In her speech to Electronic Communication Students at Cal State Dominguez University Hills late last month, CoronaDelMarToday.com founder Amy Senk offered up not just her life story but also lot of wisdom for the burgeoning journalists in the room who may or may not have been toying with the idea of taking the path of online publishing.
More than just bluntly stating that online publishing is ideal since newspapers “should be dead now”, Senk offered 10 choice keys to online publishing success that should prove more than beneficial to any and all adherents. Her advice, in quotes, and its translation is as follows:
1. “Inch deep, mile wide is the best way to go” means have a narrow but deep scope for whatever type of online publishing is done.
2. “If you’re a solo publisher, take all the partnerships you can” means do not be afraid to ask for help.
3. “You may be ripe for the digital age but your readers may not be” means avoid being so high-tech and digitally advanced with publishing that it runs the risk of alienating potential readers.
4. “Think about…who would be reading this and what would they like to do?” means always keep advertisers in mind.
5. “Remind yourself to treat it more like a job, less like a hobby” means literally act like a real boss when need be.
6. “Be transparent. Be as honest as possible. If you’re doing online journalism, be upfront” means honesty is still the best policy.
7. “There’s too many stories out there [to report on]. Spread out” means embrace not following the pack.
8. “[I write] about stuff they’re not paying attention to and that’s the key” means look for things that are being overlooked.
9. “I try different things to promote my site. But consistent reporting has been the key” means be consistent.
10. “Be nimble. Experiment online. Find your voice. Take chances. Correct your course. See what people are responding to. Let your readers be your guide.” is pretty self-explanatory.
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