Final Blog Post, Aden Cruz

I can't believe the end of this school year is nearly here. What I can believe (and have realized), however, is that I started this semester not knowing how vast and important the world of blogging and online content production is. I first opened a blog account back in March 2008, and I have yet to make any blog posts in those accounts due to an underlying fear that I had of the unknown consequences of blogging. After the blogging experiences that I’ve had in this class, I will certainly be making the blog entries I’ve been longing to compose since March 2008, Wordles and all!

Speaking of Wordles, my favourite part of this course is having learned ways of utilizing online resources such as Wordles and ToonDoos to add to and compliment blog posts. Realizing the benefits of these resources is extremely valuable, as I believe these are tools that I can use in order to rise above the sea of online content that is out in the World Wide Web. Catching readers’ attention is difficult with text alone, learning to utilize images and graphics has been very beneficial.

Just as important, however, are the other content addressed in this class. Understanding the importance of editing and fact checking for example is crucial in order to produce content that is responsible and respectable. Honing the skills to detect “Crap” is essential in bringing the readers credible stories as we learn to recognize credible sources. Recognizing bias and preventing it from our own copy is also critical to producing good and balanced journalism. Knowing how to effectively edit for the Web is critical for content to be easily read online. Understanding the importance of participatory and social media, adapting to it, then utilizing it is key to attaining and keeping readers.

Claire Theobald made a brilliant comparison when she wrote in her final blog post, “Great writing, is like an orchestra. When played correctly, all of the elements come together and form a piece of music that lifts the soul and shares an experience with all who sit to listen.” I completely agree, and I believe that what I have learned in this class will aid in having “…all the elements come together…” in my future journalistic endeavours.

Comments I have made:
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Activity related comments:
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Note
Image Source: Swarthmore Blog

External Links (also in copy)
Create a Wordle!

Internal Links (also in copy)
Claire Theobald's final blog post