How Should Journalists Use Social Media? @NickKristof's Fans' Advice
The New York Times's Nick Kristof queried his followers on Facebook and Twitter about what they want to see from the journalists they follow on social media. Here are some of the best responses.
Columnist Nick Kristof and reporter Brian Stelter, two of The New York Times's leaders on social media, spoke to colleagues in the newsroom this afternoon about how they've made Twitter and Facebook a part of their daily reporting rhythm.
It was a lively discussion that touched on the value of interacting with sources and followers, pulling back the curtain on reporting-in-progress and how to incorporate social media into the news-gathering process -- all things my fellow social media editors and I increasingly encourage our journalists to do. About an hour before the talk, Nick demonstrated one way he chooses to engage with his 1 million-plus Twitter followers: He asked their advice.The responses poured in, offering all journalists a window into what followers are seeking from us on social media (most of which are things we think Nick and Brian already do well). Here is a selection of the most interesting feedback, from the practical to the philosophical.
@NickKristof I love the hints that there is a major story breaking. Stetler is good at that.
@NickKristof Looking 4 them to interact more. Journos often have deep knowledge of an industry so their expertise would b valued if shared- @NickKristof I appreciate the real-time reporting - the "as it happens" aspect of Twitter. It's gritty stuff.
@nickkristof Exclusive first looks. Twttr is clearly the defacto standard for breaking news and I like seeing journalists embrace that idea.
@NickKristof I like journalists who tweet about their piece and ask for input (like you do here) and that post bits during their research
@NickKristof That engagement is always key. If I just wanted links, I'd use rss. Twitter is a tool for exchange of ideas
@NickKristof Perspectives, relevance, an authentic voice. Attention to unknown/neglected issues. Getting word out in a timely way.
@NickKristof love when journos tweet info that didn't make it into their print/online articles.
@NickKristof What not to do: Post nothing but links to your own stories. Twitter is not just a newspaper rack!
@NickKristof It's like any good journalism. Have something to say that adds value. Be accurate, honest. New media, old values.
@NickKristof Keep tweets short (re-tweetable), have essence of story in the tweet & a link(!)
@NickKristof Links to primary sources for your next/last article(s), even well-argued critiques of your articles, plus your published work
@NickKristof from strategic pov journos should be told - don't flood, converse. a constant deluge esp of links & plugs feels robotic to user
. @NickKristof don't be promotional, engage audience in news-gathering, share opinions, answer @'s, RT good work, build lists, be usefulNick asked the same question on Facebook, which often nets him more reaction than Twitter does, he told us at the newsroom panel. As of this writing 375 people have responded. Click through to Facebook to read their advice.
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