Jour 307 Blog #4: Journalism Drones

Photo by Zach Garcia
Was taken from the Missouri Drone Journalism Program website

The University of Missouri is now having journalism students test out the use of drones, courtesy of one of their professors, Bill Allen.

Allen hopes that the drones will assist in journalists process of performing watchdog duties and to help report the news.

The idea for the drones is to cover possible environmental stories, natural disasters, checking over crime scenes and other stories that would be unsafe for anyone to possibly get near.

One of the drones weighing only a few pounds and could cost around $500-$1000 depending on the type of camera that's attached to it.

This is an intriguing new possible tool to me, although I don't know if using them to go over blocked off crime scenes would be the best use of it.

Assignment #5: Mapping

This is my first map with the 2011 Top 10 Car Theft Locations in Tucson. Making this map wasn't hard at all. Was actually pretty interesting to see how maps can be made for specific sites.

Here is my Google Fushion Map on Tucson nursing homes, which seemed oddly more complicated than it probably should have been. Thanks for the help Mr. McKisson.

All in all this was an interesting process and I will probably be making more maps along with some of my future projects.

Thanks and play well,
                                   MYLO

Jour 307 Blog #3: Hashtags

Pic found at http://mediafunnel.com/facebook/overall-facebook-fan-value/

Twitter has used the hashtag to effectively since 2007 to bring people together that are talking about the same subject all across the world.


It opens conversation between people who may have never spoke under regular circumstances or people that would have had a chance otherwise.

The hashtag has also become a well used tool amongst journalists so they are able to see what is trending either in their area or what is popular in the state, nation or world. Nothing is more helpful than a broader view.

However, this feature may not be a Twitter exclusive anymore. Facebook is currently stated that they will be implementing the hashtag feature.

The photo sharing site Instagram uses the hashtag as well, Facebook did purchase this company last year.

When Facebook launches the feature the true curiousity is how much it would effect Twitter.

It could be argued either one way or the other, but for journalists I believe that it will be a good thing because what is trending on Twitter may not be what is trending on Facebook.

Personally I think this will be a good thing as it offers more options as well as the possibility that people prefer to use different social networks.

If you would like to read the short msn.com article click here.

Or you can read the article that was posted on the Wall Street Journal here.

Assignment #4: Element 7 Graphics

For this assignment I got in contact with Michael Weining, the owner of Element 7 Graphics. He allowed me to come into his shop while he was doing a wrap on a van for Hamstra Heating and Cooling. Both are local businesses, so I thought it was an interesting opportunity. The main song used in the video comes from Free Music Archive. It is called "The Distance" by Voyageurs. Snip-its of other music in the video were what was playing in Element 7 and I don't recall the titles. Hopefully you enjoy the video and feel free to post comments or questions.

For more information on Element 7 Graphics click here.

Enjoy the show, hopefully

Thanks and play well,
                                   MYLO