Sunday, November 16, 2008

Don't Break the Rules



In chapter 14 and 15 of Thom Lieb's text discuss the legal and ethical issues of being a journalist.

 The material covered in the two chapters are vital for journalist to understand and follow, but there are three important topics that I believe should be followed. 

The first important rule that journalist should not break is accuracy.

 It is essential for journalist to make sure that the information they gather and report on is correct and factual.

This will build a journalist's credibility and  reputation because readers can trust that they are being informed on the right data.

Stressful deadlines and pressures from the editor can cause smart journalists to make dumb decisions such as plagiarizing and fabricating stories. 

This ethical issue has been violated by many journalists. For instance, former staff writer of the New York Times, Jayson Blair plagiarize a story and he was discharged by the prominent paper.  

It is crucial for journalist not to use another person material without getting permission or to the cite sources if they borrow material. It is also important not to fabricate stories just to meet a deadlines because one could loose their creditability among readers.

Finally, it not ethical for journalist to use deception to gather information. Deceiving sources is not morally right. 

It is the responsibility of the journalist to get the truth and to do it by just means. 

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Capturing the Moment



To the left: Towson University Sophomore Kierra Suggs stands outside the Van Bokkelen Hall building during a Journalism and New Media I class assignment.

To the right: The Delta Faternity at Towson University raises funds for Testicular Cancer in 48 hrs. Eddie Koury, 20 who is majoring in Finance helps to raise funds by staying on the see saw for several hours. He has participated in the fund raiser last year.


So I tried to upload my photo of the Towson Tiger Statue it for some reason it wouldn't allow me to do so.


But here are the pictures that were taken during class on Wednesday, the 29th of October. Taking pictures can be fun, but there are a few tips that can easily improve one's photos. For instance, when taking a portrait of someone do not back them up against a blank wall.


It's boring and not as natural as taking a portrait with a background or setting that the person is in. Another tip that works to improve pictures is using different angles.


It is a simple adjustment that can make a photo better. Another suggestion is to always fill the frame. If you do not fill the frame you may cause confusion on what the subject or focus of the picture is.


Lastly, it is always good to be prepared for a picture shot. When taking stop action photos like many sports photographers do, you should always be in position and ready to take a priceless shot.