Flickr Archive

How to get world-class premium images … for free

Published: August 17, 2009
New Formula 1 Yas Marina Circuit - Abu Dhabi

A model of the circuit first Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

It’s lunch break in Abu Dhabi. I’m speaking with a group of talented senior journalists from a news organsation about convergence and multimedia – and an inspirational experience it is, too.

We were discussing Creative Commons and the wealth of image content available online for those willing to add value to the conversation. Someone rightly asked whether any newspapers had actually shared images on sites like Flickr. Since I’m unable to get into Flickr here, I don’t actually know the answer. (Does anyone?)

Read the rest of this entry »

What all local news websites need: A Welcome mat

Published: June 18, 2009

Is your website's welcome as warm as it could be? Photo: Flickr.com/Melyss33All I was trying to do was dig out email addresses for a few local media contacts in Wales. Simple, ay? That’s what I thought. Before I tried.

We all know how social media has changed the goalposts. We all know that good journalism harnesses the power of conversation.

So, what’s the first thing you’d expect to see when you arrive on the doorstep of a local website? A Welcome mat. Right? Come on in. Pleased to meet you. Join the conversation. We’re human.

Through the Media Trust, I’ve enjoyed helping an inspirational person called Jo Hendry. Having already run the London Marathon this year, she’s now preparing to bike from the top to bottom of Wales to raise money for Crossroads, the charity that supports carers and those they care for (and particularly those suffering with dementia). Great cause. Great challenge. Great lady. Meet Jo at Wheels across Wales 2009.

Read the rest of this entry »

It’s tough enough out there as it is … so why does newspaper design have to break the bank?

Published: March 18, 2009

typeI still have my sub’s grey steel em rule. It’s on my desk as I write. Pica ems on one side, eight and ten em measures on the reverse, millimetres on both, sharp edges designed to draw blood.

Don’t yawn. I know those days are dead and buried. But I’m making a point …

My benchmark for technology is simple: is it as easy and reliable as a pencil and rule? Does it enhance creativity, or get in the way? If you think that’s barmy, then you’d have to question the sanity of a whole generation of production journalists who fell head over heels for those first shoebox-sized Classics and have remained faithful to Apple ever since.

Read the rest of this entry »