From October 16-20 I reported on the 2013 Online News Association Conference and Awards Banquet as part of the Google-sponsored Student Newsroom.
I live-tweeted six conference events and published three posts to the blog.
Before the conference I pulled together a list of Atlanta attractions for conference-goers who needed to step out of the hotel and see what Atlanta is really all about.
Need some more timeout? Take a wider view of Atlanta.
Want more from Atlanta than ONA panels, workshops, job fairs and whisky tastings?
This year’s conference puts attendees at the center of Atlanta’s bustling downtown. Check out a few of this southern city’s favored gems.
Atlanta Zoo
Hours: 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Monday thru Friday, hours extended until 6:30 p.m. on the weekends.
Cost: $22 for Adults (12+), $17 for Children (3-11) or College Students.
Location: 800 Cherokee Ave SE, 30308
Distance from ONA 13: Catch a 33-minute bus ride on the No. 32 from Civic Station.
Going through panda withdrawal? The Atlanta Zoo also has a panda cam! But while you’re in town, go see the pandas in person. The Zoo has been around since the 1890s and is home to a plethora of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. The zoo is also known for its leadership in gorilla research. Read more...
In-between live-tweeting and reporting I had time to interview a few folks about their detox plans, or plans to unplug after the conference ended.
After ONA social media binge: Let things percolate
You might expect the director for the Tow Center for Digital Journalism at Columbia University to stay plugged in all the time. And you’re right.
“In my experience the moment you’re unplugged something happens,” says Emily Bell (@emilybell).
“I would recommend to journalists that they go off line, but only when they’re on holiday. Otherwise you’re immersed all the time. One of the hardest things that we have to cope with now is the fact that this is an immersive business and finding space for yourself between what’s happening..." Read more...
During the conference I created a survey using Google Forms asking conference attendees to volunteer information about their race/ethnicity, language, age, gender, job platform and where they get their news. Over the span of three days I got about 80 responses and created an
.