Still not convinced about Twitter?

I know.  I admit to remaining somewhat sceptical about Twitter myself.  But it is rather infectious and when you look at the handy list of tweeting journalists in the UK compiled by PRblogger.com, can you really afford to be left behind?

Exactly how journalists are using Twitter may vary widely, but at the end of the day it’s all about networking and sharing information – the basic building blocks of good journalism.  The technology and its use will continue to evolve, but telling a good story will always draw a crowd, or should that be flock?

Who says soap and oil don’t mix?

Just back from the screening of Red Oil, mediaco-op‘s fantastic new documentary about the social revolution and the oil industry in Venezuela.  But as the tag line above suggests this is far from a worthy but dry modern studies lesson.  Mediaco-op’s colourful South American subjects are painted like soap opera characters – goodies or baddies, heros or villains.  And just as you start to cheer or hiss,  there’s yet another twist in this real life plot.   Who says debating foreign politics and social issues like poverty in shanty towns can’t be fun?

“Don’t miss it…. Insightful and funny” The List
“A dramatic cast of larger-than-life characters… You couldn’t make this up…” Clare English on BBC Radio Cafe

And as an extra treat for everyone at the screening in Glasgow tonight,  La Redonda from Caracas, the band who composed the soundtrack for Red Oil played live.  Oh, if only I had a smidgeon of South American rhythm!  Check out their My Space page to hear some tracks.

News Junkies Cash In

OK.  I admit.  I haven’t yet been prolific on the blog front.  However I thought I should spread the word, especially amongst all you journalism students, that there’s still money to be had in this profession despite all the cutbacks and the credit crunch.  Edinburgh-based start-up Hubdub has launched its UK edition of the online game where you can use your knowledge of the news to predict what’ll happen next.  And they give you $1,000 to get started! …OK…not real money…but why not have some fun?  It surely could be a welcome break from all those shorthand classes?

On a more serious note though, Hubdub is partnering with various news providers keen to engage more with their audience online.

Lesley Eccles, one of the founders of Hubdub, commented:

It’s great to be launching in the UK, despite the recession. People are going to be looking for free entertainment and will turn to the web to find it. Hubdub is free, exciting and keeps you informed. In addition, news sites are looking to engage and interact further with their readers and Hubdub gives them a fantastic means to do so.

Having secured partnerships with leading media news sites including Reuters and The Independent, Hubdub is taking prediction markets more mainstream and making them easier for casual browsers to appreciate. Sitting beside high quality news content, Hubdub provides news sites with additional ways to engage their readers, keeping them online longer and returning on a regular basis.