Thursday, February 18, 2010
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Digging into VTdigger.org
When I visited Vtdigger.org I wasn’t sure what type of site to expect, although I was pleasantly surprised by what I found. I like the earthy, retro looking header used on the site, and the sub-title “Led by journalists, powered by the public.” That business moto essentially defines what VTdigger is all about.
The business model tab clearly lays out how the people behind Vtdigger want to run their new outlet, and their reasons for doing so. The site wants to promote high-quality journalism for the public, journalism that is not in any way influenced by outside companies. Unlike the NSNsports.net site I looked at last week, I only noticed one add on VtDigger, an ad for Cabot cheese. What’s nice about Cabot cheese advertising on their site as opposed to, let’s say, McDonalds, is that Cabot Cheese is actually based out of Vermont, so there is a local connection.
Since VtDigger is a not-for profit company, Ms.Galloway must rely on donations and grants to fund her website. She does not have excessive oversight costs, since a news website is a low cost venture when compared with a full-fledged newspaper. Her two major grants have come from the Haymarket’s people’s fund and the Vermont Community Foundation. Readers have contributed a substantially large amount of money as well. I think this business model is sustainable, but it will take time to build up a loyal following of people. The only way this site will succeed is if the quality of reporting is strong and unlike anything else available. If they can do that, I think people will want to donate to keep them in business.
I am an environmental advocate, so right off the bat I was drawn to the link to articles about Energy and the environment on the right hand menu bar. Unfortunately, every article I noticed here was relating to or directly about the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant. Of course Vermont Yankee is going to be a major focus, but there must be other environmental issues they could report on.
The quality of multimedia reporting is there, with videos embedded in the text. They avoid long articles and stick with the key facts, as online journalism should. There is a political leaning, as I think most of these articles are written from a liberal pov. Vermont is a liberal state, so this is not a bad approach to take.
I would be interested in submitting a multimedia segment for the site!
The business model tab clearly lays out how the people behind Vtdigger want to run their new outlet, and their reasons for doing so. The site wants to promote high-quality journalism for the public, journalism that is not in any way influenced by outside companies. Unlike the NSNsports.net site I looked at last week, I only noticed one add on VtDigger, an ad for Cabot cheese. What’s nice about Cabot cheese advertising on their site as opposed to, let’s say, McDonalds, is that Cabot Cheese is actually based out of Vermont, so there is a local connection.
Since VtDigger is a not-for profit company, Ms.Galloway must rely on donations and grants to fund her website. She does not have excessive oversight costs, since a news website is a low cost venture when compared with a full-fledged newspaper. Her two major grants have come from the Haymarket’s people’s fund and the Vermont Community Foundation. Readers have contributed a substantially large amount of money as well. I think this business model is sustainable, but it will take time to build up a loyal following of people. The only way this site will succeed is if the quality of reporting is strong and unlike anything else available. If they can do that, I think people will want to donate to keep them in business.
I am an environmental advocate, so right off the bat I was drawn to the link to articles about Energy and the environment on the right hand menu bar. Unfortunately, every article I noticed here was relating to or directly about the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant. Of course Vermont Yankee is going to be a major focus, but there must be other environmental issues they could report on.
The quality of multimedia reporting is there, with videos embedded in the text. They avoid long articles and stick with the key facts, as online journalism should. There is a political leaning, as I think most of these articles are written from a liberal pov. Vermont is a liberal state, so this is not a bad approach to take.
I would be interested in submitting a multimedia segment for the site!
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Lyndon shocks students with first-ever tuition decrease
Blurb: Increase in Vermont state revenue allows reduction in college tuition next year.
The administration at Lyndon State have decided to cut students a break next year with the first tuition decrease in the history of the college.
A college official made the surprising announcement at a press conference in ASAC 100, the school's new auditorium. He said the college is cutting tuition rates by 10 percent next semester. He attributed the decrease in tuition to an increase in revenue from the state.
On the tuition cuts, Harold Drazsnak, vice president of finance at Lyndon said "Without a doubt, this decrease is long overdue for our students. The college has never decreased tuition across the board.
The administration at Lyndon State have decided to cut students a break next year with the first tuition decrease in the history of the college.
A college official made the surprising announcement at a press conference in ASAC 100, the school's new auditorium. He said the college is cutting tuition rates by 10 percent next semester. He attributed the decrease in tuition to an increase in revenue from the state.
On the tuition cuts, Harold Drazsnak, vice president of finance at Lyndon said "Without a doubt, this decrease is long overdue for our students. The college has never decreased tuition across the board.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Public safety finds silver lining in assault hoax
Blurb: In the wee hours of Tuesday morning, a report was filed by a student at Lyndon stating an unidentified man entered a Stonehenge residence hall through a first floor window and committed a sexual assault. Further investigations by police showed the report had no truth to it.
Around 1:00am Tuesday morning, public safety received a report of a sexual assault in a Stonehenge residence hall and went into action.
Several public safety officers responded to the area, state police were notified, and three uniformed officers arrived on campus accompanied by a canine to search for a suspect. An emergency alert was sent out to all students via text and email to warn them of the apparent danger.
By midday Tuesday it was discovered by police that the alleged report was false. President Carol Moore notified the Lyndon community through an email to students and faculty that the report was not true and there is no risk present on campus. The student who filed the false report has not had their identity released, however state police intend to press charges against the student for filing a false report.
Director of public safety George Hacking stressed that our campus is as safe as it was before the report. In fact, he believes the false report highlighted the fact that our dorms are not 100% secure and students must work together to safeguard against intruders. Hacking said "One of the more positive side effects of the incident is that patrols are going into suites and finding suite doors are now being locked".
Hacking urges people to remain vigilant and report when doors and windows are being propped open. For more information on how to better protect yourself on campus, visit an article here for useful tips. Check The Critic website for updates on this developing story as more information becomes available.
Around 1:00am Tuesday morning, public safety received a report of a sexual assault in a Stonehenge residence hall and went into action.
Several public safety officers responded to the area, state police were notified, and three uniformed officers arrived on campus accompanied by a canine to search for a suspect. An emergency alert was sent out to all students via text and email to warn them of the apparent danger.
By midday Tuesday it was discovered by police that the alleged report was false. President Carol Moore notified the Lyndon community through an email to students and faculty that the report was not true and there is no risk present on campus. The student who filed the false report has not had their identity released, however state police intend to press charges against the student for filing a false report.
Director of public safety George Hacking stressed that our campus is as safe as it was before the report. In fact, he believes the false report highlighted the fact that our dorms are not 100% secure and students must work together to safeguard against intruders. Hacking said "One of the more positive side effects of the incident is that patrols are going into suites and finding suite doors are now being locked".
Hacking urges people to remain vigilant and report when doors and windows are being propped open. For more information on how to better protect yourself on campus, visit an article here for useful tips. Check The Critic website for updates on this developing story as more information becomes available.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Pedestrian fatally injured on I-91
Blurb: On Sunday, January 31, Cynthia Long exited her vehicle on interstate 91 and was struck and killed by a passing motorist.
Cynthia Long, age 75 of Putney, VT, stopped on the side of the road Sunday in an attempt to rescue a cat she observed in the median, and was struck as she walked across the passing lane. She sustained fatal injuries as a result of the crash and I-91 southbound was closed for three hours as the crash was investigated. Police are continuing investigations into how exactly this crash unfolded.
Johnathan Ribas, age 28 of Shelton CT, was traveling southbound on I-91 at approximately 4:07pm in Dummerston, VT when his Mazda struck and killed Long on the highway. His car sustained moderate front end damage including the windshield and Ribas was left unharmed.
No charges against Ribas have been filed at this time. Anyone who may have witnessed this crash is asked to call the Brattleboro State Police at 802-254-2382 and ask for Trooper Wagenbach.
Cynthia Long, age 75 of Putney, VT, stopped on the side of the road Sunday in an attempt to rescue a cat she observed in the median, and was struck as she walked across the passing lane. She sustained fatal injuries as a result of the crash and I-91 southbound was closed for three hours as the crash was investigated. Police are continuing investigations into how exactly this crash unfolded.
Johnathan Ribas, age 28 of Shelton CT, was traveling southbound on I-91 at approximately 4:07pm in Dummerston, VT when his Mazda struck and killed Long on the highway. His car sustained moderate front end damage including the windshield and Ribas was left unharmed.
No charges against Ribas have been filed at this time. Anyone who may have witnessed this crash is asked to call the Brattleboro State Police at 802-254-2382 and ask for Trooper Wagenbach.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Lady Antebellum's Need You Now
One of my favorite music groups out there right now is Lady Antebellum, a country band currently attempting a pop crossover with their smash hit "Need You Now". Need You Now is one of those songs that really tugs at the heart strings. It is currently moving up the Top 40, Hot AC, and AC charts.
Here they are last night performing NYN at the grammys:
Here they are last night performing NYN at the grammys:
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