designing digital longform (aan 2014)

Designing Digital Longform

2014 Association of Alternative Newsmedia Digital Conference

Adam Schweigert@aschweigDirector of Technology, Investigative News

Network

Me• Currently:

– Director of Technology for the Investigative News Network

– Founder of my own consultancy, Media Toybox– Learning to play banjo

• Previously: – Director of Strategy at Mindset Digital– Director of Digital at WOSU Public Media (NPR/PBS)– Director of Digital at Indiana Public Media (NPR/PBS)– Grad school at Indiana University– Undergrad at Ohio State

Email: aschweigert@gmail.comTwitter: @aschweig

“We, representatives of nonprofit news organizations, gather at a

time when investigative reporting, so crucial to a

functioning democracy, is under threat. There is an urgent need

to nourish and sustain the emerging investigative

journalism ecosystem to better serve the public.”

— The Pocantico Declaration, 2009

http://InvestigativeNewsNetwork.org

TODAY• ME: Some few thoughts on longform

storytelling (from where I sit)• YOU: In groups, discuss your favorite

longform stories, tools, challenges• US: Share top takeaways from group

discussions• BONUS: Where do we go from here?

#AANLongform

http://bit.ly/aanlongform

WHYAn Answer to TL;DR?

Can smart use of rich media convince people to read more of a long story?

WHYAn Answer to TL;DR?

Can smart use of rich media convince people to read more of a long story?

Big Stories, Told BetterBreaking the article template to give stories more weight/attention

Attract New Readers…but what are you going to do with them?

Industry RecognitionDanger! Danger!

WHATImpact

Sure, you could invest a ton of time/effort in a long story about illegal backcountry skiing, but…

Strong VisualsDo you have excellent (large, bright, compelling) photos? Video? Graphics? Maps?

ROIAds alone probably won’t pay for these stories (sorry). What else are you getting for your

money?

WHATImpact

Sure, you could invest a ton of time/effort in a long story about illegal backcountry skiing, but…

Strong VisualsDo you have excellent (large, bright, compelling) photos? Video? Graphics? Maps?

ROIAds alone probably won’t pay for these stories (sorry). What else are you getting for your

money?

ViralityIs this the kind of story people will share? Do you make that easy for them?

WHORegular ReadersImprove time on site, convert browsers to subscribers

New ReadersGet new people to your site…but will they stick around?

And of course, there’s also:

Awards Juries/Other Journalists/Designers

Nothing wrong with industry recognition if you have a plan to capitalize on it

WHENDon’t Wait Too Long

When it’s (nearly) time to put a story online you’ve waited too longDesign, tech, visuals all need to be involved early

WHENDon’t Wait Too Long

When it’s (nearly) time to put a story online you’ve waited too longDesign, tech, visuals all need to be involved early

Consider Lifecycle of The Story

What do you do before, during and after publishing to ensure maximum impact?

WHEREDesktop? Tablet? Mobile?

“mobile” is a context, not a platform

The Dreaded CMS QuestionWork with the CMS? Outside of it? What about maintainability?

WHEREDesktop? Tablet? Mobile?

“mobile” is a context, not a platform

The Dreaded CMS QuestionWork with the CMS? Outside of it? What about maintainability?

Beyond The Story PageHow is the story represented on the homepage? On social media?

HOWLongform ≠ Long Scroll

Consider the best way to tell any given story

HOWLongform ≠ Long Scroll

Consider the best way to tell any given story

Choosing The Right ToolsAvoid wheel reinvention wherever possible

HOWLongform ≠ Long Scroll

Consider the best way to tell any given story

Choosing The Right ToolsAvoid wheel reinvention wherever possible

Less Is (Usually) MoreWhat you choose to leave out is as (or more) important as what you decide to put in

Break Rules CarefullyDesign and usability conventions exist for a reason. Don’t hijack my scrollbar!

In Small Groups

• Tools: Tools you’ve used, what you liked/didn’t like

• Stories: Favorite examples of longform digital storytelling. What works and why?

• Challenges: What obstacles keep you from doing rich multimedia stories in your newsroom?

• Wishlist: What tools are needed to make this easier?

Thank You!Adam Schweigert

aschweigert@gmail.comTwitter: @aschweig

Hackpad: http://bit.ly/aanlongformMailing List: http://tinyletter.com/opensourcestorytelling