Jackson Free Press

All, today I've been preparing for a panel on "how blogging has changed my newspaper" that I'm sitting on at the AAN conference next week (right before the Bill Clinton keynote. Ha!). Anyway, it just dawned on me that I should ask all of you how you think the JFP blogs (which really is the whole site; we're unique in that way) make the JFP different from other newspapers. Help me prepare, peeps. You're all why we're up we're getting a Web site award, after all! And its payback time for this lovely free forum we give everyone who knows how to behave in mixed company. ;-)

Of course, our site started out as one big blog, and then sprouted lots of little blogs, so it hasn't really changed our paper because it was always this way. But how does it make visiting our site a different experence than other media in the area? What about it stands out to you? Any community-building comments? Etc., and so on. Look forward to your comments.

Previous Commentsshow

Ba-dump. I need y'all's help.

DonnaLadd

Jun 10 2006

The blog has given the writers a chance to interact with our readers, and that's what I love about it. So if there is something we can't fit into the column inches, we can add on the blog.

emilyb

Jun 10 2006

I like the interaction here. In fact, I like to read the blogs and forums more than I do reading the paper itself. Of course, that is not a reflection of the publication because I think it's wonderful too. I love being able to gauge the different points of view from others.

golden eagle

Jun 10 2006

I'd say the blogs change the JFP from "just another AAN alt" to an outlet for alternative voices that otherwise would have a very difficult time getting heard. It speeds communication among those with similar goals as well as helps provokes community debate and exchange of ideas. Therefore, the blog serves as a major focal point point for community discussion and action. My post on this story illustrates another aspect of this briefly, but succinctly. On occasion, the blogs actually set the stage for actually MAKING mainstream news (for example, the Fahrenheit 601 effort would have been almost impossible without the blogs).

Philip

Jun 10 2006

I agree with what Philip said about the blog being a focal point for community. It gives us a chance to debate, discuss and learn what others are up to. I like learning how different people think and express themselves on issues. I really like being in discussions where the intelligence/content level is very high and the b.s. level is low. I have actually found that thse days I read the website more than the paper copy of the the JFP. To me it's very exciting knowing that others are thinking, talking, & actually caring - it inspires me.

Izzy

Jun 11 2006

I don't have other cities to compare for local blogging; but, I think it is interesting how a whole little "cottage industry" of blogging has sprung up in Jackson since you guys went live. A blog even started that seems to be focused on commenting on what is posted on this blog - especially by Ladd! That in and of itself shows the power of a blog locally. ANd the childness of some adults! ;-p The biggest media outlet in Jackson has even taken three years to catch up to you guys. Also, what topics get hot and which ones don't is another point that has to be discussed. Take Melton for example, not every article about him has lots of posts even though he is subject to numerous postings on this site. Local, national, political or fluffy, for some reason some blog topics take off over others. I am sure you guys will bring up NOLA's live posting during Katrina. In hindsight, they show flaws of paniced reporting (which is understandable); but, at the time it was a vast wealth of information and comfort for those who were able to view it.

pikersam

Jun 11 2006

(Pike, the anti-Ladd blog you speak of has actually taken three different forms by now. That's a source of pride for me that will definitely score me points at AAN, drawing much jealousy, I expect. It has certainly inspired me personally to know that some folks think the JFP is so powerful that they will spend so much of their time trying to silence us. Which has the opposite effect, of course. ) Otherwise, keep the comments coming, all. One thing to address is what you think of the way we integrate our newspaper content with blogging about outside news, and the way we allow comments on all articles. A lot of other newspapers treat blogs as an outside entity, or even a second thought, but keep their regular newspapers on more of a pedestal, while we open it all up for comment and discussion. Do you like this about the JFP, compared to other newspaper you read online that don't do the same thing?

DonnaLadd

Jun 11 2006

Thanks and congrat for the way JFP's blog is formatted. I really like having a way to express myself on all topics. This is just like attending a meeting where all can participate. keep this format going. The threads are nice for those of us who like to continue dialog on certain subjects. JFP is my first blog place and now the only one. IMHO after reading other sites the respondents here show the most intelligence and caring about people and the city. Again congrats to you Donna and keep up the good work that you do. I am glad your peers recognized you and the paper.

jada

Jun 11 2006

I agree with all of the above.

Ray Carter

Jun 12 2006

Bump, part II. I need input for my presentation on our site!

DonnaLadd

Jun 12 2006

Well, I've been a blogger in some respect for about three years now. I think the major reason blogging fits so well with alternative weeklies (and especially this site) is that it allows you to fill in the reporting "gaps" that come along with just being a weekly. This way people still get daily news from the paper. All of the blogs on this site have their own "tone". This is great because of the diversity it provides to the readers. There truly *is* something for everyone on this site.

Lori G

Jun 12 2006

Donna, tell my hero Bill I said hello, and that I adore his intellect, decision to cultivate it, and his ability to interact geniunely and affectionately with all races, sexes and cultures of people. Tell him that I also understand that addiction to women problem he has. Y'all look so good, huggable, squeezable, and caressable that it's hard to behave. Most of us learned how to behave anyway, however. Anyway, I like it because it's informative but also give others with various opinions and views a chance to share in the story, although after the fact, by giving their pespective, views, and testimonies. Moreover, I imagine it makes some of us feel like we're a part of the team, and know the authors/writers personally, although that may or may not be the case at all. Not to mention it's intellectually stimulating to a broad array of races, sexes and cultures. If I accidently or miraculously say something worth repeating be sure to correct my usual errors. You know I got writing problems.

Ray Carter

Jun 12 2006

The JFP blogs offer a unique opportunity for a diverse group of people to express their views on topics that are somewhat difficult to discuss and that eventually educate and inform the entire community as a whole. Quite often (for various reasons, such as are emerging in the recent blog about 'whiteness'), it is likely that these discussions would/could never be held in a way that all who have input have their voices heard and their viewpoints known. Another attribute of JFP that I find refreshing is the depth of reporting and the ensuing discussions. As the Clarion-Ledger's *reporting* continually morphs into the the kind of headline snippets (the staple of broadcast news organizations), JFP's is hard-hitting, thorough and fair. Personally, I've come to trust that what JFP reports is more likely to be factual and accurate than what the C-L reports on the same issue. Long story short: I, for one, would gladly *pay* to get the Jackson *Free* Press!

Kacy

Jun 12 2006

I like them because i get to talk to people while working, even if its arguing or just nonsense. Gives a daily feel to it without sacrificing all details because of"deadlines". also gives a feel for personalities throughout the readership.

*SuperStar*

Jun 12 2006

This site also allowed many of us to get to meet and know each other. What are the chance that many of us would have met or heard of the other without this site.

Ray Carter

Jun 12 2006

I agree with Ali and SuperStar in that it gives this weekly paper a daily presence. The city's namesake paper doesn't always (to say the least) do a good job of doing timely reporting, and there have been several times (to say the least) that the C-L has been scooped by the JFP. Plus, I'm a huge fan of message boards/forums, anyway. I've met a couple of my closest friends in places like these...my wife calls them my psycho internet chat room (she doesn't know what a message board is) friends. :p

millhouse

Jun 12 2006

As one of the oldest posters (from back in the day when it was mostly Knol, Philip, Fielding, Donna and me posting), I'd have to say that the blogs are an extension of the greater community that the JFP has so successfully built around here. They've also given me greater patience, because I've seen so many people transform from inarticulate rage monsters to thoughtful posters. Of course, watching Troll after Troll get kicked off is pretty fun, too. I like 'Psycho Internet Chat Room' way better than 'Blog.'

kate

Jun 13 2006

How 'bout Psycho-Chat for short? Remember Nia, Kate? She interviewed me yesterday. Married, has a young'un now. Still fab.

DonnaLadd

Jun 13 2006

Donna, I think the online version also allows certain news issues to gain more prominence, based on the quality and level of discussion going on online. So that if a lot of folks are concerned about it, a new story may emerge. I think this interactivity is good as it helps shape news that is responsive to needs and concerns in the community.

Izzy

Jun 13 2006

PS good luck w/the panel, tell us how it went when ya get back

Izzy

Jun 13 2006

The JFP blog site has developed into a great post for Jackson Expatriates! Like me! Our opinions and views are included, integrated, and welcomed. We comment on Design, Development and Social issues that are now common between Jackson and larger cities in the region. Our perspective is valued and integrated into the broader threads. . Probably the most "pro-Jackson" Bloggers are on the JFP site. But they are anything but pedantic and biased. They are tough and truthful (as well I know now ;) ). The "Vitriol" common on most blogs in the area (not naming names) is not permitted or much better directed/focused via the administrator. The balance and consideration of opposing views is very well documented. Commenting on this Blog site is like being back home. It's important to us.

ATLExile

Jun 13 2006

Laurel, matter of fact, I'll try to digitally-record it, and then podcast it. ;-)

DonnaLadd

Jun 13 2006

All, here's a piece about the blogging panel I did in Little Rock. It went well. I didn't record it, but I'm hoping someone did. Will post if so.

DonnaLadd

Jun 19 2006

I HATE THAT I MISSED THIS!!!!!! I know I'm too late, but I would still like to throw in my two cents, if that's okay with y'all. :-) The Web site itself has had a major impact on my life. It's a challenge being a thinking-outside-of-the-box Christian in these parts, and having a sounding board keeps me from imploding. Donna, thanks for the opportunity and helping me to retain what's left of my sanity. Now back to our regularly scheduled program... :-P

LatashaWillis

Jun 23 2006