this time (and what happens in the next few years) will be studied as an important era in the evolution of media as we know. It will be just as important as the emergence of radio, tv, printing press, internet, etc. With the state of the global economy and the constant improvement/growth of the tech world, it is no secret that the old fashioned newspaper is dying out. In fact, it is not a matter of if, but rather when print will die out and move online completely. This online swing will have a direct effect on the world of journalism as we know it 


The people who will be affected the most, will be the copy editors. The journalists themselves will face less of an impact. Stories will always need to be written, people will always need to be interviewed, and topics will always need to be investigated. The writers will need to adjust with the varying forms of media such as twitter, foursquare, etc. However, copy editors look to be the ones that can get basically "screwed". 


The emergence of technology could eliminate the need for copy editors in the future. At the very least, it will minimize the need for a human copy editor. Computers, or technology, can and are programmed to recognize these mistakes and correct them. Plus, when you have humans doing work, there is always that natural possibility of human error. Humans make mistakes, there is no arguing that fact. Although one can argue that copy editors can use the technology to their advantage and help them in their work, the reality is how much are they really needed then? 

Convergence

Convergence is the beginning of the future in media. It is a reality no one in the journalism profession can deny or avoid. The career is no longer a one trick pony, it demands for multi-talented savvy people. Having the ability to take pictures, write stories, post blogs, perform radio shows, or any forms of the new media can give you the upper-hand on competition. The internet is now like a party where everyone is invited. In the past television, newspapers, and radio were all seperate but now, faster than ever, they are all melting into one exciting future.

This has also allowed professionals in the media more flexibility. No more length restrictions like in printed newspapers, the web allows unlimited room for articles and also an endless amount of outlets with hyperlinks to take you to similar topics. This gives viewers the opportunity to pick and choose what they will read and places to find more of it.

Convergence is the inevitability that will force us to break the old habits of the past and create new ways of sharing the news with the world.

Research and Convergence

I feel that with technology growing every day, copy editors have more advantages than ever before. They have so many sources at the tip of their hands that they are able to do pretty much anything. they have the ability to fact check with so many sources, the reporter would have to make sure they don't make anything up or plagiarize. Lastly, if they didn't understand a word or need to check a spelling error, there are plenty of online dictionaries online that could help.

Convergence- where is it taking the news?

Since the Internet began to pick up steam in the late 1990s, news gathering, production and dissemination began to change in ways unimaginable by older generations. The Net has been and will be, it seems indefinitely, a platform where all media - film, TV, radio, music, and print- converge.

Current discussion deliberates on how this value-added medium will affect media consumption and jobs. Creative Editing quotes Linda Grist Cunningham,"chair of an ASNE committee that conducted a survey of copy editors: As the literacy skills of even our better writers decline and as the demands of technology complicate our production schedules, editors will be forced to pay attention to the needs of copy editors if we are to improve our newspapers”(Bowles & Borden, 2011, p.5). 

What does this suggest? Hasn't technology facilitated tools to research, bookmark, organize content, share, fact check, cite, revise, correct, post, illustrate, design, present, expand, clarify, and the like. Or have the "apps" stunted our abilities? 

I am optimistic in our ability to maximize the reality and promise of convergence. After all, published content is still produced by hand, not generated by an avatar. What about you?


aSalas

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Technology and its affect on Convergence

In our modern society technology is everywhere as it has become apart of our everyday lives. And although it helps simplify our lives it also has replaced certain aspects of our lives as well. Now, we make weekend plans with our friends via facebook instead of talking it out and reading today's news online instead reading a hard copy newspaper.

With faster technology also comes consequences, and often in the realm of news and journalism these effects affect copy editors. New Technology affects copy writers in many ways as it most importantly makes their role more crucial in the newsroom than ever before. Although all computers in this day and age have spell check and some grammatical tools, computers can not replace a good pair of human eyes which can edit mistakes that most computers often skip over.

Technology also makes a copy editor's job harder as well. As social technologies such as facebook and twitter make our writing voices more informal, copy editors have to work extra hard to make sure these same in formalities don't translate over into the newsroom.

Although new technologies are comming at us left and right and replacing lots of things we once did, I don't think copy editors and the role they play won't be replaced.

Convergence

Technology can have a profound impact on how a copy editor performs on the job. Many people (even those who are not in the journalism field) rely too heavily on Spell Check. It is necessary to avoid automatic correction and use our own eyes and judgment to fix potential stories for grammar and content. Relying too heavily on computers can make us lazy and ultimately inefficient at our job.

However, on the other hand, technology can be extremely beneficial to how a copy editor performs on the job. Technology allows news to be transmitted almost instantaneously through the Internet where millions of people can gain access to various news sources. Being a copy editor in the Technology Age gives us the benefit to take advantage of this fact.

Research and Convergence: Technology and How it Affects Copy Editors

It's easy to see how technology is becoming a big part of copy editors' lives, both for the good and, more likely, for the unfortunate reasons.

Computers and technology are very helpful for most people today. It's very easy for someone to make a mistake when typing an article on Microsoft Word, but with the visual notification system built into the program, it's just as easy to notice the mistake and choose from the helpful list of reasons why you made that mistake to fix it. While this is extremely convenient for most people, this advancement in technology might be too helpful for a copy editor. This kind of built-in system almost takes the place of the copy editor to the point where they might not even be needed to finish the article. At that point, you could have the news editor just copy edit his own material with a couple of simple clicks.

Convergence

The convergence of media can have both positive and negative effects on the role of a copy editor. In the past a copy editor may only have to edit article for one form of media. Now with the rise of convergence the copy editor may be required to do more work and edit on multiple platforms of media. This would in turn create a possible need for more copy editors and boost their prestige within the media community. Although convergence could also hurt the copy editor. If a company that once reported using on form of media now has many forms under their control they may try to cut back and consolidate their staff. Possibly giving the role of a copy editor to another employee.

Technology and Copy Editors

Tecnhology affects how a copy editor performs on the job because it is what people rely on. A copy editor is required to look beyond the spell checking of a word document. A copy editor needs to judge news value and adhere to the AP format. Technology however influences the way reporters and writers write. At times, writers often rely on the computer to tell them whether they mispelled different words and they do not copy edit their own work. This is where the problem comes in for copy editors. It is then their responsibility to look over the whole document and reconstruct what should have been quality writing on the staff writer's part.

Convergence in every day life

Today convergence plays a big part in our every day lives. When it comes to reporting though, its easier to get information right on the scene rather than waiting to go back to the news room and gathering the information.

Technology makes this easier to do, so when you get that phone call about heading to a breaking news story, you can go easily on your phone, or your laptop and quickly get any and all background information that you need so you are right on top of the issue at hand and can quickly be knowledgeable about the topic. When you then ask the questions you won't look lost or uninterested because you are already knowing what you want to say.

Overall, having convergence in media just makes it easier for everyone to do their job, and to get there job done faster and in some cases more efficiently.

First Impressions

When I first think of copy editing I can't help but to think of proofreading. Reading the content of the article or paper for grammar, spelling, flow, and understandability is how I would define copy editing. It is through copy editing or proofreading that a paper is able to transform from "terrible" to "outstanding" or "average" to "polished". The content of a paper or article can be filled with useful information but if it is not written properly or in a way that is easily understood than it becomes useless. I hope to learn how to become a better copy editor and strengthen my writing skills and ability. As a journalism major, I aspire to be a working journalist after graduating college. The ability to write well is a staple in the industry and having the knowledge and ability to copy edit will only help me in my career as a journalist.

Copy Editing as I See it

Copy Editing could very well be the catalyst that takes you from being an OK writer to a terrific one. I imagine this class as being like a metaphor with a car. You can have an average car, it runs alright, it gets you from here to there, and you'll never have any problems with it. But, if you put a little work into it, maybe add a new stereo, give it a flashy paint job, tint the windows, and put some attention grabbing rims on it it could make all the difference. Suddenly your once average car has transformed into a bad ass chick magnet.
I view this class as having the same potential for my writing abilities. In a career where it is essential to stick out from the competitors you are going to need the writing equivalent of a flashy paint job and nice rims to bring attention to yourself. Employers are looking for someone who not only brings something new to the table but also knows the foundation of fundamentals that make someone a great writer. What I hope to get out of this class is to know when and where to take out or add the right words and phrases. Know when something important is missing and when what I am saying is just unneeded extra fat. I want to make sure I am not adding the dashboard hula dancer or mud flaps when it is not really neccessary.
I think the trick to being a good writer/journalist is to hook your reader and then once they have finished leave them desiring more, disappointed the article has ended. These are the skills I am hoping to gain from this class. I will admit I am still a little raw in my abilities but I think this class (along with others) can push me over the top from having that average article to the front page can't miss one. The kind of writer that I desire to be.

First Impressions

As a literature student in a class of communication majors, I was initially intimidated by the prospect of a class that was not focused on my course of study. When I think back on the reasons why I chose to enroll in the course, I am reminded of my desire to improve my own writing, and the aquisition of an important skill- editing. Though the course material may seem foreign, I feel that I am prepared to adjust to the pace that the class sets. I've been writing my whole life. I hope to take this opportunity, in this class, to refine my writing style, learn to help edit others' works, and to develop a more concise eye for the written word. I was afraid when I registered for the course that "Copy Editing" would have a sole focus on journalism, and, being a communications class, I wasn't suprised that this was true. Though, I found it interesting that the prerequisites included creative writing and research- both of which I have done. Copy Editing will improve my writing. I will use it as a means of self improvement in the best way I can. Though, at the pace our first class has set, I'm not so sure I can keep up with all the technology we're using. I've never blogged, I've never used Moodle, and I'm fairly certain that Google has a vendetta against my e-mail address. Still, I look forward to finding my literary niche in a class which is completely new to me.

First Impressions

I define copy editing as just that, copying and editing. Although it sounds simple in those terms I do feel I understand the importance of copy editing. It's the ability to properly copy a document to another form of media, and it's the ability to edit that document in order to make it grammatically correct. If copy editing were not practiced the news paper as well as magazines and other media would have errors all over it. Personally if I read a paper that couldn't spell correctly I doubt I'd believe the stories accurate. As a journalism major I think this class will help me greatly. If I have any hope of writing for a news station as I hope I'd better have good editing skills. I hope this class will help me gain that ability and help me on my career path.

First Impressions

Copy editing? Tidiness of writing, the cleansing, the final draft, the masterpiece of a writer. I want to learn everything there is to learn about it! From early age, the one passion that hasn't decreased in me, is that for writing. I have always enjoyed playing with words, believe that words can be and are very powerful. They say, "That the pen is mightier than the sword." Well if one does not write anything with that pen, than it's not! As I drove myself to class, I wondered what I wanted out of this class? And it's the same thing I want out of life. As I grow older, I want to become wiser and as a writer, I want the same for my writing. For it to become stronger, better, and wittier. Writing is everything to me, so copy editing will affect all of me.

Thoughts on Copy Editing -- Jared Silva

To me, copy editing is really the kind of class that can make any journalist or wannabe journalist a better writer overall. Even if you think you know what you're doing, copy editing is there to show ways to improve you're writing even more. Anyone can know how to write nicely or spell properly, but copy editing as a whole is the way to make you know for sure you're doing it all right.

Personally, I want to take this idea into fruition and make myself a better writer for a future job in writing. I know I tend to make a bunch of simple mistakes when I write for school or in my own free time, so this is the kind of class I hope will make me better and make me realize the mistakes I'm making to improve on them. Hopefully, if this class turns out to be successful for me, my writing will turn out to be much more professional and maybe lead to a better job or career simply because I know how to type better.

Sean- Copy Editing

My name is Sean and I am a senior studying journalism. I am looking forward to this copy editing class because one of my weaknesses is proof reading. I hope to better my skills throughout this course. I think that it is a great that this course is required because the skills that will be learned throughout this course will really be crucial in the journalism world.

How I Feel About Copy Editing

In my opinion, copy editing is extremely important to any writer. In fact, it is essential. While it may not be the most glamorous of jobs, the ability to cleanly edit your pieces (or those of others) is vital if one wants to succeed in the writing/journalism world.

I'm hoping this course gives me the necessary tools and skills to become a better writer. I feel that I have a good foundation after taking several journalism courses already, but I certainly believe I can improve. I want to sharpen my abilities as a writer and really take that next step in my work. Hopefully this course will allow me to do so.

...First Impressions....

Copy editing is something that is crucial to the pulication world and especially to journalists. It is something that is esential in our everyday lives whether we may realize it or not. Editing is a form of revising that helps us learn from our mistakes. I would like to learn about the simple tips and tricks that I can use to improve my writing skills. Copyediting will definetly affect my future professional career. This is true primarily because I would like to work for a magazine in the future. With copyediting skills perfected I can be ahead of the game at my future job. I will have learned all of the AP rules and guidelines that I can use to help complement my work, articles, interviews and other assignments. I am interested to see how my writing will improve and change with the different techniques learned from the class.

A Little Bit About Me...

My name is Joy, and I'm a Communications major, focusing on writing. I've been writing for about fifteen years. I started with short stories, and now I am writing articles for a local food magazine. I've always focused on the writing aspect of any project I've done, but never the editing (being that I've always sent my work in to be edited).
With that being said; I think that this course will be really helpful for me to see a side of journalism that I am completely unfamiliar with. I've always been interested in learning how to edit, so I'm excited to be taking this class, and hopeful that it will teach me new tools that will assist me in my career.

Copy Editing: Changing your Life One Day at a Time

So, what is copy editing to me? Copy editing is taking a piece of work that someone has written and changing everything to make it readable for the reader that is going to pay good money to read the article, or view the article for free online.

How does it affect my life? It makes me analyze my work more, and try and figure out what I need to do to make it a better piece. To make the reader who is going to take their time out and read this a perfect story, a perfect thing to read.

It takes time to go in there and fix what you wrote, and you want to take pride and dedication in what you have done, which honestly shows up in your personal life because it shows just how important things are for you. It shows how dedicated you are, and how much you value your work.

What do I want to learn in this class? To copy edit and make my work better.

My First Impressions

To me, copy editing is proofreading, despite it not being so. Hopefully, this class will correct my skewed definition of copy editing. I guess if I actually had to put my finger on it, I'd like to learn how to properly edit text before it hits the newsstands...I actually was a copy editor for the Ramapo News my freshman year--you would not believe the amount of spelling and grammar mistakes people made in their articles. I know I'll have to take it up again for the experiential component for this class; but I suppose it's like riding a bike.

As a journalism major, I know copy editing is a very important subject to take. However, my dream is to go into publishing when I graduate. I want to work for Random House as an editor, so I guess having a basic grasp of copy editing will help me in my line of work. But as far as my personal life goes, I doubt copy editing will have a profound affect on me.

Copyediting

Copyediting to me is the detailed editing of pieces including dates, times, and places ect.It allows you to become a better writer, and that is what I am hoping to learn while taking this course. I aspire to be a travel/entertainment journalist and hope to work for a magazine like Rollingstone or an online magazine like Pitchfork. Taking copy-editing will help me reduce those mistakes and make me an overall better writer!

Back to work, Back to school

On this first day back to school for most, students and faculty alike may be experiencing an onslaught of feelings, both good and bad. Anxiety of the unknown factor can be one of those emotions kicking in [or maybe you just wanted to extend your vacation?]

Questions to make your head spin can include: Do you have all the supplies needed? Where is my class? How come no one is there? Can't find the right building- did the room number change?  What books are required? Oh, the books aren't in yet, where else can I purchase my textbooks? Can't find parking. What now? Where did I put the syllabus? What is Moodle?

I'm sure you can add to this list of questions. So what is the upside? Well of course, there's the enthusiasm and optimism associated with a fresh start. New goals, new teachers, new (and some familiar) faces and a brand new opportunity to learn, exchange, challenge and contribute. With every semester, you are one step closer to your goals.

The task of copyediting gives writers an chance to correct, proofread, update, clarify and tidy written communication. On a computer or with an 'old school' writing instrument, remember that copyediting is not an activity done in isolation. Resources are important - a dictionary, a thesaurus, the AP stylebook, and many factchecking tools.

Expand your resources, networks...and enjoy this new countdown.

Prof. Salas