Start today

Students want an audience. They want people to see their stuff. And when their stuff is reporting, the best place to showcase their work is on the web, said JEA Media Committee chair Aaron Manfull.

“Stop thinking about it and start today,” Manfull said. “I’m not of the belief that things have to be perfect.”

Don’t think of the online version of your publication as an appendage, Manfull added.

“Everything must revolve around it,” he said.

Other advice Manfull gave:

· Define your mission

· Develop a site map

· Get an easy, memorable URL

· Choose a platform

· Learn everything you can about your platform

· Develop a system for generating frequent updates

· Start small and add in small increments

· After you get a solid foundation, add bells and whistles

· Promote what you do at every chance

I was riveted every second of Manfull’s presentation. My primary goal for the Reynolds Institute was to learn how to take my newspaper online. I especially liked his advice to begin right away, since I am eager to get started.

Later, at lunch, we got to talk further. We discussed packaging ads among publications and selling advertising on the web site.

I’ve already begun a to-do list for the new year.

Rebecca Bennett
Bastrop High School
Bastrop, Texas