Clouds In My Coffee productions and Blogspot.com announced earlier today that “Citizen Media: the Days of OUR Online Lives” has not been renewed for a second season.
The short-lived series featuring the trials and tribulations of Digitella ended its run after 3 months due to lack of audience participation. Ratings were allegedly poor from the start but director and screenwriter MEG remained optimistic. This was in vain, however, as ratings continued to plummet.
"It's actually a bit of a relief," MEG commented at a poorly attended press conference held shortly after the announcement was made. "It broke my heart to get the ratings in week after week only see that no one was really interested in Digitella or what she had to say."
Rumours have been circulating that MEG will make a comeback later on this month with a new show. MEG refused to comment on this, but she did make one thing clear - Digitella would under no circumstances be resurrected.
Tuesday, 11 September 2007
Tuesday, 04 September 2007
Episode 10 - The one where Digitella reviews Reporter.co.za
For her final project for the semester Digitella had to choose one citizen media site to review. Prof. Lineon suggested Reporter.co.za. "It's a good example of an entire site that is dedicated to citizen media. All the content - videos, audio and photographs - are produced by the readers," she told Digitella after their morning lecture. "Visit the site and talk to some people who have used it and what they think. It could make an interesting blog ..." she said with a wink.
Digitella thought about her assignment the entire morning and was still thinking about it when she went to fetch her laptop - that was finally fixed - from Chip.
"You look miles away," Chip said, handing Digitella her laptop.
"Just thinking about this site, Reporter.co.za," she said.
"Oh yeah, I know that site," he said.
Digitella was surprised, "How do you know about it?"
"I've registered and even had some stuff published," he said, proudly with a smile on his oil-smudged face.
"Oooh, how does it work?" Digitella asked.
"It's pretty simple really. All you do is go to the site and register - it's free and once you've registered you can get stuff published."
"No offence, Chip but you're not the best writer ..." Digitella started.
"Oh, no I know but once you've registered as a member you have access to the Reporter virtual newsroom where you will be mentored by a team of highly experienced journalists, like yourself, with skills ranging from reporting to editing to web production and design." he said. "There are also lots of resources on the site to help me write better. There's a story guidelines section, and a Reporter Zone, which is a special section on the site especially for citizens who want to write," he said. "I also get to have articles published online for people all over the world to read and I get paid for it too," he smiled.
"How much do you generally get paid?"
"It's pretty small, all content is graded different categories like Gold (for the homepage), Silver (top of various sections) and Bronze. These carry a payment fee of R35, R20 and R15 per published contribution."
"How does the payment process work?" Digitella asked.
"Well, you just give your banking details and a certified copy of your SA ID - but it's totally secure" he said, noting Digitella's sceptical expression.
Later that afternoon Digitella ran into Tek while he was his way to the news office. "What do you know about Reporter.co.za?" she asked.
"It's a Johnnic Communications publication and has been modelled on the Ohmynews site. It's been quite successful so far. I mean in the first month, there were over 2500 reporters registered on the site," Tek said. "I think the jury is still out as to whether its going to be successful or not, but I believe there is a space for citizen media in South Africa, and it is the first site of its kind, so I think it has a sporting chance."
Digitella went home to write her blog on her fixed laptop - only time would tell if Reporter.co.za would start a new trend in South African journalism.
Digitella thought about her assignment the entire morning and was still thinking about it when she went to fetch her laptop - that was finally fixed - from Chip.
"You look miles away," Chip said, handing Digitella her laptop.
"Just thinking about this site, Reporter.co.za," she said.
"Oh yeah, I know that site," he said.
Digitella was surprised, "How do you know about it?"
"I've registered and even had some stuff published," he said, proudly with a smile on his oil-smudged face.
"Oooh, how does it work?" Digitella asked.
"It's pretty simple really. All you do is go to the site and register - it's free and once you've registered you can get stuff published."
"No offence, Chip but you're not the best writer ..." Digitella started.
"Oh, no I know but once you've registered as a member you have access to the Reporter virtual newsroom where you will be mentored by a team of highly experienced journalists, like yourself, with skills ranging from reporting to editing to web production and design." he said. "There are also lots of resources on the site to help me write better. There's a story guidelines section, and a Reporter Zone, which is a special section on the site especially for citizens who want to write," he said. "I also get to have articles published online for people all over the world to read and I get paid for it too," he smiled.
"How much do you generally get paid?"
"It's pretty small, all content is graded different categories like Gold (for the homepage), Silver (top of various sections) and Bronze. These carry a payment fee of R35, R20 and R15 per published contribution."
"How does the payment process work?" Digitella asked.
"Well, you just give your banking details and a certified copy of your SA ID - but it's totally secure" he said, noting Digitella's sceptical expression.
Later that afternoon Digitella ran into Tek while he was his way to the news office. "What do you know about Reporter.co.za?" she asked.
"It's a Johnnic Communications publication and has been modelled on the Ohmynews site. It's been quite successful so far. I mean in the first month, there were over 2500 reporters registered on the site," Tek said. "I think the jury is still out as to whether its going to be successful or not, but I believe there is a space for citizen media in South Africa, and it is the first site of its kind, so I think it has a sporting chance."
Digitella went home to write her blog on her fixed laptop - only time would tell if Reporter.co.za would start a new trend in South African journalism.
Tuesday, 21 August 2007
Episode 9 - The one where Digitella visits the Times
Digitella and her journalism class were visiting The Times in Joburg for a week - the idea was to produce multimedia packages with The Times online news team. There was a lull on the second day, and Digitella was aware that her blog needed to be updated, so she decided to review the Sunday Times website and its implementation of citizen media. She found a computer in a quiet corner and started writing her blog:
"The slogan of the The Times Online website is 'Interact with us'. In terms of its Web 2.0 applications, The Times is ahead of the rest. RSS feeds, a Facebook group and hyperlocal services such as online competitions, weather forecasts and dating services try bring online users to the site and entice them to stay.
But, what is The Times online doing about the rise of citizen media and just how are they tapping into this ever-increasing phenomenon? Other than a half-hearted link to fellow Johncom colleague Reporter.co.za, there isn't anything on the Times site that encourages user-generated content. Here are just a few ideas on how The Times can exploit the potentiality of their online medium by including content created by users:
Citizen blogs - The Times site hosts a number of blogs but they are all either by editors, journalists or well-known print columnists. Offering a blogging option for users who subscribe may be a good way to hear what are on the minds of SA citizens.
User photo/ video galleries - The Mail and Guardian has set up a reader's photo gallery where users can submit photographs that they have taken. The Times could incorporate a system similar to this one quite easily.
Citizen articles - The Times could set up a section of their website that invites users to submit stories and articles on issues and events that they find relevant. Not only will this allow citizens to have their say, but it could also give Times journalists an idea of what the people they are catering for are actually interested in.
By adding a few of these citizen media elements, The Times will be able to truly live up to their slogan - 'Interact with us'"
Digitella had just finished her blog entry when she was called back to the bustling online newsroom.
"The slogan of the The Times Online website is 'Interact with us'. In terms of its Web 2.0 applications, The Times is ahead of the rest. RSS feeds, a Facebook group and hyperlocal services such as online competitions, weather forecasts and dating services try bring online users to the site and entice them to stay.
But, what is The Times online doing about the rise of citizen media and just how are they tapping into this ever-increasing phenomenon? Other than a half-hearted link to fellow Johncom colleague Reporter.co.za, there isn't anything on the Times site that encourages user-generated content. Here are just a few ideas on how The Times can exploit the potentiality of their online medium by including content created by users:
By adding a few of these citizen media elements, The Times will be able to truly live up to their slogan - 'Interact with us'"
Digitella had just finished her blog entry when she was called back to the bustling online newsroom.
Tuesday, 14 August 2007
Episode 8 - The one where Digitella discusses hyperlocal media
Chip McMac had been very helpful over the past week, trying to get Digitella’s laptop fixed but when she went to him early on Monday morning, her precious laptop was still broken.
“I’m sorry, Digitella, it's going to take at least another week to fix.”
“Don’t worry about it,” Digtella sighed. “I have a mobile phone for the time being,” she held up Tek's Nokia.
“I thought you were having trouble with it,” he said, remembering her moans about not being able to upload her blog entry.
“I’ve finally got the hang of it. It isn’t that hard. In fact, I’ve been using it to work on my latest entry and it’s going well,” she said.
“What you blogging about this week?"
“Hyperlocal citizen media sites," Digitella said, trying not to notice Chip hacking at her laptop’s hard drive.
“What are hyperlocal citizen media sites?” he asked.
“They are community-based websites that publish current news, events and issues that are relevant to a particular community or neighbourhood of people.”
“What does that have to do with the citizen journalism thingy you are supposed to be covering?” Chip asked.
“The content is produced completely by the people of that community. They write the articles, upload pictures and video. They start debates through forums, and blogs and can discuss issues online through discussion boards,” said Digitella. “The idea comes from principles suggested by the Habermasian public sphere – citizens are not seen as passive consumers of news, but active participants. This site allows people to share their ideas.”
“Even me?” Chip asked, cheekily.
“Yes, even you,” Digitella smiled.
“What’s so important about these hyperlocal sites?”
“It has to do with democracy. A report I read argues that society has become more and more disconnected and that is why there has been a decrease in democratic participation. People aren’t reading national newspapers anymore because they don’t feel that what is published is relevant to them and so they do not take part in political debates and discussions.
“Another great thing about these sites is that they can help traditional journalists like myself tap into community issues. We aren’t always able to see the problems and issues of a community.”
“Wow, sounds like you’re doing a bit of PR for these sites, hey?” Chip said.
“Yeah, well, there are issues with the sites naturally – ethics etc. But, that’s for a different blog,” Digitella said.
“Good luck with it,” Chip waved good bye with his screwdriver.
“Feels like I’ve already written it,” Digitella said.
tune in next week when Digitella visits the Sunday Times in Joburg
“I’m sorry, Digitella, it's going to take at least another week to fix.”
“Don’t worry about it,” Digtella sighed. “I have a mobile phone for the time being,” she held up Tek's Nokia.
“I thought you were having trouble with it,” he said, remembering her moans about not being able to upload her blog entry.
“I’ve finally got the hang of it. It isn’t that hard. In fact, I’ve been using it to work on my latest entry and it’s going well,” she said.
“What you blogging about this week?"
“Hyperlocal citizen media sites," Digitella said, trying not to notice Chip hacking at her laptop’s hard drive.
“What are hyperlocal citizen media sites?” he asked.
“They are community-based websites that publish current news, events and issues that are relevant to a particular community or neighbourhood of people.”
“What does that have to do with the citizen journalism thingy you are supposed to be covering?” Chip asked.
“The content is produced completely by the people of that community. They write the articles, upload pictures and video. They start debates through forums, and blogs and can discuss issues online through discussion boards,” said Digitella. “The idea comes from principles suggested by the Habermasian public sphere – citizens are not seen as passive consumers of news, but active participants. This site allows people to share their ideas.”
“Even me?” Chip asked, cheekily.
“Yes, even you,” Digitella smiled.
“What’s so important about these hyperlocal sites?”
“It has to do with democracy. A report I read argues that society has become more and more disconnected and that is why there has been a decrease in democratic participation. People aren’t reading national newspapers anymore because they don’t feel that what is published is relevant to them and so they do not take part in political debates and discussions.
“Another great thing about these sites is that they can help traditional journalists like myself tap into community issues. We aren’t always able to see the problems and issues of a community.”
“Wow, sounds like you’re doing a bit of PR for these sites, hey?” Chip said.
“Yeah, well, there are issues with the sites naturally – ethics etc. But, that’s for a different blog,” Digitella said.
“Good luck with it,” Chip waved good bye with his screwdriver.
“Feels like I’ve already written it,” Digitella said.
tune in next week when Digitella visits the Sunday Times in Joburg
Tuesday, 07 August 2007
Episode 7 - The one where digitella goes mobile
Digitella’s laptop was broken. Old family friend and computer technician, Chip McMac said it would take a few weeks to fix. “How am I going to write my blog?” she wondered, as she entered the news room. She could probably use the lab computers, but Tek had other ideas.
“This is perfect,” he said when she told him about her laptop. On seeing Digitella’s confused expression, he decided to explain.
“The Africa Interactive Media Foundation and Dutch-based citizen journalism website Skoeps recently launched a mobile phone project – Voices of Africa. Basically, journalists in four African countries – Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique and South Africa are using cellphone technology to report news.” He handed her his Nokia 30100. “What better way to blog about the issue then by using a phone.”
Digitella looked down at her new mode of communication with its small screen. This was going to be interesting …
“Citizen journalism is not a new phenomenon. It began in the late 1980s when newspaper editors started recruiting citizens to give their own points of view on current events and issues. The rise of the Internet and its popular catch-phrase of “access to the people” have led to a huge rise in citizen participation. Blogs, and user-generated content sites like Youtube, and Flickr that allow people to upload videos and images onto the Internet are just a few examples of how ordinary citizens are contributing to mass media.
This is all well and good in countries like the UK and the United States, where bandwidth costs are low and 1 in 3 people have Internet access. In Africa, however, the majority of people do not have access to computers and the only way of getting onto the Internet is through Internet cafes. As of June this year, despite huge development projects and independent funding, Africa still only makes up 3% of the total Internet user population in the world. So what does that mean for citizen journalism?
African citizens do not have the tools to participate in the mass media, which results in one-sided and undemocratic journalistic practice. There is light at the end of the tunnel, however. While computer and Internet access leaves much to be desired on the African continent, cell phones are becoming increasingly popular and media analyst Peter Feuilherade argues that cell phones are penetrating where TV, newspapers and the Internet cannot.
Enter the Voices of Africa Project. The project began in May and reporters in four countries will use cell phones to upload text, video and photos to website Africanews. Hopefully, this will lead to Africans being able to take part in discussions about Africa, providing Africans with a voice. Like all things technological, it’s not all moonshine and roses. There are a few issues to this ambitious project:
Using a cellphone to upload information to the Internet is only possible if the cellphone and the area the cellphone user is in supports wireless communication protocol General Packet Radio System (GPRS). Not all African countries have GPRS.
The project is aimed specifically at reporters, and not ordinary African citizens – are the right voices being heard?
African citizens do not have the same skills as reporters and will need to be trained in how to properly use cellphones to upload information and take part in online discussions about important issues to fully exploit the medium.
In spite of all this, it is exciting that steps are being made to ensure that Africans are also considered part of the citizen journalism arena and that we too have a voice worthy of being heard.”
Digitella typed the last few letters, smiling to herself. There was just one problem – how was she going to upload her post?
“This is perfect,” he said when she told him about her laptop. On seeing Digitella’s confused expression, he decided to explain.
“The Africa Interactive Media Foundation and Dutch-based citizen journalism website Skoeps recently launched a mobile phone project – Voices of Africa. Basically, journalists in four African countries – Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique and South Africa are using cellphone technology to report news.” He handed her his Nokia 30100. “What better way to blog about the issue then by using a phone.”
Digitella looked down at her new mode of communication with its small screen. This was going to be interesting …
“Citizen journalism is not a new phenomenon. It began in the late 1980s when newspaper editors started recruiting citizens to give their own points of view on current events and issues. The rise of the Internet and its popular catch-phrase of “access to the people” have led to a huge rise in citizen participation. Blogs, and user-generated content sites like Youtube, and Flickr that allow people to upload videos and images onto the Internet are just a few examples of how ordinary citizens are contributing to mass media.
This is all well and good in countries like the UK and the United States, where bandwidth costs are low and 1 in 3 people have Internet access. In Africa, however, the majority of people do not have access to computers and the only way of getting onto the Internet is through Internet cafes. As of June this year, despite huge development projects and independent funding, Africa still only makes up 3% of the total Internet user population in the world. So what does that mean for citizen journalism?
African citizens do not have the tools to participate in the mass media, which results in one-sided and undemocratic journalistic practice. There is light at the end of the tunnel, however. While computer and Internet access leaves much to be desired on the African continent, cell phones are becoming increasingly popular and media analyst Peter Feuilherade argues that cell phones are penetrating where TV, newspapers and the Internet cannot.
Enter the Voices of Africa Project. The project began in May and reporters in four countries will use cell phones to upload text, video and photos to website Africanews. Hopefully, this will lead to Africans being able to take part in discussions about Africa, providing Africans with a voice. Like all things technological, it’s not all moonshine and roses. There are a few issues to this ambitious project:
In spite of all this, it is exciting that steps are being made to ensure that Africans are also considered part of the citizen journalism arena and that we too have a voice worthy of being heard.”
Digitella typed the last few letters, smiling to herself. There was just one problem – how was she going to upload her post?
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