TAKEAWAY: A simple but profound story. The formula is old. The results ever so powerful. Read on.
It’s the type of story that never goes out of style.
It was a good story 50 years ago, and it is today.
Call it an “invisible” story, or a personal essay,a slice of life, or just “a letter to Daddy.”
This story appeared in Huffington Post Tuesday and I think it is the type of good reading that should be in the radar of any editor in charge of content selection.
Headline: Dear ‘Daddy’ in Seat 16C
First paragraph:
Dear “Daddy,”—I don’t know your name, but Kate called you “daddy” for the entire flight last week and you kindly never corrected her. In fact, you didn’t even flinch as you could probably tell that she was not confusing you with her own “daddy,” but instead making a judgment regarding your level of “safety” for her. If she calls you “daddy” then you better believe she thinks you are allright.
The shelf life of the story: eternal.
The impact: perhaps ephemeral, but profoundly so.
When I read a story such as this, I am reminded about the perennial power of good storytelling. Forget the issue of platforms, of digital first or print last. The story comes first.
This piece shows it.
Read it here:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/shanell-mouland/dear-daddy-in-seat-16c_b_4585865.html
My Continuing Education Courses at Columbia University
One of the most exciting aspects of my semester as Hearst Digital Media Professional in Residence at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism is that it will not only allow me to teach a regular class for graduate students, but also, conduct three courses via the School’s Continuing Education Program.
The three courses, which are open to the public, are:
-Storytelling and the Media Quartet
Multi-Platform Design
The Role of Advertising/Branded Journalism in the Digital Age
A Multi-Platform Design & Storytelling 3-Series Bundle is available at a discounted price, which includes the aforementioned courses: Multi-Platform Design, Storytelling and the Media Quartet, and The Role of Advertising/Branded Journalism in the Digital Age. Register for the 3-course series.
Enrollment is limited so please act soon if you are interested in these courses.
About the three courses
The classes will run on a Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Storytelling and the Media Quartet
Overview: Readers get their news from multiple platforms, and today
